Staging Your Bathroom

A small or dated bathroom can be a big turn off to home buyers. Short of a major remodel, whose cost may not be fully recouped, here are quick and easy updates you can do to turn that liability into an asset.

A few changes can make it feel new

Update the light fixtures. You can get new lighting at a home center for $80 or less.

If you have an outdated vanity, you can give it new life with a coat of paint and new hardware.

Frame-less mirrors are out. If you have one, you can add a frame with MirrorMates.  They come in various styles and colors, are custom cut to the size of your mirror and are easily and quickly applied to plain, bare mirror.

Carpet in the bathroom is not only out of fashion, it can gross people out if they start thinking about what’s lurking there. So if you have carpet, remove it. If the floor underneath does not look good, install a neutral tile that coordinates with the wall tile. Use tiles that are at least 12″ since larger tiles make a room look more spacious than smaller tiles. If you have an old linoleum floor, you can inexpensively update it using large peel and stick travertine look tiles.

An area rug in the bathroom can draw attention away from old flooring. Make it light and neutral. And NEVER use those area rugs that fit around the base of the toilet. Ditch the decorative toilet seat cover too.

Give it that spa-like feeling

A new coat of paint in a soothing spa-like color. Good color choices for bathrooms include:Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray (HC-146),  Saybrook Sage (HC-114) or Powell Buff (HC-35).  But if you have colored wall tile, you’ll have to choose a paint color that coordinates with the tile.

Purchase plush new towels, and DON”T use them!  You can never go wrong with white towels, but you can also use two coordinating colors if you want to be more daring. Make one a neutral color and add hand towels on top in an accent color.

If your bathroom has a shower curtain, chances are it’s starting to grow mold along the bottom. But even if it’s not, get a new shower curtain (fabric, not plastic).  Choose a light, neutral color. Again, white is a no-risk choice.

Add interest with accessories

If you have a counter add apothecary jars in different sizes and shapes filled with shells, cotton balls, bath salts etc. Michael’s Crafts  and Hobby Lobby has inexpensive ones, as does Home Goods.

A basket filled with rolled up towels or washcloths makes a bathroom look inviting and contributes to that spa feel.

Healthy plants and candles also add interest.

Keep it Q-Tip clean and clutter-free

No one wants to see your personal hygiene products. Tuck all that stuff away in the drawers. If you have a pedestal sink, invest in a simple bath cabinet at Target or Wal-mart to hide your clutter.

Re-caulk the tub and shower areas for a clean look.

Remove toilet bowl cleaners, plungers and waste baskets.

Keep the counters and sinks wiped clean.