13 easy bathroom upgrades

A bathroom renovation is often a large undertaking, but there are things you can do to transform your scheme without calling in the contractors. These easy bathroom updates show how small changes can make a big difference.

1. Smart radiators

Most electric bathroom radiators are easy to mount on the wall and wire into a power source. Those with smart control help you monitor and regulate your energy consumption. This Beams Mono-EL recycled aluminium electric radiator (950W/3241 BTU) with built-in thermostat is £1,056 from Vasco. Add an optional E-volve climate-control app from £210.

2. Built-in speakers

Hang a mirror with a built-in Bluetooth speaker so that you can listen to music or podcasts while bathing. This Mia black-framed illuminated LED touch-sensor mirror cabinet with Bluetooth speaker also has a heated demister pad and integrated shaving socket (IP44-rated). Priced £349.99 from Bathroom Mountain.

3. Slot in a feature fire

The flames of a bioethanol fire are smokeless and odourless, and are enough to heat a small room. There’s no need for a flue and this model can be fitted into a wall recess. This Decoflame Montreal 4.5kW built-in bioethanol fire in aluminium with glass shield starts from £2,900 for a W800xD300xH400mm version at Go Modern.

4. Vinyl flooring

New flooring makes for an easy bathroom update. Replicate the look of a pricey polished concrete or parquet floor with vinyl plank or tile from the likes of Harvey Maria or Quick-Step. These Illume Click waterproof vinyl tiles in Oyster Concrete start from £45.49 per sqm at Quick-Step.

5. Upgrade the shower

Digital shower manufacturer Aqualisa has developed a kit for replacing any exposed shower valve with a hi-tech smart control – without needing to retile. The Quartz Smart Retrofit shower and valve kit (Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatible) starts from £671 at Aqualisa.

6. Large-format tiles

Bigger tiles are easier and quicker to lay – as long as the subsurface is sound and level – and precision-cut rectified options fit closely together, requiring less grout. These Jagger Light Grey rectified porcelain wall and floor tiles, available in sizes 600x600mm, 1,200x600mm or 1,200×1,200mm, start from £50.40 per sqm at Mandarin Stone.

7. New taps

Replacing brassware is one of the easiest bathroom updates. Pick a bold metallic, coloured or textured finish to make a real impact. Stick to the same fitting size and format for the simplest installation. This Rockwell deck-mounted three-hole basin mixer tap with high spout, integrated pop-up waste and ceramic crosshead handles in orange is £1,144.80 from The Water Monopoly.

8. Update your bathroom tech

For retrofit automation, go wireless. Try app-enabled lighting by Philips, motorised blinds by Luxaflex and thermostats by Tado. Read the Grand Designs guide to the latest bathroom tech. The System 3000 intuitive one-touch switch system from Gira controls lights, blinds and the thermostat in one (£POA).

9. Replace the bath panel

Use reclaimed or sustainably sourced new timber planks to create a bath panel. Seal on both sides to prevent water damage. Try Wood Protector by Osmo. The Douglas Natural solid plank flooring used to create this bath panel cost around £79 per sqm from Dinesen. The deck-mounted lever taps are from Studio Ore.

10. Seek out design innovation

Installing a back-to-wall loo usually involves building the cistern into the wall or concealing it in a special unit. But there’s no need for any of that with this innovative model, which has an integrated cistern in the pan. This In-Tank back-to-wall loo is £2,612.32 from Roca.

11. Space-enhancing shower

Swap a dated shower enclosure for a walk-in with a low-level or flush-fitting tray for an easy-access, space-enhancing upgrade. This rectangular 25mm stone resin shower tray with linear waste, starting at £359, is paired with a Gallery 8 recess walk-in with bracing bar, starting at £644. Both are from Crosswater.

12. Add a beautiful basin

Another super easy bathroom update is to fit a new basin, especially if you stick to the same size and format. Create a new focal point for your room by choosing a design in a colour or material that contrasts with the scheme. This Orion Grey terrazzo concrete washbasin is £199 from Tikamoon.

13. Bathroom wall panelling

Glue timber mouldings to plain walls to give a period-style panelled effect and paint in a rich colour for maximum impact. Try The English Panelling Company for bead mouldings. The below project features walls and woodwork in Mockingbird Architects’ matt emulsion, £59.50 per 2.5 litres, and Architects’ satinwood, £83 per 2.5 litres; bath in Kasbah Architects’ satinwood, £83 per 2.5 litres; and ceiling and cornice in Lead III Architects’ matt emulsion, £59.50 per 2.5 litres. All from Paint & Paper Library.

---

MORE IDEAS FOR BATHROOM UPDATES

• Bathroom salvage: 10 ways to reclaim and reuse
• 10 beautiful bathroom flooring ideas
• Bathroom lighting ideas