12 Budget-Friendly Hacks To Bring An Outdated Corner Shower To The Modern Era

Feeling cramped in your old corner shower? You're not the only one. Walk-in showers are all the rage these days, and it's easy to see why. According to Phoenix Home Remodeling, open-concept showers and custom designs redefine the showering experience, making bathrooms feel way more spacious, relaxing, and modern. If you're dreaming of a sleek, trendy new look for your bathroom, you don't have to break the bank to give your shower a serious upgrade. There are a plethora of hacks to modernize the look without spending a ton on a full bathroom renovation.

For instance, maybe you have too much toiletry clutter and wish you had more space for your shampoo and body wash. Installing shelves is an easy and modern solution for storage and organization. Updating your shower with new hardware and accessories can also enhance the look. Plus, simple additions like grab bars can improve your walk-in shower's safety and accessibility, which comes in handy for folks with limited mobility. Need more inspiration? Here are 12 budget-friendly hacks that will have your shower dripping in style.

If you want a quick and easy shower upgrade, consider a stunning backsplash. You could add vibrant mosaic tile for pops of color or sleek stone tiles for a more modern look. If you're on a tight budget, peel-and-stick tiles are the way to go. They're extremely budget-friendly and easy to install. Plus, peel-and-stick tiles are available in a variety of colors and designs, like these Chejiaye Marble Peel and Stick Wall Panels that you can get on Amazon for around $22. This and many other peel-and-stick tiles are both waterproof and long-lasting. Get the backsplash look you want for a fraction of the price.

Who doesn't love the idea of an exotic outdoor shower surrounded by a tropical paradise? While you may not have one (yet), you can bring the outdoors in with gorgeous greenery for your bathroom. The right plants can transform any basic shower into a lush oasis. You can add plants that thrive in humidity, like ferns and English ivy (which also help absorb excess moisture), or you could spring for plants with alluring aromas like eucalyptus and mint. Place a small shelf near the shower head for a charming display, or install a ceiling hook to mount a plant hanger from the ceiling.

If your current shower looks old and rusty, take a good look at its hardware. Sometimes, all a shower really needs is new hardware for an instant facelift. Swap out that old, tired hardware for something shiny and eye-catching, like gold or brass. You could also opt for a sleek, minimalist matte black if you're looking for a modern touch. From the shower head and faucet knobs to the door handle and hinges, small changes like hardware parts can make a big difference in the overall style and feel of your shower.

A new shower design can definitely give your bathroom a major personality boost. Forget the plain tile and add some glam to your shower wall enclosure. You can go with shiplap for a classic, cottage feel, or fixed glass panels to make the bathroom look brighter and more spacious. Feel free to get creative with geometric patterns (peel-and-stick tiles work for this idea, too). If your shower doesn't have a wall enclosure, per se (maybe it's doorless), consider an attractive wallpaper design next to it. You'll be surprised by what a little color and texture can do.

Elevate your shower experience with some mood-boosting lighting. If your bathroom doesn't have a window to rely on for natural light, efficient lighting for your corner shower is a must. For example, consider recessed wall lights for a clean, minimalist look, or hang waterproof LED lights around the enclosure to create a magical glow. For a spa-like feel, you could even install a dimmer switch. Find battery-operated options that require no wiring (for safety, of course). The best thing about shower lighting is that it's as attractive as it is functional.

With the right accessories, you can turn that boring corner shower into a luxurious, spa-like retreat where you can unwind and recharge. It's the little things, like adding hooks for hanging fresh towels and robes and laying out a plush bath rug to cushion your feet, that can make the space feel more modern and relaxing. You can even place a decorative basket next to the shower filled with fragrant soaps, lotions, and essential oils. Light some candles, play some calming music, and you'll have a spa-inspired oasis right in your own home.

Discoloration can definitely make a shower floor look old and dingy, not to mention a noticeable number of cracked, chipped, and loose tiles. New tiles can instantly elevate your shower's style and give it a modern makeover. Not only will it transform the look and feel of your bathroom, but new flooring like stone and porcelain tile can help with moisture and slip resistance. Geometric tiles come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to create a unique design. Plus, if you have the skills and experience, you can significantly reduce costs by tackling the installation yourself.

If your corner shower is wide enough, you may be able to fit a stylish and functional shower bench inside. Not only will it provide a convenient spot to sit or store items, but it's also a great feature for those who have difficulty standing for extended periods. You can install a folding shower seat, like this Kenley Folding Shower Bench from Amazon for around $100, to maximize shower space. Alternatively, you can build one yourself with treated lumber or, to save a few bucks, repurpose a wooden crate as a shower seat.

Sometimes, all you really need is a splash of color to liven up a space. A colorful tweak can instantly transform the mood of your bathroom, making it feel more modern and welcoming. Consider painting the shower walls a bold hue, like a deep emerald green or a sunny yellow. Alternatively, add colorful accents with vibrant shower curtains, patterned floor mats, or even colorful towels. You can even incorporate colorful tile accents on the walls or floor for a more subtle touch. With a few strategic color placements, your corner shower can look new and appealing.

Toss out that boring curtain rod and give your shower a new, semi-transparent shower door. Not only will it transform the look of your bathroom, but it will also allow more natural light to flood in, creating a cleaner, brighter feel. If a full glass door is beyond your budget, consider a shower screen instead. This Goodyo Frosted Shower Screen from Amazon costs around $179 at the time of this writing. If you have experience with home construction projects, you could install it yourself to cut costs on hiring a contractor.

Swap out that outdated shower head with a luxurious rain shower head for the ultimate spa experience. These large, overhead options are becoming increasingly popular among modern shower designs. They can attach to either the wall or the ceiling to fall onto your entire body instead of just your back. They also mimic the sensation of gentle rainfall (hence the name). You can easily upgrade your existing shower head with a new rainfall model — try one of the many budget-friendly options available on Amazon, like the Veken Rain Shower Head, which is about $28 at the time of this writing.

Create a functional, stylish look for your corner shower with a chic shower niche. This built-in shelf is a convenient spot for storing almost anything — shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, etc. — and keep them neatly organized and within easy reach. Not only do niches make showers look and feel more modern, but they also help minimize clutter and create a more spa-like experience. You can even make your niche a focal point by adding a decorative tile backsplash. If you're not able to tackle a full-scale renovation, a corner shelf or floating shelf mounted on the wall are budget-friendly alternatives.