Give Your Bathroom A Remodeled Look Without Spending Much Money With This One Quick Upgrade

What do you do when your bathroom is outdated and your budget is tight? Maybe you're not sure if a full bathroom remodel is worth the financial investment, or perhaps you want to be thrifty with your renovations. You can transform the room with lots of little updates, like a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. One simple yet impactful way to update the space is by replacing the mirror and vanity lighting. It's a quick and relatively inexpensive fix that draws the eye when you walk into the bathroom. Plus, it's a functional change that can help illuminate your morning routine more effectively.

The Journal of Light Construction prices the average midrange bath remodel at $25,251. If you're going for an upscale look, you can expect that average to jump to $78,840. Hearing those numbers might lead you to look for ways to help cut the cost of your bathroom remodel. Small changes in prominent spots in the bathroom give the illusion of a remodel while being budget-friendly. Having a bathroom mirror professionally installed costs an average of $140 to $430, but you could also install it yourself to save $50 to $150 on installation costs. Replacing a light fixture averages $80 to $350 per fixture. Making those two swaps now gives your bathroom an instant upgrade when a full remodel gives you sticker shock.

Homes built in the 1990s and later often have builder-grade details, including the standard frameless mirror above the vanity. It serves its purpose, but it's not doing your bathroom any favors. The frameless design lacks definition and is boring without any detailing to set it off. Upgrade options include adding details to the existing mirror or installing a new vanity mirror that aligns with your preferred aesthetic.

Removing a frameless mirror, especially a large one over a double vanity, is often challenging and potentially dangerous since the glass could shatter. You can find ways to upgrade your frameless bathroom mirror without removing it. Building a frame from wood trim gives the mirror a finished look and covers the boring edges. You can paint or stain the wood to make it stand out or create a new vibe in the bathroom.

Replacing the mirror completely lets you go in any direction with the update. The frame style and mirror shape you choose hint to a particular decorating style. Circular mirrors with wide, rustic wood frames lend themselves well to a cottage or farmhouse design. For a contemporary look, lean toward simple, thin frames around square or rectangular mirrors, or consider an LED mirror for a modern glow with even, adjustable lighting. Smart mirrors offer a techy option with built-in digital displays and Bluetooth connectivity for everything from watching the news to listening to music. If you want to escape technology, you might shop for vintage mirrors to give your bathroom an old-world look.

It makes sense to upgrade your vanity lighting along with the mirror since the two bathroom fixtures are so close together. Getting the lighting right in the bathroom has both a functional and aesthetic impact on the space. The lights set the mood in the bathroom, and the right type of illumination is essential for seeing your reflection clearly and seeing potential hazards to keep your bathroom safe. Replacing your old fixtures offers a functional upgrade as well if your current lighting casts shadows or isn't bright enough for the space. LED fixtures also improve the energy efficiency of your home.

The two main types of vanity lighting are over-mirror lights, which hang about 72 inches off the floor, and sconces, which are usually centered on either side of the mirror at about eye level, or 60 to 68 inches above the floor. Ideal spacing between sconces is about 36 to 40 inches. For a simple upgrade, the easiest option is replacing your current light fixture with the same style of vanity light. However, you can have an electrician install a different type. Installing sconces is one light swap in your bathroom that instantly makes it look more luxurious. Sconces cut down on shadows on your face and flank the mirror to draw more attention to the renovated area.