12 Easy Bathroom Updates That Are Actually Ruining the Look

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The bathroom has a significant design impact, and not every improvement will make it look any better. Quick fixes, mismatched fixtures or trendy finishes can backfire and clutter the space or make it feel dated. Simple sometimes makes a stronger statement than overtly DIY.

Read on to discover 12 easy bathroom upgrades that ruin its look. The trick is to find the balance and not update or upgrade something in the bathroom that unintentionally ruins the space.

Oversized Vanity Mirrors

Creative design of bathroom with washstand on cabinet under mirror on stone wall against bathtub in house — Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels

Mirrors can be oversized, reflecting all the surroundings and making the space appear too busy. Large mirrors in small bathrooms, especially, overwhelm the design and destroy any sense of balance. Opt for something more proportionate, so the room doesn’t feel cramped, and the look feels cohesive.

Over the Top Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is important but overdone fixtures can swamp the rest of the bathroom’s style. Although beautiful oversized chandeliers and elaborate sconces look amazing in a showroom, they are usually undesired or impractical for the average bathroom. Functional lighting choices are easy and clean without taking away from the space.

Statement Wallpaper in Small Spaces

Bathroom with a Patterned Wall — Photo Credit: Curtis Adams/Pexels

If a small bathroom has a bold, busy wallpaper, it tends to overwhelm the room making it feel cramped and chaotic. However, fixtures and accessories can clash with intricate patterns, especially in rooms that have little natural light. Styling the space without feeling closed in adds style, and can be done with a neutral wall color or subtle design.

Storage For Towels & Toiletries

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Yes, open shelves look great and seem organized until your stuff starts to show up. If you aren’t meticulous about it, exposed towels, bottles, and toiletries can look very messy. Closed storage solutions provide a neat and simple look to your bathroom.

Faux Plants or Too Many Real Ones

plant in bathroom, bathroom, mirror, product in counter — Photo Credit: Pexels

According to the Inspired Room, a few plants will give the room a fresh, spa-like vibe, but too many, including faux plants, will only clutter the space. Too many plants, however, may also attract too much extra moisture, promoting mold growth. If you do that, keep greenery minimal and stick to high-quality, realistic faux plants.

Dark, Bold Paint Colors

Green Tiled Wall in the Bathroom — Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels

Depending on personal taste, dark tones can look elegant. However, they can shut in small bathrooms and won’t be inviting. Dark colors also bring out defects or imperfections—water spots, dust—and therefore need more frequent maintenance. A lighter shade helps to open up the room visually.

Cheap Plastic Accessories

A Toothbrush in a Disposable Paper Cup — Photo Credit: Cup of Couple/Pexels

You can add functionality with plastic organizers, soap dishes, and other toothbrush holders, but most get pretty tacky over the years. While they may seem budget-friendly, these materials are cheap and age very poorly, adding to the overall look. For a cleaner, smoother appearance, opt for ceramic, metal, or glass.

Ornate Tiling Patterns

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Tile designs can be eye-catching but can quickly become dated or overpowering. Future updates are also very difficult because intricate patterns don’t match new styles. Classic and simple tiles tend to age more gracefully than complex elements that might be hard to change later.

Overly Trendy Fixtures

Modern and classic designs do not work well with trendy finishes such as matte black or rose gold. While these fads may look great in magazines, they don’t always work with what is already in your house and can make your bathroom look disjointed.

Glass Shower Doors in Tiny Bathrooms

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Glass doors can be a nice touch, but they can make the room feel cramped. Shower curtains are more practical, easier to clean, and have quick style changes. They don’t need to take up visual space to add personality.

Adequate Support for Mirrored Vanities that Float

An Empty Bathroom — Photo Credit: Pușcaș Adryan/Pexels

Floating vanities are modern-looking but, if not properly installed, may sag over time, becoming sloppy and unsafe. This same support also triggers structural problems from inadequate support, making the bathroom feel less solid and polished. A sturdy, grounded vanity gives you aesthetic and functional stability.

Too Many Decorative Accessorises

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It sounds like the perfect excuse to clutter your bathroom with pretty accessories, but you don’t want your bathroom to feel cluttered, drab, and uninviting. All these decorative items take up precious counter space, thus making the room look smaller. A few well-chosen pieces keep the space looking stylish and simple, highlighting clean lines and functionality.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.