How to create the illusion of a full bathroom upgrade

One of the most used fixtures in your bathroom – and one that tends to show wear and tear before anything else - is your vanity. Whether it’s because of knocks and bumps, sagging cabinetry doors, rough edges or a chipped basin, your vanity is the prime decorative item in your bathroom or ensuite.

If you’re looking for an affordable bathroom renovation, replacing this can make it appear like you’ve done an entire bathroom remodel.

Here are some tips for getting it right:

1. Swap like for like with size

Measure your current vanity carefully so you’re clear about the dimensions you’re working with and exactly what it is you’re replacing.

2. Check your wall fittings

Look inside or behind your vanity to see whether a change in size will expose plumbing, holes or a lack of tiling behind or underneath. If so, you’ll want to replace it with one as close in size as possible. Whilst you might like the idea of a wall-mounted unit, if your current one sits on the floor, it’s likely to be more straightforward and economical to choose the same type.

3. Work with what you've got 

Consider all of the other fixtures and finishes in the bathroom to work from when choosing a new vanity. Grab old tile samples or get new ones, pick up paint swatches and source images of lighting, artworks or other decorative items you’d like to keep and make a mood board. From here build your new decorating scheme with your new vanity the main feature.

4. Make a statement

A new vanity can update the look by using the latest colours and finishes. Choose an engineered stone benchtop, a freestanding basin or an upcycled timber sideboard as your new vanity and adapt or fit it into the existing space.

5. Assess plumbing

For the most economical way to renovate a bathroom, keep to the existing plumbing configuration for your new vanity, or try to keep changes simple so you can manage them yourself. The need for a plumber to re-route your pipes will add significantly to your renovation costs.

6. Update your tapware too

Investing in a brand new set of taps sitting on your new vanity will bring it up to date. Buy the best you can afford as they're used scores of times each day and choose the same finish as existing so you don’t have to replace your bath and shower tapware to match.

7. Consider a repaint

If removing and replacing the vanity has left tell-tale signs, or revealed the need for a fresh coat of paint, commit to doing so. This can help to lift and freshen your bathroom and if necessary tie in with your new colour scheme.

8. Accessorise

If your budget stretches to a new set of towels, go for it! Choose tones to complement cabinetry details such as timber tones or benchtop colour for a cohesive look. Freshen up vanity accessories with paint, a good scrub or swap out for new or upcycled pieces from elsewhere in the home.

9. Keep it simple

This is not a whole bathroom renovation so stick to the plan for the cheapest, simplest makeover.

This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful.