50 mistakes that make your bathroom look gross & cheap

50 mistakes that make your bathroom look gross & cheap


Fix these eyesores with less time and cash than you might expect.

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By Amanda Pellegrino

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Bathrooms don’t need a full renovation to look cleaner or more expensive. More often than not, you might be making some small mistakes that drag the whole room down. Be it cluttered counters, dated hardware, or discolored grout, there are plenty of ways your everyday habits might be making your bathroom look gross or cheap. But don’t fret, because most of these problems have really simple — and budget-friendly — fixes. Here are some of the biggest bathroom missteps you can make, and our favorite upgrades that completely change the vibe of your space.

01

Mistake: Scrubbing tile gunk by hand

Fix: A powerful electric scrubber with 6 versatile brush heads

Stop endlessly scrubbing your tiles with a sponge and level up to this electric scrubber instead. It comes with six replaceable brush heads designed for different tasks, including a flat brush for your shower tile, a sponge brush for your sink, and a cloth brush for your glass or mirror. It’s waterproof so you can even use it while you’re showering to spruce things up.

02

Mistake: Letting your shower curtain grow buildup & mold

Fix: A waterproof curtain liner that’s mildew resistant

This plastic liner is the perfect way to protect your decorative fabric shower curtain from getting wet or moldy every time you rinse off. Waterproof and mildew resistant, it repels splashes back into the shower to keep the outside dry. It even has a weighted bottom hem that anchors to the tub to prevent it from billowing out of the shower while you’re doing your thing.

03

Mistake: Leaving your toothbrush uncovered & vulnerable to germs

Fix: This wall-mounted holder that sanitizes with a UV light

This wall-mounted holder can store two toothbrushes, securing them in a closed compartment that also sanitizes them. It uses a UV light to sanitize the brushes, then dries them with a fan, cycling through a heated dry that removes any lingering germs between uses. It even has an LED screen that shows you the cycle and the battery life so you know when it’s time to recharge.

04

Mistake: Making guests dig under the sink for a spare roll of toilet paper

Fix: A chic bamboo basket that discreetly holds up to 16 rolls

It’s important to have spare rolls of toilet paper around for you and guests, but that doesn’t mean they need to be buried under the sink or displayed in plain view on the counter. This bamboo basket is absolutely stunning and can hold up to 16 rolls of regular paper, all while blending into your decor. It has convenient handles on the side and top to move it around the room as needed, and a lid that adds a polished touch.

05

Mistake: Using the same germ-filled brush to clean your toilet every time

Fix: A brush with disposable heads that keep your toilet sparkling

Stop sticking the same toilet brush into the bowl every time you want to clean it. Instead, this brush comes with 30 disposable heads pre-loaded with cleaning solution. Use them to scrub the toilet, then toss them in the garbage to keep things ultra sanitary. The set even comes with a wall-mounted brush holder that can be hidden on the wall so it stays out of sight and out of mind until you need it.

06

Mistake: Cluttering your counters with makeup & skin care

Fix: A chic makeup organizer that rotates 360 degrees for easy access

Keeping your makeup and skin care in this vanity organizer totally transforms the look of your bathroom, adding a polished touch that feels intentional and stylish. It has four fixed compartments on one side and four rotating compartments on the other, giving you so much space to store your brushes, lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadow palettes, and more. Plus, the details are so chic: It has a fluted finish and nonslip golden feet that make the whole thing look so fancy.

07

Mistake: Settling for floor gaps that look unfinished

Fix: An adhesive strip that creates a streamlined look from room to room

This self-adhesive strip adds the perfect finishing touch to your flooring, making the transition between rooms look polished and expensive. It comes in multiple finishes to match different wood floor colors and has a realistic-looking grain that adds a fancy touch. It’s flexible, can be easily cut to size, and comes with adhesive tape on the back to make installation easier than ever.

08

Mistake: Ignoring mold stains in those nooks & crannies

Fix: A stain remover gel that treats mold & mildew easily

If you’re ignoring the mold stains in your bathroom, it’s about time you check out this gel. It’s perfect for use on grout, along fixtures, or even on your washing machine seal. Simply apply the gel directly onto the stain, let it sit for a few hours, then use a damp sponge to wipe it away and let your space sparkle. It removes discoloration, black spots, and buildup that otherwise create a total eyesore in your bathroom.

09

Mistake: Neglecting the grime that’s built up on your showerhead

Fix: A tool kit that cleans the showerhead & loosens stubborn clogs

If your showerhead isn’t performing like it once did, chances are you need this tool kit to clean the nozzles. It comes with 70 bristled picks to loosen up the clogs, along with stainless steel pins that clean everything out. The pins come in 10 different sizes to fit inside all nozzle types and quickly whisk away buildup in minutes.

10

Mistake: Pooling water all over your floor

Fix: A microfiber bathroom rug that’s buttery soft & super absorbent

This microfiber bathroom rug is buttery soft and ultra absorbent, making it both the perfect way to decorate your bathroom and give your feet a cozy spot to land after a shower. It helps to keep your bathroom floor free from pooling water, and thanks to the nonslip backing, it’ll stay sturdy even if it’s wet.

11

Mistake: Letting your baseboards accumulate dust

Fix: A baseboard cleaner kit with an expandable handle to keep your back comfortable

This baseboard cleaner tool has an angled head that conforms to the shape of your baseboards to get into all the nooks and crannies, keeping your space sparkling. It has three microfiber heads that can be used wet or dry and two bonus shaggy chenille cloths that are extra gentle. And the best part is that the handle expands from 20 inches to 56 inches in length so you can clean while going easy on your back.

12

Mistake: Ruining your view with dusty, grimy screens

Fix: A mesh brush that cleans deep into the screen’s grooves

You can clean the windows all you want, but if your screens are dusty and grimy, your view will still be ruined. This mesh cleaner has angled bristles that get deep into the perforations of the screen to clean them completely. It can be used wet or dry, with or without cleaning solution, and has two different handles to help you reach the tops of the screens.

13

Mistake: Overcrowding your towels

Fix: A towel rack with 2 bars for improved drying & ventilation

This double towel bar pulls double duty, giving you the perfect place to store your towels in the bathroom. The back bar is great for long bath towels, while the front bar can display a cute hand towel. It comes in a bunch of different finishes to match the existing hardware of your bathroom for a totally custom look. The best part? With more breathing room for your towels, the better they’ll dry.

14

Mistake: Leaving toilet essentials out on full display

Fix: A folding toilet stool you can store in a cabinet between uses

We’ve all heard a bathroom stool can help encourage a more ergonomic toilet posture, but that doesn’t mean you want to stare at it — or invite your guests to do the same. This version, made from sleek bamboo, solves the problem with its clever folding design. Since it packs up flat, it’s easy to stash it away when not in use.

15

Mistake: Using the big light that’s too bright & overbearing

Fix: Chic gold & crystal lamps that set a relaxing, luxurious vibe

The best part about these small lamps is that they’re battery operated. This way, you can use them to set the vibe in your bathroom without taking up a valuable outlet you need for your toothbrush or hair dryer. They have a gorgeous crystal shade with a golden base, creating a relaxing and luxurious ambiance in your space so you can finally turn off the harsh overhead light.

16

Mistake: Settling for dated, chipped, or discolored countertops

Fix: Budget-friendly marble contact paper that covers up damage

One of the easiest ways to refresh your space without paying for a pricey renovation is to upgrade your countertops with this contact paper. It has a gorgeous, realistic marble finish that looks shockingly expensive. The adhesive backing with a grid makes it so easy to perfectly line up and apply yourself, too. And since it’s waterproof, you can use it in high-humidity areas.

17

Mistake: Hanging a tacky plastic shower curtain

Fix: A stylish fabric curtain that instantly elevates the space

This textured shower curtain instantly elevates your space and turns your shower into a piece of decor. It has a stunning tufted design that’s ultra luxurious, with a waterproof coating underneath that protects it from mold and mildew. Despite the glamorous colors it comes in, the curtain is actually lightweight and semi-sheer so it doesn’t completely block the light from getting in your shower.

18

Mistake: Leaving unsightly toilet rings

Fix: A pumice stone that’s hard on stains but gentle on surfaces

Pumice stones are fantastic because they are really tough on marks, grime, water stains, and unwanted mineral deposits, but gentle on porcelain, tile, and other surfaces. This one comes with a handle so you don’t have to get your hands gross while you’re cleaning. Better yet, it has a stand to store out of sight and out of mind between uses.

19

Mistake: Discolored, chipped caulk around your fixtures

Fix: Caulk tape that goes on in 1 long strip to look neat & tidy

This caulk tape installs in one long adhesive strip, making it look polished and put together, instantly elevating any chipped, discolored mess. It’s completely waterproof so it can be installed around your bathtub or shower, countertop, or toilet to upgrade your bathroom instantly. It’s easy to cut to size and has a foldable crease that seals at a 90-degree angle.

20

Mistake: Dusting with outdated tools

Fix: A compressed air duster with an LED light to illuminate dirty spots

This compressed air duster is an absolute cleaning essential if you actually want to get rid of all the dust that accumulates on your counter or the base of your toilet. It has five nozzles and three brushes designed to clean different areas from small to large. Most impressively? It has an LED light that illuminates the area you’re cleaning so you can actually see and make sure you’re getting every bit.

21

Mistake: Letting dated floors bring down the whole look of the room

Fix: Stunning peel-&-stick floor tiles with a gorgeous marble finish

These peel-and-stick vinyl floor tiles have a marble finish that’s absolutely stunning, high-end, and luxurious. They’ll give your bathroom a whole new look without breaking the bank. They’re waterproof and super durable, covering 30 square feet to completely revitalize your space. They’re so easy to install and they won’t leave a sticky residue behind when removed.

22

Mistake: Not taking advantage of under-sink storage

Fix: These 2-tier organizers for stashing extra toiletries & necessities

These two-tier organizers slip neatly into the cabinet underneath the sink, instantly organizing the space and making it much easier to find what you want when you want it. They have two shelves that pull out like drawers so you have access to everything that’s buried in the back. They’re perfect for storing toiletries, extra cleaning supplies, guest bathroom essentials — you name it.

23

Mistake: Leaving a soggy bath mat out to mildew

Fix: A stone bath mat that absorbs & dries in just 15 seconds

This bath mat absorbs water and dries in just 15 seconds, keeping the floor of your bathroom spill and slip free. Made of diatomaceous stone, the mat is resistant to moisture and odors because of how quickly it dries — especially compared to fabric mats. It has a modern design with rounded corners and curved lines, along with a nonslip bottom for extra stability.

24

Mistake: Using tacky traction mats that are so unsightly

Fix: Nonslip shower stickers that are sturdy & virtually invisible

These nonslip stickers are totally see-through, making them virtually invisible after they’re installed on the floor of your shower or tub. Even though they practically disappear, they still have a textured surface that adds some much-needed grip to that normally slippery surface to help keep you safe. They go on quickly and easily and even come with a scraper to make sure they stick flush against the floor.

25

Mistake: Keeping an ugly plunger on full display

Fix: A plunger with a gorgeous golden cover that ventilates & conceals

Plungers, while necessary, carry with them a certain amount of grossness no matter how you slice it. Well, not anymore because this plunger comes inside an expensive-looking container. Not only does the container hide the grossest part of the plunger, but it has a ventilation system that keeps it dry to prevent mold and mildew from building up. Plus, the lid of the container stays on the handle to act as a splash guard while you’re plunging.

26

Mistake: Mismatching bath towels that look like they’re from college

Fix: A stylish, coordinated set with all the sizes you need

A matching set of bath, hand, and wash towels instantly makes your bathroom feel more intentional, put together, and polished. This set comes with a solid pattern and a reversible matching floral pattern that go together effortlessly. Made of plush 100% cotton, the towels are durable, washing machine friendly, and luxuriously soft.

27

Mistake: Overstuffing your vanity drawers

Fix: Transparent containers that mix & match to instantly organize

If you have drawers in your bathroom, you need these clear organizers to get them into tip-top shape. The set includes five different sizes that you can mix and match to fit the drawer — and your needs — perfectly. Because they’re completely see-through, they allow your makeup, toiletries, and other essentials to stand out so you can always grab what you need.

28

Mistake: Damaging your floors with a leaky shower

Fix: An extra-high barrier that creates an expert-level water seal

If your shower is always dripping — even subtly — onto your floor when you use it, you need to check out this barrier. It secures to the ground and creates an extra tight seal, preventing any water from getting out. You can use it around open showers or to make a shower door extra secure. This way, when you step out of the shower, your rug isn’t already wet and mushy.

29

Mistake: Exposing ugly, rusty toilet bolts

Fix: Decorative bolt caps that look cute & hide grime

Chances are, your toilet bolts are harboring some rust, dust, or grime that’s really hard to get rid of. If you don’t want to constantly look at it, check out these decorative caps. Made of ceramic, the caps slip neatly on top of the bolts, completely hiding whatever gunk has built up there. Now, instead of seeing a mess, the bolts offer a pretty decorative thing to look at instead.

30

Mistake: Puddles of water sitting on your counters

Fix: A faucet mat that stores soaps & absorbs water

This clever mat comes in two pieces that sit neatly around your faucet, giving you the perfect, elevated spot to store your soaps, lotions, and other bathroom essentials. Made of diatomite stone, the mats absorb moisture and dry in just 30 seconds, preventing water from pooling on your countertop and creating a total eyesore.

31

Mistake: Keeping your garbage on full display

Fix: A luxe, fluted bin with an automatic lid that hides all your trash

Having exposed garbage anywhere — especially in the bathroom — is so gross. Hide it away and give yourself some privacy with this automatic bin. Not only does it look so chic with the fluted texture and golden accents, but it has an automatic lid that keeps your garbage out of sight. Plus, it prevents any odors from filling your bathroom.

32

Mistake: Letting glass get streaked with water stains

Fix: A stainless steel squeegee that leaves glass sparkling

It’s so easy for streaks and water droplets to ruin the look of your nice, high-end shower. Get rid of them and keep your shower sparkling and shining with this stainless steel squeegee. It has a precise silicone blade and a strong ergonomic handle that make it easy to clean up the glass after you shower with just a few simple swipes.

33

Mistake: Ignoring clogged sinks

Fix: A mini plunger designed to unclog without snaking

Get rid of stubborn sink clogs with this small handheld plunger specifically designed for that purpose. Simply place the rubber end over the clogged drain and pump a few times. It works by forcing air down the drain at high pressure, breaking up the blockage and sending the debris down the sink until it works properly again.

34

Mistake: Leaving your walls bare & boring

Fix: Peel-&-stick wallpaper with a floral pattern that looks designer

Don’t sleep on this peel-and-stick wallpaper. With stunning florals and mushrooms scattered throughout, the wallpaper looks designer but is actually such a budget-friendly way to make your space feel expensive and add some personality at the same time. If you want a “get ready with me” background worthy of a professional ad, this wallpaper’s a great place to start.

35

Mistake: Allowing excess humidity that lets mold grow

Fix: Refillable beads that absorb water straight from the air

These beads absorb up to three times their weight in moisture, helping reduce the humidity in your bathroom to prevent mold and mildew. They’re lavender scented to add a very subtle, fresh smell in the space and they’re refillable to keep your bathroom moisture free for the long term.

36

Mistake: Neglecting the finishing touches on your walls

Fix: Adhesive trim with a 3D pattern that looks so expensive

If you really want to make a splash in your bathroom and make it look custom, one easy place to start is by adding an eye-catching accent to your baseboard or trim. This one has a luxe, three-dimensional pattern that installs in minutes with the self-adhesive backing. It’s also flexible so it can be used on rounded walls, too.

37

Mistake: Not protecting your cabinets from accidental spills & leaks

Fix: A silicone mat that collects water to protect cabinets

Protect your cabinets from real damage by putting a silicone mat underneath the bathroom sink. It has raised edges so if the pipes leak or drip, the mat collects the water. This way, you can preventing it from seeping into the wood cabinets and rotting before you even know there’s a leak in the first place.

38

Mistake: Leaving your space open to prying eyes

Fix: Stained-glass window film that adds privacy without blocking natural light

If you want to add a little bit of privacy to the bathroom windows while still maintaining a bright, airy vibe, check out this window film. It has a three-dimensional texture and looks like really expensive stained glass, adding privacy to your space without blocking any of the natural light from coming in. It even comes with a scraper tool for installation.

39

Mistake: Keeping builder-grade drawer pulls that feel dated

Fix: Oval glass knobs that look incredibly high-end & chic

No one will believe that these glass knobs aren’t from an expensive designer. Between the see-through design and the golden base, these knobs instantly refresh your space, adding a modern, luxurious touch without you paying for a pricy renovation. They’re solid, sturdy, and match basically any existing bathroom hardware and aesthetic.

40

Mistake: Leaving your mirror looking unfinished

Fix: Wood grain tape that creates the perfect, bougie-looking frame

If you’re still living with those plain, builder-grade mirrors, easily bring some personality and make them look designer-worthy by adding a wooden frame. This peel-and-stick tape has a realistic wood grain and can be cut to size to perfectly fit around the border of your mirror, grounding it in the room and making it feel so much more intentional and expensive.

41

Mistake: Forgetting to style your bathroom essentials

Fix: A small wooden tray that adds organization & charm

This small wooden tray is a sophisticated addition to your countertop. It’s slightly elevated off the surface with small legs that add some dimension to your room, giving you the perfect space to store lotions, scents, candles, skin-care essentials — you name it. Plus it’s lightweight and waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it withstanding the high-humidity environment.

42

Mistake: Using harsh lights when you want to relax

Fix: A waterproof shower lamp that creates a calming atmosphere

A waterproof shower lamp is the easiest way to create a relaxing, luxurious atmosphere in the bathroom. It can be used as a standard bright light, or it can reflect the texture of the ocean surface on the walls to bring your shower to the next level. It’s splash proof and has a touch-sensitive adjuster that responds even if your hands are wet.

43

Mistake: Letting water splash through the curtain gap

Fix: Splash guards that keep shower curtains flush against the wall

These splash guards install on the top edge of your shower curtain and feature a curved edge that helps keep the shower curtain flush against the wall. This way, you don’t have to worry about water seeping out of the edges onto the floor. The best part is that once they’re installed, they’re virtually invisible from the outside to keep your shower looking posh.

44

Mistake: Using cleaning tools that don’t feel sanitary

Fix: A brush with a handle so you don’t have to touch anything gross

This cleaning brush helps you scrub your walls to get the tile and grout lines looking brand spanking new with very little effort. It has a tough scouring surface attached to a nonslip handle that’s really easy to maneuver, even when wet. The sponge-like surface is porous so it dries quickly and easily between uses.

45

Mistake: Cluttering your shower with too many accessories

Fix: A loofah-like mat that both exfoliates your feet & provides traction

Made of loofah-like material, this bath mat has a hole-filled design that allows water to properly drain and dry very quickly. It has a nonslip bottom to keep you sturdy while you’re showering and it also exfoliates your feet in the most satisfying way as you shift your weight around.

46

Mistake: Skimping on storage for towels & bathrobes

Fix: Suction-cup hooks that look more expensive than they are

Between the gold finish, the circular base, and the rounded design, it’s the look of these hooks that help them punch way above their weight in your bathroom. Sure, they add storage, but they come in a bunch of finishes to match the existing hardware in your bathroom. And they have a strong suction cup backing, so they’re great for keeping towels on your tile walls.

47

Mistake: Ruining the vibe with chipped or discolored grout

Fix: A grout repair kit that makes your tiles look brand new

Did you know you can completely transform the look of your bathroom without a renovation? All it takes is a grout repair kit. Seriously. It uses an acrylic sanded grout material that fills cracks, missing sections, and damaged joints to make your tile floor or walls look brand new on a budget. The formula is water resistant so it’s suitable for your shower or bathtub, too.

48

Mistake: Turning on the big light to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night

Fix: Color-changing night-lights with 3 brightness levels

Stop turning on the big, bright light and ruining your REM sleep when you get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Instead, use these small night-lights so you can see what you’re doing without fully waking yourself up. They have a warm white glow with three brightness levels to choose from. And if you want something more playful, there’s a color-changing option too.

49

Mistake: Letting hard water build up on your fixtures

Fix: A gel that removes stains & gets your pipes sparkling

This professional-grade hard water stain remover works like a charm when it comes to revitalizing your pipes — and tile and grout — and giving them a new life. It works to remove stains, spots, and rust, to keep your bathroom looking clean. Plus, it has a fresh minty smell, too.

50

Mistake: Inviting flies & gnats into your bathroom

Fix: A plug-in fly catcher that hides bugs out of sight

Flies and gnats are sometimes an inevitable reality in bathrooms, but you don’t have to live with them humming around your space when you have this plug-in catcher. The light attracts the bugs and the sticky back traps them, hiding everything that gets caught so you don’t have to look at the bodies of the bugs while you brush your teeth.

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