Make my washroom pleasant
June 22, 2015 1:10 PM Subscribe
The place where I am temporarily living has one bathroom, and that room is pretty sorry. What small and inexpensive things can I do to make it better?
I'm living in this house for two months, and the bathroom is small and creepy. It has really high ceilings and an incredibly loud fan that turns on when you turn on the lights and is unavoidable. The caulk between the plastic shower walls and the plastic tub is mostly missing as it has deteriorated over time. I looked into replacing the caulk myself. I think this won't be an easy job as the gap is over a half an inch wide in some places. It also seems like it will be mega gross to remove what's left of the old stuff. The floor is peeling up in the corners and the paint on the walls is also peeling. There's even an extra door that leads to nowhere in there that is nailed shut, which really lends to the whole "creepy" vibe.
What can I do spruce up the room a bit so that I feel a bit happier in there? True confession, washrooms are a sanctuary for me: I have always hidden in them when I wanted to be alone. I like it when it is clean and inviting. This one is anything but inviting. I did just give it an intense deep clean, and it's better in there, but I would like it to be actually nice as opposed to "not awful." There is no counter space, so ideas like "always have fresh flowers" or "get a plant" aren't really feasible given the constraints of the room. I think disabling the fan would help but I don't think I'm capable of that job, if for no other reason than it is on the ceiling and I can't manage that kind of thing perched on a ladder (which I don't even own). Alternative lighting suggestions that are bright and feasible for a tiny room with a shower in it are definitely welcome.
I am willing to spend up to $100 to make this washroom not dreadful. Hope me?
I'm living in this house for two months, and the bathroom is small and creepy. It has really high ceilings and an incredibly loud fan that turns on when you turn on the lights and is unavoidable. The caulk between the plastic shower walls and the plastic tub is mostly missing as it has deteriorated over time. I looked into replacing the caulk myself. I think this won't be an easy job as the gap is over a half an inch wide in some places. It also seems like it will be mega gross to remove what's left of the old stuff. The floor is peeling up in the corners and the paint on the walls is also peeling. There's even an extra door that leads to nowhere in there that is nailed shut, which really lends to the whole "creepy" vibe.
What can I do spruce up the room a bit so that I feel a bit happier in there? True confession, washrooms are a sanctuary for me: I have always hidden in them when I wanted to be alone. I like it when it is clean and inviting. This one is anything but inviting. I did just give it an intense deep clean, and it's better in there, but I would like it to be actually nice as opposed to "not awful." There is no counter space, so ideas like "always have fresh flowers" or "get a plant" aren't really feasible given the constraints of the room. I think disabling the fan would help but I don't think I'm capable of that job, if for no other reason than it is on the ceiling and I can't manage that kind of thing perched on a ladder (which I don't even own). Alternative lighting suggestions that are bright and feasible for a tiny room with a shower in it are definitely welcome.
I am willing to spend up to $100 to make this washroom not dreadful. Hope me?
Response by poster: Oh, PS - there are no outlets in the room, which makes my request for alternative lighting likely impossible. Also any ideas for things that use outlets are... out. Sorry for the omission.
posted by sockermom at 1:17 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by sockermom at 1:17 PM on June 22, 2015
Hang a crisp white curtain in front of the nailed-shut door? Not sure if that would be more or less creepy, TBH.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:21 PM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 1:21 PM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]
There is no counter space
If it would suit the space, you could try to find a bathroom space saver shelving unit to go over the toilet to increase your counter/storage space. Something like this would give you a small place to put flowers or other pleasing objects, along with a bit of hidden storage space (sounds like that is likely at a premium as well).
Rugs in the bathroom can be gross, but if the floor is that bad it might still be an improvement. If there are no outlets, I'd think about finding a battery-powered lamp or some LED tealights - the lighting situation sounds especially depressing! I'd also try hanging a poster or art print on the creepy door to nowhere - maybe you could turn it into a big frame for a big print instead of just a creepy door.
posted by dialetheia at 1:21 PM on June 22, 2015 [5 favorites]
If it would suit the space, you could try to find a bathroom space saver shelving unit to go over the toilet to increase your counter/storage space. Something like this would give you a small place to put flowers or other pleasing objects, along with a bit of hidden storage space (sounds like that is likely at a premium as well).
Rugs in the bathroom can be gross, but if the floor is that bad it might still be an improvement. If there are no outlets, I'd think about finding a battery-powered lamp or some LED tealights - the lighting situation sounds especially depressing! I'd also try hanging a poster or art print on the creepy door to nowhere - maybe you could turn it into a big frame for a big print instead of just a creepy door.
posted by dialetheia at 1:21 PM on June 22, 2015 [5 favorites]
Is there anywhere you can clip a clamp lamp pointed at the ceiling?
Caulk Strip.
What about thumbtacking/nailing up a nice fabric shower curtain or just some useful storage over the creepy door? You could even put little potted plants in 2-3 of the pockets.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:22 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
Caulk Strip.
What about thumbtacking/nailing up a nice fabric shower curtain or just some useful storage over the creepy door? You could even put little potted plants in 2-3 of the pockets.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:22 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
For the "door to nowhere", there are some good suggestions here.
posted by VioletU at 1:23 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by VioletU at 1:23 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
And you could get a multi-tier plant stand if you want to bring in some greenery (which I think is always nice in a bathroom).
posted by Rock Steady at 1:23 PM on June 22, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 1:23 PM on June 22, 2015 [4 favorites]
You can buy a tube or 3 of latex caulk at Ye Olde Hardware Store for $few. If you feel up to removing the old gunk, it'll make a cleaner job, but if nothing else, covering up the chasms will help a bunch. Depending on how wide the gap actually is, you may have to run two or three beads, but once it's done it'll really look a lot better. Or as Lyn Never just noted, Caulk Strip.
Maybe a new shower curtain with a fun pattern, a wall covering for the Door to Hell, and some better light bulbs. Adhesive non-slip stickies for the shower/tub floor? Vinyl peel & stick wall decorations? A small white board on which you can total the number of times you use the facilities, with separate tallies by category?
posted by disconnect at 1:24 PM on June 22, 2015
Maybe a new shower curtain with a fun pattern, a wall covering for the Door to Hell, and some better light bulbs. Adhesive non-slip stickies for the shower/tub floor? Vinyl peel & stick wall decorations? A small white board on which you can total the number of times you use the facilities, with separate tallies by category?
posted by disconnect at 1:24 PM on June 22, 2015
If you can reach the lighting, replacing the bulbs with something in a bright white/daylight spectrum should also help brighten it up and feel "nicer"
posted by Karaage at 1:24 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Karaage at 1:24 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
Definitely a nice bathmat, clean, pretty towels, and a cute shower curtain. If the curtain rod and rings are gross, they'd also be inexpensive to replace.
posted by radioamy at 1:28 PM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by radioamy at 1:28 PM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]
You might play into the sorriness for the purpose of amusement -- a good crying baby plaque may fit the bill.
posted by mr. digits at 1:30 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by mr. digits at 1:30 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
This is probably super corny and tacky, but once I decorated a tiny apartment with cheapo artificial vines from a big-box craft store, hung up around the doorways with removable sticky clips. They didn't fool anyone, but they added a nice bit of color and distracted from the door frames.
Also, get the nicest hand soap/shampoo/shower gel you can find. They won't make the bathroom look better, but they'll make the overall experience more pleasant.
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:43 PM on June 22, 2015
Also, get the nicest hand soap/shampoo/shower gel you can find. They won't make the bathroom look better, but they'll make the overall experience more pleasant.
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:43 PM on June 22, 2015
Hanging plants from the tall ceiling might look nice.
posted by ljesse at 1:50 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ljesse at 1:50 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Could you add wall-mounted shelves? Then you could put a plant on the shelves, or something else decorative -- or even practical. Shelves mean your sink area can be less cluttered.
posted by amtho at 1:52 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by amtho at 1:52 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
My thoughts:
--lots of candles
--small shelf unit that sits on the floor (if room) or attaches to the wall. depending on the configuration this could go in front of the creepy door
--bright and cheerful shower curtain
--ikea sells these big wall hanging things for pretty cheap. maybe one of these in a bright color to go across the wall with the creepy door
--plush bath mat
posted by rainbowbrite at 1:55 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
--lots of candles
--small shelf unit that sits on the floor (if room) or attaches to the wall. depending on the configuration this could go in front of the creepy door
--bright and cheerful shower curtain
--ikea sells these big wall hanging things for pretty cheap. maybe one of these in a bright color to go across the wall with the creepy door
--plush bath mat
posted by rainbowbrite at 1:55 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
I don't have ANY experience with this particular product, but our bathtub had a giant gap like you describe and although our landlord fixed it differently (and not that well), this is the kind of thing I was looking at to fix it: Red Devil Caulk Strip. It's only $12 and well-reviewed.
On preview, I see Lyn Never mentioned the same thing!
What kind of shower curtain do you have? Target has nice ones for not too much money, and you can take it with you when you go.
posted by kate blank at 2:25 PM on June 22, 2015
On preview, I see Lyn Never mentioned the same thing!
What kind of shower curtain do you have? Target has nice ones for not too much money, and you can take it with you when you go.
posted by kate blank at 2:25 PM on June 22, 2015
You can add greenery or flowers (real or fake) with wall mounted bud vases like this.
posted by that's how you get ants at 2:27 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by that's how you get ants at 2:27 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
I love the ideas for hanging plants or attaching them to walls somehow. If the bathroom is quite damp, you might want to look into whatever kind of plants thrive in that kind of environment. This article has some suggestions for plants that generally thrive in a bathroom.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 2:47 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by kinddieserzeit at 2:47 PM on June 22, 2015
Can you run a power cord under the door? You might be able to bring in a clamp lamp or small corner lamp that way. Caveat: I am not your electrical enginer/house safety expert. This is kinda dangerous for a lot of reasons, so if you do it, maybe use something like these cable clips to keep the cord tacked to the wall and out of any footpath!
posted by purple_bird at 2:51 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by purple_bird at 2:51 PM on June 22, 2015
color - a nice shower curtain + maybe curtain to cover the door
a nice bathmat that feels good on your feet in a color you like
for lighting you coudl look at battery operated party lights like these or something similar
some kind of scented oil or diffuser in a small that you find clean and relaxing - could sit on the floor in a corner if necessary
posted by oneear at 2:51 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
a nice bathmat that feels good on your feet in a color you like
for lighting you coudl look at battery operated party lights like these or something similar
some kind of scented oil or diffuser in a small that you find clean and relaxing - could sit on the floor in a corner if necessary
posted by oneear at 2:51 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Shower curtain with pockets
or hanging mesh pockets for shampoo--maybe used for Lavender or other cut plants instead?
bath tub lights!
rubber ducky lights!
posted by calgirl at 2:57 PM on June 22, 2015
or hanging mesh pockets for shampoo--maybe used for Lavender or other cut plants instead?
bath tub lights!
rubber ducky lights!
posted by calgirl at 2:57 PM on June 22, 2015
WOOD BATHMAT!
it's an instant spa infusion and it's great.
posted by ghostbikes at 2:58 PM on June 22, 2015 [5 favorites]
it's an instant spa infusion and it's great.
posted by ghostbikes at 2:58 PM on June 22, 2015 [5 favorites]
Costco is currently selling battery powered pillar 'candles' that have both a remote and a timer (and the battery life isn't actually awful like most of them). The door to nowhere could be covered with a pocket shoe holder and you can fill the pockets with bath stuff, extra hand towels, fake flowers, and so on. A toilet tower with some nice fluffy towels, a big beautiful bath mat and a spiffy shower curtain will brighten up the space. +1 for the caulk strip.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 2:58 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by PorcineWithMe at 2:58 PM on June 22, 2015
I'd do a deep clean! Could you have someone come and scrub down all the walls, windows, etc? Knowing that everything is all spiffed up could be really satisfying.
posted by Hermione Granger at 3:35 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by Hermione Granger at 3:35 PM on June 22, 2015
If you can locate a ladder, the fan is REALLY easy to disable. I've rented tons and bathroom fans get off kilter and sound like you're waxing the floor or something, and all you need to do is take off the cover and unplug a little plug (the only plug in there.) so if the chance comes up for that, take it.
Otherwise, avoid turning on the lights? tons of battery candles with a remote would be nice like someone suggested, or run a (waterproof if you aren't running the fan) extension cord into there with a lamp of some kind.
rip up the peeling floor and then give it a quick orbit sand and paint the floor a bright colour? one good thing about living in all the shitholes I've lived in, is no one cares what kind of things you do as long as they're an improvement. I've taken up and replaced or painted countertops and ceilings, taken off floors, replaced a toilet.. mostly people don't notice, or if they do they're like "don't expect me to pay for that."
posted by euphoria066 at 3:49 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Otherwise, avoid turning on the lights? tons of battery candles with a remote would be nice like someone suggested, or run a (waterproof if you aren't running the fan) extension cord into there with a lamp of some kind.
rip up the peeling floor and then give it a quick orbit sand and paint the floor a bright colour? one good thing about living in all the shitholes I've lived in, is no one cares what kind of things you do as long as they're an improvement. I've taken up and replaced or painted countertops and ceilings, taken off floors, replaced a toilet.. mostly people don't notice, or if they do they're like "don't expect me to pay for that."
posted by euphoria066 at 3:49 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Great ideas! I did a deep clean myself, a very, very intensive scrub of everything. It's not dirty (anymore), just creepy and loud. And the caulk is the only gross thing left.
Unfortunately the creepy door is behind the normal door when you open it (basically it is at a 90 degree angle to the real doorway) so it can't be covered with a caddy or something. It also does not open so I don't think I can put a door envelope on it, although that is a great idea!
But the door to nowhere is actually not all that bothersome. Writing the question and reading all of these great suggestions made me realize that the things that bother most are the fan and the caulk, both of which can be fixed. I plan to run a waterproof extension cord VERY CAREFULLY for a clamp lamp; the fan needs to be in there for moisture. I am in the deep South and it's mighty humid and hot, particularly because this place doesn't have air conditioning. I also am going to get an over-the-toilet shelf - great idea! I may use that caulk tape or I might just suck it up and do it right with backer rod and silicone caulk, I haven't yet decided, on the shower.
And I will put some pretty plants and some nice candles (likely a few led light candles) and some nice smelling soap or something on the shelf behind the toilet.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
posted by sockermom at 4:04 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Unfortunately the creepy door is behind the normal door when you open it (basically it is at a 90 degree angle to the real doorway) so it can't be covered with a caddy or something. It also does not open so I don't think I can put a door envelope on it, although that is a great idea!
But the door to nowhere is actually not all that bothersome. Writing the question and reading all of these great suggestions made me realize that the things that bother most are the fan and the caulk, both of which can be fixed. I plan to run a waterproof extension cord VERY CAREFULLY for a clamp lamp; the fan needs to be in there for moisture. I am in the deep South and it's mighty humid and hot, particularly because this place doesn't have air conditioning. I also am going to get an over-the-toilet shelf - great idea! I may use that caulk tape or I might just suck it up and do it right with backer rod and silicone caulk, I haven't yet decided, on the shower.
And I will put some pretty plants and some nice candles (likely a few led light candles) and some nice smelling soap or something on the shelf behind the toilet.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
posted by sockermom at 4:04 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have a small washroom with little counter space, something that helped me brighten the space up was buying a set of three bud vases hung vertically along a wire that attached to a suction cup. I could find it online but this set has suction cups so that you can attach them to your mirror. These three vases attach to your wall so that you can still have fresh flowers without taking up much space.
posted by Lay Off The Books at 4:33 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by Lay Off The Books at 4:33 PM on June 22, 2015
I'm guessing this is a rental but would you be willing to spend a bit on a quieter fan? That was just the first hit, you could probably get something cheaper--maybe talk someone into installing it or if it's a rental cut a deal with the landlord--'I'll buy it if you install it'.
This sounds important to you so maybe it would be worth it.
As for warming it up, one nice thing is if you have some fabrics lying around that you like - an old skirt, a scarf - something you like but just never wear, you can cover something of substance with it (piece of drywall, piece of plywood, sturdy cardboard) and hang it as art. I did this with a silky bathrobe that I loved that would not stay closed -- I hated wearing it but loved the pattern, smokey gray blue flowers on dark brown -- and it's currently faking being art in our living room. You could also do this to cover the Door of Mystery...
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:34 PM on June 22, 2015
This sounds important to you so maybe it would be worth it.
As for warming it up, one nice thing is if you have some fabrics lying around that you like - an old skirt, a scarf - something you like but just never wear, you can cover something of substance with it (piece of drywall, piece of plywood, sturdy cardboard) and hang it as art. I did this with a silky bathrobe that I loved that would not stay closed -- I hated wearing it but loved the pattern, smokey gray blue flowers on dark brown -- and it's currently faking being art in our living room. You could also do this to cover the Door of Mystery...
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:34 PM on June 22, 2015
You can also get motion activated lights that you can use for night time runs. I use these Mr. Beams and attach them with Command Adhesive strips. Batteries last 6 months or more (there is a more expensive 2pack that lasts for 2+ years without changing batteries).
posted by saradarlin at 6:08 PM on June 22, 2015
posted by saradarlin at 6:08 PM on June 22, 2015
I made my formerly ugly basement bathroom super pleasant! And I'm renting, so I also can't do anything permanent to it. I bought a matching shower curtain, shower mat, and fluffy floor mat in a bright color, and I also bought some wall decals in that color that I'm using as a faux wallpaper border.
I'm going to keep an eye on this thread for lighting recommendations, though; my shower is still really dark and that's the only thing I don't like about it now.
posted by capricorn at 7:51 PM on June 22, 2015
I'm going to keep an eye on this thread for lighting recommendations, though; my shower is still really dark and that's the only thing I don't like about it now.
posted by capricorn at 7:51 PM on June 22, 2015
Oh man especially in the South, do NOT disable the fan. It's annoying that you can't turn it off, but you don't want super steamy bathroom and the mildew potential the comes with it.
Air plants do great in bathrooms. You could put a few of those on your OTJ shelf.
Your place doesn't have A/C? Really I'd focus less on cuteing up the bathroom and more on spending as little time there as possible. Ick!
posted by radioamy at 9:25 PM on June 22, 2015
Air plants do great in bathrooms. You could put a few of those on your OTJ shelf.
Your place doesn't have A/C? Really I'd focus less on cuteing up the bathroom and more on spending as little time there as possible. Ick!
posted by radioamy at 9:25 PM on June 22, 2015
This is how I made a nasty bathroom in a beat up trailer home into a spa:
Caulk the tub.
Paint the walls flat white. You can even just use primer - it will make everything feel clean and bright.
White waffle weave shower curtain, like nice hotels use. I would also use a white or clear liner, and get a new rod and rings if they're grungy.
Thick white cotton bath mat (check Marshall's, TJ Maxx and/or Home Goods), or this one from IKEA.
Get either a scented candle or one of those scented oil bottles with sticks, and place it on the toilet tank or on the floor in a corner. Something oceany or like clean laundry or a light floral.
As for the fan - pretend you're in a quaint old cottage on the beach in New England or Northern California, and the noisy fan is just part of the vintage charm.
If you've got any money left over, get a white wall shelf to put the scented candle/oil on, plus a bundle of dried lavender. Or splurge on an upgrade to the candle/scented oil, from someplace like Pottery Barn, which always has beautiful scents.
The best thing is that you can take all of these except the paint and caulk with you to your next place!
posted by MexicanYenta at 9:04 AM on June 23, 2015 [3 favorites]
Caulk the tub.
Paint the walls flat white. You can even just use primer - it will make everything feel clean and bright.
White waffle weave shower curtain, like nice hotels use. I would also use a white or clear liner, and get a new rod and rings if they're grungy.
Thick white cotton bath mat (check Marshall's, TJ Maxx and/or Home Goods), or this one from IKEA.
Get either a scented candle or one of those scented oil bottles with sticks, and place it on the toilet tank or on the floor in a corner. Something oceany or like clean laundry or a light floral.
As for the fan - pretend you're in a quaint old cottage on the beach in New England or Northern California, and the noisy fan is just part of the vintage charm.
If you've got any money left over, get a white wall shelf to put the scented candle/oil on, plus a bundle of dried lavender. Or splurge on an upgrade to the candle/scented oil, from someplace like Pottery Barn, which always has beautiful scents.
The best thing is that you can take all of these except the paint and caulk with you to your next place!
posted by MexicanYenta at 9:04 AM on June 23, 2015 [3 favorites]
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A nice, soft, fluffy bath mat is always welcome for me.
My bathroom has over 200 rubber duckies in it on those tension rod corner shelves in the shower, so maybe add something whimsical (and waterproof) to the shower in that way?
posted by xingcat at 1:15 PM on June 22, 2015