If your bathroom is starting to look dated, you might assume a costly renovation is the only way to revive it. But before replacing the bath or ripping out tiles, there’s one much simpler job worth trying: refreshing discoloured grout. Costing around £5, it’s an easy DIY update that can make your entire bathroom look cleaner, brighter and surprisingly new again.
Here, we explain why this often-overlooked refresh should be your first port of call, plus a few more budget-friendly ways to give a tired bathroom a new lease of life.
Why the £5 bathroom grout fix could transform your bathroom
If your grout has become stained, mouldy or discoloured over time, it can make even a modern bathroom look dated.
‘A DIY regrout or even a thorough steam clean can completely refresh the space in a day – you can usually pick up a tube of grout or a grout pen for around £5 from most DIY stores,’ says Samantha Lawson, senior bathroom designer at Drench.
Refreshing grout or giving your tiles a deep clean could completely transform how your bathroom feels, without sacrificing a feature that could be worth thousands when it's time to sell.
‘We've seen homeowners remove perfectly good baths simply because the bathroom looked dated, when in reality it was the tired grout or worn finishes that were letting the room down,’ Samantha adds.
Other budget-friendly ways to upgrade your bathroom
Whether you're preparing your home for sale or simply want your bathroom to feel more luxurious, a few finishing touches can make all the difference.
‘Rolled towels, a bath rack, fragrances, and a few premium toiletries instantly create a spa feel,’ explains Samantha.
No matter the size of your space, try to carve out a bath or shower zone to feel like a dedicated sanctuary within the room. ‘Prioritise zoning, as that balance of style and practicality is ultimately what makes it look more enticing – and can even lead to a higher home valuation,’ Samantha tells us.
Finally, don't overlook the importance of cleaning. ‘First impressions count, and a shiny tap and streak-free shower screen can work wonders on the eye,’ Samantha adds. ‘Likewise, those little bathroom essentials such as a toilet brush and the toilet roll holder that are sometimes taken for granted can be an unwanted distraction if they look unloved.’
If your bathroom is looking tired, don't assume a costly renovation is the only answer. Sometimes, the most budget-friendly improvements can make all the biggest difference.
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The Bathroom Edit
