When your home renovation budget is tight or you simply want to avoid the hassle of replacing your old bathroom vanity, give it a quick refresh instead! Try one of these ideas to upgrade a bathroom vanity without replacing it. Save money and transform your bathroom cabinets in less than a day.
1. Paint your cabinets.
One of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to upgrade a bathroom vanity is to paint it.
Give that 90’s oak vanity a fresh look with a good coat of quality paint.
Go for a bold paint color or keep it neutral, depending on your style.
I highly recommend using Behr’s Urethane Alykd Enamel paint in semi-gloss or satin sheen. This little bit of gloss will help protect your paint finish and make it more durable and easy to clean.
The finish always turns out great, as long as you don’t make these common painting mistakes.
2. Replace the cabinet doors.
Did you know you could do this? Instead of replacing your entire cabinet box, just replace the doors!
Swapping out old, worn-out cabinet doors for updated designs can make your vanity feel brand new.
Opt for shaker-style doors for a classic vibe or something more modern with sleek, minimalist lines—it’s an easy way to achieve a custom look without a full replacement.
Stores like Nieu can walk you through how to order the right size.
3. Add cabinet hardware.
If your cabinets don’t have hardware yet, add them! This can seriously elevate your bathroom cabinet’s look.
Look for brass, brushed nickel, or another finish you like.
(I usually don’t recommend matte black, as it leans very cold-feeling to me. But if that’s what you love, go for it.)
Try to match your shower, faucets, and drains if you can.
Tip: Get your placement exact with a measuring jig.
4. Replace old cabinet hardware.
This might seem redundant, but I can’t tell you how many times people gloss over this simple change!
Take a longer look at your bathroom cabinet hardware. Could it use a refresh?
Swap out the hardware for a more premium option than the builder-basic one it came with. Trust me, it will make a difference.
Shop: Splurge hardware | Budget-friendly hardware | Unique hardware
5. Replace the countertop.
Another way to upgrade a bathroom vanity is to replace the countertop.
This can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom!
Countertop stores often sell counter remnants, or leftover pieces from other installs. Usually sold for much cheaper than brand new countertops.
Check your local countertop stores for options and prices.
You can also buy pre-fabbed countertops like this. We bought this cultured marble countertop from Lowe’s a few years ago. It turned out great!
6. Paint or epoxy the countertop.
If a new countertop isn’t in the budget, you can paint or use an epoxy coating to refresh the surface.
This DIY project is an affordable way to get a faux stone or high-gloss finish, instantly upgrading the look of your vanity.
While I have yet to try this DIY, I’ve been so inspired by other DIY’ers giving this a go!
Link: Marble Epoxy Kit
7. Swap the sinks.
A new sink can bring a fresh, updated feel to your bathroom without replacing the entire vanity or countertop.
Consider an undermount, vessel, or farmhouse sink for a design-forward look that will make your vanity stand out.
Depending on your bathroom cabinet, a sink can be pretty easy to pop out and replace.
You can purchase individual sinks or countertop-sink combo’s that make it a simple DIY.
8. Replace the faucets.
A modern faucet can do wonders for your bathroom vanity.
Say goodbye to that rusted, cheap brass faucet that came with the house. Upgrade to a matte black, beautiful gold, or brushed nickel.
Try a vintage-style or a sleek modern style.
9. Replace the backsplash.
Tear off that cheap sink surround and add some pretty tile instead!
Create a stunning display around your bathroom cabinet with a bold or patterned tile.
Backsplash tile can be really cheap, especially if you don’t need very much.
Tiling isn’t hard, and it can add so much good detail, texture, and color to your space.
Try a zellige tile, a classic subway tile, or even peel-and-stick tiles for a quick and cheap update.
10. Add decorative trim moulding.
Give your vanity a high-end look with decorative trim or moulding around the edges. You could add this to your cabinet doors or around the edges of the cabinet itself.
This simple addition can add depth and dimension, giving your bathroom cabinet a more refined and elevated look.
Tip: I especially love this bobbin and ribbed decorative trim moulding.
11. Add a sink curtain.
For a charming, traditional look, remove the cabinet doors and add a fabric curtain.
This will hide the clutter while introducing texture, layers, and whimsy to the space.
Choose a fabric that compliments your bathroom decor for a stylish look.
11 Ways to Upgrade A Bathroom Vanity Without Replacing It
I hope these ideas inspire you to breathe new life into your bathroom cabinet without the expense and hassle of a full replacement. Upgrade a bathroom vanity by:
- Painting the cabinets.
- Replacing the cabinet doors.
- Adding cabinet hardware.
- Replacing old cabinet hardware.
- Replacing the countertop.
- Painting or expoxy the countertop.
- Swapping the sink.
- Replacing the faucet.
- Replacing the backsplash.
- Adding decorative trim.
- Adding an under-sink curtain.
These easy changes can help you save money, reduce waste, and still create a beautiful cabinet in your bathroom!
Easily upgrade a bathroom vanity in less than a day, on any budget.
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