4 Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom—Without Actually Renovating It

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Refresh on a Budget

By Michelle Lau

Shopping Editor

Washing off the stress from a long day with a steaming, hot shower is one of my favorite ways to treat myself. I think of it as my daily "me" time—even if just for a few minutes. While some bathrooms are more relaxing than others (we see you, insanely bright overhead lights that ruin our zen!), you don't need a full renovation—or even a partial one—to turn your shower into a refreshing, spa-like experience. We found four products that will elevate your morning or evening routine and will cost you less than $200 in total.

Swap out your soggy fabric rug for a moisture-wicking stone bath mat. It's chic, elevates your bathroom, and it absorbs water in a matter of minutes. We just tested this nonslip one from Sutera and you can pick it up for less than $60.

Prefer a bit of warm light in your shower instead of a glaring fluorescent bulb? Me, too! This popular, battery-operated, waterproof lamp has been all over TikTok—it creates a cozy ambiance that feels more spa-like and will help you unwind if you shower right before bed. Dimmable and cordless, it can be perched on a wide shower ledge or a corner shelf for a soft, unexpected glow.

Speaking of shelves, this handy corner shower rack lets you combine utility and a little bit of design without adding shelves to your shower walls. It's got enough space for the necessities for a whole family, plus room for that lamp or even a small plant or candle to make your space look extra nice. One of our editors swapped out her hanging shower caddy for this option in matte black a couple of months ago and calls it a game-changer in upgrading the look and functionality of her shower.

Now that your shower looks refreshed, keep it that way with a scrubber and tried-and-true cleaner. I like to call on my cordless electric scrubber. With a press of a button, my shower floor went from gray and drab to sparkling white. This lightweight, spinning gadget comes with four different brush heads, so you can clean grout and tile with just one tool. Plus, it's on sale for 20 percent off today. I recommend pairing it with a tub of The Pink Stuff, aka the all-purpose miracle paste, for an added deep clean.