Earth tones
Modern
Minimalist
Renters
Small bathrooms
Budget-conscious DIYers

DIY extreme tiny bathroom makeover

Rachael transforms her outdated rental bathroom with a series of DIY projects including caulking, building a partition, updating fixtures, and adding storage solutions.

By TheSorryGirls

Published Jul 2023·Updated Jun 2026

Small Space Interior Upgrades

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Budget

$70

Difficulty

Beginner

Time

Full day

Space

Small

Scope

Surface refresh

Tools

Basic tools

Renter friendly

Yes

Materials

Compact project bill of materials.

Caulk
1 item
Price unknown
Pine Wood (1x2 by 8-foot)
2 piece
Price unknown

Steps

Use a utility knife to loosen the edges of the old caulking, then peel away as much as possible. For stubborn areas, use a plastic spatula to avoid scratching surfaces.

If needed, use an abrasive brush and vinegar as a cleaning solution. Let the area dry for one to two hours.

Use a caulking gun to apply a small bead of caulk along the edge of the sink and shower area. Smooth it out with your finger, wiping excess off on a rag frequently.

Go to Home Depot and buy two 1x2 by eight-foot pieces of pine and one six-foot piece. Cut the wood to fit your bathroom using a miter saw.

Connect the pieces with shorter ones, measuring them to 11.5 inches. Clamp them together, sand any rough edges, and pre-drill holes for screws.

Apply wood glue and use 2.5-inch screws to secure the pieces. Fill the bottom with a scrap piece of three-quarter inch plywood.

After the wood filler dries, stain the wood with provincial wood stain using a scrap piece of fabric. After it dries for 24 hours, apply a clear finish satin top coat.

Attach Cloverleaf pattern aluminum sheets to the back of the partition using a brad nailer with half-inch nails.

Install the new sink fixture, ensuring to waterproof and fix any issues with the tiles.

Sand the under-sink cabinet before applying primer and then the green paint.

Remove the existing mirror and patch the holes behind it. Use a mounting plate to center the new mirror above the sink.

Install the storage cabinet behind the toilet, applying gel stain and sealing it with a top coat after it dries.

Touch up any areas in the bathroom that need fresh paint.

Add oversized handles from Ikea under the sink and fill in old knob holes with quarter-inch dowels.

Caulk around the shower bar and install a shelf using a 1x2 piece of pine, adding pocket holes for installation.

Use wooden plates from Indigo, drilling holes in the center and stacking them to create a light shade.

Manage the cable with cord covers.

Remove a hook from the mirror to utilize its back hooks for draping.

Small Space Interior Upgrades

Materials

Tools Needed

Steps