30 Ingenious Ways to Repurpose And Redesign Your Bathtub

Published on 08/02/2022


Nothing is more soothing than taking a long, hot bath. However, if your tub is damaged, out-of-date, or just looking a little worn out — the porcelain is discolored, the caulking all around the edges is chipping, and it could use a good scrub — it can be a real mood killer. You might be tempted to spend money on a new, fancy bathtub, but stop and think about what you already own first. Why not simply replace your outdated bathtub with a brand-new model? Try these brilliant bathtub hacks to upcycle, fix, and transform your bathtub before you go out and buy a new one! How far a little creativity and DIY know-how can get you may surprise you. If you’re looking for some ideas, check out this list of ingenious bathtub repair, transformation, and upcycling ideas.

Make It Sparkle Again

Make It Sparkle Again

Searching for a technique to make your bathtub sparkle? The electric power polishing ball is the only option. This clever little tool will polish your tub to perfection quickly and easily. This is how it goes: Just place the ball on the tub’s four corners and let it do its thing! Any dirt, grime, or soap scum on the surface of your tub will be quickly broken down by the powerful vibration that the rotating ball will produce. Anyone who wants to maintain the best possible appearance for their bathtub should use an electric power polishing ball. Your bathtub will be sparkling like new in a matter of minutes!

Vinegar, Baking Soda, And Hot Water

Baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean your bathtub drain in a few different ways. Pouring a solution of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, letting it sit and do its thing for a few minutes, and then flushing with hot water is one method.

Vinegar, Baking Soda And Hot Water

Vinegar, Baking Soda And Hot Water

Alternately, pour a solution of baking soda and vinegar down the drain after placing a pot of boiling water on top of it and letting it sit for two to three minutes. In order to force the mixture down the drain, you can try using a plunger as a final option. Rinse your tub thoroughly after using it to get rid of any leftover residue.

New Tiles

Installing new tiles is one of the easiest ways to spruce up your bathroom. However, there are so many options that it might be difficult for you to choose the ones that are best for you. The best bathroom remodeling advice is to stick to a theme and stay within your budget.

New Tiles

New Tiles

Create a budget before you begin. You can focus only on the choices that fall within your price range once you’ve determined how much you might be willing to spend. Tiles can be expensive, so stick to your budget and proceed from there.

Create A Tray Made Out Of Wood

A bathtub tray is a great option if you’re looking for a way to recycle some old wood and make it into something useful and fashionable. How to create your own is provided here. Sand the wood first to remove any dirt or debris and to smooth out any rough edges.

Create A Tray Made Out Of Wood

Create A Tray Made Out Of Wood

Next, take exact measurements of the width and length of your bathtub so that you can determine the size of the tray. After that, cut it to the proper size using a saw. It’s time to start decorating once you have your perfect piece of wood cut to size! Let your imagination run wild as you paint and stain it!

Be Creative

One of the simplest and most practical ways to liven up your tub is with this. Decorate one side of the tub with stencils, freehand drawings, or even just straight lines. Your tub will appear fresh and exciting thanks to the new coat and colors.

Be Creative

Be Creative

Just buy some bathtub-safe acrylic paint and paint one side. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and be creative. However, be cautious when painting; it is preferable to be exact to prevent leaving paint smudges or mistakes on the tub.

The Frame Is Important Too

For so many people, this is an unusual suggestion, but it might be the classiest one so far. Your old, boring bathroom can be given more visual interest and personality by adding a custom frame panel to the bathtub.

The Frame Is Important Too

The Frame Is Important Too

To ensure that the panel will fit properly, measure the opening’s size and shape before installing it. Finally, select a vinyl panel design and color that complements your current decor. Use silicone adhesive and glue to attach the panel to the tub’s side.

The Right Shower Curtain

It can be challenging to select the ideal shower curtain for your bathtub makeover. You need something that will be long-lasting and durable in addition to adding a splash of vibrant color and vibrancy to the space.

The Right Shower Curtain

The Right Shower Curtain

It’s crucial to take your bathroom’s colors into account. If the bathroom is neutrally decorated, a vibrant, colorful shower curtain might be just what you need to breathe new life into the space. You might want to select a more understated shower curtain if your bathroom is already decorated in vibrant colors.

The Leak Should Be Fixed ASAP

Leaks should be fixed as soon as you can because, if you’re not careful, they can become very expensive. You can experiment with a few DIY leak fixes. Make sure the area around the leak is first clear of all obstructions and debris. Next, find the leak’s origin.

The Leak Should Be Fixed ASAP

The Leak Should Be Fixed ASAP

You can begin repairing the plumbing leak as soon as you’ve located its source. To stop the leak, melt a wire and insert it into the pipe’s hole. Be patient because all of this work could take some time. This method of fixing leaks is more dependable and durable.

Mind Your Budget

Before updating your tub with the Rustoleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, keep these pointers in mind. First off, rather than replacing your tub or tile, using a kit to refinish it is a great idea and can help you save a lot of money.

Mind Your Budget

Mind Your Budget

The best part: These kits are simple to use and produce excellent results. When using the kit, you must take a few precautions, such as adequate ventilation and preparation, for your safety. The surface must be completely free of all dirt and soap scum before you begin working.

Make Something Out Of It

What a wonderful and distinctive holiday decoration! A bathtub and some red and green paint are all that is required. Cut the bathtub into a sleigh-like shape. Red paint for the bathtub Then, encircle the top and bottom with green stripes. For stability, attach the sleigh base last.

Make Something Out Of It

Make Something Out Of It

Golden paint can also be used to give the sleigh a more opulent appearance. Place the sleigh, fairy lights, and reindeer last to finish off the festive look. For the ideal Christmas scene, add some fake snow to the area around the sleigh.

New Caulk

You have a few different options for caulking your bathroom depending on the circumstances. Remove the bathroom’s old, moldy caulk first. Before applying the caulk, clean and dry the tile; this will aid in creating a strong seal.

New Caulk

New Caulk

To create an easy-to-use opening, cut the caulk dispensing tube’s tip at an angle. Apply the caulk in quick, even strokes while maintaining the firm pressure of the nozzle against the surface. If the caulk has any lumps or unevenness, you can smooth it out if necessary using a damp cloth.

Let It Shine Again

You feel as though you have tried every cleaning product on the market with no luck, and your once-beautiful tile and tub are now dull and lifeless. A repair kit and bleach can be used to restore the shine to your bathtub and tiles, so try that last option before giving up.

Let It Shine Again

Let It Shine Again

To begin with, patch up any chips or cracks in your tile or bathtub using the repair kit. After that, remove any last bits of dirt or grime by gently scrubbing with a sponge dipped in bleach water. After rinsing the bleach solution from the tile and tub, admire how spotless they are!

The Use Of Lemon

Lemon juice can be used to clean up water stains on bathtub faucets. Simply cut a lemon in half, then rub the juicy half over the water spots. Since the stains are actually mineral deposits, the citric acid in the lemon will dissolve these deposits and restore your surface’s shine.

The Use Of Lemon

The Use Of Lemon

They must fade away after a few minutes of scrubbing. If they persist, you might try scrubbing them away with a little baking soda. Finally, you can restore its shine by washing it with warm water and drying it with a towel. Try again if the stains aren’t entirely eliminated. It might take two treatments to get rid of stubborn stains.

Bath Tray For Reading

Making a reading tray for the bath out of recycled wood is a fantastic upcycling idea. You may prefer the rustic appearance, or you may simply want to find a use for some old lumber that has been gathering dust in your garage for a while. You must first choose the proper type of wood.

Bath Tray For Reading

Bath Tray For Reading

The ideal material would be something light and relatively simple to work with, like pine or cedar. Additionally, make sure the wood is relatively dry and free of any significant flaws or cracks. After cutting it according to the measurements, color it in your preferred shade.

Removing The Fiberglass

With a few basic tools, you can remove your fiberglass bathtub without the help of a professional. Decide where the tub’s edges meet the wall or tile surround first. The sealant holding the tub in place can then be broken by scoring along these edges with a utility knife.

Removing The Fiberglass

Removing The Fiberglass

Next, pry up any remaining caulking or sealant around the tub’s edge using a putty knife or screwdriver. Once all of the caulking has been taken off, carefully lift the tub from its location and dispose of it properly. You are now prepared to replace it with a brand new one!

Tiles For Decoration

Since they are less expensive than conventional ceramic or porcelain tiles, sheet tiles are a great way to save money on your renovation project. You can find sheet tiles in a huge variety of colors and designs, so you’re sure to find one that matches your aesthetic.

Tiles For Decoration

Tiles For Decoration

To begin installing sheet tiles, measure the area to be tiled and then cut the tiles to fit. Next, adhere these tiles to the wall by pressing them against it. These are great because they don’t make a mess and are simple to install thanks to the integrated adhesive.

Trendy Monochromatic Tiles

The bathtub can be surrounded by monochromatic tiles to give the space a spa-like appearance. The same color tiles or tiles in various shades of the same color can be used for this. In either case, having a unified and tranquil space is the main objective.

Trendy Monochromatic Tiles

Trendy Monochromatic Tiles

This appearance may be so well-liked in spas because it promotes relaxation. It feels more peaceful when you enter a room that is only one color than when there are several colors vying for your attention. Who doesn’t adore a neat, tidy aesthetic, too?

A Clawfoot Lounge

Have you always wished your living room or balcony had a cozy clawfoot lounge? In a few simple steps, you can transform an old bathtub into a clawfoot lounge. Shape the tub into a lounger and smooth the jagged edges.

A Clawfoot Lounge

A Clawfoot Lounge

Check that the area around the cuts is free of any rough edges. Paint the tub in a shade that complements the design of the room. To add a rustic touch to the lounge, add designer clawfoot legs. Finally, place some plush pillows and a custom cushion over the couch.

Remove The Rusty Stains

Don’t give up on your house just because you can’t seem to get the rust and mold stains out. It can be cleaned up quickly and easily with a few simple chemicals! A commercial cleaner, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide are all options. Spray hydrogen peroxide on the stained area after combining it with water in a spray bottle.

Remove The Rusty Stains

Remove The Rusty Stains

After letting it sit for 12 to 15 minutes, use a brush or sponge to scrub the area. Dry off the tub after rinsing it with water. Finally, you can remove the stain with a brush or soft cloth. Repeat this several times to remove all the stains and improve the appearance of your tub.

Backyard Firepit

With just a few easy steps, you can quickly transform your old bathtub into a firepit for your backyard. Make sure the material of the tub can withstand higher temperatures safely first. The next step is to choose a spot in your backyard that is far from any trees or other combustible objects.

Backyard Firepit

Backyard Firepit

After that, thoroughly clean your tub and get rid of any dirt or debris that might catch fire. To make the tub look nice, line all four sides with cinder blocks or another suitable material. Finally, start a small fire in your bathtub and take pleasure in the warmth it provides!

Earthy Look

Perhaps going for an earthy look is the best option if you want to switch up the aesthetic. To incorporate this element into the room, some people use rugs that feature natural stones. Choose rugs and add gray-toned airstones to the bathtub for this.

Earthy Look

Earthy Look

You can purchase these items from a utility store. Prior to purchasing the air stones, don’t forget to take measurements. And attach these to the bathtub’s surface using the airstone adhesive. For working on the tub, you’ll also require a hacksaw, putty knife, and caulking gun.

How To Unclog Drains

If you’re like the majority of people, debris like hair, soap scum, and other things are probably clogging up your bathtub drain. But don’t worry; there are a few straightforward methods you can use to unclog your bathtub drain and restore its normal flow. Put a plunger to use first.

How To Unclog Drains

How To Unclog Drains

Work those muscles by covering the overflow opening with the plunger cup! This ought to remove the obstruction and enable the water to resume draining. If a plunger is ineffective, you can try twisting the obstruction with a plumber’s snake to remove it and loosen it.

Turn It Into A Sofa

This is an excellent way to add more seating without spending a lot of money on your home. In addition, recycling an old bathtub is a nice option. First, take the bathtub drain and faucet off. The tub’s side can then be removed to resemble a sofa seat.

Turn It Into A Sofa

Turn It Into A Sofa

Work on the sharp edges next to make sure they are soft. To make it more comfortable, batting or padding can be added if desired. If you don’t want to cover it in upholstery, you could also add a small mattress.

Go For A Rustic Look

To give the bathroom a rustic, elegant feel, use squares of wooden tile around the bathtub. Before beginning to apply the tiles over a wooden board that fits the tub, make sure the area is clean. This will enable plumbing access without detracting from the building’s appearance.

Go For A Rustic Look

Go For A Rustic Look

For a softer appearance and more texture, use smaller tiles. Allow the tiles to dry. Once the tiles are glued, screw the board to the tub area. To make the wood tiles last longer, seal them with a special wood sealer and wax coating.

Squeaky Clean

It’s simple to make a bathtub scrub with baking soda, white vinegar, liquid Castille soap, and lemon essential oil. This is the procedure. Combine the aforementioned materials with a little water to create your mixture. Mix it thoroughly enough so that it maintains its solid state.

Squeaky Clean

Squeaky Clean

To ensure that it continues to be effective, store this cleaning scrub in an airtight container. Every time your bathtub needs a proper scrub, take out a spoonful. The bathroom will smell faintly of lemon after cleaning, giving it a clean, fresh feeling.

Good As New

Nothing compares to a spotlessly clean bathtub. However, getting your tub to sparkle can occasionally be difficult, especially if it’s an older tub and you don’t know how to properly clean it. Ammonia, baking soda, and lemon oil can be applied with a sponge.

Good As New

Good As New

This mixture won’t harm the porcelain and is gentle on it. To clean the tub, combine one-fourth cup of ammonia and baking soda with warm water. The dirt and soap scum will easily dissolve thanks to this. Rinse the tub thoroughly to make it sparkle for days.

Add A Little Art

In order to paint your bathtub using only a tub tile finishing kit, you must complete a few crucial steps. First, check to see that the bathtub’s surface is clear of all dirt, dust, and debris. To remove any accumulated residue, you can use a scrub brush or cleaning solution.

Add A Little Art

Add A Little Art

Next, give the bathtub’s surface a nice coat of primer. You’ll get a smoother finish this way, and the paint will stick to the tub better. Add a coat (or two) of paint in the desired color after the primer has dried. Don’t forget to read the kit’s instructions as well!

Bathtub Cover

One simple solution is to buy a new bathtub curtain if you’re looking for a way to give your bathroom a bit of glitz. You can find curtains in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes to match your personal preferences.

Bathtub Cover

Bathtub Cover

Additionally, they’re a quick and affordable way to update the appearance of your space. Just ensure that you measure your tub before buying curtains for the family bathroom so you can be sure they will fit. Don’t forget to accessorize with some coordinating towels and rugs once your new curtain is up!

A Cleaner Look

White bathroom tile can be painted in a few different ways. Utilizing specialized tile paint or epoxy is one option. The use of regular white paint is an additional choice, but the tiles must first be sealed with a clear sealant before painting.

A Cleaner Look

A Cleaner Look

By doing this, you can stop the dried paint from fading and chipping over time. If you decide to use standard white paint, make sure to test a small portion on the bathroom tile first to ensure that it adheres well and has a pleasing texture.

Covert It To A Birdbath

These easy steps will help you transform an old tub into a chic and useful birdbath for your garden. Locate the location for your water feature in your yard first. Next, set the tub in position. You could attempt to use big stones like this person did.

Covert It To A Birthbath

Covert It To A Birthbath

Add waterproof lights for some extra flair to make it more colorful at night. You can either place it over a creek or install a piping system to have the water recycled back. In this manner, the water will overflow in the same location that it would have done without your decorations.