modern bathtub

Being unsatisfied with the look of your tub is something that’s hard to escape—you walk into your bathroom several times a day, and avoiding your unsightly tub isn’t usually an option.

So what can you do to improve the look of your bathtub and make it pleasing to see and use? What options do you have for making that space look better, through DIY means or bathroom remodeling? Below, we review some popular options for revamping your bathtub and giving it some much-needed pizzazz.

(1) Reface the side of the bathtub with decorative elements

There’s no better way to hide a hideous tub than to cover it with something more attractive. Using bead board and some creative molding, you can create a more soothing appearance and hide outdated colors and styles. Those who are handy can easily handle this project themselves, as only basic materials and tools are needed.

(2) Paint the exterior of your claw-foot tub

If you like the shape of your classic claw-foot tub but can’t bear the color, there’s an easy fix: Simply paint the exterior of your tub. Aside from simply adding a solid color, you can paint designs that complement the room’s décor. Stencils can help you create a professional, uniform look. Just be sure to use semi-gloss or gloss paint, which is easier to clean than matte paint.

(3) Replace old caulk and reseal your tub

If it’s not the tub itself that’s truly bothersome, but the moldy, brittle caulk around it, it might be time for a new caulk session. Your local hardware store will have products you can use to re-caulk and reseal your tub, but you’ll want to spend some time removing the old caulk and ensuring it’s completely gone before you apply the new. When you finish, your bathtub will be bordered by immaculate white caulk that will lend a clean look to your tub, making it look new (even if it’s not!).

(4) Put new tiling around your tub

Here’s another solution for improving the look of your bathtub without actually replacing the tub itself. By replacing the tile around your tub, you can choose updated colors that work well with your bathtub, hopefully drawing attention away from it.

(5) Invest in a high-quality bathtub resurfacing

One of the most popular (and most affordable!) bathroom remodeling services, resurfacing your tub is like giving it a luxurious manicure. Today’s high-quality acrylics come in a variety of colors, and they make for high-gloss surfaces that are easy to clean. Plus, they cover up cracks and chips. It’s almost like getting a brand-new tub, but without the expense.

(6) Get a professionally installed bathtub liner

When you opt for a professionally installed bathtub liner, you never have to see your old, ugly bathtub again. That’s because a bathtub liner is installed right over the top of your old tub—out of sight, out of mind! High-quality bathtub liners are made from top-of-the-line acrylics, ensuring they won’t chip, scratch, or crack. And there’s tons of variety available in terms of finishes and patterns, so you can let your creative side go wild.

Keep in mind that sometimes your old bathtub simply needs to go. If you’re considering bathroom remodeling projects to replace your tub, know that you have many options that can allow increased functionality and accessibility in addition to greater appeal. For example, walk-in tubs blend the ease and convenience of showering with the luxury of soaking. They make use of a door that allows for low-barrier entry, and they feature a tall basin for soothing deep soaks and hydrotherapy benefits.

Whether you need bathtub liners, bathtub resurfacing, or a major upgrade to a walk-in tub, count on the bathroom remodeling experts at Luxury Bath of Raleigh, a locally owned and operated company since 1988. Call today or fill out the online form for a free quote!