The Biggest Bathroom Reno Regrets from Readers Cause Them So Much Stress
If you’ve ever thought about remodeling your bathroom, you probably know just how many choices there are to be made. There’s the major stuff, like the layout; then, there’s the big items, like toilets, sinks, tubs, and other fixtures; then, there’s the storage, and the finishes, and the tile, and the colors… the list is a doozy. Presented with that many options, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
One way to plan your own bathroom remodel, though, is to hear what other people learned from their own. Namely: what they wish they’d done differently. Apartment Therapy put out a call on Instagram asking readers to submit their biggest regrets when it came to their bathroom remodels, and got some smart responses from those generous enough to share their mistakes. Whether you’re planning a bathroom upgrade soon or you’re just dreaming about a future possibility, you’ll want to read what they have to say.
Using Penny Tile
When reader Emily remodeled her full bathroom, she opted for penny tile in the shower. But that, she says, was a mistake. “More grout [means] more to clean,” she says.
Another reader, Erin, noted something similar. She used penny tile on the floor and two of the shower walls in her bathroom remodel, and she says she loves the look — but she wishes she’d chosen a darker color for the grout. “The very light gray grout on the floor gets dirty very easily and darkens in color compared to the walls,” Erin says. “Penny tiles require a lot of grout, so it’s very noticeable.”
If you love the look of penny tile, like Erin does, keep her advice in mind and choose a darker grout to go with it. (And make sure you know how to clean your grout, too.)
Installing a Clawfoot Tub
Reader Kimberlee’s regret is also related to keeping her bathroom clean — or rather, not being able to. “We installed a gorgeous clawfoot tub, but cannot reach under or behind it to properly clean the floor,” she says.
If you’re considering a clawfoot tub in your own bathroom, keep the cleaning part in mind while you figure out placement.
Opting for a Pedestal Sink
Another common refrain in reader responses? Not enough storage. In reader Li’s case, that was due to opting for a pedestal sink instead of a vanity. “I wish I hadn’t purchased a pedestal sink,” Li says. “While it is more aesthetically pleasing, I never have enough room for my bathroom essentials. I need the real estate back for storage and decor.”
If you find yourself in the same position as Li, consider adding under-sink shelves to gain a little storage back.
Using White Tile on the Floor
Some colors are more forgiving than others — and in a bathroom, white is the least forgiving of all. That might be something you love, since it gives you an obvious heads-up that it’s time for cleaning, but reader Neda says it’s a major regret.
Neda used white herringbone tile on the floors throughout their bathroom, including in the shower pan. What they discovered is that “white is a horrible flooring choice and you can see every hair and piece of dirt.”
If you know spotting stray hairs will bother you, opt for something other than bright white.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
