A tiny yellow bathroom — and I’m talking about the “after”! Take a look at the cheerful, compact makeover.
I’ve been sharing progress on Instagram stories for a few months about the back house bathroom project. It was a small space I’d been eager to tackle, and now it’s finished — bright, sunny, and a little outside my usual aesthetic, which made it extra fun.
Below are before photos, the full reveal, and a breakdown of the renter-friendly updates that transformed this tiny bathroom.
First, here are the before photos so you can see the starting point.
The Tiny Yellow Bathroom Makeover
Making a rental feel like home is important to me. Even when major elements like tile, vanity, or plumbing can’t be changed, there are many temporary upgrades that give a space personality and warmth without permanent alterations.
The original finishes were perfectly functional, but not my style. I removed a few easily detachable items — the mirror and towel bars — with a drill and a little elbow grease. I left the holes unpatched so everything can be returned to its original state when the wallpaper comes down.
Here’s everything I added to make this tiny bathroom feel welcoming and finished.
Removable Wallpaper
The removable wallpaper is the centerpiece of the transformation. I used a bold striped print in yellow that instantly lifted the room’s mood and changed the visual scale of the space. Removable wallpaper is ideal for rentals because it’s high-impact but temporary.
For this project I used a sustainably made paper produced in the USA. Panel overlap made aligning the pattern straightforward: line up the print and trim or overlap as needed. Hanging removable wallpaper is approachable as a DIY, and it’s a cost-effective way to add color and pattern to a small bathroom.
With a bold print, I aimed to distract from features I didn’t love as much, like the builder-grade tile and vanity, while introducing a lively, personal touch to the room.
DIY Chair Rail / Wood Trim
There was an existing decorative trim running along the top of the tile that contrasted awkwardly with the tile color. To integrate it with the wallpaper, I extended the paper over the trim, then added a simple wood corner molding to give the finish a cleaner, intentional look.
I cut the molding to size and attached it with double-sided tape for a temporary, damage-free solution. For a more permanent option, you could use adhesive or finish nails, but the tape kept this makeover renter-friendly.
DIY Floating Shelf
I installed a floating maple shelf for display and storage. Using leftover L-brackets and a pre-cut maple board made the build quick. The brackets were anchored into the wall, covered with matching wallpaper scraps to hide the hardware, and the plank was screwed in from underneath. The shelf adds warmth and functionality without heavy remodeling.
Mirror
A compact black-framed mirror fits the narrow wall space. I chose an economical option that was small enough for this unique width and simple to hang. A smaller mirror keeps proportions balanced in a tight bathroom and complements the black hardware and accents used elsewhere.
Lighting
I reused an existing decorative fixture to bring visual balance above the mirror. Instead of hardwiring it, I mounted the light housing on nails and fitted bulbs purely for aesthetic effect. The bathroom already has overhead lighting, so this approach achieved the look without electrical work — and the fixture can be removed easily when we move.
Artwork
Artwork is essential to making rooms feel complete. I hung a small piece above the shelf to preserve surface space and a larger framed piece on the adjacent wall to scale with the room. One artwork is a long-owned find from college; the other is a framed DIY piece that adds a playful graphic element to the space.
Rug
Instead of a bathmat, I used a 2×3 flatweave rug that introduces pattern and ties into the palette. Because this shower is rarely used, a decorative rug is a practical option here. The flatweave texture is easy to maintain and pairs well with the other textiles in the room.
Planters and Vases
Plants, dried palms, and a few ceramic vessels add life and texture. A leather vase (DIY) provides a tactile contrast, while simple planters introduce natural tones. Greenery and organic materials brighten small bathrooms and make them feel curated and lived-in.
Bath Towels
Towels double as decor in a small bathroom. Crisp white towels in consistent textures create a tidy, spa-like look when hung on hooks or folded on a shelf. Lighter-weight towels are easier to style and store in compact spaces, while still being soft and absorbent.
Note: Towels and textiles are both functional and a quick way to refine the room’s color story.
That’s the gist of this little yellow bathroom makeover. Small, temporary updates — removable wallpaper, a few DIY trims, a floating shelf, new mirror and artwork, a decorative rug, and thoughtful accessories — turned a basic rental bathroom into a bright, personal space without permanent changes.
Bathroom Sources
Wallpaper // Mirror // Lighting // Shelf (DIY) // White stacked planter // Ceramic brushstroke planter (no longer available) // Leather vase (DIY) // Super Duper artwork (DIY) // Small abstract painting // Candle // Looped basket (DIY) // Towels // Flatweave rug