Small changes in a bathroom can add up to big results. A well-planned facelift will not only bring a fresh, updated look, it also can make a small bath look and feel more spacious. Facelifts normally involve changing paint, wallpaper, countertops, light fixtures, and accessories. They also can help solve spatial problems. Using space better and making minor adjustments to doors, accessories, and cabinets can improve the way the bathroom functions.

Take a moment to consider what kinds of problems you experience when using the bathroom in question. Just correcting what bothers you can make a big difference and doesn’t always require major changes. For example, if the bathroom door bumps into fixtures or blocks cabinets, you might try changing the direction in which the door swings. If you need to keep costs down, don’t relocate fixtures, especially the toilet. Sometimes pointing the toilet in a different direction (which can be done without changing any plumbing) can give you more maneuvering room. Or, angle the vanity into a corner. If there’s a severe space shortage, install a smaller vanity—or a pedestal sink—and a lower-profile toilet.

Resurfacing an old tub can go a long way toward brightening a tired bathroom. A new coat of epoxy paint can cover up an unsightly color or chipped finish without the mess and expense of replacing the whole fixture. It’s a job for professionals but can be done without moving the tub.

When you do a bathroom facelift, reevaluate your bath’s storage potential. If the room is more than 5 feet wide, you may have room to add a cabinet or shelves at the foot of the tub. Shelves above the toilet or on the back of the entry door also add storage.