5 Genius Ways to Make Old Bathroom Countertops Look Brand New

Dreaming of stylish countertops without the renovation bill? Whether you’re in full makeover mode or just looking to glam things up a bit, it’s completely possible to upgrade your bathroom countertops without blowing your budget. From clever paint techniques to budget-friendly DIY hacks, we’ve rounded up the best tips from interior designers to help you update your bathroom countertops without breaking the bank.

Keep reading for simple tricks that will have your old vanity looking brand new (and more expensive!) in no time.

 DIY Concrete

If you’re looking for a modern vanity without the modern price tag, a concrete overlay might be just the ticket, Tasha Arguso, founder of the DIY site, Kaleidoscope Living, says. With no heavy lifting or complicated molds, a concrete overlay is an affordable and low-lift way to give your bathroom countertop a stylish upgrade, usually for under $50.

“The bathrooms in our old house were full of cultured marble countertops with integral sinks that were quite popular in the early 80s,” Arguso says. “It was not in our budget to replace the vanity top in the powder room, so I had to get creative.”

Arguso took a risk and decided to attempt a DIY concrete overlay method to create a ‘faux’ concrete sink and vanity top for our powder room vanity, which beautifully worked out.

To follow in Arguso’s footsteps. start by grabbing a concrete mix like Ardex or Henry’s Feather Finish. You’ll then lightly sand your existing countertop and begin applying the concrete in thin layers, sanding between coats until it’s smooth. Finish it off with a sealer to protect against moisture and stains, and voilà! A fresh, durable surface that reads modern and minimalist.

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Painting

Forget taking a sledgehammer to problematic countertops—just grab a paintbrush instead. With a brush and a product like Rust-Oleum’s Tub & Tile kit, it’s possible to turn tired laminate into something that looks designer-grade on a dime.

The process is straightforward: just remove any old caulk and hardware, give the surface a good clean, and sand it lightly so the paint sticks better. (Any leftover grime or soap scum can prevent the coating from adhering properly.) Next, apply the epoxy paint with a foam roller and brush, making sure to ventilate the space well.

Once fully cured, you’ll be left with a sleek, high-end look that holds up beautifully for two to three years,

Faux Marble Painting

For a more luxurious finish, channel your inner artist and recreate the timeless beauty of Carrara marble using paint.

Diane Henkler, founder of In My Own Style, explains that the process starts by cleaning your countertop.

“This is truly the most important step of the entire process,” Henkler says. “You need to create a super clean surface for the primer to adhere.”

Then, lightly sand it and apply a bonding primer. Next, paint on a soft white or light gray base coat.

Once that’s dry, grab a marble painting kit or a small brush and start adding dark gray or black veins, mimicking the natural marble pattern. Use a damp sponge to soften the veins and create depth. Helpful hint: layering different shades of veining creates more realism. Finish it off with a clear epoxy topcoat to seal and protect your work.

Add in some brass or nickel hardware, and you’ve got a finish that reads luxury—even if your budget says otherwise.

Contact Paper

If painting isn’t your forte, contact paper is the ultimate magic trick. It disguises your old vanity with zero artistic skills required—and as a bonus, it comes with no damage to your rental deposit.

For around $10–$20 a roll, contact paper can give your countertop a whole new look—think faux marble, granite, or even bold patterns.

Simply clean and dry the surface thoroughly, then carefully apply the contact paper, smoothing out bubbles as you go. Trim the edges with a craft knife or Exacto knife for a clean finish. Around tricky sink areas, cutting fringe strips helps you more accurately cut into tight areas with precision.

Extend the life of your contact paper by applying a clear topcoat and running waterproof caulk around the edges to keep moisture out.

Butcher Block

If your style leans more relaxed or farmhouse-inspired, butcher block can be a surprisingly smart pick for the bathroom—it’s warm, durable, and looks way pricier than it is.

Another reason to love it? It’s low effort. Snag a precut piece from IKEA or have one custom-cut at your local hardware store, and you’ve got an easy DIY win.

Here’s the quick rundown: measure your vanity, grab a butcher block panel, sand and seal it to protect against water, then glue or screw it down. Don’t forget to seal the edges with caulk to keep moisture out. With most options falling between $50 and $200, butcher block is an affordable alternative to pricier materials without sacrificing style.