The Update Your Alcove Bath Needs For That High-End Bathroom Look

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Your bathroom should be a haven of peace in your home, since part of the time you spend in there is relaxing, and when it isn't, you wish it were. The most relaxing area should center on your tub — an area of the bathroom where you can achieve a spa-like vibe without spending a ton of money. If you have an alcove bath, you know they can be pretty dull. They are defined as tubs that sit against three walls, leaving only one side for entry. When that one side is nothing but a look at your boring old tub, it can come off as cheap and not so fancy. While you can, potentially, add a little bit of charm around the tub, with art on the walls, or plants in the corners, that humdrum tub view isn't going to put a smile on your face. You can elevate your alcove tub from boring to high-end with a touch of luxury by adding a bathtub apron. Alcove tubs may be a timeless, classic design, but when there's nothing to make the space pop, it's time to make an upgrade.

If you're unfamiliar with tub aprons, sometimes referred to as skirts, they are paneled covers that hide the front of your tub. It allows you to change up the look of your tub and your entire bathroom. This may even be one of those upgrades that will make your home look more appealing to buyers. You can buy these aprons, or you can even DIY your own.

While you could replace the entire tub, if you've decided an alcove bathtub is not right for you, why not first try to improve your alcove tub's look with something cost-effective? You'll need to know your tub size so you can get a skirt or other materials in the right size for your bath. "Typically, alcove bathtubs come in three sizes: 60, 66, and 72 inches," master kitchen and bath designer Alena Capra told House Beautiful. Once you know the length of the side you need to cover, you can shop online or in-store at a bath supply shop for a pre-made apron, but prices range from $150 and up. It depends on the material and style you're looking for.

You could also add wood paneling around your tub, gluing it with industrial-grade adhesive for such projects (make sure it's waterproof) as a base for your own tub skirt. Once you have this canvas set in place, you can use bathroom tiles to create a unique bathtub apron. You could also add a plain wood slab, but adorn it with trim in a wainscoted or beadboard style, mimicking some of the premade skirts you can purchase. Still, this could end up much cheaper since you're the one doing the manual labor to create the finished product. You can also buy predesigned tub paneling from Home Depot for as little as 53 cents per foot. Then, ensure it's the proper size before gluing it in place. Whatever you choose, these adornments are sure to transform the look of your alcove tub.