How to create a spa bathroom at home


25 Ideas to Transform Your Bathroom Into a Spa

Introduction

Here's how to bring the feeling of being at a spa into your own home.

By

Kaitlyn McInnis

Kaitlyn McInnis

Kaitlyn McInnis is a lifestyle expert and writer specializing in global interior design trends and styles which she is able to experience first-hand through her extensive travels. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Homes & Gardens, and Real Homes. Kaitlyn also worked for AskMen.com, where she managed an international team of writers and experts.

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Updated on 01/25/22

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There’s nothing that compares to coming home to relax after a long day of running around—especially when your relaxation routine involves soaking in your tub with a nice drink, some candles, and a spa-inspired album playing softly in the background.

Wondering how to achieve that level of relaxation—even in a small or uninspired bathroom? The key is knowing what, exactly you need to add or remove in order to achieve that coveted spa-like atmosphere.

Whether you’re hoping to turn your bathroom into your own little oasis or you just want to make a couple changes to make it more welcoming, these tricks from home experts will transform your bathroom and make everyday a spa day.

Meet the Expert

How To Create A Spa Like Bathroom - 21 Spa Bathroom Ideas

Bathe in Luxury

1/23

If you have a limited home improvement budget and a modest bathroom, don't despair. There are numerous upgrades you can do to add spa-like features and ambiance to your existing bathroom. Here are 21 ways to create a spa bath at home, without the high cost or inconvenience of construction.

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Create a Rain Shower

2/23

Upgrade your shower experience by swapping out your current shower head for a rain fall version. The nozzle pattern of the KOHLER Forte Katalyst combined with its internal waterway design and air-induction system creates an intense flow of water that mimics relaxing rain showers. Choose from the six finishes to match the rest of your bathroom hardware. Available at The Home Depot; $50.13.

Related: How To: Change a Shower Head

homedepot.com

Look to Natural Materials

3/23

There is nothing more evocative of the spa aesthetic than natural materials, like teak, bamboo and stone. If you love the look of river rock flooring but not the cost, here’s a cheaper solution. This river rock mat is assembled from hand-gathered stones and secured to a strong backing, making it safe to use outside of the shower. Available at Target; $67. 99.

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Enlist a Tub Caddy

4/23

There are few things as relaxing—or spa-indulgent—as a nice, long soak in the tub. This bamboo bath tray makes the soak that much more enjoyable by providing a convenient place to set a book, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine. The extendable caddy has non-slip silicone grips on the handles to keep it in place along with a rustproof metal reading rack to hold your book or tablet. Available on Amazon; $34.90.

Related: The Best Ways to Update a Bathroom for Only $20

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Set Up Surround Sound

5/23

Most spas play soothing music or nature sounds to add to the relaxing ambiance. Whether you enjoy that or prefer karaoke tunes for singing to in the shower you can stream them through Home Netwerks' bluetooth stereo speaker bathroom exhaust fan. The innovative ventilation fan integrates a bluetooth speaker and LED light all in one. You no longer have to keep an old stereo in the bathroom or worry about your phone getting splashed with water to enjoy your favorite playlist. Available at The Home Depot; $99.

homedepot.com

Turn Up the Heat

6/23

Treat yourself to a toasty warm towel after your shower or bath. Place your towels, PJs, robes, blanket, or whatever you desire into the bucket-style towel warmer and set its timer to 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. It'll automatically shut off once ready, and you'll be able to wrap yourself up in the cozy comfort. Available on Amazon; $103.79.

Related: 10 Ways to Warm Up Your Bathroom in Winter

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Invigorate Your Soak

7/23

For just pennies a day you can enjoy the rituals of a spa simply by adding natural salts to your bath. Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Soak adds natural essential oils to its Epsom salt to soothe aches and relieve stress. Pour a couple of cups into your bath to relieve tension, stress, and other pains. Available on Amazon; $22.95 for 2 three-pound bags. 

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Take it Outside

8/23

Take the spa experience to your backyard and freshen up under the sun rays with the Hermitage Freestanding Outdoor Shower. Made from sustainability sourced solid mahogany wood and stainless pipes, it hooks up to your standard garden hose. It's perfect for cooling down after a day of chores. Available on Wayfair; $249.99.

wayfair.com

Find a Shower Companion

9/23

If you have additional space in the shower, you can put it to good use with a simple spa accessory, like this bamboo bath stool. The open slat design prevents soap and water build-up, while the lower shelf offers an organized and convenient spot for shower essentials. Available on Wayfair; $79.99.

Related: 18 Totally Brilliant Bathroom Storage Hacks

wayfair. com

Upgrade Your Seat

10/23

The bidet is a staple in many bathrooms outside of the U.S., and now you can discover why so many prefer it with Tushy. It features a nozzle adjuster and pressure control knob that lets you adjust the self-cleaning nozzle spray angle and water pressure to your liking. It takes just a few minutes to install the bidet attachment to your toilet. Available on Amazon; $99.

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Light Some Candles

11/23

The spa experience is all about creating a mood, one that soothes the senses and promotes well-being. One of the easiest ways to create that mood is with the soft, flickering glow of candlelight. Cluster votives or tealights on the vanity, window ledge or around the tub for a long, stress-relieving soak. And be sure to mix in some varieties that are infused with a relaxing scent like lavender, known to help in countering stress and fostering a sense of calm. Available on Amazon; $6. 09 for a 25 pack of unscented tealights.

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Hide Your Supplies

12/23

Every bathroom needs the staples, like extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies, but that doesn't mean they have to be out on display. Bring in a bathroom cabinet, like this one from Wayfair, for a decorative way to store necessities. This compact cabinet, available in espresso or white, includes an additional shelf behind the door for keeping extra supplies and towels nearby. Available on Wayfair; $75.99.

Related: The 12 Best Buys for Your Tiny Bathroom

wayfair.com

Limit the Light

13/23

The light surrounding your vanity needs to be reasonably bright for daily shaving and beauty regimens, but you don't need the same brightness when soaking in the tub. Replace the lights in your bathroom with GE LED+ Color bulbs. The remote-control operated bulbs have 10 different color settings—two white temperature colors in soft white and daylight, and eight RGB vivid color settings—so you can always set the right mood. Available on Amazon; $16.89.

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Comfort Yourself with Cotton

14/23

A simple upgrade of your bath towels can impart the plush luxuries of a spa experience every time you step out of the tub or shower. Hammam Linen towels, which are used in many hotels, have excellent absorbency and superior loft. Made of 100% Turkish cotton, the large towels get softer and fluffier with each wash. Available on Amazon; $38.99.

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Add Comfort Underfoot

15/23

Replace the traditional bath mat in favor of an area rug or runner, like this one by Ruggable. The floor covering is stain resistant, water repellent, and machine washable, making it a fantastic choice for the bathroom. Available at The Home Depot; $104.78. 

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Bring in Some Plants

16/23

Another easy way to add natural elements to your bathroom? Bring in a few houseplants. Varieties like aloe vera, ferns, and pathos are just a few types of houseplants that thrive in the bathroom, thanks to the high humidity inside the space. On top of that, they act as air purifiers. Place them around the tub, by the toilet, or even inside the shower. Available on Amazon; $29.99 for four-pack clean air collection plants.  

Related: The 10 Best Plants for Your Bathroom

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Try a Little Opulence

17/23

Like the Roman baths of centuries ago, stone continues to add a richness to the modern bath. Retiling a bathroom is a messy and expensive project, but you can change the look of your bathroom with peel-and-stick tiles. MSI's Natural Stone Peel & Stick Mosaic Tile is a mix of soft neutral shades and textures. Use it as a new backsplash behind the sink or wrap it around the base of your tub. Available on Wayfair; $13.26 per square foot.

Related: 9 Ways to Make Your Old Bathroom New Again

wayfair. com

Create a Mood

18/23

Spas don't use basic light fixtures, so why should you? Replace your vanity lighting with a choice that fits the atmosphere you want to create in your bathroom. You can even take it a step further by installing a chandelier, like this mini antique chandelier from The Home Depot. Available on The Home Depot; $144.16.

Related: Bathroom Envy: 15 Jaw-Dropping Rooms We Love

homedepot.com

Throw in Some Bath Bombs

19/23

Bath bombs are packed with oils to moisturize your skin and soothe your senses. Over-the-top bath bombs, like the ones from Lush, are an explosion of colors (and sometimes sparkles) for your bath experience. But fear not if you don't want to take a bath in glitter, Dr. Teal's Replenishing Pink Himalayan Ultra Moisturizing Bath Bombs provides the same replenishing benefits without changing the color of the water. Available at Target; $4. 99.

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Store in Style

20/23

Keep your toiletries on the counter, but display them in attractive glass jars. The Apothecary Glass Storage Bottles by Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia are available in 125 ml, 500 ml, and 1000 ml sizes for fitting all your needs, from cotton swabs to bath salts. Available on Target; $2.99 and up. 

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Choose Chic Accessories

21/23

Replace plastic soap and lotion bottles with glass or ceramic dispensers, like this set from Target. No one will be able to tell the difference if you're using drug store brand soap or a fancy spa one. Available at Target; $19.99 for two. 

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Change the Mirror

22/23

Part of the spa experience is the immaculate decor. Switch the builder-grade wall mirror in your bathroom for a modern one.  This circular mirror is adaptable to different interior styles and is available in four finishes. Available at Target; $59.99.

Related: How To: Remove a Wall Mirror

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Sit Back and Soak

23/23

Finding some rest and relaxation at home isn't that hard. With the right buys, you can turn your ordinary bathroom into an at-home spa. 

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Don't Miss!

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!

SPA at home | ELLE

Beauty Blog

There is not always time to visit the spa. No problem! All the benefits of relaxing rituals are quite available in your own apartment. ELLE is about the intricacies of organizing a home spa.

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To make your spa experience at home enjoyable, not frustrating, start with planning. Imagine yourself as a salon director and think through everything - from choosing the right moment for beauty sessions to working out the details.

1. State your goals. Before going to the spa, we usually know what we want and choose a relaxing or invigorating ritual. Think about what you would like to get from a spa at home: cheer up or get rid of insomnia, forget about problems or recharge your batteries for the week ahead. Based on the goal, choose procedures, menus, aromas.

2. Treat yourself to a whole day. Make sure that nothing and no one will disturb you from morning to evening (ideally until the next morning). To begin with, send the children to their grandmother, and the husband to friends. Now gather your will into a fist, turn off your smartphone and tablet (for a few hours on the open spaces of facebook (an extremist organization banned in Russia) and instagram (an extremist organization banned in Russia) there will be no cardinal changes, honestly).

3. Take care of the details. When you think of the perfect spa, you immediately imagine a cozy bathrobe and soft slippers, relaxing music, candles and, of course, all kinds of body products. Let your home have a special spa set just for such special days, so that there are no associations with everyday rush. Buy some scented candles, bath salts and bubbles, body lotion, a nature sound CD, and a fresh bath towel. Aesthetes can use rose petals.

4. Make a detox menu. On weekends, I feel like buying a bucket of ice cream at the nearest supermarket, pushing my conscience into the background and eating it with the words “Finally, it’s all mine.” For a spa day, this plan is no good. Think over the detox menu in advance and buy only healthy products. For example, for breakfast you can eat scrambled eggs, natural yogurt and berries. For lunch - pumpkin cream soup and chicken breast with quinoa. And have dinner with strawberries and a glass of wine (yes, in some spa centers they treat you not only with mineral water). If you don't feel like spending the weekend at the stove, prepare most of the meals ahead of time.

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Alone at home

Finally you are left alone. One of the simplest and most enjoyable spa treatments at home is a bath. Adjust the water temperature (the most comfortable is 37 degrees). Instead of a thermometer, use your elbow.

Beauty products and pleasant music will come in handy in the bathroom. It is easier to relax in the twilight, and it is not for nothing that the spa rooms are always subdued. Therefore, light candles or an aroma lamp. Essential oils of citrus fruits are considered champions in vigor, lavender, vanilla and rosemary have an anti-stress effect.

Can't imagine relaxation without sauna or hammam? No problem. Just turn on hot water for ten minutes in advance and close the bathroom door tightly. When everything inside is covered with steam, apply a few drops of essential oil or aromatic spray to a terry face towel. Immerse yourself in water, place a towel over your face, and take a deep breath. Soak for no more than 20 minutes. Otherwise, lethargy will appear, and the level of moisture in the skin will decrease. To cheer up, in the finale, take a contrast shower.

When you are done with water procedures, don't rush to return to your routine. A rare guest runs away from the spa right after the session. Meditation, a glass of wine, a glass of fresh juice or a cup of green tea, an interesting book or just silence and doing nothing (gadgets are still out of reach) - that's what you need now. Finally, congratulate yourself on a successful spa day and promise to repeat it once a week.

Home Spa Essentials

Home spa is usually associated with an oatmeal honey mask and homemade sugar scrub. There is no point in wasting time on blanks - beauty manufacturers have already taken care of everything.

"Divine" candle by Caudalie

This candle is full of grapefruit and violet leaves, orange blossom and rose, jasmine and cedar, vanilla and white musk. Or in another way: sensuality and tenderness, astringency and sweetness, solar heat and light. Caudalie fans will easily recognize the floral-woody composition of the "Divine" oil, which this time is hidden not in a bottle, but in a glass candlestick with a lid made of certified eco-wood oak. Light the fuse with or without.

Camay Strawberry Cream Body Wash and Body Lotion

You can never have too many desserts if you buy them not in a candy store, but in a cosmetics store. The "Strawberry with Cream" collection is one of those. The perfect duet of juicy berries and airy cream will give you a recognizable, but unobtrusive summer flavor and zero calories. Clouds of foamy shower gel will turn your everyday bath into a real pleasure, while nourishing lotion will leave your skin soft and smooth.

Ligne St Barth 9 Body Lotion0037

Ligne St Barth Vanilla Body Lotion is used by many reputable spas for its intoxicating, thick scent of a rare variety of Bourbon vanilla. At the same time, in the performance of an eco-brand from the Caribbean islands, vanilla does not sound corny - a sweet sensual smell is revealed delicately, like a good perfume. In addition, the lotion gives the skin a delicate shimmer and ingeniously moisturizes due to the formula with virgin avocado oil. This miracle product will turn even a home ritual of self-care into a real sensual pleasure.

Mother Care It's Your Body Bath Milk

This bath milk contains two precious oils. Rich in vitamins E and F, sweet almond oil is beneficial for all skin types and conditions, and—mothers-to-be—take note—it’s especially effective at preventing stretch marks. Lavender oil is known for its relaxing effect. To prepare a bath, pour the product under running water to get a lush foam.

L’Occitane Aromatic Relaxing Spray & Relaxing Bath Salt Aromacology

These are not daily essentials, but the range of a home spa would be incomplete without them. By adding crystal salt from the Camargue to your bath, you fill your life with moments of tranquility and enjoyment. They are provided by essential oils of lavender, geranium and citrus. And by spraying the same delicate fragrance on the linens and pillows in the bedroom, you will create ideal conditions for a long sound sleep.

Chanel Coco Noir Perfumed Body Cream

Favorite color is black. The iconic city is Venice. These symbols of Coco Chanel are embodied in Coco Noir, with notes of Grasse-grown jasmine, May rose and rose geranium leaves, bergamot, grapefruit, patchouli, Bourbon vanilla, New Caledonian sandalwood and dipteryx tree. The same luxurious veil will cover the skin with Coco Noir body cream, making it not only fragrant, but also smooth.

Kuzmicheva Irina

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How to quickly and inexpensively arrange a SPA at home in your own bathroom

In the summer you really want to run to the bathroom as soon as possible and dive into the water. Well, just to wash off the dust and sweat, and at the same time to soak up and feel like a man. By the way, at the same time you can arrange a real home spa!

Oh, this warm water with lots of foam, where the body rests and the soul rejoices! The only thing that is slightly limited in this pleasure is that you should not take a bath every day, because staying in hot water washes away the lipid-fat layer from the surface of the skin, thereby weakening local immunity and opening up access for bacteria to the body.

Temperature matters!

Cool baths

Cool water perfectly tones, improves metabolism and even strengthens the cardiovascular system. The process should be quick (five minutes at a water temperature of +28-33˚С) — dipped, refreshed, rubbed with a towel.

Warm baths

This is, of course, the most pleasant and safe method. In water +35−38˚С you can lie down for up to 25 minutes. The process will relax you, relieve stress and muscle tension, normalize blood circulation and even relieve insomnia. It is these baths that are recommended for anyone who often catches a cold, suffers from skin diseases or disorders of the nervous system.

Hot tubs

This is a bit more complicated. If you complain of high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, or even just tired, you should not do this - according to doctors, a hot bath affects us even more than a bath. It is customary to refer to hot baths, the temperature of which exceeds + 40 ° C. The maximum time spent in it is 10 minutes, and not a minute more, keep in mind!

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So, start your treatment with a warm bath (+37-38˚С). After two minutes, when the body is ready, we gradually increase the temperature of the water, bringing it to +41-43˚С. Warm up for 3-5 minutes, and then get out of the water, dry yourself thoroughly, and, you won’t believe it, under the covers! If everything is done correctly, you will sweat profusely over the next hour - this will remove all toxins and excess fluid from the body, and your metabolism will improve.

Something with something - what to add and how

Cleopatra's Bath

This is nothing but a milk bath that is easy to reproduce at home. Take powdered milk or 1 liter of regular milk. Dissolve it in warm water. Take a bath for 15-20 minutes. Lactic acid gives a light peeling effect, after which the skin becomes soft and acquires a beautiful, even, healthy color. Additionally, you can add salt or foam. Make sure that they do not contain impurities and chemical dyes, then the effect will be great.

Salt baths

Salts significantly increase the effectiveness of the entire procedure - they enhance metabolic processes to a greater extent, improve blood circulation, and make the skin smooth and elastic. Sea and ocean salts are the most popular - they saturate the skin with a mass of useful trace elements, and due to the content of "seafood" they can even be used in body shaping programs.

Flavored colored salt is a salt with the addition of natural essential oils, honey and glycerin, which perfectly softens the skin, making it soft and supple. Additives of this type are an absolute plus, because with them an ordinary bath turns into a real SPA ritual.

Choose salt according to your skin's needs. Examine the packaging - it should indicate which useful substances are included in this particular product.

Herbs

Even our grandmothers loved to take a bath with herbs, because various plant extracts have the most positive effect on the skin, and on the body as a whole, relieving fatigue, tension and stress.

Turpentine for Beauty

There are white and yellow turpentine baths prepared respectively from different solutions. According to the rules, they should be alternated - this strengthens blood vessels and increases the overall tone of the body. prepared, respectively, from various solutions.

The whole procedure lasts no more than 15 minutes. During the bath, a characteristic burning sensation may appear on the skin, but there is nothing terrible or too painful here - the epidermis will gradually get used to it and will react less sharply each time. To see the result - healthy skin and healthy joints - you will need to do at least 10-12 procedures. During the bath, a characteristic burning sensation may appear on the skin, but there is nothing terrible or too painful here - the epidermis will gradually get used to it and will react less sharply each time. To see the result - healthy skin and healthy joints - you will need to do at least 10-12 procedures.

The method itself is very simple: buy a special turpentine solution for baths in a pharmacy and add about 100 ml of emulsion to water heated to a temperature of +36-37°C. After 5-7 minutes of being in such a bath, the temperature can be raised to + 39-40 ° C. buy a special turpentine solution for baths in a pharmacy and add about 100 ml of emulsion to water heated to a temperature of + 36-37 ° C. After 5-7 minutes of being in such a bath, the temperature can be raised to + 39-40 ° C.

Simple recipes

In order to prepare a healthy bath for yourself, it is not at all necessary to use expensive products. Various products that you probably have on hand can also be beauty bath ingredients.

Ginseng bath

Fill the bath with warm water, dip 3 bags of ginseng tea into it and dissolve 3 tbsp. spoons of honey. Before diving into the water, to enhance the effect, cosmetologists advise doing a little self-massage in front of a mirror - apply honey on your palms and pat on problem areas. It takes 5 minutes to take a ginseng bath. Thanks to the active herbal ingredients contained in ginseng, after such a bath, the skin becomes smooth as silk.

Vinegar bath

In warm water (+36-38°C), add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and a capful of shampoo to create bubbles. You should not take such a bath for more than 10 minutes. Vinegar bath provides a wonderful lifting effect that lasts about 12 hours. Thanks to malic acid, the water in the bathroom acquires an unusual texture - it seems to be covered with a crispy crust. A similar microfilm forms on the skin, and it tightens. True, only those who do not have skin lesions and a predisposition to dermatitis can experiment with vinegar.

Honey bath

Dissolve 200 g of honey in warm water. Then dive into the water and relax for about 10-15 minutes. When sweating starts, stay in the bath for another 3-4 minutes, then get up, rinse your body with cool water and, without drying yourself, wrap yourself in a sheet, then lie down in bed. It is advisable to take such a bath 2 times a week.

Another option for a honey bath: dissolve a glass of honey in 1 liter of warm milk, add 1 tbsp. mix a spoonful of oil, for example, pink, and pour it into the bath. This bath perfectly tones and smoothes the skin.

Rose Petals

Lather under running water, then add 1 cup dried rose petals or a few drops of floral perfume to the bath. Such a bath is the perfect way to relax and tune in to a romantic mood. We advise you to inhale the sensual aroma of a rose for no more than 15 minutes, otherwise you may fall asleep.

Ginger bath

If you have symptoms of a cold (runny nose and itchy throat), treat yourself to a session of Chinese medicine. Dissolve 2.5 tbsp. spoons of echinacea tincture in 0.5 l of water and pour into the bath. Add 1.5 pcs. grated ginger fruit and orange slices. Prepare a glass of black tea, add 0.5 tbsp. spoons of echinacea tincture, honey and a piece of ginger. Drink this health cocktail while taking a bath to enhance the healing effect. Just 10 minutes of such a bath is enough to increase the body's resistance to viruses.

Wine bath

Add 1 liter of dry red wine and 150 g of honey to warm water and soak in the bath for half an hour. A bath with red wine improves blood circulation, relieves nervous tension, and improves immunity.

Chamomile bath

Ideal for those who need relaxation.


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