How to design a spa bathroom
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.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 01/25/22
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
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
- Mona Ying Reeves is Founder/Designer of Re:modern, an interior design company.
- Andre Kazimierski is CEO of Improovy, a home services website.
- Karen Lee is the Founder of Things Around the House, a website reviewing home products.
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01 of 25
Bring in a Bathtub Caddy
A Beautiful Mess
If you currently have a bathtub sans caddy, you’re missing out on some serious spa vibes.
This simple addition makes a big impression and it comes in a variety of styles—from reclaimed wood to lucite—so you’ll have no trouble finding one to suit your style sensibility. -
02 of 25
Make Magic With Shelving
Jay Adores
Shelving is a small space dweller’s best friend, especially when it comes to the organizational challenge that is a small bathroom. Install a few tiers of open-shelving on your walls, add a few baskets for towels, fancy soaps, and a decorative accent or two and voila! Instant spa retreat.
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03 of 25
Add Some Artwork
Marcus Design
Just as artwork makes a living room or bedroom design more dynamic, it does the same for a bathroom. Integrating a large print or a gallery wall will add a dimensional layer of intrigue to your design while making it appear more complete and welcoming.
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04 of 25
Go for All-White
@celine_ord
“Creating a spa-like experience starts with the color scheme,” says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy.
“Spas are meant to exude cleanliness, brightness and purity, so it’s best to go white.” Paint your walls white or a warm off-white, and choose tiles and cabinets that are a similar white. Even your towels should be white! -
05 of 25
Dispose of Old Dispensers
Sire Design
If you pour your soaps, shampoos, lotions, and potions into their own set of cohesive dispensers, you’ll be amazed by just how much it transforms your look. This trick packs a major design punch and is a breeze to execute.
The 15 Best Places to Buy Bathroom Accessories in 2023
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06 of 25
Add Gold Accents
@gatheringwool.home
For a luxurious feel, Kazimierski suggests trying to incorporate gold accents throughout the bathroom—cabinet handles, soap dispenser, mirror frame, towel rack, etc. This will add a touch of sophistication and luxury without giving off Hollywood Regency vibes.
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07 of 25
Invest in Fancy Towels
Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photographer by Tessa Neustadt
If you’re working with a small bathroom, then chances are your towels are always visible, which essentially makes them built-in decor whether you like it or not.
That’s why investing in at least one pair of nice-looking towels can upgrade your space tenfold, ensuring they look intentional rather than messy. The 14 Best Bath Towels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Us
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08 of 25
Consider Adding Some Plants
@celine_ord
Most spas typically have an inherently earthy/natural feel—so add some plants! A hanging plant near a window can really elevate the space but if you don’t have a window in your bathroom you could opt for a spider plant or a Boston fern (both of which thrive in low light settings).
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09 of 25
Consider Candles
Brexton Cole Interiors
Don’t overlook the power of lighting when creating a relaxing ambiance in your home spa! Candles will immediately enhance the mood, allowing you to destress after a long day.
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10 of 25
Reduce Visual Clutter
@rarchitecture_melbourne
Bathrooms, especially small and modest-sized ones, can get cluttered with everyday products.
“Create the illusion of a spacious sanctuary by corralling products behind doors and bins,” suggests Mona Ying Reeves, Founder/Designer of Re:modern. “Look for containers with a clean and simple design, and opt for materials with integrity such as glass, wood, or stone.” -
11 of 25
Add a Light Dimmer
@arleybateca
If you don’t have any scented candles or prefer a scent-free bathroom, try dimming the lights to make the space feel more relaxing. You can swap out your regular light bulbs for a lower wattage or install a dimmer to adjust the lighting as needed.
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12 of 25
Transform With Towel Storage
Sarah Shermansamuel
A wooden ladder in lieu of a traditional towel bar (or in addition to one) will immediately warm up your look while providing a proper place for you to showcase the fancy towels we’re about to discuss. They also add an inviting organic touch that only elements from nature can bring.
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13 of 25
Cue a Ritual
@punttim
“Move past the utilitarian nature of your bathroom, by incorporating small cues that help transition your mindset in the space,” suggests Ying Reeves.
“Swap mismatched old towels for plush ones that remind you of your favorite hotel.” -
14 of 25
Try Neutral Tones
@celine_ord
Decorate your bathroom in soft creams, greys or shades of beige for it to feel clean and calm. Consider layering various shades of the same tone throughout the room to give a cohesive look to the space. You can also add rich wood tones to give your space a bold look without too many bright and exciting colours which is perfect for relaxing.
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15 of 25
Clean Your Bathroom Frequently
@gatheringwool.home
Although this may seem counterintuitive, a clean tub makes the relaxation session all that more enjoyable. “A weekly clean makes it easier to jump in the tub at any time and not worry about any grime that may be lurking,” says Karen Lee, Founder of Things Around the House.
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16 of 25
Warm Up Your Floors
The Socialite Family
Rugs do more than keep your bare feet comfortable; they bring an additional layer of sophisticated luxury to a design.
And bathroom rugs, in particular, are getting a trendy makeover, featuring unexpected by oh-so-stunning styles like this. Try a kilim rug in lieu of a traditional bath mat for a fresh dose of sophistication. -
17 of 25
Don’t Overlook Aromatherapy
@tspoonphoto
“Smell is a very important part of feeling internally calm,” says Lee. “Using essential oils in a heated towel or opting for a full aromatherapy diffuser can help make the experience more spa-like.”
The 7 Best Essential Oil Diffusers of 2023
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18 of 25
Use Natural Wood
@celine_ord
Natural elements and materials will create a feeling of warmth in the space and may also dampen the sound, which will further help to foster a sense of serenity and calm. Look for high quality wood that is impervious to moisture so that you don't have to worry about the steam or humidity damaging your space. Teak, cedar, and hinoki are all beautiful and durable options.
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19 of 25
Install Speakers
@cottonbro
Add speakers to your bathroom to create a surround sound experience. This is perfect for playing zen music or sounds of nature while you relax. Make sure to look for a speaker that is totally safe to install in a humid location. Most Bluetooth speakers are water resistant and even come in more muted, natural looking tones that won't look out of place in your serene space.
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20 of 25
Consider Soft Blues and Greens
@sam_yink
The key to a spa-like bathroom involves creating the right ambience—and calming colorways are the easiest way to get it right. Consider using soft blue and green accents if you don’t want to stick to basic neutrals; they are calming and soothing but still add visual interest to the space.
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21 of 25
Hide Away the Essentials
@karolina-grabowska
Nothing ruins the spa effect like toiletries and toilet roll being on display.
Consider investing in some closed off storage to hide away anything that isn't aesthetically pleasing. Then, curate open shelves with art, candles, and other decorative items that will help you get into a zen headspace. -
22 of 25
Have Amenities at the Ready
@essex_home_2020
The best part about heading to the spa—well, aside from the laundry list of relaxation treatments and massages!—is the abundance of high-end products on display. Having your own selection of amenities on display is an easy way to foster the feeling of a high end spa or hotel in an instant.
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23 of 25
Add Flowing Curtains
@paseidon72
Create a sense of gentle movement and flow by adding a light, sheer curtain to your bathroom window. Don’t have a window in your bathroom? Consider swapping out your shower curtain with a more light and airy option to achieve the same effect.
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24 of 25
Think About Using Various Materials
@oursouthwestnest
Mixing modern materials with more nature-inspired furniture and accents is a great way to foster a sense of zen and relaxation.
Not only does it offer visual interest but it also creates a natural flow between the indoors and outdoors (even if you’re working with a small or dark bathroom!). -
25 of 25
Consider Adding a Bidet
@max-artbovich
You might not typically think of the toilet when working toward a spa-like bathroom—but investing in a bidet or a bidet attachment will make a major difference in how you define self care. Most modern bidets come with a heated seat for added comfort and can be added to just about any type of toilet.
The 11 Best Bidet Attachments of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
10 ways to make a bathroom a luxury space |
Creating the ultimate spa bathroom ideas are all about using key design details that add that luxurious look and choosing ‘spa’ type materials like wood, stone, bamboo and marble.
The largest but comfiest roll top, a rainfall shower, plants, beautiful scents and oh-so-soft white fluffy towels are also essentials.
‘The emergence of spa bathrooms has sprung from a combination of people’s desire for a space to relax and unwind from everyday life, as well as the fact that people are travelling more and staying in hotels with luxurious en-suite bathrooms, which they look to replicate in their own home,’ says Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs .
Spa bathrooms are clutter free too and lend themselves to those who love a minimalist approach to interiors, so storage needs to be considered as does lighting and your color palette.
Bright bathroom ideas that use colorful shades and bold patterns won’t create the relaxing space we all crave from a spa bathroom, so opt for muted shades.
Spa bathroom ideas
Below, we’ve listed our favorite spa bathroom ideas, from all over marble and wall to wall wood, to gold fixtures and fittings, and elegant walnut shelving, so you can boost your mood and give yourself a little self-care in your tranquil spa bathroom in no time.
1. Can’t convert a bedroom? Go up into the loft instead
(Image credit: BC Designs)
Sat at the top of the house, where, if you’re lucky, you may get disturbed less, your spa-like master bathroom can easily fit into the eaves.
Keep the bathroom color scheme muted if natural light is an issue and use the palest shades of gray and chrome fittings to keep it airy. Glass doors are the best choice too as they’ll make a small bathroom look bigger.
‘Spa bathrooms center around quality materials with a focus on natural, both with texture and the color palette; think marble and soft whites, grays and neutrals,’ explains Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs.
2. Be creative with natural stone
(Image credit: Cullifords)
‘Natural stone can offer a feeling of relaxation ideal for a spa-like environment. In some cultures, certain stones are considered to have healing properties and as a result you will often find beautiful natural stones in some of the most luxurious spas around the world, explains Oliver Webb, Director at Cullifords .
‘Bringing this touch of nature into your bathroom at home will add an instant feel of spa luxury.’
You can also use it to add color. We tend to think of natural stone as being neutral. However, you can get some stunning slabs that come in blush, rose and dark gray, as shown in the bathroom picture above.
3. Go for gold – for the ultimate spa bathroom finish
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
Gold is the epitome of luxury in a wet room, glistening bright and full of decadence. Of course, you can use brass as an alternative and it will look equally as good.
In this stunning wet room idea designed by Chelsea-based interior design studio, Kitesgrove , the gold trim offers the most fabulous finish and adds a warmth to the seamless all-tiled scheme.
4. Consider an inset bath
(Image credit: Cullifords)
The ultimate in decadence, an inset tub will really mimic the bathroom in your nearest spa.
The opposite to having it all on show like a roll top, sometimes concealed in the floor, an inset bath looks uber stylish if you don’t have the space to have it placed in that way.
Not always possible in a standard bathroom layout, you can have it placed against a wall encased in tiles with a step up to get into it.
5. Use walnut veneers to line your shelving
(Image credit: BC Designs)
Another key material is walnut. There’s nothing quite like it with its depth of color and texture, and of course, walnut veneers are perfectly acceptable if real walnut is too much of an investment.
Take this bathroom by BC Designs as an example. The bathroom wall idea featuring walnut inset shelving looks great with marble and the two luxury materials combined really give that spa bathroom feel.
Add in some glass shelving and you’re well on your way to creating an elegant space to relax in.
6. You can go monochromatic for a more dramatic look
(Image credit: JL Designs)
Not all spa bathrooms are neutral. This striking space designed by JL Designs has a strong visual look that’s both spa-like and dramatic, as Jessica Davis, owner and principal at Nashville based JL Designs explains:
‘We really wanted to focus on the symmetry of the space and while creating a spa-like feel by using a monochromatic color scheme, which by nature is very calming, we were able to create an interesting yet relaxing bathroom.
'By adding the pop of green in the artwork it elevates the space and allows it to become not quite as expected.’
You can add in color by using artwork, such as the bathroom art idea shown above. Keeping the theme contemporary is a good idea for creating a cohesive look in a modern bathroom. Note the frames match the gold pendant light.
It’s these design details that make a space stand out. We like the way the accessories have stayed black and white, as it makes the artwork more of a focal point.
7. Place your tub by a window for a spa-like feel
(Image credit: Waters of Ashbourne)
‘We’ve noticed a huge rise in the desire to create a calming bathroom interior that encourages revitalisation,’ says Lee Frost, Director of Waters Baths of Ashbourne .
‘To create this relaxing look in the home, it’s important to position your bath in the right place to achieve that tranquil ambiance. If you’re working with a larger space, it’s fundamental for the area to not feel too overcrowded.
Therefore, positioning the bath in a spot that will naturally draw the eye is highly recommended.
'For smaller spaces, customers should choose a more show-stopping, back-to-wall or corner style to help ensure the space is completely maximized.’
8. Give an all-white scheme texture
(Image credit: Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker)
From what we can see, this beautiful spa bathroom designed by Texas based Maestri Studio features four bathroom tile ideas in varying shapes – the marble wall and floor tiles and the two metro designs on the right side.
This gives the bathroom such a stunning look as the textures change as you look around the space, yet they all work harmoniously together. Varying scale is a great design detail to use in all interior spaces and you can see how well it works in this white bathroom.
9. Opt for wood in a spa bathroom
(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)
Believe it or not, this ‘wood’ bathroom is in fact covered from wall to floor in wood-effect porcelain tiles from Stone & Ceramic Warehouse and they come complete with a textured surface and finish.
Wood and wood ceiling ideas in bathrooms can be very appealing, it’s characterful and charming to the eye, but of course, not completely practical in some cases. This is where porcelain copies come into their own.
The result in this case is a fabulous Scandi-style spa bathroom that’s both cool and stylish.
10. Love wallpaper? It can work if it’s subtle
(Image credit: Gunter & Co/Mary Wadsworth)
Wallpaper isn’t necessarily the first thought when you’re designing a spa bathroom. However, with a range of wallpaper ideas to choose from, it can look really sophisticated if you choose the right design in the right colorway.
In this spa bathroom designed by Irene Gunter, Founder of London based interior design studio Gunter & Co , the wallpaper is cleverly used in panels so they add subtle pattern and decoration whilst retaining the neutrality of a spa bathroom.
11. Use refreshing colors
(Image credit: Jake Curtis/Future plc)
All-white home bathrooms can feel cold and clinical.
Give yours a lick of color to create a more authentic, at-home spa experience.
Current bathroom trends look to nature for inspiration – natural colors like blues, browns, grays and greens will give your bathroom an organic feel that will soothe you after a stressful day.
If you have a small bathroom, go for paler greens and grays, which will make the room feel like a more spacious spa.
How do I make my bathroom look like a spa?
Heated flooring will take your bathroom from ordinary to spa. There’s nothing quite like stepping out of the tub onto warm tiles.
Other design features include adding greenery. There are always plenty of plants in spas and there’s a good reason for that due to their oxygen enhancing properties and bringing nature in is a key element.
Don’t forget scents. Essential oils are mood-enhancing and can put you into relaxation mode after a busy day working. Spas and bathhouses nearly always have a small wooden stool; it’s pretty much the only piece of furniture you’ll see.
They’re great for keeping towels and toiletries to hand when you’re relaxing in the tub.
What is a spa type shower?
Spa bathroom showers are usually double the size of what we have at home and the shower heads are the size of a dinner plate.
You can have this too. Just opt for the largest size you can get, be it round or square. The idea is to create a rainforest style feel and this can’t be done with a standard small shower head.
Spa showers are tiled from top to toe without a shower curtain in sight. Have glass doors fitted instead and install a wet room if you have the budget and space.
5 ideas on how to turn a bathroom into a spa
Everyone needs to slow down from time to time, listen to themselves, relax and put their thoughts in order. Spas are the best for this purpose. But what if you do not want to spend time and money on a trip? Of course, create a soothing environment in your own bathroom.
We show you how easy it is to turn even a small bathroom into a spa.
Photo: k-hoch3.de
1. Nothing fancy
Visual appeal is one of the key elements. Any disorder causes stress. In most spas, the space is fairly minimalist, and toiletries are kept neat and organized in closed cabinets or drawers.
In a small bathroom, it is better to get rid of everything unnecessary and make room in the cabinet for the essentials. Storage on open shelves should be organized by folding toiletries into beautiful containers.
Photo: decormu.com
2. Unity with nature
Natural colors have a calming effect. If the bathroom area is small, choose light shades of beige, light gray or pale green. The room will not only become more comfortable, but also visually increase.
Photo: behance.net
Add decor and accessories made from natural materials, and lay tiles with imitation wood texture on the floor. And do not forget to provide floor heating in those places where you are going to walk barefoot.
Decorate your space with indoor flowers. This is a great way to warm up the atmosphere. Try to choose plants suitable for damp rooms with insufficient lighting: fern, ivy, aloe, dieffenbachia, bamboo. Orchids or begonias can be placed in a bathroom with a window. Put the plants in beautiful pots, hang them and arrange them so that they do not clutter up the space.
Photo: pinterest.com
3. Cozy lighting
In addition to the basic lighting needed for morning routines, add dimmer-controlled ceiling or wall lights. A dimmer will help soften the light, and soaking in a relaxing bath will be much more pleasant. For evening lighting, it is better to use lamps with a warm, almost orange light.
Photo: deavita.fr
Complete the atmosphere with pleasant relaxing music. If you have a dedicated waterproof speaker, put it to good use.
4. Well-thought-out ergonomics
When designing a bathroom, try to think through all the important details: the installation of a heated towel rail, the size and shape of the mirror, the location of sockets and shelves that you can reach with your hand without getting out of the bath.
This will make your impromptu home spa experience much more enjoyable.
Photo: pinterest.com
If a free-standing bathtub is not possible, a model with wide sides will do. You can place candles, drinks or gadgets on them. But balancing things on the edge of the bath is dangerous - they can fall into the water. The ideal option is to complement the interior with a special tray that will look equally good on both freestanding and built-in baths.
5. Homemade Elixirs
There is nothing more relaxing than adding scented salt to a hot bath. Why not try creating your own skin care products?
Mix 4 parts salt with 1 part baking soda, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Elixir for stress relief is ready!
Try an oil combination that includes 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 10 drops of peppermint oil. Elixir is ideal for blocked sinuses. The combination of 10 drops of bergamot and 10 drops of lavender is a great way to relax.
Photo: pinterest.com
Setting up a spa in your own home is much easier than it seems at first glance. Small repairs and a few accessories will easily turn even a small bathroom into a favorite place for rest and relaxation.
7 steps to ultimate relaxation
Why go anywhere else when you have your own spa at home? Sometimes everyone needs to be alone with themselves, relax the body and soul and get a boost of energy and inspiration. Our ReRooms expert and designer Anastasia Svetlova knows how to turn a bathroom into a spa.
1. Wood
Wood is the best choice for any space where you want to create a cozy and relaxing environment. In the bathroom, you can use tiles and decor with the texture and texture of wood, because real wood does not like high humidity. Or choose those species that are resistant to water and steam, such as teak. You can make wonderful furniture out of it, and it is also good as a floor covering.
Photo: sofacope.com
Walls in the bathroom can be finished with wood-like wall panels - both gypsum and natural materials.
For example, the wall panel “Red Thermo Ash” from the manufacturer WallArt looks impressive:
And as a floor solution, you should pay attention to wood-effect ceramic tiles. This is also in the Kerama Marazzi catalog - for example, in the Hokku collection:
2. Natural palette
Imagine that you are on an island and take a shower under a waterfall. What colors surround you? Brown, beige, green, gray, blue. So they should be used in the interior of a home spa in the first place. Do not get carried away with ornaments and prints, except perhaps with the image of tropical plants. In such a natural environment, you will feel like a part of the wild and relax no worse than in a resort.
Photo: weiwenku.
net
For example, you can design a bathtub with moisture-resistant bamboo-like wall panels:
With the help of tiles you can create a tropical atmosphere - the solution is in the Palm collection from the Russian manufacturer AltaCera.
And of course, living plants will create the right atmosphere in your home spa. For example indoor bamboo:
3. Heated floors
This is a very important detail for comfort, which is often forgotten. Leaving the bath, few people will be happy with the cold floor, because you want to maintain a sense of serenity and relaxation for a long time. A warm floor will help make the transition from hot water to a cold reality less traumatic and more enjoyable. It is not necessary to make underfloor heating throughout the bathroom, it is enough to arrange the area around the bath itself.
Photo: notkurdu.com
Basic elements, including heating cable, available from Leroy Merlin.
4. Hydromassage and Sauna
There are many home spa accessories. It can be a bathtub with a hydromassage, a shower unit with dozens of types of jets, a hydromassage shower that is built into the walls. There are even shower cabins with a sauna function, or you can make a mini-sauna separately from the shower and bath, if the area of the room allows. All these technologies will help you wake up or relax when you need it, give you back your strength, become a great ally for sports and your friend on the way to your ideal figure.
Photo: feedx.club
There are many suitable models of hot tubs and showers for spas on the market. For example, check out the Gemy G9057-II O bathtub:
Or the Appollo AG-0202L shower cabin with sauna and hydromassage:
It just needs candles and aroma lamps. Pleasant smells, flickering light and warmth play an important role in restoring mental strength, they lull and help to feel inner harmony.
You can also decorate your home spa with decor borrowed from nature. It can be shells, pebbles, living plants. Together, these little things will make your bathroom feel more alive and at home, and not just a technical washroom.
Photo: futblogtotal.com
There are many bathroom accessories on the market. You can pay attention, for example, to the Super Kristal "Shell" set.
6. Natural fabrics
Tactile sensations are also very important in the spa. Therefore, in addition to textures that are pleasant to the touch and a warm floor, you need to use the highest quality textiles in soft natural shades. After all, it is much more pleasant to use a fluffy white towel than an old, washed one, with an already boring pattern. If you have decorative textiles, rugs, baskets and other fabric items in the bathroom, choose cotton, linen and matting. These are natural fabrics that look natural in a spa atmosphere.
Photo: Elizabethstamosdesign.
