How to make your bathroom feel like a spa
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.
Here Are the Best Places to Buy Bathroom Accessories
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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 11 Best Bath Towels of 2022 from Soft to Luxury Options
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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 Oil Diffusers of 2022
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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 6 Best Bidet Attachments of 2022
How To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Spa
I am sharing some simple tips on how to make your bathroom feel like a relaxing spa!
This post is sponsored by Kohler and ShopStyle. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
If you were to ask me my least favorite room in our house before today, it would 100% have been our master bathroom.
It’s spacious and functional and doesn’t actually have anything wrong with it. But for me, there is so much heavy dark brown tile and the overall aesthetic is completely opposite of the light, bright and airy look I love so much! Kohler linens and their bath and body collection have completely changed all that!
Much like our kitchen, it was one of the rooms we knew would need updating from the day we bought the house. However, so often, I let permanent fixtures like our dark tile stop me from making other small improvements to the space. I’ve literally been saying for years now that I need to do something to improve our master bathroom without a full gut job. And with today marking the seven-year anniversary of us moving into this house, I figured there was no better time to make some simple improvements thanks to Kohler!
How To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Spa
Today I’m sharing some tips on how to make your bathroom feel like a dreamy spa with simple additions! There’s no reason to not add some simple serene upgrades to your bath space even if it isn’t your dream bathroom! These tips are intended to help make your bathroom feel like a relaxing sanctuary away from the rest of the world – especially during the busy holiday season!
I always have to remind myself that I can make little custom changes now to make it much prettier and more serene.
And down the road, we’d still love to replace all the dark tile and vanity with something much lighter and brighter. The new paint we added five years ago definitely helped, but today I’m sharing even more upgrades to help make our master bathroom feel brighter and more serene with a spa-like vibe and the addition of Kohler’s bath linens and Bath & Body collection!
After Kurtis saw the updates, he said he didn’t realize what a stunning improvement our simple updates like nice towels would make. Once he saw the refreshed space, he said it felt like a whole new stylish bathroom! Let’s dig into my tips.
Upgrade Your Towels
If you don’t currently use a bath sheet sized towel, you are definitely missing out! We upgraded to this size a few years ago and will never go back! It’s like stepping into a lovely blanket when you get out of the shower! It had been a few years since we bought new towels for our master bathroom and we recently upgraded to these Turkish bath sheets from Kohler’s new line of bath linens.
They are crafted in Turkey and made with 100% Turkish cotton, which is known for its plush, premium feel and extra-long fibers. The collection also includes washcloths, hand towels, and standard bath towel sizes, along with a bath robe and bath mats. To further add to the ethereal spa-like vibe, I love the crisp, clean look of white towels but there are a few other amazing neutrals in Kohler’s line for you to choose from, too!
Swap Out Your Towel Bars for Hooks
One of my favorite updates to make in bathrooms is to swap out towel bars for hooks (see similar here). Not only do I think it looks better, but they’re so much more functional! We have four hooks in our bathroom and when our towels are wet, we each use two hooks to air dry the towels. Once dry, we hang them on one hook. We’re planning to add another set of hooks from Kohler on the wall to the right of this photo for our swim towels and suits! Kohler has a fantastic selection of robe hooks that are sure to elevate the look of your bathroom!
We also have a hook near the entrance to our shower to hang our dry towel before we enter, or to keep a robe!
Light A Candle
So often, we only think to light scented candles in our common living areas.
But you’ll instantly be transported to your favorite inviting spa if you bring the scent into your bathroom as well! And did you know Kohler, known as a global leader in the design, innovation and production of kitchen and bath products, now has a Bath & Body collection? The collection includes shea butter lotions, bath salts, soy candles, hand soap and bar soap. This Ebony Pearl scent has citrus, fruity, and black pepper notes that both Kurtis and I love! The scent is so good we also got the bath soak and bar soap! There is also a Blush Floral scent that we can’t wait to try next. To keep things looking tidy around our tub, I corralled everything on a pretty and easy-to-clean handy marble tray.
Add Some Greenery
I’ll probably sound like a broken record on this topic, but I still truly believe adding greenery to your spaces instantly makes them feel more finished and alive! This rule holds true in your bathroom as well! From a large vase of greenery stems to even a small succulent or other plant, greenery can help take your bathroom from sterile and lifeless to a true welcoming sanctuary that feels like any other cozy room in your home!
Hang Serene Artwork
For more than five years, we’ve had a large dark chunky shelf hanging above our bathtub.
And for nearly one year short of that timeframe, I’ve wanted to take it down and do something else. This mini makeover with Kohler inspired me to follow through. And guys – it was literally a quick five minute project. This charming beach print that was previously in our dining room several years ago was the perfect addition to the space! Look around your own home and see what items you can re-purpose and give new life!
Upgrade Your Hand Soap
This seems like such a simple option, but it always feels so luxurious to use fancy coordinating hand soap, lotion, and bath salt! I love the matte labels with metallic finishes that Kohler offers, as well as the glass bottle that instantly feels like an upgrade from cheap plastic bottles seen all too often.
Find A Plush Spa-Like Robe and Put It To Use
There’s nothing that feels more luxurious and spa-like than a plush robe you can step into after a soak in the tub or long shower! When you’re this cozy, you don’t even care about showing your face without makeup for all the world to see 😉
There are fewer things better than little luxuries around your home that you can enjoy every day! And speaking from experience, I 100% recommend adding Kohler towels and their Bath and Body Collection to your bathroom! I hope you found these tips helpful!
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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.com
will help create a suitable atmosphere:
ALMTERN rug
Set of towels London
7,0003,0003Storms for Bannaya Bath. lighting
Spa light is just as important as warmth and pleasant scents. It should not irritate, but help to relax and experience positive emotions. Therefore, it is important to use different light sources, diffused light, illumination of different zones. The highest class, if you can adjust the temperature and the amount of light, its color.
