Creating a spa-like vibe in your bathroom doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Instead, it can be about making some easy fixes to bring in that spa-like soothing comfortable feel. Think dim lighting, plush towels, natural textures and colors. A cozy setting can be achieved with just a few well-placed decor items, soothing scents, and soft textures.
The winter season presents the perfect opportunity to turn bathrooms into luxurious spas. After all, winter is the ultimate excuse to indulge in a little self-care and create moments of relaxation. Cozying up in our upgraded spa-like bathroom is one way to beat the winter blues and recharge our mind, body, and soul.
You don’t need a complete remodel to achieve spa-level bliss in your bathroom. A few simple adjustments will take your space from basic to cozy. These easy updates will instantly elevate your bathroom to spa status:
Start with tidying-up
First things first, clear out all the unnecessary stuff that’s been cramping your bathroom’s style. Gather everything up (yep, including those stray bobby pins!), and spread it out on a towel. Group similar items together and toss anything you don’t need. Clean those storage spots, then put everything back in an organized manner with storage trays, makeup organizers, tiered trays, and stackable storage boxes. And you’re left with a decluttered, sparkling clean bathroom.
Style the Countertop
Countertops can be the unsung heroes of bathroom design. Select a curated mix of accessories that complement the aesthetic of your space. Even a small, fresh floral arrangement can make all the difference. Choose pieces with clean lines and minimalist design or go for natural elements for a zen vibe. A well-styled countertop can elevate the look and feel of your bathroom and bring it to spa-level status.
You can also consider bringing the outdoors in by incorporating natural materials like wood, cane, bamboo, cotton, stone, fresh flowers, and wicker. A wood-framed mirror, fresh eucalyptus, wood or stone tray for your toiletries, stone toothbrush holder, glass soap dispenser, wood or metal ladder as hangers, and a wicker basket holding face towels will all add to the peaceful, organic feel.
Store with Flair
Get organized like a pro with creative storage ideas, especially if you’re working with a small bathroom. Need more ideas? Channel your inner spa stylist with these elegant storage options:
- A silver tray for your toiletries, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Glass jars to keep cotton balls, cue tips, and sponges in order.
- Wicker baskets for hand towel storage, with a rustic vibe.
- A tiered tray on your vanity for a beautiful display of hand soap and lotions.
- Sleek storage ladders, with tiers for a variety of items.
- Custom shelving units, made to fit your space and style.
- Floating glass shelving, adding a touch of modern elegance.
- Mirrors with storage compartments, for a dual-purpose solution.
We must all agree that wicker baskets are the lynchpin of cozy bathrooms. They help organize our space and give it that cuddly, spa-like feel. I love that wicker baskets are so versatile and can be used to store anything from towels to beauty products, giving any bathroom a boho-chic vibe.
Then there are other cute storage options, like wire baskets or wooden crates, that will dial-up cozy while keeping your counters clutter-free. Your bathroom will instantly feel more spacious and calming. Remember, it’s all about small details. Just adding a few elegant storage pieces can make a big impact on the overall feel of your bathroom. And they are easy on the wallet too.
Bring in Plants
Adding plants into your bathroom is a low-effort, high-impact option to reduce stress and create a serene setting. A large potted tree makes a bold statement in a roomy bathroom, while hanging plants or plants on shelves or stools are perfect for smaller spaces. The best part is that plants require minimal care, and bring personality and color to the space. Plus they also improve air quality and uplift our moods.
Choose plants that can tolerate lower light levels and high humidity, such as Pothos, Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Philodendron and English Ivy. If you are wondering what to pick, checkout my post on 10 houseplants that thrive in bathrooms. These plants do more than just thrive, they turn bathrooms into lush spots of serenity.
Soften Up Your Surroundings with Cozy Textures
There’s something about crisp white towels that just screams ‘spa vibes. Think towels that are plush, fluffy, textured, tassled, toasty, eco-friendly, or all of the above! From Turkish and Egyptian cotton to Pima cotton and microfiber, there’s plenty of plush and absorbent options to choose from.
These towels aren’t just for show (that’s just a bonus) – they’re the epitome of comfort and luxury, and the simplest way to give your bathroom a major upgrade.
Don’t forget plush bath mats, they are a mini-cloud for your feet, absorbing water and adding a layer of cushioning. Aim for mats with a non-slip backing, so you don’t slip and slide around, and opt for neutral colors to keep the focus on serenity and relaxation. Choose materials like cotton, microfiber, or memory foam for maximum comfort and absorbency.
Keep it Mellow with Soft Lighting
Layering lighting is the secret to a luxurious bathroom vibe. Too bright or too dark, and it doesn’t work. Chandeliers, decorative wall sconces, and recessed lighting can add drama and sophistication for a luxurious spa vibe. For an extra touch of coziness, dimmer switches can create a soft, candlelit atmosphere.
If you are looking to make a zen statement, a pendant light can be a stunning addition to a bathroom, as long as it’s not near any water sources. Make sure to measure before buying, and for a zen vibe, consider materials like bamboo, rattan, cane, wood, or organic fabrics. These materials will give your bathroom a peaceful, natural feel, and your pendant light will be the perfect accent to create a serene atmosphere.
Add Bling for That Luxurious Touch
Who says bling and spa don’t go together? By adding glimmering touches to your bathroom fixtures, you can create a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. Swap out boring faucets and cabinet handles for antique gold or brass options. Incorporate mirrors with gold or silver frames to add a sense of luxury.
Think of your bathroom fixtures as the showstoppers and treat them as such. A stylish, sleek shower, tub, toilet, and sink are the centerpiece of the space, and can serve as the pièce de résistance that creates a luxurious spa experience.
For an extra sparkly touch, consider installing a glass shower door with beveled edges, or opting for metallic shower fixtures and hardware. Adding some sparkle to your bathroom fixtures can instantly elevate the space and make it feel like a spa retreat.
Give the Shower Head a Much Needed Upgrade
There’s a reason why we beeline towards the bathroom, as soon as we check into a fancy hotel, and it’s to check out the equally fancy shower head. There’s that excellent water pressure, special shower settings and for some, a more sustainable shower. And it’s so easy to replicate it in your own bathrooms.
A shower head upgrade can really elevate your bathroom experience. For example a rainfall showerhead is a luxurious addition that adds a spa-like touch to the space. But for ultimate indulgence, consider a steam shower, which not only feels incredible, but also benefits the skin, leaving you with a healthy, radiant glow.
Steal this Hack for a Bathtub Zen
Much like how a steamer enhances the experience of a hot shower, a bath bomb elevates the relaxation and enjoyment of a soothing bath. Like a steamy cloud of goodness, a bath bomb creates a fizzy, fragrant, and colorful spectacle as they gently dissolve into hot water.
With a range of scents, colors, and skin-benefiting ingredients, bath bombs are to bathtubs what steamers are to showers – a luxurious and indulgent enhancement that turns a mundane task into a delightful experience.
Paint the Walls for that Earthy feel
One easy way to turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat is to paint the walls. Colors like ochre, sand, soft grays and greens create a sense of calm and relaxation, while matte or eggshell finishes give the space a natural and soothing vibe. Plus, using low-VOC or natural paints is a smart choice for a healthier environment.
Don’t forget about an accent wall – it can add a pop of color and personality. And to top it off, keep the decor minimal and clutter-free to really let the serenity of the colors and textures shine through
Show off your Self-care Goodies with a Spa-inspired Display
Turning your bathroom into a spa-like space starts with adding some spa goodies that not only look good but also smell and feel good. Think: an assortment of bath salts, body scrubs, face masks, skincare, essential oils and fluffy bathrobes.
Display these items tastefully around the bathroom – perhaps on a shelf, in baskets, or on a tray – to create a visually appealing vignette that also promotes relaxation. Not only will these items look great, but their fragrances and textures will evoke a sense of calm and serenity, instantly turning your bathroom into a luxurious space.
Use Art to Create a Space for Quiet Contemplation
To create that spa-like zen in your bathroom, hang art that promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. A gallery wall or a large statement piece can set the mood. Look for pieces with soothing colors, gentle gradients, or calming motifs.
But avoid artwork that is too busy or high-contrast, as these can be overly stimulating and detract you from relaxing. Soothing abstracts, serene landscapes, or bold abstracts help create a quiet zone.
Another option is to choose art pieces that create a sense of movement and flow. You could opt for pieces with organic, curved shapes that suggest a feeling of movement and energy. Abstract art can also be effective in creating a relaxing environment, as it can inspire a sense of tranquility and encourage the mind to wander.
Place the art in areas where you’re likely to spend time, such as above the bathtub or next to the sink.
Turn your Bathroom into a Candle-lit Haven
Candles can work wonders in transforming a bathroom into a serene and soothing space. The gentle flicker of candlelight and the inviting scent of essential oils can transport you to a relaxing spa.
But let’s not forget, safety is key – always use candles with caution and avoid placing them near flammable objects. And always choose non toxic candles. Consider flameless candles or LED candles for an added layer of safety. They may not have the same “romantic” vibe, but they’ll still bring the cozy.
Go with Aromatherapy
The secret to a spa-like bathroom is simple: aromatherapy. Using essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can help you relax and unwind. These scents have been used for centuries to promote calm and well-being. By harnessing the power of scents, you can transform your bathroom into a peaceful sanctuary. All you need to do is diffuse the oils, dim the lights, and let the scents work their magic.
Although I don’t recommend using shower steamers, bath bombs, essential oils or scented candles all at once (unless headache is your thing), the occasional bubble from a diffuser can make a lovely addition to your bathroom.
Introduce Elegance with Plush Seating
A seat in your bathroom is a simple yet elegant addition that can elevate your spa experience. Whether it’s a comfy stool, a padded bench, or a plush ottoman, having a place to sit while you get ready, take a bath, or simply relax can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom.
Not only does it provide a practical function, but it also allows you to take your time and savor the spa-like ambiance you’ve created. Plus, it’s a stylish way to incorporate more seating into a typically small space.
Soak in Style with a Wooden Bathtub Tray
A wooden bathtub tray is the epitome of relaxation. Not only does it provide a sturdy surface to hold all your bathtime essentials like wine, tea, books, and loofahs, but it also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom.
There’s more than one reason why a wooden tray is a must-have in any bathroom aspiring to have a spa-like vibe – it’s warm, it’s inviting, it’s functional, and it just adds that rustic chic charm that can’t be beat. Not to mention, the endless design options – sleek and modern, vintage and ornate, round or rectangular, the possibilities are endless. It’s like the perfect accessory that pulls everything together and gives your bathroom that luxurious spa feel.
Bonus Tip If You Want to Splurge
A cedar or teak bath mat is a simple yet impactful way to turn your bathroom into a spa-like oasis. Cedar is a budget-friendly option that’s also water-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms. The warm, natural wood adds a touch of elegance and modernity to the space.
Teak is another excellent option, although a bit more expensive, but it offers the same level of sophistication and durability.
Less is more
When choosing decor for your spa-inspired bathroom, select a few items that complement each other and tie together seamlessly. Avoid overloading the space with unnecessary knick-knacks and decorations. Instead, pare down to a few statement pieces that will create a cohesive aesthetic. Clear the clutter, stow away the excess, and let your carefully curated pieces do the talking.
Also remember, you don’t need a full renovation to create a serene bathroom. Just a few strategic touches can do the trick. Light some candles, play some calming tunes, and wrap yourself in a soft towel or robe. The space will be transformed instantly.
With a little imagination, you can turn your bathroom into a relaxing retreat without breaking the bank. So go on, give it a try.