A visit to a spa isn’t simply an indulgence. Time at a spa can increase our mental health and physical well-being by promoting relaxation and clarity. Those soothing endorphins help calm our minds and make us feel better physically as well. It’s no wonder we want to replicate that zen feeling within our homes. Enter: the spa bathroom – your very own oasis of peace and tranquility.
Creating your personal spa bathroom is a new take on a millennia-old idea. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed in “taking the waters” to treat a range of diseases and facilitate good health. Before there were public baths, wealthy Greeks created private spas for bathing.
The sophistication of water infrastructure in Ancient Rome notwithstanding, the spa bathrooms of today are decked out in modern conveniences and welcoming aesthetics. Keep scrolling for our very best spa bathroom ideas. We’ve listed eight ways to enhance your relaxation game at home and get the spa feel anytime you want.
Spa Bathroom Idea #1: Declutter
It’s always the first step, isn’t it? And for good reason. Decluttering any space immediately gives it new life. The same is true for the bathroom, a place in our homes especially susceptible to clutter. Bathroom countertops and clutter go together like peanut butter and jelly. Makeup brushes, toothpaste tubes, medications, tissues, baby wipes, jewelry, hand soap. Yikes! If simply reading that list gave you a tinge of anxiety, do yourself a favor and find some simple organization options for your bathroom.
A tidy and organized space is the foundation of a relaxing space. Do an edit of the items you keep in your bathroom. For goodness sake throw away that three-year-old tube of mascara! In all likelihood, you’ll identify a lot of things you don’t use and can get rid of. Next, determine an organization system for those things you want to keep. The goal is “away” so consider stashing your organized items under the sink or in a cabinet. If you don’t have these options, bring in a new small storage solution such as a three-drawer shelving unit or repurpose a nightstand. Store your cosmetics and self-care items inside; and on top, how about a plant? Which brings us to. . .
Spa Bathroom Idea #2: Incorporate Natural Elements
Natural décor soothes our senses and provides an escape from the regular settings of our day-to-day. Bring some natural elements into your spa bathroom for a dose of the relaxing and rejuvenating outdoors. Natural wood materials like teak and cedar are not only beautiful, but they also resist moisture. Add a few hanging plants or succulents. (If your bathroom doesn’t get a lot of light, consider fake plants. It’s one of the easiest ways to fancy up your bathroom.)
For a larger remodel project, peruse natural stone options in a range of warm colors. Bonus: natural materials not only make your space feel more spa-like, but they also help dampen sound, and shutting out the noise of daily life is key for optimum relaxation!
Spa Bathroom Idea #3: Color Declutter
Decluttering. It’s not just for our stuff anymore. It’s also for our color schemes. A monochromatic color scheme is easy for the eyes and mind to absorb. It creates a unifying element that is also relaxing. If you have a range of colors coexisting in your bathroom, it’s time to declutter that color scheme and simplify.
First, select a soothing color. Cool, soft colors in greens, blues, and whites are considered some of the most relaxing hues. Next, incorporate that color throughout your bathroom. Choose towels, bath mats, and other accessories within the same hue so your bathroom features one color (plus those natural décor elements). Finally, sink into that tub and relish the relaxation.
Spa Bathroom Idea #4: Tub Accessories
Speaking of tubs, don’t forget to accessorize yours to create the oasis you deserve. There’s nothing more relaxing than a long soak. These add-ons will up your spa bathroom game and make you want to stay in that tub for hours. #prunefingersdontcare
- A cozy spot for your wine glass. Yes, bathroom wine holders are a thing and you need one. It’s already on my Mother’s Day list.
- A bath pillow. No more rolling up a hand towel or getting a crick in your neck when you are trying to zone out. Bath pillows to save the day!
- A set of waterproof speakers. Turn on some relaxing tunes or dial-up “spa music” on Spotify. You know you want some wood flutes in your audio space experience.
- A bathtub tray. Keep the things you need in reach with a bathtub caddy or tray. Just like a real spa, no phones allowed!
Spa Bathroom Idea #5: Shower Upgrade
Spa showers are luxurious. They look good. They feel great. What’s that all about, anyway? Showerheads in spas are usually twice the size of our showerheads at home. The large surface area creates that “forest rain” feel we all find so refreshing. You can get this at home! If you’ve been thinking about how to make your shower more serene, simply look for extra-large (think the size of a dinner plate) round or square showerheads.
If your budget allows, upgrade from a shower curtain to glass shower doors or consider removing doors altogether and incorporating a larger, tiled space for your shower. Shower tile should reach from floor to ceiling for the most luxurious and spa-like look. Finally, one last tip to bring your shower experience to the next level: shower steamers. Who said aromatherapy was for the spa only?
Spa Bathroom Idea #6: Bath Linens Are Life
Nothing puts the brakes on a relaxing spa experience like a scratchy old towel. Stock up on quality bath towels to enhance your spa bathroom environment. The keyword for towels is “plush.” It is also “highly” and “absorbent.”
Look for plush, highly absorbent towels online, or head to a home store to get your hands on the options. Cotton and bamboo are all of the things (plush and absorbent) and make great spa bathroom additions.
Remember to avoid color mania and work within the monochromatic scheme you selected.
Final bath towel tip: get a lot of them. Spas are relaxing and luxurious and no one is worried about using only one towel. Towels abound! Have plenty on hand to emulate that feeling of relaxing indulgence.
Spa Bathroom Idea #7: Level Up Your Toiletries
You know how you go to the spa and everything in you wants to grab every small lotion or conditioner sample you can get your hands on and stuff it into the giant pockets of your soft and comfy robe? No? Neither do we.
Seriously, though, the toiletry products that spas feature are divine. They make you feel pampered. Special. And they smell so good!
Splurge on some of your favorite spa products to recreate that feeling at home. Yes, they are often more expensive than your regular products, but this is not the everyday shampoo, people! This is special, mama-needs-a-break shampoo. In other words, this particular splurge will be making returns on your investment for a long time.
A few of my favorites – kept on the top shelf of the bathroom closet and out of the hands of anyone else in my household – are the spa crates from Olive & Cocoa and the Home Spa Set from Farm to Skin.
Spa Bathroom Idea #8: Keep it Clean
The rush of our everyday lives can wreak havoc on our spa bathroom oasis. You’re enjoying your updated bathroom and haven of tranquility but real life always seeps in. You are rushing to work and leave your gym clothes on the floor and your cosmetics strewn about the counter. Suddenly, you are in desperate need of relaxation but before you can even think about doing so you have to clean your bathroom first. No thanks.
Consider your new spa bathroom a sacred place. Spend just five minutes a day tidying up and 20 minutes a week giving your little piece of heaven a deep clean. When you are in dire need of a relaxing hour all to yourself you’ll be glad you kept your home spa space ready to do its job. Trust.
You don’t have to take on a major bathroom overhaul to turn your space into a spa bathroom. The tips and tricks listed above are simple ways to create a relaxing and soothing environment right at home without breaking the bank. Let’s face it, we all deserve a little pampering these days. Make it a weekly occurrence with the ease and convenience of your very own spa bathroom.
