There’s nothing like visiting a spa and leaving relaxed, pampered, and totally refreshed. That’s the whole goal of a spa, and it is no accident how spas choose to decorate and craft their space. Luckily, the serene environment of a spa can easily be achieved in the comfort of your own bathroom. 

Not sure where to begin? Check out these 11 ways you can create a spa-like experience in your bathroom:

Calming Colors

One of the big differences you can make in your bathroom is using color to create a sense of calm. If you’ve ever been to a spa, chances are the space was clean, bright, and had a sense of purity to it. 

Soft, muted colors can help transform your bathroom into a relaxed environment. White and warm neutrals can be paired with nature-inspired colors such as light blue or seafoam green. 

Natural Décor

Did you know that plants can play a big role in our physiological and psychological health? Studies have found that interactions with indoor plants can help reduce stress and promote comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings.[1] So try adding a hanging plant, placing plants on your countertops, or wherever works for your space. 

Adding plants and other natural elements can also just elevate the overall look of your bathroom, too. But remember, choose plants that can thrive in the humid conditions of a bathroom. Or you can simply opt for faux plants or flowers just for the added aesthetic.

For an added touch of nature’s gentle movement and flow, consider adding flowing curtains or a shower curtain that is light and airy if you don’t have windows.

Declutter & Add Bathroom Storage

Decluttering and storing your bathroom items is not only efficient, but can also be beneficial for your mind—and there’s research that proves it. Our brains love order, and when there is disorganization, it drains our cognitive resources and increases cognitive overload. When you're on “brain overload” it can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. In fact, clutter has been shown to be associated with stress, tension, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.[2,3] 

So to stay at ease and fully appreciate your at-home spa-like experience, take time to go through and declutter and organize all of your bathroom essentials. Here are some tips:

• Toss old or expired products
• Donate unused bathroom products to shelters
• Add clear storage containers to organize the items you want to keep
• Use a vanity with drawers/doors to store your most used items
• Install easy-to-stick shower shelves or a caddy to organize shower products

Plush Bath Towels

While all the things on this list help create a spa-like oasis, quality towels are key. There’s nothing like taking a relaxing hot shower or bath and then wrapping yourself up in ultra-soft and plush towels, like our Luxury Towel Set. An added plus to our Luxury Towel Set is that they have a classic and simplistic look, so they will match virtually any bathroom.

*Pro Tip: If you want the added luxury of warm towels right out of the shower, look into investing in a towel warmer. Talk about a spa-like experience.

Upgrade Toiletries

Aesthetically pleasing bath products help keep the room looking cohesive and clean. If your favorite products don’t match the look and feel you’re going for, consider decanting them into pretty bottles to match. Use clear jars to hold other bathroom products like cotton balls or pads, Qtips, or makeup sponges to get rid of their bulky, and oftentimes, cardboard boxes (remember to recycle!). All of these little touches can really elevate the look of your bathroom.

New Bathroom Fixtures

Upgrading your bathroom fixtures can enhance your overall spa-like experience in your bathroom. 

Add a rainfall shower head to promote ultimate relaxation. Switch out your lighting to color changing bulbs or add a dimmer to your lighting. This allows you to achieve a certain vibe you desire when it’s time to relax. 

Add a Rug

Adding a rug can soften up those cold bathroom floors and provide comfort underfoot. Go with neutrals to keep a crisp look throughout your bathroom or a pop of calming colors like seafoam or pale green. But remember, your bathroom is a damp, moist environment. So find a rug that is quick-drying to prevent buildup. 

Incorporate Calming Scents

Scents can be more than just a pleasant experience or a way to mask certain smells. Certain scents can actually improve your mood, help you feel calm and relaxed, and lessen anxiety.[4,5]

Add a small essential oils diffuser, reed diffusers, or soy candles to release scents like lavender or rosemary throughout your space. Hang a bundle of eucalyptus in your shower to release a burst of fresh fragrance. Place out lotions and soaps with these scents. All of these things will really upgrade your bathroom and truly make you feel like you're at a spa.

Clean Frequently

Keeping a clutter-free, sparkling-clean bathroom at all times may be a pipe dream for some, but it really does make a difference in your experience. A weekly bathroom cleaning routine makes it easier to hop in the tub any time, keeps your sinks grime-free, and adds that added sparkle.

Add a Bathtub Tray

Make taking a bath a true experience by adding a bathtub tray. Typically these trays have extendable, non-slip handles to keep it in place and to fit virtually any bathtub. Many also come with multiple features, such as a tablet or book stand, wine glass holder or a spot to place your favorite beverage, and spaces for bath time necessities. 

Install Speakers

Music can really set the tone for relaxation. And there are studies to prove it. Research shows that music around 60 beats per minute can cause alpha brainwaves, which is what is present when we are in a relaxed state. Stanford University researchers have even stated that “listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.”[6]

Typically, spas play new-age music, nature sounds, or pull themes from Chinese, Native American, or Japanese music that is played on traditional instruments. But really, you can play whatever suits you best. That’s the beauty of music. So install speakers in your bathroom or even just use a portable speaker and play some music that helps you wind down while you soak in your tub. 

Transform Your Whole Home in a Serene Oasis

Looking for more ways to make your home feel more serene? Check out Cosy House for bedding and other home goods to upgrade your home. Click here to start shopping!

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Resources:

1. Lee, M. S., Lee, J., Park, B. J., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. Journal of physiological anthropology, 34(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8 
2. Gaspar, J. M., Christie, G. J., Prime, D. J., Jolicœur, P., & McDonald, J. J. (2016). Inability to suppress salient distractors predicts low visual working memory capacity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(13), 3693–3698. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1523471113 
3. McMains, S., & Kastner, S. (2011). Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 31(2), 587–597. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3766-10.2011 
4. Barati, F., Nasiri, A., Akbari, N., & Sharifzadeh, G. (2016). The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Patients. Nephro-urology monthly, 8(5), e38347. https://doi.org/10.5812/numonthly.38347 
5. Team, W. (2021, December 20). Stressed out? aromatherapy can help you to feel calmer. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stressed-out-aromatherapy-can-help-you-to-feel-calmer 
6. University of Nevada, Reno. (n.d.). Releasing stress through the power of Music: Counseling Services. University of Nevada, Reno. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music