Styling Tricks to Make Any Bathroom Feel like a Spa Bathroom
What is a “Spa Bathroom?”
When you open the doors and walk inside a nice spa, you can feel your entire body relax. The second you push open the glass doors and are greeted with the rush of cool air, dim lights, and soothing smells, you feel like you’ve been transported to another world!
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could get that feeling at home? Well I’m here to encourage you; you can absolutely bring spa touches into your own bathroom to get that blissful vibe every single day. In this post, we’ll explore the key design elements that most spas have in common- and how you can implement them into your own space
My Favorite Spas
Going to the spa is pretty high on my list of things I love to do, and when we travel I love to experience the unique character that each spa provides. Let’s look at a few examples:
Old World Charm
One of my favorite spas (The Sonnenalp in Vail) has stone flooring, sunken pools, and a massive firepit in the lounge surrounded by yellow striped upholstery. This spa feels welcoming, cozy and timeless. I love the feeling of the stone beneath my feet, and on warm days they open the windows to bring the outside in. It’s the perfect blend of glamour and grounding.
Roman Bathhouse
Another favorite spa is Qua Spa at Caesars’ palace in Las Vegas. It features a Roman Bath experience and I could stay in there enjoying the moody lighting, cycling through the hydrotherapy circuit, and lounging on the salt chairs alllllllll day.
One of the most unique features at this spa is their “Arctic Ice Room.” After completing a circuit in their dry sauna and aromatic steam room, you step inside a third chamber to cool off – while snow falls from the ceiling! I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else.
Zen Retreat
A final standout spa, which left a huge impression on me, is Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, NM. This unique experience blends traditional southwest architecture that Santa Fe is famous for with elements of Japanese design.
The standout feature here is their PRIVATE spa suites, each one fully enclosed in a different area of the property for your group to enjoy in complete privacy. There is a silent meditation room, and to get to each spa suite, you hike on paths surrounded by unique landscaping.
I visited this spa in 2009 (so quite a long time ago!) and it still pops to the top of my mind when I think of my top spa experiences.
The spa feeling
Looking at these pictures you can see that each of these spas are VERY different in terms of design. Yet somehow, they all evoke the same feelings of calm, well-being and peace. Why is that?
I pay a lot of attention to design details, and I have noticed that in addition to the interior design style there is a common combination of elements that appear consistently in every single spa I encounter.
Even in an unfamiliar setting, the presence of these details sends signals to your brain. “It’s time to relax!”
If you love spas as much as I do- you’ll want to save this list.
Because incorporating these easy styling strategies will help you slowly transform your en suite into a retreat that gives you the spa bathroom feeling every single day!
Styling A Spa Bathroom
Spa Bathroom Styling Tip 1 | Use calming colors
Soothing colors such as greens, blues and neutrals are great for any space, but they are especially important to choose if you are wanting to style a spa bathroom
In general, the best choice is to select a neutral base for your spa bathroom such as a soft, warm white.
To see this in action, open a new search tab. Type in “spa bathroom” and scroll through the image results. 9/10 images will feature white or grey walls- and that’s not an accident.
If your goal is truly to create a spa feel in your bathroom, the first thing you need to do is make sure it’s painted a very light, neutral tone.
Here are a couple of my favorite options for spa bathroom paint colors to give you an idea of what I mean:
1. Accessible Beige (7036) | 2. Gossamer Veil (9165) | 3. Skyline Steel (1015)
4. Sea Salt (6204) | 5. Pure White (7005) | 6. Mountain Road (7743)
7. Shoji White (7042) | 8. Grey Heron (9566) | 9. Vessel (9547)
If you are a color lover…. that’s great! There are opportunities to bring in subtle accents through textiles, art, and countertop decor later on the list. But trust me- the quickest and easiest way to get the spa bathroom vibe is to paint your space a calming, neutral hue.
Spa bathroom styling tip 2 | Add natural elements
Another commonality you’ll see in the spa images I shared above is that they all have a distinctly natural, grounding feel. This is achieved through deliberate design decisions!
If you’re designing from scratch you can create this peaceful, earthy aesthetic in your spa bathroom by selecting hard surfaces (floors, counters, wall tile) and cabinetry made of organic materials. But what if you’re working with an outdated or builder-basic bathroom?
Great news! You can still bring these elements to your space by bringing in small decor made with the same types of materials.
This is why styling is so important to me. It’s a powerful way to work with what you have and make small improvements over time without the need for an expensive overhaul.
Here are some quick and easy ways to add natural elements to give you spa bathroom style.
Plants
See how this trailing plant brings our white tiled shower to life? A touch of greenery makes every space come to life, and a bathroom is no exception.
A few ideas for incorporating plants into your spa bathroom styling:
- Hang a plant on a ceiling hook in an unused corner
- Place a plant on a plant stand in a corner behind a freestanding bathtub
- Add a small potted plant or bunch of fresh flowers to your tub tray
- Attach a bundle of herbs (such as eucalyptus) to your shower head and hang for aromatic steam and a natural touch
- Dried lavender in a pretty vase doesn’t require upkeep and looks so pretty!
- Place a potted plant (real or faux) between double sinks on a counter tray
Natural Fibers
I’m a big proponent of bringing natural, woven materials into every space, and they are perfect for spa bathroom styling as well.
They add a warm color to an otherwise light and bright space and the earthy texture is a great balance for the smooth and shiny surfaces that dominate most bathrooms (glass, metal fixtures, porcelain).
This handwoven accessory set would soften any spa bathroom!
More examples:
- Choose woven seagrass baskets to store towels or supplies on open shelving
- Rattan is nice on a vanity stool or a lidded box
- If you have extra floor space, put down a natural fiber area rug in a warm, natural color
- A pair of woven, lidded boxes on an open stretch of countertop helps hide clutter AND add style
Stone
Stone is a staple element in spa bathroom design and for good reason. It is calming and grounding… which is exactly what the spa experience is all about.
Obviously gorgeous heated stone floors and marble countertops are dreamy. But what if that’s not realistic?
Styling to the rescue again! The good news is that there are a TON of ways to bring the natural stone textures into your space- zero reno required.
Here’s a limestone bath set that reminds me a lot of the Qua spa I showed at the beginning of this post. Modern, clean lines and interesting texture… one or two pieces from this collection would be the perfect touch for decorating a spa bathroom.
Other ways to bring stone into your bathroom decor:
- If you don’t love your countertops, place a large marble lazy Susan or tray on the counter between your sinks. It covers the countertop AND gives you organization and style.
- Replace your cabinet hardware with a stone finish or crystal handles/knobs
- Place a small bowl of decorative stones or crystals on a shelf or ledge (I have a chunk of Amethyst on my tub tray; black Mexican beach pebbles also give you a spa feel)
- Choose a pretty stone box for storing jewelry
These new “bath stones” or diatomaceous earth bath mats are designed to absorb a lot of water quickly and are antimicrobial. They also happen to give you that natural stone look! I really love the way they look and function.
Bamboo Or Wood
A sauna is a big part of the spa experience. But for most of us, having an actual sauna in our bathroom isn’t realistic.
The good news? Adding wood elements to your bathroom will give you that spa look and feel at a fraction of the cost!
Easy ways to bring wood into your space:
- Add a piece of stained wood or a spa-style tub tray across your tub
- Tuck a teak stool or bench in your shower (I like these from Frontgate)
- Place a wood tray on your toilet tank
- Choose a teak bath mat
- Hang a teak wall shelf and load it up with white towels and spa bathroom accessories (see below)
Spa bathroom styling tip 3 | Set The Mood With lighting
Candlelight
Even the smallest bathtub in the most outdated bathroom in the world feels like a spa experience when you light a few candles, turn off the overhead lights, and take a candlelight bath.
This was my gateway drug to my future spa obsession- I would bring candles into the blue bathtub enclosure (yes I said blue) in my childhood home, close the curtain, and soak in the bubbles with a novel until the water got cold. Then I’d add more hot water and soak some more.
No need to overthink this one. Just grab a candle and light it.
Lamps
We all need more lamps in our homes. It’s a hill I’m willing to die on. And I would argue that if you can find the space, your bathroom is a great place to add one.
Nothing big- just a small, subtle light source. Tuck a cute mini lamp in a corner (as far away from the sink as possible) or if you want to really up the spa bathroom vibes- try a salt lamp. I’m not sure if they really work they way they say they do- but they give off the pretttiest glow.
Dimmers
This requires a little doing, but not much. Hire an electrician to install dimmers on your bathroom light switches to enable you to adjust the lighting and control the mood.
Decorative Lighting
Lights are an easy swap with a big payoff. If your bathroom needs an update- consider updating your vanity or overhead lights with something special and spa inspired.
Spa bathroom styling tip 4 | Choose luxury Textiles
Spa Towels
You’re never going to feel like you’re at the spa when you’re drying yourself off with dingy, flat or stringy bath towels.
If your bath towels have seen better days, this is one of the first upgrades you should make.
Spas always use white. If you have a hard time keeping white towels clean, there are tons of tutorials online. Or just commit to replace them when they start to feel less than luxurious.
You can tri-fold them in stacks, roll them, or hang them from hooks. But having stacks of fluffy white towels is the foundation of spa bathroom style.
Turkish Towels
I really love hanging a Turkish towel in the bathroom for a little added texture as well. This is an opportunity to add a hint of your favorite color!
These don’t have to be expensive. I buy both bath towels and hand towels on Amazon for under $25. These aren’t the best for drying off; I use them as decorative elements. They look great on a towel hook or a towel ladder, as shown in my wet room.
Luxe Bathmats
I shared the bath stone earlier, but I still love the look of a classic, plush white bath mat too. They add a soft cozy feeling. This one is quick-drying and has good reviews.
Spa Robe
Walking around in your robe and sandals is one of the best parts of the spa experience! Not only does it feel amazing to wrap yourself up in a plush bathrobe, but a robe hook displaying your own spa robe really completes your at home spa bathroom experience.
Whether you choose a lightweight waffle robe or a heavy terry cloth version- this is a must-have!
Spa bathroom styling tip 5 | Hang soothing artwork or prints
Another way to add color and personality to your at home spa experience is to bring in a few pieces of art that feel calming to you.
I generally recommend sticking to the same neutral colors I mentioned earlier, but it’s ok to play and experiment!
Common places to hang art in a bathroom include:
- Over the toilet
- On top of the towel bar
- Centered above a bathtub
- Leaning on the counter against the wall
Spa bathroom styling tip 6| Incorporate Aromatherapy
A big part of what makes the spa experience so visceral is that it is appealing to all of our senses at once – sight (lighting), sound (falling water), taste (cucumber water), touch (all the textures I’ve discussed above) and SMELL.
It’s a well known fact that familiar or soothing smells can help trigger feelings of well being in humans; these scents can have powerful effects on our moods and promote peace and calm when carefully selected. Luckily, it’s easy to use this to our advantage when creating a spa bathroom!
Scented Candles
Easy peasy. Choose your favorite spa scents like sandalwood, lavender, lemon, eucalyptus…whatever feels peaceful to you!
I usually burn them in the bath, but sometimes in the winter I like to light them while I’m doing a Sunday evening skincare routine for a little extra peace and calm.
Essential Oils
There are more to essential oils than just spa aromas. They can be used to treat skin conditions, improve health, and even clean!
That said, I most frequently use essential oils in my spa bathroom in the following ways:
- Add a few drops to hot bath water with a scoop of Epsom salt and a scoop of baking soda for a detox bath
- Turn on a diffuser
- Mix a few drops into a handful of sweet almond oil for a scented body oil
Spa Products
Every spa worth its salt has a signature spa product line that leaves you wondering, “Do they sell this so I can take some home?”
When curating my own at-home spa bathroom, I have two criteria when purchasing spa products: they have to have pretty packaging and SMELL AMAZING.
I can be kind of picky.
I really love both the scent AND the packaging of this Salt & Stone line. If you like sandalwood… this is a must try. They also sell “refill” pouches so you can easily decant the product into a glass bottle if you prefer.
Another one of my must-have spa bathroom products are these FLEWD magnesium soaks. I’m not lying when I say that they have made a huge improvement in my mood and the way I feel.
They are transdermal magnesium soaks, which actually deliver minerals like magnesium and zinc to your body through your skin. They also contain nootropics for increased serotonin, which helps support me during periods when my mental health needs a boost.
All you have to do is soak for 15-minutes (you can use them up to 3x per week). My favorite are the Anxiety Destroying Soak and the Sads Smashing Soak. I don’t have trouble sleeping but have passed the Insomnia Ending ones on to family members who report that they enjoyed that formula as well.
Spa bathroom styling tip 7 | Select Pretty storage solutions
One hurdle that we must face when we want to style a spa bathroom is that we actually live here.
Real spas feel calm because they have immaculately organized, clutter-free countertops. Our real-life bathrooms, on the other hand, usually have products on the counter, dirty laundry, and full cabinets and drawers. These spaces have to work hard to house all the tools and products we use to keep us looking fresh and lovely.
It’s never going to be realistic to eliminate all of that evidence of daily life. But we can help improve the situation by thoughtfully selecting storage that helps us contain, control and conceal the clutter.
Here area few of my suggestions:
Bathtub Tray
These are beautiful when styled, yes. They are also functional because they give a landing spot for corralling your most used bath products. I keep shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face wash and a razor on mine. Plus my Amethyst and a candle.
Mine is wood, but there are some really pretty metal trays as well.
Tip: Choose and expandable tray for an adjustable fit!
Teak Stool
These dipped teak stools have been a styling staple in many a designer’s bathroom photo shoots for awhile. They are often placed in front of a freestanding tub in the bathroom. You can use them to hold a plant or a few bath necessities.
I also see spa style stools often in the furniture section of stores like Ross, HomeGoods, or Marshall’s for about $40. You can put them inside your shower for a shaving stool, a shampoo holder, or even underneath your towel rack stacked with a tray of spa essentials.
Cosmetic Organizer
If you’re going to leave your makeup or skincare out on the counter anyway, you might as well make it look intentional.
There are lots of pretty options out there for countertop cosmetic storage. I like ones that swivel for easy access. This one is especially great for makeup storage because of the individual tiers and the brush holder at the top.
Tip: Teen home sites like PB Teen are one of the best sources for aesthetic cosmetic storage solutions.
Drawer Inserts
Clutter really kills the spa vibes. Keeping your surfaces and drawers as clean and decluttered as possible will go a long way to helping maintain your peaceful spa bathroom sanctuary.
I like clear acrylic drawer inserts like these or bamboo drawer inserts for keeping order in my bathroom drawers.
Wall Mount Soap Dispensers
These are inexpensive but they make your space look like a high end spa.
The great thing is that these are no-drill – you simply attach the wall bracket to the tile or wall using strong adhesive- then screw the bottle of your choice into place.
Every spa has their signature products (shampoo/conditioner/body wash) in wall mount dispensers- and this easy update truly makes you feel like you’re bringing the spa home to you.
TIP: Most sets come with small funnels for decanting your products into the bottles. Don’t throw that out!
Trays
Trays give things that might otherwise look cluttery cohesion. Suddenly they aren’t separate elements sitting near each other… once you place them on a tray they become a GROUPING.
Ways to use trays in a spa bathroom might include:
- On top of a toilet tank (google “tank trays” for ideas)
- On the countertop
- On a shower bench to contain products (choose a durable material like marble)
- On top of a bench or stool
Lidded Jars
Glass apothecary jars filled with clean white q-tips and cotton balls are my favorite spa bathroom styling trick. We received this set as a wedding gift 16 years ago and they’re still going strong. They’re classic.
I love the soft texture and bright white color of the cotton showing through the glass, but if you’re hiding something less aesthetically pleasing, consider an opaque lidded jar made out of alabaster, marble, or ceramic.
Wall Mount Shelving
When you have a blank wall that needs a little something, a shelf or ledge is always a good idea.
I linked the teak style hook and shelf combo earlier, but you can see one of my other favorite options in these photos.
Did you spot it? It’s a mirror with a built in ledge! Perfect for small spaces and displaying spa decor we’ve been discussing in this article.
Wall Hooks
There are so many ways to add wall hooks to your bathroom. There are options to fit every budget and every style… and every space can benefit from adding wall hooks.
When in doubt add a hook. That might be my life motto.
These suction cup, no-drill hooks are also awesome because you can attach them directly to tile or shower glass. I like them for hanging towels, loofahs, etc. They come in brass, black, and stainless steel.
Thinking about Some Bigger Updates?
This article focused on styling and quick updates, but if you’re considering a remodel or building a home, check out my fave bathroom storage solutions.
Enjoy Your Spa Bathroom!
Now that you know the ins and outs of creating and styling your very own spa at home it’s time to get to work!
Avoid overwhelm by simply tucking these ideas in the back of your mind and adding one or two elements at a time. Or go for it and give your space a total glow up. It’s up to you!
Either way, you’re going to love the way these small diy decorating upgrades elevate your daily self-care routines.
Happy decorating!
xoxo,
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