7 Ways to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget
- Molly Ishmael
- Feb 5, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 14, 2022
Valentine's Day and spas go together like peanut butter & jelly! Mindful of the upcoming holiday, I thought I'd share some little ideas on how to update one of the most most-used rooms in the house: the bathroom! For only a few dollars - or zero dollars in some cases - you can transform your boring old bathroom into a spa-like space to truly enjoy, no remodeling required!
Scroll down for 7 simple and effective ways to create a spa-like bathroom on a budget! And when you're done, enjoy a stay-cation in your own house!
The tub in my townhouse years ago.
Have you ever been to a spa or a fancy hotel? Some upscale restaurants and boutiques have luxurious restrooms, too. Doesn't it feel like a treat to check your make-up beneath a crystal chandelier, wash your hands with scented soap, and dry off with a super-soft towel? Flattering lighting is just another bonus. No wonder people take so many bathroom selfies!
Want to replicate the feeling of a spa or fancy hotel restroom right in your very own home? Keep reading for my tips on 7 easy ways to turn any boring bath into a spa-like retreat!
7 Ways to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget
Try rolling your towels and storing them in a basket. Photo credit: DecorPad.
1. Display rolled white towels.
Roll your bath towels and place them in a basket near the tub, spa style.
First of all, there are several reasons to use white towels only; one is that they are easy to wash and bleach if need be. White fabric is easier to maintain looking crisp than colors or patterns that fade. Also, white textiles create a vibe of purity and cleanliness. Finally, white linens show you in an instant that they're clean which is an assuring feeling, versus a towel one always suspects may be hiding stains - or worse. That's why hotels use white linens; guests know in an instant that everything is sparkling clean.
After you've gathered a few bright white towels, display them by neatly rolling and stacking them on a surface clearly visible when you walk in. Stacking white towels on wooden shelves is ideal, or place them within a wooden crate on the counter or in a basket on the over-the-toilet storage shelf. If you place the basket of towels on the floor, I suggest adding a rug to keep the basket separate from the floor; it just feels cleaner.
It's a bit of a splurge perhaps, but there's nothing like nothing like wrapping up in an oversized sheet towel.
Wood is an important element in the bathroom.
2. Place an element of wood in the bathroom.
According to feng shui tradition, wood balances the water element that is already present and the water element nourishes the wood element, so the combination creates a healthy, balanced vibe.
You can easily do this by adding a teak stool, bamboo mat, or even just a wooden bath brush. Woven baskets or a natural fiber jute rug also work.
Alternatively, you could add a live plant to introduce the wood element. In fact, I recommend having a live plant in the bathroom no matter what. Something with lots of green leaves is best. Plants naturally clean the air and provide living color to what otherwise can be a cold, dead space.
Can there be a greater luxury than a spot to sit down in the shower?
A small diffuser makes a big difference.
3. Infuse a fresh scent.
It's a welcome experience to walk into a restroom that smells extra-fresh. Adding a candle or reed diffuser should do the trick. Several candles work if one is not enough. Perhaps treat yourself to that expensive candle you've been eyeing up at Anthropology - go ahead, it's just for you. An essential oil diffuser is my favorite way to add naturally lovely scent. Its effect is especially noticeable in smaller spaces, so you will notice a great difference in a room like a bathroom.
Air fresheners can be effective, but make sure they are using natural products and not releasing unhealthy chemicals into the air. You would hate to be breathing chemicals in the steamy air or absorbing the chemicals into your skin as you shower. So be careful of air fresheners. But definitely add a natural smell-good element to your bathroom. You will really enjoy it!
This diffuser's 6-hour run time means having to refill less often. :)
Keeping things simple and clean go a long way toward creating a spa-like environment.
4. Tidy away personal items.
Maybe this should have been Tip #1. It's probably the most important piece. Picture walking into a spa and seeing someone's used hairbrush on the counter, or toothpaste rolls leaking onto the counter... not exactly what you would want to see! It may sound obvious, but perhaps don't decorate the bathroom with hair and toothpaste, haha. Mouthwash and razors are equally unsavory. Make sure all your little things and products are neatly out of direct vision.
If you lack drawer or cabinet space, this can be challenging, but trust me, everyone can do it! Get creative: try baskets or over-the-toilet storage shelves (very cheap, available anywhere), relocate toiletry items to a linen closet, move hair and make-up supplies to your clothes closet, and simply let go of excess things. Do whatever you have to in order to clear away items that create a cluttered, unsanitary appearance when you walk into your bathroom.
A completely neat and clean bathroom is really the first step toward a spa-like result. And the good news is, it's free to achieve. Just clean up.:) For added points, paint the walls a clean, high-gloss white. Paint is cheap and elbow-grease is free!
Presto! Insta-storage for even the tiniest of bathrooms.
Candles are provenly relaxing and healthy for the mind.
5. Turn Down the Lighting...
If you can, replace an overhead light with a small chandelier. There is nothing like a crystal lighting fixture to make a space feel special! if chandeliers aren't possible in your space, try a dimmer switch for the regular lights so you can minimize unnattractive electric glare.
Alternatively, try lighting your space with scented candles (if you can so so safely, of course!) Flameless candles work, too, and are much safer. Of course, if using real candles, make sure you're burning healthy ingredients. Whatever burns off goes into the air you're breathing and absorbing, so take care to use all-natural candles. They're easy to find these days practically anywhere.
+++Plus, candles are relaxing: science says so!+++
6. ... and Turn Up the Tunes!
Set the scene with peaceful music: Try searching your preferred streaming service for Tibetan singing bowls, zen or spa music, instrumental tropical tunes, or harp music. You'll be instantly transported! I feel so relaxed when getting ready for the day with my favorite Tibetan singing bowl sounds in the background. Plus, certain sounds have been shown to have a psychologically and physically relaxing effect on the body. So stream your favorite station and enjoy some free relaxation; it's like a massage for the mind.
Organic coconut wax candle + crackling wood wick = ultimate relaxation!
My favorite chandelier - I moved it with me to 3 different houses, restringing the crystals every time.
7. Add a statement piece.
This one special item could be a great lighting fixture or a new mirror - ditch the builder's grade beveled mirror your bathroom came with, and replace it with a statement piece. Check out Hobby Lobby and Home Goods for great mirrors, and check out Overstock and Amazon for inexpensive yet beautiful light fixtures. You could also add a faux sheepskin rug for an element of plush luxury. Alternatively, you could hang an oversized, colorful piece of art.
Small yet mighty! This mini-chandelier packs a stylish punch.
And there you have it! Turn any ordinary bathroom into your very own spa. Your bathroom will be radiating relaxing vibes in no time flat. Well, those are my tips, now tell me your secrets for bathroom quick fixes - I bet there are dozens of ideas out there. I believe no space is ever hopeless. Some rooms just needs a little pizzaz!
With Love, Molly
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