19 Simple Ideas to Transform Your Bathroom into a Self-Care Sanctuary
Our bathrooms are possibly one of the most under-utilized spaces in the house when it comes to self-care. Of course, we have our everything showers which are amazing for helping us feel our absolute best.
But how many of us consider bathrooms our sanctuary and cozy spaces?
Just like any other carefully curated space in your home, your bathroom has the potential to be a space that provides you with a bit of respite, and relaxation with all the tools you need to have a full-on pamper sesh and self-care day.
Small changes to decor can make a big difference and transform it from just a bathroom to your own mini retreat.
In this post, I’m going to give you 19 ideas on how you can transform your bathroom from feeling basic and boring to a beautiful restorative space that you won’t want to leave.
19 Ideas for a Relaxing Self-Care Bathroom
Setting the mood with lighting and scents
1. Create soft lighting
Use dimmable lights or install warm yellow-toned bulbs, to create warm and soft mood lighting.
Add candles or LED candles for a cozy ambiance and spa vibes.
2. Incorporate aromatherapy
Use essential oil diffusers for calming scents that help you unwind, soothe muscle soreness, and help regulate your nervous system.
Light-scented candles with your favorite fragrances to make it feel even more luxurious.
Upgrading your bathroom accessories
3. Invest in a bath tray
Use a bath tray to hold your current read, tea (or wine!), snacks, or candles, small tweaks will help upgrade the space and make it feel bougie
4. Add comfort with pillows
Use waterproof bath pillows for neck and back support and when the bathtub is cold. We all know that bathtubs aren’t the most comfortable thing to sit in, so adding a cushion or pillow will help to make your bathroom your cozy place.
5. Upgrade towels and robes
Invest in high-quality, plush towels for a spa-like feel. Throw out your old, crispy threadbare towels and treat yourself!
Nothing says pamper, quite like a fluffy cozy bathrobe so use a soft and good quality bathrobe for post-bath comfort and coziness.
Upgrading your in-bath experience
6. Use exfoliating tools
Incorporate body brushes or loofahs for skin care as they’ll help you remove dead skin for a baby-soft feel. Also adding dry brushing to your routine can help with the appearance of cellulite and blow flow, so give it a try!
Consider a foot scrubber for pampering your feet; they’re the things that carry you around all day so be sure to give your feet some well-deserved TLC.
7. Enjoy luxurious bath bombs
Not only do bath bombs smell incredible they can also add glitter, oils, and beautiful colors to your bath to make it an all-around sensory experience! What a win?!
If you need something a bit stronger for your sore muscles after some good gym sessions, use Epsom salts or aromatic bath soaks to ease muscle tension.
8. Indulge in face and hair masks
Take your skincare up a notch and put on a hydrating face mask while you’re soaking in the tub, there’s no point in leaving your face out when the rest of your body is getting 5-star treatment!
If you want to go a step further then get yourself a hair mask as well – you’ll be feeling like silk from head to toe.
Add in some bathroom gadgets
9. Integrate waterproof speakers
It wouldn’t be a calming sanctuary without background sound – waterproof speakers are widely available so grab yourself one and play your favourite chill playlist or whale sounds!
10. Utilize timers for mindfulness
Make the most out of your bath time and set a timer to dedicate specific relaxation time (e.g., 15-20 minutes). Use your favorite meditation techniques, mindful breathwork, or affirmations to set the intention for your relaxation time.
11. Create a spa-like shower experience
Use shower steamers or aromatherapy shower tablets and make it smell just like a high-end spa.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative, you can tie a bunch of eucalyptus leaves to your shower head for a natural steam treatment.
Decorate your space and make it yours
12. Add in natural elements
I don’t know about you but when I think of a sanctuary, I think of outdoorsy, botanical spaces so it only makes sense to add potted plants or succulents to try and capture that botanical feel.
Use natural materials like bamboo or stone for decor to tie it all in.
13. Personalize your space
Of course, if you want your space to feel top-tier, you need to make it yours so hang inspirational quotes or artwork that uplifts you and reflects your tastes.
Display personal items that make you happy, like photos, souvenirs or ornaments
14. Organize your products
Use cute, decorative baskets or shelves to keep toiletries tidy and group your products by purpose (e.g., skincare, haircare, etc.) for easy access.
15. Include cozy textures
Add a soft bath rug or mat for a lovely warm texture underfoot when you get out of the bath, make sure it coordinates to fit your new aesthetic.
Also, use textured storage baskets and other storage solutions for a cozy aesthetic.
Other ideas to make your sanctuary super vibey
16. Incorporate a gratitude journal
During your relaxation time, you might have a spontaneous moment of inspiration or introspection. It might be worth keeping a journal in the bathroom to jot down ideas, thoughts, or affirmations when they come to you.
You can also use your self-care bathroom time for reflection and gratitude.
17. Have a relaxation corner
Set up a corner of the room, with all your favorite books or magazines, maybe even put some coloring books, pens, and pencils in there too if you feel like it.
18. Experiment with color
Paint the bathroom in calming colors like soft blues, greens, or beiges, then jazz up the space by dotting colorful decor accents around.
19. Practice mindfulness
Incorporate breathing exercises or meditation during your bath/shower. Being in the bath or shower can help you focus on the sensations in or around your body like the water’s warmth or the scents around you.
Pin these self-care bathroom ideas for later!
Your Relaxing Bathroom Ritual Begins Here
Taking the time to create a space that you love to be in, will encourage you to take more time on your self-care routines, and taking more time on yourself will put you in a more positive mindset day to day. Even the smallest changes like adding 5 more minutes to the routine will make a significant difference.
You don’t need to go full steam ahead and use every idea on this list, just start with one or two of the ideas listed and you’ll find it will make a big difference to the way you enjoy your bath/self-care time. Slowly build up from there until you’re content with your happy space.
Self-care is one of the highest forms of self-love and creating a beautiful bathroom space makes it much easier to practice it consistently.
