16 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa

A spa day is such a relaxing experience — wouldn’t it be great to go anytime you want? By incorporating elements of a spa in your home bathroom, you can turn that space into a restful and rejuvenating retreat. If you happen to be building or renovating a bathroom, it’s the perfect time to add spa features to your design. If that’s not an option, there are still things that you can add or change out in your bathroom space to make it feel more calming. Here are some common elements among spa-like bathrooms.

Clear the Space

natural view make helps create a leisurely feeling." width="1275" height="850" />View in galleryNeutral colors and a natural view make helps create a leisurely feeling.

Relaxing bathrooms have a clean and tidy look. A soothing color palette and dreamy features like focal point tub and light and airy window treatments her create a serene space. One of the things you notice about a spa is the lack of clutter or mess, which helps keep the vibe calm. That doesn’t mean the space has to be modern or minimalist. A more traditional or country-style bathroom can still have a calm, spa-like feeling. Careful chosen accessories, a white color palette and natural wood pieces can work together for a relaxing feel.

View in galleryMismatched antique furnishings fit the style and keep the mood relaxed.

Include Storage

Clutter is never soothing, so stashing away all your bathroom necessities is paramount in creating a serene environment. Whether you choose all closed cabinetry or include some open shelving, everything needs to be neat and organized. Items stored or displayed in any open shelving must be precisely stacked or stored in attractive containers.

Cube bathroom furniture by Christian Werner is clean lined and modern." width="1024" height="768" />View in galleryL-Cube bathroom furniture by Christian Werner is clean lined and modern.closed storage makes for a functional and sleek bathroom." width="768" height="1024" />View in galleryMultiple vanity levels and a combination of open and closed storage makes for a functional and sleek bathroom.View in galleryOpen shelving above the tub makes the most of a bathroom corner.

Add Special Hardware

A spa-like bathroom should be serene, but not boring.  Amp up the design by switching out your hardware and faucets.  Smaller changes like these will make big difference in the appeal of the bathroom, even if you can’t renovate the entire space. Adding personal touches or specialty hardware that reflects your personality will make it your own.

View in galleryWatermark offers faucets that add a touch of understated bling to the bathroom.Nortesco faucet knobs." width="1275" height="850" />View in galleryEven a serene space can include a touch of color like these Nortesco faucet knobs.3D printed faucet like this one from American Standard." width="768" height="1152" />View in galleryOr, go for the latest in technology with a 3D printed faucet like this one from American Standard.

Choose Extraordinary Tile

Tile of some kind is a bathroom necessity, but by choosing a special pattern, texture or style, it elevates the space from mundane to marvelous. The kind you choose should reflect what helps you be relaxed and calm. Shiny metallics might be too bold for some, while for other people, they are perfect. The bathroom is a private space so it really needs o be all about you and your desires.

dimensional sculptural tile that is perfect in a neutral palette." width="768" height="1152" />View in galleryWalker Zanger has spectacular three-dimensional sculptural tile that is perfect in a neutral palette.View in galleryArtistic Tile offers a variety of shiny, metallic tiles like this foiled style.View in galleryIf a Persian motif is more your style, this one from Tilebar might be appealing.

Choose a Stone Sink

Many spa bathrooms include natural elements like natural wood and stone. One way to make stone a major feature is to choose a stone sink. Whether you choose a light colored material or a darker one, it adds an earthy touch to the bathroom.

small natural pool." width="1275" height="850" />View in galleryVanico’s slate basin is very natural, evoking the feeling of a small natural pool.genetically shaped sink can still have an organic feel when it has a natural edge." width="1024" height="768" />View in galleryA more genetically shaped sink can still have an organic feel when it has a natural edge.shaped stone sinks give a particularly natural feel." width="768" height="1024" />View in galleryVessel-shaped stone sinks give a particularly natural feel.

Install a Roomy Shower

A big part of a spa bathroom is a luxurious bathing experience, whether that’s in a bathtub or in a shower. Being cramped in a tiny shower is not the stuff of dreams, so you’ll want to have the best shower that your space and budget will allow. Some showers now include LED lighting and sound features.

shaped stone sinks give a particularly natural feel." width="768" height="1152" />View in galleryVessel-shaped stone sinks give a particularly natural feel.

Add a Rainfall Showerhead

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a showering experience special. Even smaller showers will benefit from a waterfall shower head or other luxe shower sprayer or hardware. This can be one of the more affordable investments in creating a spa experience at home.

rainfall shower component." width="768" height="1024" />View in galleryA regular shower an be updated with a new rainfall shower component.View in galleryLuxe shower heads come in all kinds of styles and sizes.

Incorporate Seating

Spa experiences are leisurely and relaxed, and that’s hard to achieve without some sort of seating in the bathroom. If space is plentiful, it’s possible to include expansive or luxurious seating. If not, sometimes a small bench or stool will do the trick. Remember to keep proportions in mind.

deeply tufted ottoman." width="1024" height="768" />View in galleryThis bathroom by Teuco includes a modest yet plush looking, deeply tufted ottoman.View in galleryA larger, deep chair is an important piece in this spacious bathroom from Teuco.plush seating option." width="1275" height="850" />View in galleryA more modest bench in this bathroom still makes for a comfortable and plush seating option.

Keep Background Lighting Low

While you need good lighting for personal tasks like shaving and make-up application, softer, lower lighting is critical in creating a serene vibe. Low background lighting will keep the mood calm and spa-like.

View in gallerySoftly directed spotlights work well in a spa bathroom.casting harsh light." width="768" height="1024" />View in galleryConcealed lighting, like this example under the mirror, adds ambiance without casting harsh light.View in galleryUnderlighting works with all sorts of vanity and bathroom styles, as in this Nortesco design.

Opt for a Soaking Tub

Soaking in a deep tub is a true luxury and today’s new tub designs are well-suited to a spa-style a bathroom. Whether it’s a stand-alone tub, antique claw-footed model or a newer jacuzzi model, they are all indulgent choices for a luxe bathroom space.

View in galleryUnderlighting works with all sorts of vanity and bathroom styles, as in this Nortesco design.fashioned claw foot style is meant for luxuriating." width="1024" height="768" />View in galleryAn old-fashioned claw foot style is meant for luxuriating.View in galleryA more modern built-in style can still be relaxing.View in galleryA modern soaking tub can still be useful for the entire family.

Add Some Marble

You can add upscale materials like marble to your spa bathroom without adding too much bling or shininess. Marble is a versatile, top-shelf choice for a spa space. Whether it’s for a basin or a vanity top, it can elevate the design.

modern addition." width="768" height="1024" />View in galleryThis marble pedestal sink is a modern addition.

Install a Fireplace

If you have the room, adding a fireplace to the bathroom will definitely encourage you to spend more time in the space.  Perfect near a soaking tub or even a luxury shower, it provides physical warmth as well as mental relaxation. Today’s sleek gas models make it easier to include this feature in a bathroom.

View in galleryA bathroom with plenty of space can include a stand-alone fireplace unit like this one.,

Pick minimalist sinks

Sometimes a sleek sink is all that’s required to create a more spa-like feel in a bathroom. Minimalist and modern, they draw attention in a good way. A low profile and sleek hardware contribute to the special feel.

View in galleryCool and modern, these sinks are definitely different.View in galleryIndependently standing double sinks offer functionality with a sleek, spa feel.

Feature the View

If you’re fortunate enough to have a killer view from your bathroom, make the most of it. There’s nothing like gazing at a spectacular skyline, blooming garden or rolling waves of the ocean to calm you down. Make sure that your spa bathroom offers you the opportunity to look outward.

star designer Shawn Henderson lets the view dominate." width="1000" height="797" />View in galleryA bathroom by star designer Shawn Henderson lets the view dominate.

Use a Lighted Mirror

Add task lighting and create ambiance all at once with a modern lighted mirror. Today’s designs are as functional as they are artful. The lack of switches or cords adds to the appeal of these mirrors.

star designer Shawn Henderson lets the view dominate." width="768" height="1024" />View in galleryA bathroom by star designer Shawn Henderson lets the view dominate.

Add a Sauna

in the ultimate spa experience, homeowners with cash to spare can now include a self-contained sauna unit. Not only are these unites electronically controlled, they are stylish and feature extras like aromatherapy and colored LED lighting.

View in galleryVisually attractive and physically indulgent, personal saunas are the ultimate in spa features.