How to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom for Relaxation

A spa day is one of the best ways to relax, but that’s not always accessible. So why not create a similar experience at home that’s more readily available? Below, we’ll discuss how to create a spa-like bathroom with design ideas from interior designers and spa owners.

“A DIY spa bathroom isn’t about what you own – it’s about how it makes you feel,” says Adriana Rodriguez, Owner & Interior Designer at ARDISENOSTUDIO. Instead of a bathroom that feels rushed and cluttered, you can shift to a space that helps you slow down, reset, and appreciate self-care.

You can design your bathroom like a spa by including natural elements, appropriate lighting, and a relaxing scent. Read on for practical tips to create your very own spa atmosphere.

Natural Elements

“Incorporating natural elements like wood, stone, and plants instantly gives your bathroom a calming spa vibe,” says Hayley McAteer, Owner & Interior Designer at Cushee. “Think wood vanities, stone sinks, and plenty of greenery.” You can also tie in colors found in nature, like green, blue, and brown.

Not only do natural elements look beautiful, but they also help create a more grounded, stress-free environment. That’s why many spas, like Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver, use natural elements and colors in their design.

Appropriate Lighting

McAteer says that light isn’t only about visibility. It also plays a significant role in the mood and feel of your space. “For example, soft, warm lighting in your bathroom can make you feel like you’ve stepped into a tranquil spa. Meanwhile, harsh, cool lighting can feel sterile and uninviting.”

Different light options can help set your ideal mood:

• White - Bright and functional
• Yellow - Warm and calming
• Blue - Cool and modern

Daniela Gottschalk, Interior Designer at Tinzeltown, suggests using multiple light sources that you can moderate individually. For example, you might use a white light above your mirror for applying makeup and a yellow light above your bathtub.

Jessica French, Co-Founder of Oakwell Beer Spa, also recommends using dimmable lights or installing a dimmer switch to control the brightness because soft, warm lighting helps create a calming atmosphere.

Calming Colors

Colors set the tone for a space, and calming colors help create a spa-like bathroom.

“At Oakwell Beer Spa, we use various shades of blues and greens, like water and plants, to represent the tranquility of nature,” says Damien Zouaoui, Co-Founder of Oakwell Beer Spa. “We also include calmer pastel shades of beige.”

Although there aren’t many studies on color psychology, it’s said that certain colors support a relaxed mood:

• Blue - Calmness, serenity, and peace
• Green - Balance, serenity, and joy
• Purple - Relaxation, imagination, and calmness
• Gray - Comfort, maturity, and calmness
• White - Calmness, comfort, and hope

Luxury Materials

To create a spa bathroom, Gottschalk recommends incorporating high-end bathroom materials like toothbrushes, shower products, and decor. 

If you’re designing your bathroom on a budget, this might be a work in progress. You can start small and add to your bathroom over time. 

Rodriguez also recommends swapping out what you use in your bathroom daily for something that feels better. For example, upgrade to a Waffle Bath Towel made with super soft 100% natural cotton.

A Relaxing Scent

A relaxing scent is a simple way to turn your normal bathroom into a spa experience. 

“Scent isn’t just a nice touch – it’s a shortcut to a different state of mind,” says Rodriguez. “Smell is one of the fastest ways to shift your mood.”

Rodriguez recommends finding a signature scent that makes you feel at ease in your bathroom. Essential oils, a linen spray for your towels, or hanging fresh eucalyptus in your shower can promote relaxation in your bathroom.

Our favorite scent for a spa-like bathroom is Oakwell Cosmetics Relaxing Cedarwood & Amber Candle. It helps create a warm, cozy atmosphere, is made with 100% soy wax, and burns for about 80 hours.

Spa Bath Products

French says that using special bath products like bath salts can enhance your bathing experience and promote relaxation. This can help you feel like you’re experiencing a spa treatment.

Some of our favorite spa bath products are:

• Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Bath Salts - A soothing blend of Epsom and sea salts with herbs, minerals, and essential oils that support skin care and relaxation
• Oakwell Cosmetics Herbal Beer Bath Tea - An uplifting, aromatic blend of hops, malted barley, and herbs that cleans and hydrates the skin and helps prevent premature aging
• Oakwell Cosmetics Beer Body Soaps - Four options of cleansing soap bars made with gentle ingredients the skin loves

A Clutter-Free Space

“A spa-like bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about ease,” explains Rodriguez.

It’s difficult to find peace of mind when you’re surrounded by clutter, which is why many spas offer a minimalist environment.

Rodriguez shares the following tips for a clutter-free bathroom:

• Keep only what you love and use
• Remove random knick-knacks and empty containers
• Store daily essentials in a tray or basket
• Upgrade storage (e.g., glass jars for cotton rounds and Q-tips)

Cozy Textures

Incorporating cozy textures is one of the best design ideas for spa vibes. They can also create a luxurious feel and help you feel relaxed.

Rodriguez says the following can help you bring in cozy textures:

• Soft, oversized towels
• A comfortable bathrobe
• A cushioned bath pillow
• Plush rugs

Peaceful Sounds

Calming music likely comes to mind if you think about relaxing at the spa. 

Sounds can make a significant impact on an environment. For example, loud music or phone notifications can feel chaotic. Meanwhile, quiet sounds support tranquility.

Rodriguez recommends creating a ‘bathroom playlist’ on Spotify to play while you shower, take a bath, or get ready. Think soft, instrumental tunes. You can also find a ready-made spa playlist.

A Mindful Ritual

To create a spa bathroom experience, it’s important to have a mindful ritual. Otherwise, it’s just another room, explains Rodriguez.

Just like brick-and-mortar spas put effort into creating a peaceful atmosphere, the same goes for your DIY spa bathroom. 

Rodriguez suggests the following tips to shift from routine to ritual:

• Create a space that feels like a retreat
• Light a candle while you’re in the bathroom
• Take your time showering, bathing, and doing your skincare

How to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom for Relaxation: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to incorporate relaxing design ideas for a DIY spa bathroom. Ultimately, you want to create a space that feels good for you and helps you unwind.