We could all use some respite these days—and your daily shower or soak is a great time to pull yourself away from the screen, take some calming breaths, and recenter yourself. In times of stress, your bathroom can be a sanctuary—and a few simple design tweaks can make it feel even more serene.
You might not be able to pull off a major bathroom reno right now (unless you’re simply enlisting the help of a can of paint), but you can replace the worn-out essentials you already have and add in some more elevated accessories to transform your space into a makeshift spa. No matter what kind of square footage you’re working with, these buys go a long way to creating bathroom bliss.
Bring in greenery
Ferns not only make any space look extra-lush and verdant—they also thrive in high humidity, so they’re practically made for nestling close to your shower. Consider the Bird’s Nest variety the more playful alternative to a more expected Boston fern.
Transport yourself with scent
A simple reed diffuser ensures your space always smells fresh, and this one, in particular, has the added bonus of coming in a sleek, modern package. The scent “Moonrise” is evocative of a warm summer escape, with notes of yuzu, jasmine, and smoked cedarwood.
Try a soothing soap
This shower gel from Bathing Culture not only comes in a pretty refillable glass jar, but it’s also formulated to smell like you’re taking a soak in a natural spring surrounded by plenty of lush greenery. That’s enough to make a five-minute rinse feel a little more special.
Change your curtain
A canvas shower curtain looks and feels substantial. Invest in one you love—after all, it’s the focal point of your bathroom. This graphic option from Quiet Town is one that minimalists and maximalists alike can agree on.
Refresh your rug
Your bath mat is likely to get worn out faster than other textiles in your home, so swap it with a sturdy (yet soft) cotton option. The pebble-like weave of this one from Coyuchi helps it to absorb puddles in a cinch.
Stash your trinkets
Earrings, watches, jewelry, hair ties—they all need someplace to go before you hop under the showerhead. Keep things tidy (and at no risk of accidentally falling down the drain) with the help of a few small storage dishes, like these from Hay.
Update your linens
A high-quality, fluffy towel is essential for a calming post-bath or shower experience—and Dusen Dusen’s new collection of reversible ones are far more exciting than your typical all-white affair.
Elevate the details
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—shower hooks are the earrings of the bathroom. At just $10, these gold options from Hearth & Hand With Magnolia are a small price for the major difference they’ll make.
Liven up your sink edge
Bar soap is just as effective as a gel alternative and it lasts longer—but if you still need more persuading to make the switch, might we offer these squiggle-shaped dishes from Chantal Ceramics to keep it in place?
Find your new tools
No one likes dealing with knots, which is why it’s wise to keep a comb in easy reach if you have longer hair. This comb from Crown Affair is great for getting out tangles and giving yourself a much-needed scalp massage while you’re at it.
Hydrate with intention
To really lock in moisture post-rinse or soak, body oil is unbeatable. This aromatic one from Highborn (which smells like blue tansy and neroli) is infused with CBD to give your sore limbs some extra relief.
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