Bathrooms are functional spaces but with a little thought they can become an oasis of calm in a busy home and give you a space to retreat, relax and unwind when life feels hectic. If you want your bathroom to have a spa-like feel, try these handy tips for creating a zen bathroom.

Add Texture

Texture is essential for creating a zen environment. Luxury towels, fluffy robes and soft bath mats all help to create that spa-like feel. Opt for whites, pastels or neutrals for hotel vibes.

You could also incorporate texture by using natural materials for storage and decoration, for example, laundry or storage baskets made from wicker or rattan or a wooden bath tray or bamboo shower mat.

Layering textures instantly elevates a space and adds depth. It’s also a great way to make a space look more interesting and draw the eye without adding too much colour so if you’re wanting to keep things neutral, natural materials are the way to go.

Create a Centrepiece

For that real wow-factor, and if your budget allows, why not create a centrepiece in your bathroom? Depending on your personal preference, this might be a luxury walk-in shower cubicle or a freestanding bathtub for long, leisurely soaks.

Many homes have smaller bathrooms to create additional space elsewhere, for example, making bedrooms bigger. However, even in a small bathroom, you may be able to fit a compact bathtub or corner bath so don’t be held back by the available space.

If you’re struggling to visualise how a new bathtub or freestanding shower cubicle will fit into your space you could visit a bathroom showroom for inspiration and to get a feel for how your new centrepiece might look once it’s in place.

Soft Lighting

Lighting can completely transform any space and this is true of bathrooms too. After all, no one is going to feel zen-like calm with harsh strip lighting or bright overhead bulbs!

You can invest in dimmable ceiling lights that will allow you to control and customise your light levels to suit your preferences or layer your lighting, for example, by adding wall lights or an illuminated mirror. Tealights and scented candles can also be used to create ambience for relaxing and unwinding.

Include Greenery

Houseplants are great for imbuing spaces with a sense of calm and have been shown to have multiple benefits, including purifying the air and lowering stress levels.

Choose plants that love humidity and will thrive in the moist conditions a bathroom offers. You could have trailing plants in hangers or sitting in pots around the edges of the bath or sink.

Alternatively, if you’re worried about keeping houseplants alive, freshly-cut flowers in decorative vases or artificial plants can give a similar effect and help you transform a functional bathroom space into a green oasis.