How to Make a Boring Apartment Bathroom Spa-Like

Hang hotel-style terrycloth bathrobes from hooks on your bathroom wall.

Unless you live in a high-rent highrise, apartment bathrooms aren’t known for their luxurious appointments. Most are rather lackluster, but renovation isn’t a good option when you rent. Instead, make your boring apartment bathroom serene and spa-like by making simple cosmetic changes and adding the right accessories. As a bonus, you can take it all with you when you move. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Wall paint
• Wall cabinet or baskets
• Shower curtain
• Curtain rings
• Rainfall showerhead
• Light fixtures
• Towel bars
• Cabinet hardware
• Faucet
• Stool or table
• Bath sheets or towels
• Bathmat
• Towel or coat hooks
• Terrycloth bathrobes
• Candle or oil diffuser
• Music player
• Plant

Instructions

1. Paint your bathroom walls, if your lease permits it. Spa-like paint colors include pale ocean-inspired shades of blue, green and aqua, as well as the earthy colors of sand, stone and bamboo. Pure white is also spa appropriate.

2. Hide your cosmetics, toiletries and other bathroom clutter in the linen closet or under the sink. If you don’t have enough built-in storage, hang a wall cabinet or add a few natural, woven baskets. A toiletry-strewn countertop is not soothing or spa-like.

3. Remove your bold, bright or busy, patterned shower curtain. Replace it with a solid white curtain made of woven cotton or linen. Hang it from simple chrome or brushed nickel curtain rings.

4. Replace your plain showerhead with a rainfall model. Switch dated ceiling and vanity lights, towel bars and cabinet hardware with contemporary fixtures in brushed nickel or chrome. If your sink faucet appears less than stylish, replace it with a sleeker version. Save the old fixtures and hardware to reinstall when you move.

5. Place a small stool or table next to the tub, if you have the space. Look for a straight-lined piece made of teak or bamboo. Top it with a stack of thick, white bath sheets or towels made of Egyptian cotton, and then lay a matching bathmat on the floor.

6. Install large towel or coat hooks on the wall, one for each household member who uses that bathroom. Hang thick, white terrycloth bathrobes on the hooks.

7. Place an aromatherapy candle or oil diffuser on your vanity to fill your spa-like bathroom with soothing scents. Add a music player so you can relax to nature sounds or instrumental music. Bring nature into the space with a potted or flowering plant.

Tips & Warnings

• If your lease prohibits painting, offer to return the walls to their original color when you move. If your landlord won’t go for color, ask for a fresh coat of white.

References

• Good Housekeeping: How to Create an At-Home Spa Retreat

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Apartment Therapy: Bathroom Faucets for Under $100