How to Give Your Bathroom a Serene Spa Upgrade In a Single Weekend

Given the chaos and uncertainty of everyday life, we wouldn’t mind if our entire home felt like a spa. But bathrooms in particular are meant to inspire tranquility and calm, whether you’re working with 20 square feet or a full en-suite washroom complete with a clawfoot soaking tub. These sacred rooms are one of the few spaces where it’s 100% appropriate, if not encouraged, to unplug, unwind, and recharge for hours on end.

Fortunately, there are many low-lift ways to lend a spa feel to your bathroom, even if you fall into the “tiny footprint” camp. From aromatic botanicals to thoughtful storage, discover our tried-and-true designer tips for giving your bathroom a spa upgrade in a single weekend:

Add fresh flowers and greenery

Arguably the easiest way to lend spa vibes to your bathroom? Flowers and greenery. Make a statement with a large centerpiece-style arrangement with fresh blooms cut from your garden, or pepper in a few calming, aromatic plants like lavender, jasmine, and eucalyptus to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Pro tip: hang a bundle of eucalyptus from your shower head—the steam will release the natural oils from the plant for a crisp, refreshing, and incredibly restorative vibe.

Embrace white-on-white

If you’re looking to create a clean, fresh atmosphere where your mind is free to relax and daydream, consider a warm white color palette. When paired with a textured shower curtain and towels as well as high-contrast black accents for additional depth, this hue feels both chic and serene.

Conceal clutter with decorative storage

A clean, clutter-free environment can actually reduce anxiety, so incorporating plenty of aesthetically-pleasing storage in your bathroom is a must. Create a home for your linens, toiletries, skincare, hair tools, and the like, whether in the form of baskets, shelving, or wall hooks. While concealing clutter requires daily effort, nothing beats a three-hour bath in your immaculate spa-esque bathroom.

Coordinate bath accessories

Never underestimate the power of matching bathroom accessories. Coordinating your soaps, lotions, cups, and canisters can make a big visual impact at a relatively low cost. This simple detail will make your bathroom feel orderly, harmonious, and intentional.

Invest in lighting

To truly see your bathroom in a new light, look to sconces. Lighting is one of the most fundamental design elements for establishing an ambiance—particularly in creating a calm and relaxing space. Go beyond standard options for more artful and unique selections that not only enhance the aesthetic, but set the tone for tranquility.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make my bathroom feel like a spa on a budget?

Start with the low-lift wins: fresh greenery, matching soap and lotion containers, and tucking clutter into baskets. Hanging eucalyptus from the shower head costs almost nothing and adds an instant spa scent.

What colors make a bathroom feel like a spa?

Warm whites are the classic spa choice. Layer in texture through towels and a shower curtain, then add a few black accents for depth so the room feels serene rather than sterile.

How do I add a spa feel to a small bathroom?

Focus on scent, soft lighting, and storage. A single aromatic plant, a warm-toned sconce or bulb, and a tidy set of baskets can turn even a 20-square-foot bathroom into a calm retreat.

What lighting is best for a spa bathroom?

Swap harsh overhead fixtures for sconces or warm, dimmable bulbs. Softer, layered lighting sets a relaxing tone and is one of the most impactful changes you can make.

Ready to turn your bathroom into a retreat?

A Havenly designer can help you choose calming finishes, layer in the right lighting, and pull the whole spa look together.

Take the Havenly style quiz—10 minutes, and you'll be matched with a designer who shares your sense of calm.

Not ready to commit? Try Havenly AI—snap a photo of your room and see it reimagined.