Level up your life with these simple steps that will turn any bath into a sanctuary.
By Nicholas Tamarin
Transforming your bath into a soothing spa-like retreat can be achieved with a few easy upgrades. These atmospheric additions not only enhance the functionality of your bath but also create a sophisticated, design-forward focal point for a home. Here are the fastest ways to turn an ordinary bath into a peaceful experience that makes an elegant statement.
1. Heated Towel Rack
A heated towel rack keeps your towels and bathrobes warm and fluffy, making stepping out of the shower a pleasurable experience even in the dead of winter. But they also have a functional aspect in reducing mold and mildew. Also known as towel warmers, these electric or hydronic devices are designed as wall-mounted, freestanding, and even portable models. Options range from simple, minimalist designs to more elaborate models with timers and temperature controls.
2. Rainfall Showerhead
A rainfall showerhead provides a gentle, relaxing flow of water that mimics the feel of a natural rain shower. These showerheads are usually larger than standard models, often with diameters ranging from 8 to 16 inches or more. They feature multiple nozzles spread across the head to distribute water evenly in a gentle, rain-like flow. Many models come with adjustable settings to modify water pressure or switch to more focused, traditional spray patterns, as well as integrated changeable LED lighting, which can sync with water temperature, for added ambience.
3. Aromatherapy Diffuser
An aromatherapy diffuser is a device that disperses essential oils into the air, allowing the fragrance to fill a room and promote a variety of therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapy is often used to reduce stress and improve sleep with calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile; purify the air with essential oils that may have antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal properties; and enhance mood with fragrances like citrus or peppermint, which cab boost energy and improve focus.
Diffusers come in different types and styles, each with its own mechanism for dispersing essential oils:
- Ultrasonic Diffusers: These use water and ultrasonic vibrations to create a fine mist of water and essential oils, gently humidifying the air while dispersing the fragrance.
- Nebulizing Diffusers: These use an air pump to atomize essential oils into tiny particles without the use of water or heat, providing a pure and concentrated aroma.
- Evaporative Diffusers: A fan blows air through a pad or filter that contains essential oils, causing them to evaporate and spread throughout the room.
- Heat Diffusers: These use heat (usually a candle or electric element) to evaporate essential oils, though they may alter the chemical composition of oils due to high temperatures.
4. Freestanding Tub
A deep, freestanding tub can serve as the centerpiece of a spa-like bath. Its design allows for a more luxurious soak, providing both immersive comfort and a sense of escape from daily stress. Because they stand alone and are not attached to walls or built into a platform, these tubs can be placed anywhere such as next to a window, or even outdoors, optimizing space. Often paired with floor-mounted or wall-mounted taps and available designs like clawfoot or pedestal, these tubs have material options that range from affordable, lightweight acrylic; durable but heavier cast iron; stone resin, which retains heat like cast iron but can be more expensive; and copper, for a vintage, rustic aesthetic and excellent heat retention.
5. Heated Toilet Seat
This small upgrade adds to the overall serene environment of a spa-inspired bath. A heated toilet seat is designed to provide warmth and comfort, especially in colder climates or during winter months. Most models use minimal electricity and often have an energy-saving mode or automatic shut-off feature to conserve power. Many high-end heated toilet seats come with built-in LED night lights to make nighttime visits more convenient. And some heated toilet seats are part of a full bidet system, offering additional features like warm water sprays, air drying, deodorizers, and self-cleaning nozzles.
