How to create the ultimate cosy feel in your bathroom

We firmly believe that your bathroom should be a moment. Cosiness isn't just about appearance, it's a feeling. And after a long hard day, retreating to a warm, calming space is often just what’s needed to relax to recharge.

cosy calming bathroom space candles plants bubbles book

What if you could transform your bathroom from a purely functional or plain space into a warm, inviting sanctuary? The place you have some me-time deserves to be somewhere you can truly unwind and escape the stress in day-to-day life. With these creative ideas, explore how you can bring your bathroom back to you.  

Soft, layered lighting 

Harsh overhead lighting can make any space feel clinical and unwelcoming. A bright, white light can take away from elements of your bathroom you’ve made your own, such as unique decor and colour themes. If you want your space to be more soothing, it might be time to dim it down. Warmer lights, with yellow or orange tints, or simply a dimmer switch softens your space and your senses.  

Another idea is to incorporate multiple light sources at different heights, or strip lighting integrated within your bathroom furniture to create an inviting atmosphere to suit your mood.

Consider adding LED strip lighting under floating vanities or behind mirrors for a subtle glow. Candles, especially those that are battery-operated, can provide additional ambiance without any safety concerns - perfect for a long, relaxing soak in the tub. 

Natural elements

There’s nothing quite like the peace you can find in nature. Bathrooms furnishings and fixtures replicate the actions and flows of the natural world - waterfalls, steam and mostly, time away from modern, daily life make the bathroom a place of escape. Bringing touches of nature into your bathroom instantly adds cosiness and character.  

Consider placing smaller plants like peace lilies or bamboo on windowsills or counter spaces – these thrive in humid environments and help purify the air. Larger indoor plants, like Boston ferns or rubber plants, work well in wicker hanging baskets and prefer lower light and steamy spaces.  

Discover different textures and colours with wooden elements. Displaying accessories like bath caddies, storage boxes, or even a wooden stool gives your bathroom an earthy feel and brings your home closer to nature. You can also transform your bathroom with larger pieces such as oak furniture, which creates a stunning contrast to bold feature walls or wallpaper designs. Materials like oak and bamboo work well with a varnish or seal and luckily, they match any colour scheme.  

Natural stone accessories are even more grounding in the bathroom, turning your space into a spa-like retreat. Simple features like a marble soap dish or pebble-style bathmat can add organic texture whilst maintaining a cosy feel. More prominent fixtures, like stone sinks or even flooring can also be cosy, not only connecting you to nature but adding a sense of understated luxury.  

Softer textures 

Nothing says cosy quite like plush, luxurious textiles. We suggest investing in high-quality, fluffy towels, arranging them on a heated rack or rolled in baskets. Adding a super-soft bathmat that feels wonderful underfoot will not disappoint. Don't forget shower curtains – opt for heavy, high-quality fabrics in warmer tones over clinical plastic. A small, washable rug of a natural shade, like brown, dark green or teal can also be placed strategically to add both comfort and style. 

Scent for the senses  

Engage all the senses by curating a candlelit or reed-infused experience in your bathroom. Rather than relying on artificial air fresheners, consider using essential oil diffusers, naturally scented candles, or even herbs – hanging eucalyptus bundles freshens your space. Lavender, vanilla, and cedarwood are particularly effective for creating a cosy atmosphere, but keep your chosen scents subtle – you’d rather create an inviting environment than an overwhelming one. 

Deeper shades  

Are you comfortable with the colour of your space? Often when renovating, there is a pull toward standard or suggested ideas, rather than what makes you feel happy and rejuvenated. Bright whites and silvers can be refreshing at first but soon become boring – especially being in a regularly visited part of your home.  

Think about deepening the shades of your bathroom to dark blues, moss greens or amber. Subtle changes like art and decor are effective, but you can mix things up with a darker feature wall or furniture selection. If you must keep those white walls, try a new furniture collection with a bold colour to make your bathroom a little more special.  

Personal touches

The difference between a sterile bathroom and a cosy one lies in the details. Try adding some moisture-loving plants in vases to bring the outside in.

You can display a small collection of attractive bottles and jars, rather than any standard, commercial packaging. Also think about using wooden or rattan storage boxes to ‘display’ towels, toilet rolls and other accessories in the bathroom. Something as simple as a beautiful soap dish or a carefully chosen mirror can add character and warmth to the space. 

Place a small chair or stool in a corner – wooden, for that extra cosy feel – with a soft throw blanket draped over. And consider adding artwork to your bathroom walls that is unique to you, or that complements your colour scheme – ensuring it is properly framed to protect it from humidity. 

bathroom warm cosy vibe large mirror plants vase mood lighting
stripped wood shelving rattan storage boxes plant vase cosy

Use wooden or rattan storage solutions to display bathroom accessories… and don’t forget plants.

Most of all, remember that creating a cosy bathroom is about finding the right balance between functionality and comfort. Focus on incorporating elements that make you feel relaxed and at ease while maintaining the practical aspects necessary for a bathroom space.

With these thoughtful additions, your bathroom can become more than just a practical room – it can be a peaceful retreat within your home. 

Looking for more ideas to transform your bathroom? Follow us on Instagram @thebathhousewigston for more quality bathroom tips and products. Or Pin design ideas by visiting our bathrooms Pinterest page. We add new bathroom ideas every week.

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Joanne Neal

Jo Neal is co-founder of The Bath House Wigston. She has worked in the Bathroom Showroom business for almost 30 years, and has a huge amount of product knowledge ready to share with customers looking to create their dream bathroom.

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