7 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Your Own Oasis

If you're like most people, you probably think of your bathroom as a pit stop on the way to someplace else. During the morning rush, you might flit from the sink to the shower and then out the door. After a long day, you may race through it to get ready for bed. But this hard-working room has so much more to offer. You can make the most of your bathroom by shifting your thinking: instead of a way station, why not consider it a destination in itself?

To get inspired, here are a few simple additions—and one transformative product—that can turn an ordinary bathroom into a personalized oasis.

Gather Some Greenery

Plants make wonderful accents in the home, thanks to both their beauty and health-boosting abilities. While you may already have plants in places like the living room or kitchen, the bathroom is a great spot to introduce some flora. It's important, however, to make sure you choose species that do well in a bathroom environment (i.e., warm temperatures, high humidity, and low light). There are lots of plants that will thrive in the bathroom, such as orchids, golden pothos, spider plants, and air plants. For an extra design touch, select pots that match your décor.

Get Creative with Scents

From creating a relaxing atmosphere to covering up unpleasant smells, candles are an obvious choice in the bathroom. However, you don't want the scent to be overpowering. Choose something light and fairly neutral, a linen- or rain-scented candle, for example. Or splurge on an aromatherapy candle in your favorite scent, such as lavender or lemongrass. Candles in glass jars and votives are recommended, so you won't have to worry about dripping wax. You can also burn essential oils for aromatherapy. Delta^® steam heads have an essential oil reserve on top to add an aromatherapy experience to your steam shower.

Add Some Art

Who says you can't enjoy artwork in the bathroom? A few well-chosen pieces can accentuate the atmosphere and give you something to gaze at while you brush your teeth or soak in the tub. Just be aware that repeated exposure to heat and humidity can damage certain materials over time. Consider incorporating some sculpture, which is less vulnerable to humidity than paper artwork. Another option is vinyl wall stickers, which come in hundreds of styles and colors and can be customized to match your décor. Best of all, they're relatively easy to remove and usually don't damage paint, tile, or wallpaper.

Upgrade Your Bathroom Rug

Chances are you haven't given much thought to your bathroom rug, but it's an easy way to upgrade the look of your bathroom and improve your everyday experience. Don't settle for a bathroom rug that's too small, too thin, or never seems to dry out. Instead, take some time to measure the space and select a material that is soft, absorbent, and quick to dry. Cotton bathroom rugs are popular, but you may prefer the feel of microfiber or memory foam, which are both synthetic. If you want a natural, non-fabric alternative, you might consider a wood or bamboo option that doesn't require laundering.

Bring in Seating

Aside from the obvious porcelain seat, there aren't many places to sit down in most bathrooms. A small, comfortable seat can make a wonderful addition, giving you a place to towel off, apply lotion, or paint your nails. Consider a cushioned chair, opt for a space-saving ottoman—maybe even one with room for storage, or choose a bench. Place the seat beneath a window to enjoy the natural light.

Try Some Tunes

Listening to music or a podcast while you get ready in the morning or unwind at night is another easy way to customize your bathroom experience. If you're worried about using your phone or portable speaker in a wet space, look for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker or use waterproof wireless headphones. Depending on your mood and the time of day, you can choose upbeat music; an informational program or podcast, or something calm and soothing, like classical music. You'll be amazed by how easy it is to set the tone for your day or night with just a little listening.

Build a Steam Shower

When it comes to enhancing your bathroom, a steam shower can be more than a relaxing and luxurious escape. Steam systems can improve your mental, physical, and overall wellbeing. Visit Delta^® Steam Systems to learn more about the benefits of steam and find out how you can bring steam into your home. For tips on designing and building a steam shower you'll love, check out How to Build Your Ideal Steam Shower.