All of the above can, of course, be wholly wonderful and represent pure summer delight. It is not always easy to achieve though – and the associated cost can be prohibitive. Sometimes, then, what we need to fall back on is the simplest of pleasures. A good bath at the beginning or end of the day can really make one feel better about the world. And while there is no need to lavish a fortune on immersing yourself in water, a little added luxe can go a long way. Time, then, to turn on the taps, put on a podcast and tune out the world – whether that’s the news or the sibling squabbles.
Bathing Beauties: The Stylish Bathroom Buys Adding Luxe To Your Soak
From silky bath oils and beautiful towels to robes, sponges and small accessories, these are the bathroom additions that make a soak feel properly restorative.
As summer approaches, many of us begin to feel the pressure. It creeps into everything. Perhaps we feel we ought to be out, making the most of time off amidst a gaggle of friends, heads thrown back in laughter, with a bucolic picnic art-directed to Instagrammable perfection. Maybe the idealistic vision that lives in our heads is of an idyllic beach somewhere, making sandcastles with delighted children who look happy all the time, no moaning anywhere within earshot. Or perhaps the picture is one of using these warmest weeks productively to culturally enrich our own lives and those of our smallest ones as we zip around the galleries, churches and piazzas of Europe’s most civilised cities.
All of the above can, of course, be wholly wonderful and represent pure summer delight. It is not always easy to achieve though – and the associated cost can be prohibitive. Sometimes, then, what we need to fall back on is the simplest of pleasures. A good bath at the beginning or end of the day can really make one feel better about the world. And while there is no need to lavish a fortune on immersing yourself in water, a little added luxe can go a long way. Time, then, to turn on the taps, put on a podcast and tune out the world – whether that’s the news or the sibling squabbles.
All of the above can, of course, be wholly wonderful and represent pure summer delight. It is not always easy to achieve though – and the associated cost can be prohibitive. Sometimes, then, what we need to fall back on is the simplest of pleasures. A good bath at the beginning or end of the day can really make one feel better about the world. And while there is no need to lavish a fortune on immersing yourself in water, a little added luxe can go a long way. Time, then, to turn on the taps, put on a podcast and tune out the world – whether that’s the news or the sibling squabbles.
The Tinctures
The quickest route to making a bath feel like a treat? A beautifully scented soak, oil or cleanser that turns five stolen minutes into something altogether more restorative.
The Sponges/ Flannels
Small things, yes, but never underestimate the pleasure of a proper sponge or a handsome facecloth folded neatly by the basin. Hotel vibes ahoy.
The Towels
A good towel is one of life’s most underrated luxuries: soft, generous and enveloping.
The Accessories
From robes and bath mats to soap dishes and shower curtains, these are the finishing touches that can make even the bathroom feel fancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to make a bathroom feel more luxurious?
Start with texture and scent. A good towel, a pleasing bath oil and a proper soap dish can do more for a bathroom than an expensive overhaul.
Are expensive bath products worth it?
Not always, but a beautifully formulated bath oil or soak can make a noticeable difference if you use it as part of a proper wind-down ritual rather than a hurried afterthought.
How can I make a small bathroom feel more stylish?
Keep clutter to a minimum and choose a few strong details: striped towels, a good mirror, a smart shower curtain or a woven bath mat. Small bathrooms benefit from confidence, not fuss.
What should every bathroom have?
At the very least: good towels, a decent bath mat, hand soap, a facecloth or sponge, and somewhere attractive to store the things you use every day.
How do I make a bath feel more relaxing?
Dim the lights, add a bath oil or soak, put your phone out of reach and give yourself at least twenty uninterrupted minutes. The luxury is as much in the absence of demands as in the products themselves.
By
Nancy Alsop
·
Published June 2026
Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.
