How to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget: 12 Steps

This post will cover 12 easy steps you can take to create a spa-like bathroom while not spending much.

We’ve all seen those stunning and cozy bathrooms on Social Media that look like they’re straight out of a spa, right? And just like me, you might have thought it’s impossible to make your own bathroom feel like a spa because it’s too small, too dark, or the “Makeover” would cost a fortune.

But here’s the truth—it’s definitely possible, and luckily, it doesn’t have to cost a lot either. While you might not get the exact spa look, you can definitely infuse that calming vibe.

With a few clever tips and budget-friendly touches, you can transform your bathroom into a relaxing retreat where you can unwind and feel pampered every day.

So in this post, you’ll find out how to create a spa-like bathroom on a budget and make your space feel like a personal oasis.

How to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget

Step 1: Declutter

The one thing standing in your way of creating a relaxing bathroom is all the clutter. So, the first step is to really check everything in your space and see what you actually need. Because most of the time, we keep things just in case we might use them one day — but one day never comes.

So, try to keep your visible products to a minimum and throw away anything you don’t need. And always think twice before buying something new, or else you’ll just end up back at square one pretty quickly.

For the stuff you keep hidden, it’s not as obvious as the clutter on display, but if you open your bathroom cabinets and everything is about to fall out, that’s step 1.1 we need to tackle.

Because a cluttered vibe, even behind closed doors, can still ruin the overall feel of your bathroom. So, clearing out and organizing your hidden spaces is just as important as tidying the visible surfaces.

Also, try to keep a weekly cleaning schedule and a monthly decluttering routine. This will help you stay on track and serve as a reminder to keep everything clean, organized, and tidy in the bathroom. Consistency is key to maintaining that calm, spa-like vibe day in and day out.

Tip: A minimalist bathroom instantly feels more relaxing and spacious.

Step 2: Update Walls & Cabinets

Of course, there are limits to how far you can go with updates depending on whether you’re renting or not. However, there are still some great options that won’t cause any damage. Peel-and-stick wallpaper and contact paper are perfect for temporary updates.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is great for giving your walls a quick, non-permanent makeover. To create a spa-like vibe, think of neutral tones like white, beige, blush, soft blues, and light gray, for a calming, soothing look. Just be sure to avoid the walls that get wet easily, so you don’t risk damage.

For the bathroom countertop, contact paper is an excellent choice. It’s easy to apply and just as easy to remove, making it ideal for renters. You can opt for white marble, gray stone, or even patterned designs.

And if you’re not renting, then the options are endless. You can paint your cabinets and walls in any color you love to achieve that perfect spa-inspired look.

Budget Tip: A gallon of paint usually is enough to cover most small bathrooms.

Pro Tip: Use satin or eggshell finishes for a subtle, soft glow that still resists moisture.

Step 3: Optimize Lighting

Lighting truly either makes or breaks the entire atmosphere in your bathroom. For that spa-like feel, opting for light bulbs that mimic candlelight is a great choice. I recommend using 2700K to 3000K LED bulbs. They’ll instantly elevate the vibe and add a warm, relaxing glow.

But we’re not done yet. String and fairy lights are perfect for adding some soft accent lighting—drape them around mirrors, shelves, or along the ceiling edge for a gentle, spa-inspired glow.

Candles on the bathtub also work wonders, and if you want the ambiance all day long, consider fake candles for a spa-like atmosphere even when you’re not bathing.

Also, invest in plug-in dimmer switches—they’re inexpensive, easy to install, and give you full control over how bright or subtle your space feels.

Lastly, don’t forget to make the most of natural light! Use large mirrors or glossy tiles to reflect light and keep your windows clean for maximum brightness.

Step 4: Introduce Natural Elements

how to make your bathroom smell like a spa

Plants are definitely where it’s at when it comes to creating a spa-like bathroom. It totally makes sense because spas are inspired by nature, so adding greenery is a no-brainer haha.

Think about adding these to your bathroom:

Live or faux plants like eucalyptus, pothos, bamboo, or snake plants
Use natural materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and rattan for accessories such as trays, baskets, or ceramic jars
Hang a bundle of fresh eucalyptus from the showerhead. The steam will then release a soothing smell and make your shower feel extra spa-like

And don’t forget, places like thrift stores, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace are great for finding affordable accessories that won’t break the bank.

Step 5: Upgrade Textiles for a Luxury Feel

When you visit a spa, you’ll notice soft textiles all over. They just scream luxury, right? That’s why it’s so important to invest in plush towels, though they don’t have to be expensive. I found these plush towels on Amazon that are affordable and have great reviews, so they’re definitely worth checking out.

Hand towels are just as important, and displaying them nicely is key. Try folding or rolling them and stacking in a cute pyramid on a wooden tray for a spa-like touch.

Of course, your bath mat or rug is just as essential. For the ultimate spa vibe, think about teak or bamboo, or opt for materials like plush microfiber, waffle weave, or natural jute for your bath rugs.

Tip: Turkish cotton and waffle-weave towels feel luxe, dry quickly, and look upscale. Plus, you can often find them on discount online.

You can also add accents like woven laundry baskets, soft slippers, or bamboo soap dishes. These small touches help everything come together nicely and really make your space feel like a calming spa. Just remember not to go overboard with accessories to keep your space clutter-free.

How to Keep Towels Plush

Since we don’t want to buy new towels every couple of months and want to keep them plush at all times, here are some helpful tips:

Wash with care: Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Avoid harsh detergents. Opt for a mild, fragrance-free detergent designed for delicate fabrics instead.
Skip fabric softeners: While tempting, they can coat fibers and reduce fluffiness. Instead, once a month, run towels through the rinse cycle with white vinegar to naturally soften them.
Dry properly: Tumble dry on low or medium heat, and remove towels promptly to prevent stiffness and wrinkles. For extra fluff, toss in clean tennis balls or dryer balls, they help fluff the fibers.
Don’t overload the dryer: Give towels space to move freely for even drying and maximum softness.
Use less detergent: Overusing it can cause residue buildup, weighing down the fibers and making towels less plush.
Refresh with baking soda: Add half a cup of baking soda with your laundry to help remove residues and keep fluffy towels feeling soft.

Extra tip: Wash towels separately from clothing to prevent lint transfer and keep them fluffy.

Step 6: Make it Match

Shampoo and Conditioner Dispenser, Refillable Plastic Shampoo Pump Bottles with Waterproof Labels, Empty Body Wash Dispenser Set for Bathroom, Shower Soap Bottles (Black, Set of 3, 16.9oz)

Having your bathroom essentials like shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc., in their original bottles can look and feel pretty overwhelming—especially when the colors are bright and don’t match at all. And that really doesn’t help create a relaxing atmosphere. So, here’s what you can do instead:

Fill shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into matching pump bottles (you can find affordable ones on Amazon)
Use small trays or wicker baskets to group and organize items
Display bath salts, cotton balls, or other small accessories in glass jars with bamboo lids (for an extra spa touch) or sleek ceramic containers. Place them on the bathroom counter on a chic tray or on the bathtub ledge to instantly spruce up the space and add a touch of elegance.

This will make your bathroom look much more put together and calming. And as I mentioned earlier, declutter everything you don’t really need, and only keep your essentials in the shower or bathtub area.

Tip 1: If you enjoy a bit of DIY, you can upcycle mason jars, use peel-and-stick labels, or re-purpose empty candle jars to create a uniform, spa-inspired look.

Tip 2: Make sure to mix materials like bamboo, wood, marble, and stone for a look that’s really put together.

Step 7: Think of Storage

We’ve talked about decluttering and keeping your space tidy at all times, and the key to maintaining that is smart storage solutions. Consider these ideas:

Floating Shelves: The go-to for both organization and decor. Install inexpensive floating shelves above your toilet, beside the mirror, or on any empty wall space. Use them for daily essentials and minimal decor. Amazon is your best bet for budget-friendly options.
Over-the-Door Hooks and Racks: Perfect for towels and robes, these help free up counter space and keep everything within easy reach.
Stacked Baskets or Tiers: Use tiered shelves or stacking baskets on open shelves or in corners to organize your beauty products while still keeping everything accessible.
Store Small Items: Fill beautiful glass jars or Mason jars with bath salts, bath bombs, cotton balls, Q-tips, or skincare products. Clear containers keep items visible and add a nice touch.
Add Labels: Use simple labels or chalkboard tags for a cohesive, polished look.
Arrange on a Tray: Group jars and bottles on a decorative tray or platform for that polished, spa-like feel, and for easy cleaning.

With these ideas, you’ll not only clear out clutter in an aesthetic way but also make your daily routine feel so much more enjoyable!

Step 8: Add Some Luxury Touches

Another easy way to make your space feel like an absolute spa-like retreat is by adding items like:

A bamboo bath caddy or bathtub tray. Perfect for placing nice essentials like (fake) candles, bath bombs, rose buds, and more.
A stool or small bench for folded towels or a candle, if space allows. It adds practicality and a cozy touch.
Just a few small, minimal art prints. (Botanical and nature-inspired designs are always a great choice for a calming vibe)
Consider towel warmers to add a touch of luxury

Tip: For the ultimate spa atmosphere, roll your towels instead of folding them.

Step 9: Use a Calming Scent

ASAKUKI 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser with Remote Control, 5 in 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Fragrant Oil Humidifier Vaporizer, Timer and Auto-Off Switch Brown

It’s not all about decor and organization when it comes to creating the perfect spa feeling in your own bathroom. Scents are just as important for creating a sense of relaxation. Without a pleasing scent, your spa experience isn’t quite complete.

What you can do is use essential oil diffusers or a soy candle with relaxing scents like:

Lavender (calming)
Eucalyptus (cleansing)
Peppermint (refreshing)
Sandalwood (grounding)

You could also create a DIY linen spray with distilled water, witch hazel, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

Tip: Add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to your shower floor. The steam will diffuse the scent throughout the bathroom, which makes the whole experience even more calming.

Step 10: Set the Sound

Original Birdybox Gray - Modern Nature Sound Box - Relaxing Cheerful Bird Concert - Motion Sensor with Sound - Relaxing Tool

Along with infusing your bath with relaxing scents, setting the right sound is like the final touch to truly complete your spa bathroom. Because sounds just create a soothing atmosphere.

You can use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to play calming nature sounds or meditation music.
On my last vacation, they had this bird chirping noise maker in their bathroom, and I honestly fell in love with it. Waking up and listening to birds chirping just gives me chills.
You could also try a white noise machine or simply use your phone if you don’t care for music to play all day. Search for playlists like “spa sounds,” “meditation,” or “nature” for that peaceful vibe.

With this last step, your bathroom will not only look the part but will truly feel like a relaxing retreat.

(Optional) Step 11: Upgrade the Showerhead

It’s not 100% necessary to switch out your showerhead for a rain-style or high-pressure model, but it’s definitely a great option to consider.

Because your space will instantly look upgraded and more luxurious, and the feel of a high-pressure or rainfall showerhead can truly transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience.

Plus, it adds that extra touch of indulgence that makes your bathroom feel both functional and pampering.

Tip: Upgrading your cabinet hardware also is an easy change that can really have a big impact on the overall feel of your bathroom.

(Optional) Step 12: Make It Seasonal

Sometimes, your bathroom can just feel a little stale. But by updating it for each season, you can definitely keep things feeling fresh all year round and prevent that dull vibe from setting in.

For spring, add fresh floral-scented candles, pastel towels, and greenery or fresh flowers for a botanical touch. Use light, airy fabrics to brighten up the space.
In summer, bring in ocean-inspired decor, bright towels, and citrus or tropical scents, along with lightweight, colorful accessories.
For fall, opt for warm tones like amber, rust, or deep reds. Add pumpkin or cinnamon-scented candles, natural textures, and natural elements like pinecones or acorns.
In winter, go for white, silver, or gold accents, scented pine, peppermint, or eucalyptus candles, and soft towels to create a warm, inviting vibe.

Tip: Small changes, like swapping out guest towels, switching scents, or adding seasonal decor pieces (a little wreath or decorative stones), are super easy ways to keep your bathroom feeling fresh without spending much.

I hope this guide on how to create a spa-like bathroom has inspired you to out these steps into action. of course, you don’t need to act on everything I just mentioned because that would just clutter your space. Simply consider your bathroom space and what is manageable and what is not so you won’t clutter your space along the way. Now, go ahead and create the spa-like bathroom you’ve dreamt of!

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How to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget: 12 Steps