How to Design a SPA-Style Bathroom - Creating Your Wellness Zone
30 June 2025
Wellness - What Is It?
Before choosing bathroom equipment, it’s important to understand what wellness is and why you should consider wellness treatments. The word "wellness" comes from English and refers to well-being. It’s about maintaining a balance between physical and mental health, leading a lifestyle that harmonizes both aspects. Key components of wellness include a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and relaxation treatments for the body. Maintaining inner balance can be challenging, especially with today’s overload of stimuli, which is why a home SPA is highly recommended. A SPA-style bathroom is all about creating a space where you can easily unwind. How should you design a bathroom in this style?
How to Design a SPA-Style Bathroom?
First and foremost, a SPA-style bathroom is characterized by harmony and attention to detail. However, creating this style doesn’t always require a high budget. The interior should be minimalist and feature neutral, soothing colors like white, gray, and pastels. The goal is to promote calm, so an excess of colors and decorations is not ideal. A SPA bathroom should also feature natural materials, such as stone, bamboo, or wood. Nature soothes the mind, and that’s the effect you want to achieve. Additionally, glass décor elements are commonly used, such as glass panels in a walk-in shower, which effectively divide the bathing area from the rest of the bathroom.
A SPA bathroom also requires appropriate lighting. In addition to general and task lighting, which could illuminate a mirror, ambient lighting that enhances the atmosphere during beauty treatments is essential. LED strips or candles are perfect for this. The light should be soft, warm, and atmospheric. In recent years, light therapy has gained significant popularity. The color of the light can energize, calm, or motivate. It’s worth investing in adjustable lighting that can be changed depending on your needs and mood that day.
SPA Bathroom Inspirations
Depending on the size of the space, different solutions are applied. A small SPA bathroom has fewer possibilities than a spacious room that can be designed as a full bath area. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t create an attractive design. This is especially important since wellness treatments are not just about hygiene but also well-being and mental health. Long baths, massages combined with aromatherapy, help quickly restore balance. Here are a few inspirations for creating a beautiful SPA bathroom.
Jacuzzi Bathroom
One of the most beloved wellness devices is a jacuzzi. More and more models are available that can be installed in the comfort of your own home if there’s enough space. A bathroom with a jacuzzi will undoubtedly allow you to relax after a long day or enjoy quality time with a partner. A jacuzzi in an apartment is an excellent idea. It will improve circulation and reduce muscle tension through hydrotherapy. Subtle lighting will complement the look, making it elegant and atmospheric. A SPA bathroom with a jacuzzi creates a significant impression, and if you have a large room to arrange, it’s also worth considering adding a sauna.
Small Bathroom with a Sauna
A bathroom with a jacuzzi looks fantastic and is functional, but it’s not the only option to consider. Aside from a jacuzzi, many investors are opting for a sauna. In a spacious bath room, it complements the jacuzzi perfectly. At the same time, a sauna can be small enough to fit in medium-sized bathrooms. In such cases, an infrared sauna is ideal.
The infrared model is compact and requires much less space than a steam room. A one-person model typically measures 100 × 91 × 190 cm, so installing a sauna in a small bathroom is definitely possible. Regular sauna use supports health in various ways. It improves circulation, helps eliminate excess sebum, strengthens the body, lowers blood pressure, and is great for skin and muscles. If there’s enough space in the bathroom, it’s definitely worth considering.
Bathroom with a Whirlpool Bathtub
Another interesting idea for a SPA-style bathroom is a small whirlpool bathtub. It’s a great alternative to a jacuzzi. Whirlpool bathtubs come in different shapes and sizes. Some are no bigger than regular bathtubs, so if the bathroom is smaller but has enough space for a traditional bathtub, a whirlpool bathtub can be easily incorporated into the design. How can you design a SPA-style bathroom when space is limited?
Small SPA Bathroom
Designing a small SPA-style bathroom is a bit more challenging than a spacious room, but even with limited space, you can create a wellness atmosphere. A very small bathroom with a sauna or jacuzzi is not ideal since every centimeter of free space matters. In this case, it’s important to prioritize simplicity. Minimalism is key in all SPA-style bathrooms, and it’s even more crucial in smaller spaces. Every element can create a feeling of clutter and overwhelm. Accessories and décor should match the overall color scheme and design. Soap dishes, dispensers, towels, and other items should all be part of a cohesive look.
The key is to plan the zones and measure the distances between furniture and fixtures. When looking at SPA bathroom designs, you won’t see exposed washing machines or cosmetics lying around. It’s recommended to use built-in equipment and closed cabinets. Nothing should distract you during relaxation. It should be comfortable and pleasant, so the household members will be eager to indulge in relaxation treatments.
SPA Bathroom in an Apartment
Apartment owners know how challenging it can be to arrange individual rooms in a way that combines functionality with aesthetics. To visually enlarge the space, it’s a good idea to lay glazed ceramic tiles in light colors on the walls. These will illuminate the space and make the bathroom appear larger than it actually is. Careful consideration of furniture placement is crucial so that it doesn’t hinder movement, while still being functional and offering plenty of storage space. Foldable and modular furniture may be a good idea, as they help save space.
How to choose a sink for a bathroom in an apartment? A great choice is a countertop sink because there’s plenty of room underneath for cabinets or drawers. If the space allows, you can also opt for a whirlpool bathtub. To complement it, consider adding a shower screen so the household can enjoy both long, relaxing bath sessions with a massage and refreshing showers.
In bathrooms where only a few square meters are available, it’s better to choose a shower instead of a bathtub. A SPA-style bathroom with a shower can still promote relaxation. Shower models without a tray or with a flat tray are highly recommended, and walk-in shower cabins are particularly popular. They look elegant and are comfortable to use. For a more relaxing experience, consider a shower with a rain showerhead and hydrotherapy. Cascading taps, where the water falls like a waterfall, are also recommended.
SPA Bathroom - Accessories
The colors and materials mentioned above are used in many design styles. So, what makes a SPA-style bathroom stand out, whether in an apartment or a house? The key lies in the accessories, which, though minimal, are crucial for setting the mood. What accessories suit a SPA-style bathroom?
First, bathroom accessories made from natural materials are a must. Stone soap dishes, wooden shelves, or bamboo baskets are perfect for wellness décor. The aforementioned lighting is also important to create a pleasant atmosphere. In addition to LED strips, tapes, or spotlights, consider lighting some candles during relaxation. Candles can be placed on shelves, counters, or windowsills. Besides candles, essential oils and diffusers have a positive effect on well-being. Many diffusers are elegant devices that can serve as an interesting addition, just like candles.
Since the SPA-style bathroom is meant to connect with nature, it’s essential to include greenery and plants. Ferns or orchids will look wonderful in the bathroom, blend well with the décor, and help create a relaxing atmosphere. Their advantage is also their ability to absorb moisture.