There is something about a really good hotel bathroom.
Everything is simple. Everything has a place. There are no half-used bottles of shampoo falling over in the shower. We're not saying you need to become a minimalist overnight. But a few clever additions can make your bathroom feel considerably more luxurious.
Image of bathroom.
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01 - Decent towels
Start here. Towels are one of those things you don't think much about until you get a really good one. Then suddenly you're wondering why you've spent years drying yourself with something that feels suspiciously like a tea towel.
Go for something thick, soft, oversized and properly absorbent. Classic white always works, but we're also very much here for a good block colour, stripe or something with a bit more personality. This can really change the aesthetic of a bathroom very quickly - they're an easy way to bring colour into a bathroom without committing to emerald green tiles you'll potentially question in three years' time.
Small upgrade. Big towel energy.
These are some of my favourites that look and feel far more expensive than they are.
For pure luxury I’d go for: Chakir Turkish Linens, Hotel & Spa Quality 100% Cotton Premium Turkish Towels
For pattern, I’d check out: Jacquotha Bath Towels Set of 2 - Luxury Shower Towels
For colour, don’t go past: COZYART Bath Towels Set
Image of bathroom with burnt orange bathroom towel.
02 - A good-looking soap dispenser
Because apparently we're decanting hand soap now. And honestly? We're into it.
A good soap dispenser is one of those ridiculously small upgrades that somehow makes the entire basin area look more considered. Ceramic, coloured glass, stone, stripes - pick something you'd actually be happy looking at every day.
Meanwhile, the plastic supermarket bottle can quietly disappear into the cupboard where it belongs.
Same soap. Better outfit.
These Thick Amber Glass Pint Jar Soap Dispenser with Matte Black Stainless Steel Pumps will look the part in any bathroom. Matched with wood, marble, gold accents, you can’t go wrong.
Two bathroom sinks. Sink on right has cream ceramic soap dispenser.
03 - A wooden bath tray
Do you need a bath tray? Probably not.
Do you suddenly feel like the sort of person who has their life together when there's a candle, a book and a glass of wine sitting beautifully across the bath? Absolutely.
Wood also adds a bit of warmth and texture to bathrooms, which can otherwise be a whole lot of tile, glass and shiny things. For books. For candles. For wine. We're not judging. We're encouraging.
I think it’s worth splurging a little on this with something that’s going to stand the test of time. Let’s face it - bathrooms are wet and steamy most of the time. I’d get my hands on the Adjustable Acacia Wood Bath Caddy - Anti-Tip, Non-Toxic, Waterproof, Sustainable Bath Tray.
Just make sure you measure the bath first to make sure it fits!
Bath tub with wooden bath tray.
04 - A bath mat with a bit about it
The bath mat deserves better. Forget the sad little rectangle you've had since 2018 and choose something that actually adds something to the room.
Go textured. Go striped. Go geometric. Go colourful. Your bath mat takes up a surprisingly decent chunk of floor space, so you might as well make it interesting.
It's basically a tiny rug for your bathroom. Treat it accordingly.
Ideally I’d be looking for something to compliment your choice of towels, but a fail safe solution is also to go neutral. This Waffle Bath Mat Non Slip is a great option. Comes in 3 sizes and 4 colour options.
Black and white geometric bath mat.
05 - A small stool
One of those things you don't think you need until you have one. Then suddenly it's holding towels. Or a candle. Or a plant. Or your clothes. Or the glass of wine from point three.
A timber stool is particularly good for breaking up all those hard bathroom surfaces and adding a bit of warmth and texture. Put it beside the bath, near the shower or in that slightly awkward corner you haven't known what to do with for the past five years.
Useful. Good-looking. Surprisingly smug little piece of furniture.
Natural and practical, the JETAINE Small Wooden Stool will work in any bathroom set up.
Wooden bathroom stool with towels.
06 - Storage that doesn’t look like storage.
Bathrooms accumulate stuff at an alarming rate. Spare toilet rolls. Towels. Hairdryers. Products you've used twice but remain convinced you'll come back to. Approximately 47 hair ties.
The trick isn't necessarily having less stuff. It's hiding it better.
A beautiful basket is your friend here. Woven, patterned, colourful, lidded - choose something that adds texture to the room while quietly concealing the chaos. Because nothing ruins the hotel illusion quite like a six-pack of toilet paper sitting beside the loo.
Take a look at the DelSol 88L Large Blanket Basket - perfect for storing towels, toilet paper, hairdryers etc., and neutral enough for any bathroom. Check out their matching laundry baskets whilst you’re there!
Bathroom sinks with wicker storage baskets underneath.
07 - Something green.
Bathrooms have a lot of hard surfaces, so a bit of greenery can instantly make them feel softer and more lived-in. A trailing plant on a shelf, something sculptural beside the bath or a little pop of green near the basin can completely change the feel of the room.
Just choose something that actually likes humidity and can cope with the amount of light you've got or spend the money and get a great artificial one.
If you’re going to go faux, spend the money and get something that looks ‘real’. This Kurrajong Farmhouse Artificial Trailing Ivy Plant in Pot is perfect. If you are going for something real, well, good luck!
Trailing green plant.
The Gem Likes Design take
You don't need to rip your bathroom apart to make it feel better.
Start with the things you touch and see every day - the towels, the bath mat, the soap bottle, the slightly chaotic pile of toilet rolls.
Then add something with a bit of personality.
Colour. Pattern. Texture. Something slightly unexpected.
Because hotel bathrooms are lovely. But yours should still look like you live there.
