Though it’s often delicately deemed the ‘comfort room’, finding comfort in the bathroom is a funny ol’ concept. After all, it’s a place primarily devoted to function, but it’s one so often couched in euphemism, too, of washing the day’s dirt away, planting a tree and spending a penny.
With concerns so primal yet prissy, finding escape and genuine comfort in your bathroom can be a tough ask. There are aromas to compete with, reminders of functionality to fight, and carnal concerns to contend with. But if you’re keen to make your bathroom more cosy, then rest assured, it is possible; here are 5 things to buy to help you do just that.
Some Properly Comfy Towels & A Heated Towel Rack
You don’t realise just how much a comfortable towel matters until you’ve spent some time cradled in one. Indeed, once upon a time, choosing the best bath towel was as simple as rubbing the damn thing between thumb and forefinger in the department store to check if it felt soft.
Nowadays, there are several ways to ensure your bath towels are of premium quality and possessing of that cosy-factor, and a discerning eye and touch is essential.
That said, the cosiness of your bath towel is only as good as your bathroom’s heated towel rack, as the old saying goes. If you don’t have one, then they really are a worthwhile investment, providing warmth not only to your towel but also to the room as a whole.
Or, for a bathroom addition that requires less structural upheaval, consider a bathroom heater…
Read: 5 things to consider when buying heated towel rails
A Bathroom Heater
Are you tired of stepping out of the shower into a cold bathroom and shivering your socks off?
What, you wear socks in the shower? That’s the first thing you’re doing wrong! Anyway…
You might find comfort and solace in the temporary provision of heat, via the addition of a bathroom heater. With energy bills soaring, heating your bathroom full time can get expensive, but with a bathroom heater, you can instead give the room a quick blast whilst you’re in the shower to avoid that shivering sensation when you leave it.
When it comes to choosing a bathroom heater, there are many factors to consider. Not all bathroom heaters make use of the same kind of technology, and there are several different types to consider, including radiant, convection or even ceramic. It’s important to establish which will best suit your needs rather than making a trigger-happy purchase.
Convection heaters will push warm air around the bathroom in a similar manner to a convection oven, whereas a radiant heater will act more like a heated towel rail but can still warm up the space. If you’re after something more permanent and aesthetically pleasing, a column radiator offers a classic look that suits period properties particularly well, whilst still providing ample warmth for those post-shower moments.
You’ll also want to consider whether yours will be wall mounted (for safety, these should be over 2.2 metres high), or a unit that stands on the floor. Generally speaking, the former is significantly safer.
Speaking of safety, you should prioritise heaters with an automatic shutoff function in the case of overheating or fire. You should also make sure that it is ETL certified, and has an IP rating of over 24.
A Bath Tray
If you’re more of a bath than a shower guy or gal, then you’ll know that there’s nothing worse than the feeling of finally luxuriating into your bath after a long day, only to realise that you have to turn the volume on your music down or that you haven’t brought your cuppa in with you.
For ultimate comfort when soaking in the bath, consider a tub tray. These lay along the length of your bath and allow you to store drinks, books, magazines and gadgets close by. You can even relax with wine balanced above you alongside that book you’ve finally got the time to read, if that’s your idea of a good time.
The good news is that you can get a decent tub tray from as little as £15 online, with high-end models costing up to £60.
Sources Of Aromatherapy
Comfort isn’t only felt in terms of touch and convenience. Scent can play a huge role in making your bathroom feel more cosy, too.
But what scent makes most sense in the bathroom space? Well, lavender has long been touted for its de-stressing qualities, and recent scientific studies have suggested lavender has a calming effect on those who smell it. You can either use lavender oil and a tealight to infuse your room with the scent, or place a bunch of fresh lavender in a vase for a subtler, fresher effect.
Other essential oils can confer their own benefits with regard to relaxation, and some of the best for the bathroom include lemon and bergamot, tea tree and mint, and even a diffuser that fills the air with the smell of fresh laundry.
A Bathroom Vanity
There’s nothing more likely to disturb that inner calm you’re seeking than the sight of your toothbrush, a toilet roll needing to be chucked out, and your kid’s box of nappies. Accordingly, the addition of a bathroom vanity could really help ramp up the cosiness factor of the space, by visually minimising the clutter.
Read: Your guide to buying the IDEAL vanity for your bathroom
Add Some Art
Now that we’ve minimised the appearance of clutter, it’s time to consider how to make your bathroom more visually soothing. One of the best ways to do this is through sculpture and art.
Sure, the bathroom is primarily a functional space, but the cosmetic, aesthetic side needs to be considered, too. Just because you exfoliate and evacuate here shouldn’t mean that art is overlooked.
It should go without saying that any art or sculpture should be restrained and subtle. Once again, it should be reiterated; less is more. Go for something abstract or gently evocative of nautical themes, and ensure it’s water resistant, too!
A Plush Bath Mat
Your feet are the first thing to hit the floor when you emerge from the tub, and if they’re greeted by cold, hard tiles or a threadbare rag that’s seen better days, you’ve already lost the battle for cosiness before it’s begun.
A properly plush bath mat – we’re talking deep pile, the kind your toes can sink into – makes all the difference. Look for one with a non-slip backing (safety first, comfort second) and opt for materials like cotton or bamboo that feel luxurious underfoot whilst also drying quickly. Memory foam options are also worth considering if you fancy feeling like you’re stepping onto a cloud every morning.
The best part? A quality bath mat needn’t break the bank. You can find excellent options for between £20 and £50, and they’re machine washable, too – which, given what they’re up against, is rather essential.
A Waterproof Speaker
There’s a reason people sing in the shower, and it’s not because the acoustics are particularly good (though, admittedly, they’re not half bad). It’s because the bathroom is one of the few places we’re truly alone with our thoughts – and sometimes those thoughts need a soundtrack.
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker allows you to bring your favourite podcasts, playlists or ambient soundscapes into the space without fear of moisture damage. Whether you’re the type to belt out power ballads whilst shampooing or prefer the gentle hum of lo-fi beats during a long soak, having audio on demand transforms your bathroom from functional space to personal sanctuary.
Look for something with an IPX7 rating or higher, decent battery life, and ideally a suction cup mount so it stays put. Models from the likes of JBL and Sony start from around £30 and go up from there.
And with that, we’re off to spend some time in our own bathroom! Hmmm, does that sound weird? I just don’t know anymore…
