No matter whether it's winter, summer, spring or autumn, a nice cosy and comfortable bathroom is one of the best places to unwind and relax.
If your current bathroom leaves you feeling a little cold, there are some easy things you can do to make it feel warm and welcoming. These are our top 5 tips:
1. Mood lighting
By fitting wall lights or under-counter lighting to your bathroom, you can switch off your main lights when enjoying a bath, instantly creating an atmosphere that is both snug and inviting.
If you put in a skylight or large window as well, you'll be letting in natural light which will vary throughout the day allowing you to experience something as indulgent as a shower with the sunrise.
Spotlights and imitation candles are another great option for those interested in atmospheric mood lighting and you can also opt for something with a dimmer switch function (sited externally to your bathroom) if you want to vary the light intensity.
2. Colours
Lighting is all well and good but if your wall colours are too vibrant and bold you'll lose that cosy feeling. If you have a great deal of natural light, autumnal colours work well but try not to use too many dark tones.
A better approach is to pick pale ochres or off-whites and let the lighting do the rest. When you want it dark and cosy, just dim the lights and get the candles out.
Hany hint: Take a look at our guide to choosing bathroom colours.
3. Furniture and tiles
Look for enamel basins rather than stainless steel, and vintage wood rather than pine to add warmth and comfort to your bathroom. You can even distress your drawers and sides to add texture—vital to creating a space that doesn't feel too clean—cut or cold.
The right tiles will serve a similar purpose and can add a touch of vintage comfort if used sparingly. Mosaic styles are a great option for the traditionalist as are styles which intersperse the occasional coloured tile in a sea of white.
Add character with vintage tiles and warmth with wood furniture
4. Towelling
When creating a cosy space, it’s not just the look of the bathroom that’s important—its functionality can also make it feel warm and inviting. Heated towel rails will make getting out of the bath a nicer experience, as will a soft bath mat.
Invest in luxury towels and display them proudly. Nothing is more appealing than a stack of clean fluffy towels after all, and these functional items are as practical as they are pretty.
5. Furnishings
Following on from towelling, other accessories and furnishings are also essential for adding those homely touches. A rug will keep your feet warm and if you have tiles and mirrors these will help break up large areas of wall space to make the room feel bigger, without making it seem cavernous. Find a good print that captures the mood you want and frame it for the wall, or choose a theme and pick up some ornaments that evoke it.
Lastly, get some flowers or add greenery to your bathroom. They’ll look great in a warm light and will punctuate the room with freshness.
More great bathroom ideas
For more inspiration for your bathroom, why not take flick through some great bathroom pictures in our image galleries?
