In winter, you need all the cozy home features you can get — especially in the bathroom. On icy, uncomfortable mornings, the only thing worse than leaving a warm, comforting bed is leaving it for cold, hard floors in your bathroom. What can you do? Are there ways to create a warm feel even in a typically cold space? What bathroom features make the biggest difference in a bathroom remodel? The good news is, there are lots of ways to make a bathroom feel warmer, some of which are simple (like adding rugs) and some of which are more demanding (like adding a fireplace).
To help make your bathroom feel more inviting and approachable, even in the worst of winter, here are some inspiring ideas for keeping cozy:
1. Install heated floors.
Hard, durable, easy-to-clean surfaces like tile, stone and porcelain are long-standing bathroom favorites when it comes to flooring. The only problem? They’re cold. You can do something about this by installing floor heat. Underfloor heating systems can go in when you’re creating a new build or retrofitting — and the result is warm and comforting surfaces to step onto while getting in and out of a bath.
2. Install heated towel bars.
Is there anything cozier than stepping out of the bathroom shower to warm, heated towels that you can wrap around your frame? Heated towel bars make this dream a reality. Install them into the bathroom to gain a little luxury in your daily routines.
3. Add soft rugs.
Adding textiles is a great way to add a warmer feel to any space. In the bathroom, this means bath mats or rugs that are soft and cozy. Floor textiles work beautifully in front of the tub, the bathroom sink and anywhere you regularly stand for extended periods. Other options for introducing more texture to the bath include hand towels, bath towels and curtains.
4. Decorate in warming hues.
When it’s warmth you’re after, don’t overlook the power of visual changes. Choose decorating colors known for enlivening a space like red, orange, yellow or deep blues. These colors instantly add to the warm and welcoming feel of the bathroom, even on frigid days.
5. Use intentional lighting.
Contrary to what you may have seen in other homes, there’s no rule that says bathrooms require boring lighting over the bathroom vanity. Think outside the box of standard flush-mount lights and choose an attractive chandelier or pendant light instead. In the bathroom, you have to make sure ceiling lights aren’t reachable from the bathtub, are properly grounded and up to code. Beyond that, there are a lot of possibilities!
6. Let in natural light.
Windows and skylights let more natural light into your room, so, even though it’s winter, you can still feel sunshine when it comes. Also consider glass shower doors and bathroom mirrors that help reflect light throughout the room.
7. Check bathroom efficiency.
The same windows that are letting in wonderful natural light could be the culprit for extra drafts and temperature chills. Test to see if your windows are letting in more air than they should by putting a piece of tissue around the perimeter. If it moves, you have an air leak that needs to be caulked to improve warmth in the bathroom.
8. Add a steam shower.
The beauty of a steam shower is that you can step inside while the shower steams — letting your pores open and your body relax. While this bathroom addition is a big-ticket item and might not work in every space, if you’re in the process of redesigning, it’s worth considering.
9. Add a sauna.
If you really want to go all out in creating a dream bathroom space, consider a sauna. A sauna is like your own heated haven, a place where you can warm up, cleanse toxins and more.
10. Add a fireplace.
Picture yourself sitting in the tub with a fire roaring nearby, and you’ll see the appeal of a bathroom fireplace. While this feature is definitely a luxury, it’s a great way to create a cozy, getaway feel right in your home.
Use the 10 ideas above to make your bathroom a little more inviting and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel or building a new home, thinking creatively about the bathroom can make all the difference in keeping the winter blues at bay.