Bathtub Decorating Tips & Ideas for a Bathroom You’ll Love

The bathtub is one of those overlooked utilitarian spaces in your home that could sometimes use a little decorating TLC. The right bathtub decor can elevate your bathroom from a bland space to a luxurious spa retreat. Whether you’re sprucing up a freestanding bathtub in your primary bathroom, or staging a full bathroom for resale, these bathtub decorating tips will help you create a beautiful space that invites relaxation.

Essential Bathtub Decorating Ingredients

When it comes to decorating a bathtub, there are several common elements to any great bathtub setup.  Here are the ingredients you will need:

• A small table or stool
• Plant or flowers in a vase
• Luxurious candle
• Bubble bath, bath salts, body soap, etc.
• Some small towels
• A bathtub tray
• Artwork
• Shower curtain

Depending on your bathtub setup, you may not need all of these ingredients. For example, if you have a freestanding bathtub, you probably won’t need a shower curtain. Next we’ll talk about how to decorate a bathtub using these items.

Step-by-Step Guide for Decorating Your Bathtub

1. Place Your Table or Stool: For a freestanding tub, place your table or stool behind the tub. If you have a built-in tub, place it next to the tub.
2. Add Plants or Flowers: Place a vase with plants or flowers on the table. This adds a touch of nature and can make the space feel more inviting.
3. Include a Candle: Candles create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere, and they smell amazing!
4. Organize Bath Products: Buy attractive bubble bath, bath salts, and body soaps and arrange them around your tub. For a spa-like look, choose these items in decorative bottles from places like HomeGoods or Pottery Barn.
5. Roll Up Small Towels: Place rolled-up towels on the table or drape a towel over the edge of the tub for an inviting appearance.
6. Use a Bathtub Tray: If you have a bathtub tray, use it to hold some of these items, or choose a tray that is extendable for the perfect fit.

How to Decorate a Freestanding or Built-In Bathtub

If you have a freestanding tub or built-in soaking tub, place your table or stool behind or to a front side of the tub. Put your plant or flowers, candle, bath salts, and rolled up towels on the table. Alternatively, you can use your tub tray to hold some of these items, or drape a towel over the edge of the tub.

I made sure to use all of the ingredients and my bathtub decorating “recipe” at my own house. Here is a before picture of our freestanding tub…a totally blank canvas.

And here are the after pictures of our tub area…now an inviting spa-like retreat!

Be sure to choose a bathroom tray that is extendable for the perfect fit. You can get the same beautiful wood tray we used from Amazon.

I just love this little rolling glass cart. It’s a great way to store some extra towels, and load up with attractive soaps or bubble bath.

For a spa-like look, choose some bath salts, soaps, bubble bath, or lotions in attractive bottles.  HomeGoods is a great place to find these decorative items, or you can get the bath salts and bubble bath shown below from Pottery Barn.

Nothing creates a relaxing spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom like a scented candle. Voluspa makes candles that not only smell amazing, but they also look fantastic.

More Decorating Tips for Freestanding or Built-In Bathtubs

1. Take Advantage of Wall Space

If your freestanding tub is flanked by walls, use them to your advantage! You can add beautiful artwork that adds visual interest and ties in with your color scheme. In a small room, vertical wall space is key! Install shelves above or beside the bathtub to store bath essentials, such as towels and toiletries. Not only will shelves add a decorative element to your bathroom, but you can get some extra storage as an added bonus.

2. Use Natural Materials

Incorporating natural materials around your bathtub can add texture and warmth to your bathroom. Using a basket next to the tub for rolled-up towels, or a wooden bath tray adds an organic, tranquil feel to your bathroom decor. Using wood is also a great way to warm up an all white bathroom!

3. Light Fixtures as Decorative Accents

Lighting is an easy way to make a big impact on your bathroom design. Install a small chandelier above or near your freestanding bathtub to create a luxurious look and add sophistication to the space. Ensure the lighting is dimmable to suit different moods and activities.

How to Decorate a Tub Shower Combo

If you have a shower-tub combination, place a stool or table next to the tub, and put your plant or flowers on top of the table, along with some small rolled up towels.  In one corner of the tub, place your candle. In another, your bath salts/soaps. If you use a tub tray, you can place some rolled up towels on the tray, along with the candle, for a relaxing and inviting look.

More Shower Tub Combo Decorating Tips & Ideas

1. Add Elegance with a Shower Curtain

A shower curtain is a great way to elevate the style in your bathroom. For shower tub combos, choose a curtain that complements the color scheme and style of your bathroom decor. A beautiful shower curtain can also serve as a focal point in the room, drawing the eyes straight to your bathtub decor. Keep your shower curtain open part way to showcase your bathtub decor.

2. Disguise Your Bath Products

Wall-mounted dispensers are a fantastic way to disguise unsightly products (e.g. shampoo and conditioner), without cluttering the bathtub area. For shower-tub combos, this is a great storage solution that can attach directly to your tile surround with adhesive or suction cups. It keeps your products within easy reach while maintaining a tidy look.

3. Add Greenery for a Natural Touch

Plants are a great way to bring life and color to your bathtub area. Place potted plants or hanging planters near your tub to introduce a natural element that complements the overall design. Choose plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns or peace lilies. Faux plants and artificial stems are a great option for giving you the same design impact in the bathroom, with minimal effort.

Decorating a bathtub is a fun way to enhance your bathroom’s style and overall look. By taking advantage of wall space, incorporating natural materials, and adding decorative accents, you can transform your bathtub area into a beautiful and inviting retreat. Whether you’re working with a small space or a spacious primary bath, these ideas will help you create a bathroom that is both practical and stylish. For more tips on maximizing space in small bathrooms, be sure to check out my post on Small Bathroom Storage Ideas.