The bathtub is one of those overlooked spaces in our home that could sometimes use a little TLC.  Maybe you want to know how to decorate a bathtub for guests, or perhaps you are selling your home and want to stage the bathroom for new buyers? Or, if you are building a home with a trendy new freestanding tub, then this is the perfect post for you!

Recipe for How to Decorate a Bathtub

So, what do you need to know to decorate a bathtub area? Well, there are common elements to any great bathtub decor.  All you need to do is follow the recipe!  Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • A small table or stool
  • Plant or flowers in a vase
  • Candle
  • Bubble bath, bath salts, body soap, etc.
  • Some small towels
  • Optional – a bathtub tray

If you have a freestanding tub, place your table or stool behind 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.

If you have a built-in tub, place the 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(s). 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.

I made sure to test out my “recipe” at my own house. Here is a before picture of our freestanding tub…a totally blank canvas.

freestanding bathtub decor

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

freetanding bathtub decorating

Be sure to choose a bathroom tray that is extendable for the perfect fit. You can get this beautiful wood tray 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.

bathtub table with bath products

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.

bath products for decorating

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

bathtub candle

Inspiration Pictures

If you have the right ingredients, there are many different ways you can decorate your bathtub area.  Here are some inspiration pictures that you can use to get ideas and apply the best ones to your home.  Enjoy!

In this first bathroom pic, designed by Mark Williams, you can see all of the ingredients of my recipe for how to decorate a bathtub. You can get similar basket here.

freestanding bathtub decor

Source: HGTV

One of my favorite places to get artificial stems (like the ones in this next pic) is from Afloral.

freestanding bathtub decorating

Source: Design Chic

freestanding bathtub decor

Image Source: House Beautiful

freestanding bathtub decorating

Source: The Perfect Bath

freestanding bathtub decor

Source: Tommy and Ellie

built-in bathtub decorating

Image Source: Better Homes & Garden

built-in bathtub decorating

Source: Gast Architects

bathtub decorating

Source: Houzz

Aren’t those bathtubs pretty? Just remember, all you need to do is follow my simple recipe for how to decorate your bathtub, and you will soon have a gorgeous and relaxing space for a little soak.

Do you have a small bathroom, and need some ideas for attractive bathroom storage? Check out my post on Small Bathroom Storage Ideas.