5 Ways to Add Luxury to Your Bathroom (Without Spending a Fortune Remodeling)

In ye olden days (you know, fifty years ago), the bathroom was a strictly business sort of place. You went in, did... (well, you know what you do in there!), and then you were done.

Today, though, the bathroom has become a sanctuary for many. If you have a big family with kids, friends of kids, spouses, pets, etc. running up and down the halls or constantly demanding your attention, the bathroom may be the last place in the house you can escape and remain unmolested for a while. (Three cheers for the person who decided to put locks on bathroom doors!)

As long as you're hiding in the bathroom, you might as well make it a pleasant place to hang out.

In the luxury remodeling world, it's all the rage to put in jetted bathtubs, steam showers with multiple spray heads, saunas, and other high-end spa-like features. Most of us, however, live in the real world, and can't afford these luxuries. Fortunately, there are ways you can lux up the bathroom without spending thousands of dollars. Below I've listed five ways you can get started.

1. Towel Warmer

If you have to get up early, before anyone has been up to turn on the heat in the house, getting out of the shower in the morning can be a chilly experience (especially if your door doesn't shut all the way, and the dog or the cat is always pushing its way in to check on what you're doing and leaving the door wide open in the process... not that I'd know anything about this myself, mind you).

A towel warmer is a simple way to make stepping out of the shower a pleasant experience, and prices start below $100 for simple electric models that hang on the wall and plug into an outlet (for a bit more, you can get a warming rack that can be hardwired so there won't be any cords showing).

2. A Good Showerhead

While we may drool over those jetted bathtubs, the truth is that most of us spend a lot more time in the shower than in the bath. Maybe once a week, you hop in the tub for a luxurious soak, but chances are you use the shower every day. Why not upgrade that leaky, low-pressure showerhead?

For less than $100, you can get a pretty darned nice showerhead. What's your fancy? An overhead rain shower? A double-head model? A hand-held shower? A unit that comes with a filter to get rid of unwanted minerals and chlorine?

A good showerhead doesn't cost a fortune, and it can vastly improve your shower experience. You don't have to be a DIY expert to install one either.

3. Plush Towels

If you've got a collection of mismatched, threadbare towels that were purchased sometime last millennia, maybe it's time to invest in towels that will feel good wrapped around you (especially after you've heated them up with that towel warmer!)

Visit a store that specializes in affordable luxury (i.e. Costco) and invest in a good set of towels, and then throw those old thin ones away (or turn them into car washing rags or some such). Towels last a long time, so it's worth investing in good ones.

4. Fog Free Mirror

Tired of getting out of the shower and having to use your towel to wipe a circle in the mirror so you can see yourself (and even then, it doesn't work that well)? For about $70, you can get a heater that installs in the back of your mirror. This simple device is all it takes to keep your mirror fog-free, and remove that ongoing daily annoyance from your life forever.

5. Add Seating

If you've got a tiny bathroom, this may not be viable, but if there's a bit of space, you could add a bench or chair to sit upon. Whether you're looking to take a load off or just have somewhere to plant your rump while you take off shoes and socks, a seat (besides the toilet!) can be nice to have. Make it a comfortable one if you can.

To further your comfort experience, you can even add a television or radio to the bathroom if you like to get a head start on the morning news or listen to music.

There you have it: five ways to create a bit of luxury in that last private sanctuary in the house. Good luck, and enjoy your bathroom!