How to Transform Your Shower Into a Spa-Like Oasis (on the Cheap)

Your bathroom should be a relaxing oasis, right? At least that’s what we’re led to believe. It’s hard to think about optimal relaxation when you primarily use yours to bathe small children who leave tablespoons of toothpaste in the sink and try to “paint” the walls with soapy water and bath crayons on a nightly basis. But if your situation is less chaotic and you’re craving small upgrades to give your shower a more luxurious feel without breaking the bank, here are some easy ways to make the setting more elegant.

Eucalyptus branch: Steam helps activate and release the oil of eucalyptus branches, which can have various salubrious effects, from enhanced relaxation and stress relief to reduced respiratory inflammation and nasal congestion. Here’s how to make a DIY eucalyptus shower bundle.

Foot massager: Give your barking dogs a rest and a thorough between-the-toes wash with a shower foot massager. This non-slip massager scrubs, smooths, exfoliates and massages tired feet without you so much as bending. When you’re done, it can be hung to dry.

Spa shower head: Spa and rainfall shower heads are designed to encase your whole body in a cascade of droplets, as if you were standing in the warmest rain shower ever. Go with something basic, or customize with mist jets, temperature displays, and a handheld attachment. Just do some research, as rainfall shower heads can decrease water pressure.

Shaving stool: Anyone who has spent years shaving their legs in the shower while standing up knows it’s a precarious proposition. Take the balance work out of the process with a lightweight, folding bamboo shower stool. The compact size and curved seat will give you a comfortable place to rest while achieving peak hairlessness.

Shower bench: If you’ve got the space for a whole shower bench, they offer both a place to rest your weary bones and store essential shower enhancers like exfoliating soaps and pumice stones.

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers: The right music can help set your mood for the day, or at least the moment. Whether you want to rock out to AC/DC before work, or empty your mind with some meditative tunes or ASMR before bed, you’ll need a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to do it.

New shower curtain (or squeegie): Admit it, you could use a new shower curtain. Even if you’ve kept up with cleaning it, over time, mildew always wins. Try an ombre, a shimmery floral, or, if you have a glass door, a shower squeegee to whisk away daily drops before they have a chance to form an unpleasant film.

Bath pillow: If you love a good soak from time to time, you need a bath pillow. Whether you need neck support, lower back relief, or more of a full body cushion, there’s a comfortable, washable pillow ready to make your next bath experience more luxurious.

New loofahs: If you’re anything like me, you’ve been using your loofahs for too long. Natural loofahs should be replaced every 3-4 weeks, while synthetic ones are good for two months. Buy yourself some new Luffa aegyptiaca, or better yet, grow your own for a dose of homesteading chic, because, holy shit they are plants.