Where does one find those "Bump out, hotel-style shower rods"? What are they *really* called?
Spa Bathrooms on the Cheap
Photo: nyul
I don’t know about you, but busting the family budget for relaxing spa treatments is something I have a hard time justifying, no matter how frazzled I am. Granted, there are some things you may have a hard time doing for yourself at home, like massage therapy, for example. But there are many treatments you can do at home that I think are actually more relaxing to do that way. Here are some tips for creating spa bathrooms on the cheap.
Not having to rush out into inclement weather because there’s another appointment booked after you is a good thing. So is taking all the time you need with your chilled cucumber eye treatment, bubble bath wine, clay and walnut facial, and home paraffin treatment.
One of my favorite places to get a massage is the MGM Grand spa in Las Vegas. Not necessarily because of the massage quality (although their deep tissue and hot stone treatments are oh-so-phenomenal), but because of the full day access to the rest of the spa that you get whenever you book a treatment. It’s one of the best bargains in Vegas and includes this enormous sunken Jacuzzi that’s the size of a small swimming pool, relaxing chairs to recline while enjoying ice chilled facial towels and cucumber slices for your eyes, giant steam room, loads of relaxing quiet Zen atmosphere, your own locker...why am I going on about this? Because I think it’s important to note the massage is only one component of the relaxation experience.
Getting changed into a comfy warm robe and relaxing in plush reclining seats with healthy snacks and lemon infused spring water for an hour or so before your massage really gets you relaxed to enjoy the experience. Afterward, you can enjoy the bubbling Jacuzzi and steam room and really take all the time you need to face reality again. That’s what makes their experience much more enjoyable than the usual walk-in appointment massage. And to some extent it’s easily replicated in your own home. Here are some suggestions for carving out a personal retreat in your own home that feels like a professional spa.
Bump out, hotel-style shower rods
These things are great, and unless you have shower doors attached to your tub unit, you can use one. They give you a ton more usable space, are great for narrower tubs, and feel oh-so-luxurious. Bonus? If you’re renting, you can take it with you when you leave.
Clear jars with airtight lids
These keep everything dust free, on display and help promote that “professional spa, everything is here you could possibly want” feel. They’re also helpful for us old folks who are fed up with trying to remember what container everything is in. Another reason I like glass is because it’s easily cleaned and doesn’t scratch easily.
Glass jars are great for storing homemade spa products as well as bath beads, swabs and cotton balls. You can mix and match these to your heart’s desire, but having a few groups of 2-3 matching jars provides a more dramatic look. A couple of suggestions for keeping it cheap? First, save your empty candle jars with the snap on lids. Most of these have a really tight seal and they come in fun shapes. Just scrub the labels off and sanitize. One of the sexiest modern shapes for candle jars I’ve seen is at Linens and Things. I think the brand is called Colonial. They have a tall elongated oval shape. Overabundant stashes of cotton balls and bath beads look great in these.
Second? Canning jars. The old fashioned ones with the metal latches and glass tops are fun, but the newer ones with the screw on lids work just as well. If you feel like these might give you more of a country/cottage look than you are comfortable with, I encourage you to check out the canning section of your nearest discount department store. There’s a whole new line of Ball brand jars out there with a wider, more contemporary design and professional industry-style platinum colored lids.
Consider going monochromatic
Try a monochromatic look or at least go lighter/more subtle with your color variations. (Perhaps a tone on tone look?) This should help make your bath area feel more spacious.
Shop the supply stores
Bulk towels, comfy robes, professional pump bottles, paraffin treatment supplies, new files, professional grade grooming tools...these are all things you can purchase reasonably at beauty and hotel supply places. For anything made with toweling, I have several friends from the travelers’ circuit that swear by picking these things up when they are in Turkey. I’m personally a huge fan of Sally’s Beauty Supply for manicure related items.
Industrial shelving
Personally, I love the restaurant style 5-6 shelf units in chrome or brushed stainless steel with the heavy-duty castor wheels. Why? Well, for starters these are some of the only pieces of furniture that have held up during my nomadic years — move, after move, after move. Giving them a thorough cleaning with a scrub brush doesn’t damage the finish and neither does water — something you can’t say for varnished wooden pieces. They clean easily with simple homemade products and roll out of the way for thorough floor scrubbings.
Metro shelving comes in various sizes and styles and have coordinating individual shelf units and add-ons like wine glass holders, hanging wine racks and roll-out drawers. These pieces are easily integrated into bathrooms without storage. I think they give a professional feel to a luxurious home bath, particularly one in a loft or a storage-sparse apartment. (Bonus: You can also use industrial shelving to pimp your garage.)
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Don’t forget the footwear
If you really want to go the extra distance in your spa room, don’t forget some one-size fits all slippers to put on after moisturizing treatments, and some flip flops for pedicure nights. Flip flops can be purchased inexpensively at dollar stores. As for cheap slippers, Ikea usually has them by the bin at their show stores. They’re made of terry cloth so they are easily laundered, and the bottoms have rubberized traction for safety.
Keep it sparkling on the cheap and easy
I keep spray bottles of cleaners I need at all high-frequency cleaning stations throughout the house. In the bathroom, that means inside the shower as well as under the sink. The two I use most often are a vinegar and water solution with a citrus based essential oil/extract, and a water and rubbing alcohol mix. The first is for most of the general frequent cleaning, and the second is for sterilizing handles and light switches during cold / flu season, as well as a quick and cheap shine treatment for mirrors, glass and chrome. Believe me, I’m not a fanatic about this by any means. It’s just that it’s much faster to have cleaning rags and sprays at the ready, and keeping things sleek and shiny maintains that spa atmosphere for little money.
Beverage center
I’m not saying you need to run right out and find room for a mini bar in your bathroom (although I’m sure it’s been done). But since the steel shelving units now come with drop down wine and glass racks, this may be a way to have that merlot within easy grasp before you step into that bubble bath. Sparkling mineral water would also be great. This is assuming you’re comfortable with the European style of certain beverages being served at room temperature. If not, and you have the room, then a mini fridge is in order. Note: if you already own a home with a master suite, then this is much more easily integrated. In which case, consider going the extra mile and have a hot water supply with selected teas and a supply of honey and lemon.
Stock up
Find the affordable sources for spa products in your area or make your own where possible. Having been out of the loop for a while, I was surprised to discover that Family Dollar carries a selection of reasonably luscious items for minimal money. Body butters, foot scrubs, scented sprays...if you don’t feel like making your own, this might be a way to go. Make sure you have lots of cotton balls, swabs, plush towels, etc.
Go get some gadgets
This is not something you need to do all at once. The other nine steps will certainly get you started in style. I’m also not suggesting you go out and buy a bunch of doodads to sit around and collect dust. What I am saying is to pick up a chill-able gel eye mask or two and give some serious thought to the types of spa and salon treatments you enjoy the most. Then, when you are financially ready and feel the time is right, pick up some supplies to support them.
For example, if facials are your thing you may want to get a small supply of stretchy head bands, a fan brush to romance the clay mask application, and perhaps a towel steamer if you really want to indulge. If pedicures and manicures are your thing, then you may want to pick up some toe separators, beauty gloves, manicure tools, and if you really want to take it over the top, one of those paraffin appliances they have at the nail salons.
Another affordable way to kick your bathroom up a notch is through the selection of an upgraded shower head. After my recent article on extreme showering, a few people recommended switching shower heads. A trip to the shower aisle at the nearest giant hardware store really opened my eyes to the possibilities. In addition to the removable hose options, one of the most dramatic shower head options I saw was the rainfall style. It was under 40 bucks and also came with an elongated version to provide total body coverage.
I’m sure there are other ideas out there, and would love to hear any suggestions from readers as to how they may have carved out their own personal spa retreats. (Anybody have an idea for an affordable outdoor shower?) One thing I didn’t really cover here was extra atmosphere enhancers like music, nature sounds, candles, or aromatherapy. I’d love to hear some suggestions for that category specifically. In the meantime, happy relaxing!
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I have seen these called curved shower rods, at amazon it's called crescent...photo gives you the idea:
http://www.amazon.com/Hard-To-Find-Tools-Crescent/dp/B0000UNQT2
You know, I have to tell you, I've never seen them have a special name. I've asked for them a time or two at home stores with that same phrase, and the salesperson can usually take you right to them. It's also a phrase I've heard on numerous design shows over the years. You might also try asking for curved shower rods if the bump out phrase throws your sales helper. They are basically curved in a sort of half circle shape which brings the curtain out a few inches. Makes a huge difference. Good luck.
I just picked up a few, 1 foot tall, air tight jars from Ikea. They were only #3.99 a piece. They have a ton of different ones to choose from. Their catalog page. -- Jerry Freeman www.JerryFreeman.com
Bed bath and beyond has the shower rods in question. Most places just call them curved shower rods.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stylePage.asp?order_num=&MC=1&RN=763
Target has some interesting glass jars in the kitchen department. They have a mini version of cracker jars.
I don't every recall seeing them there, but they always have cool stuff. Congratulations on finding such good ones. A foot tall! You can really stock up on bath beads with those.
This much effort stresses me out.
Here's my way:
Send the rest of the family out for a few hours. Turn out the lights & light a candle. Put on relaxing music. Have a long, hot bath. Take a nap. Done. For hands-on, trade nights as massage therapist with significant other.
No extra stuff to buy, things to organize, or shopping to find just the right style, etc. Chrome doesn't have to sparkle. Don't need more "stuff".
In fact, I got rid of the junk and stripped down to the bare necessities.
Make life simple and each moment pleasurable, and you won't feel the need for spa treatments. Get rid of the stress by preventing it instead of having to "deal with it" later with relaxation techniques.
You know what, if you've only got one of those corner showers, I'd still try one of the curved / bump out / crescent rods. You'll need all the extra room you can get.
A few other ideas for the smaller bath? Celebrate some of the home made or store bought items you can use in the shower, like scented shower gel, great conditioner, nail brush, etc. Then store them with organizational items designed for a small shower.
If you have room over your toilet commode, the industrial style shelving items sometimes come in a style that's designed to utilize that space. Go with fewer items and pick ones you really like. A few great towels, cotton balls, swabs and instead of bath beads, try some custom scented homemade shower spray . The point is not to over do it for the sake of overdoing it. It's to pick out items you'll enjoy and that will make you feel refreshed. This can include, as the guest mentioned above, silence and solitude. The smaller your bath, the more carefully I think you should select your items.
Just remembered another cool idea I saw once that's dirt cheap. If you have an open vent register in your bathroom, and open wall space above it, dig up a wooden runged ladder from the flea market or hopefully your own attic. Clean it up and spray paint it a color you feel goes with the bath. Attach it to the wall with a little bit of room between ladder and wall. You now have a cost effective version of the towel warmer. These are also great to put magazines over the railings, library style.
To everyone else, thanks for posting the links to shower rods and all of your comments. Glad you are all enjoying this!
...fix an "overzealous" bathtub overflow? It won't allow me to fill the tub more than about halfway. They used to sell those plastic cups that fit over the overflow, but, now that I need one, I can't find them anymore. I've thought of caulking up part of the overflow, but is there a better way?
These are some great ideas. One little splurge that I've really enjoyed is picking up a heated towel rack with an Amazon gift certificate I got. It was a little over $50 and I was able to hang it in my tiny bathroom over the toilet and plug it into a regular outlet. It's a wonderful luxury that I enjoy every day, plunging my face into the warmest part of the towel when I get out of the shower. It was one of those things that I always enjoyed when I stayed in a nice hotel. I'd say if there's something you particularly enjoy about a spa, it may be worth a little expense to find a way to enjoy it every day.
Thanks again to all of you writing in with great ideas and sources for the jars and other spa items. I think the kitchen cracker jar post was interesting because it takes a shape you might not expect and uses it in the bathroom. Besides that, those jars tend to be larger and more pumpkin shape. The size alone adds a luxurious feel even if you are only filling it with cotton balls.
For the person with the overactive overflow feature in the tub . . . you know, I've never seen the cups you mentioned to solve the problem. Maybe a professional contracting supply company or plumber might be able to help? We had a tub like that in Italy. It really gets in the way of the "full immersion experience" doesn't it? Keep us posted on how you make out.
You know, we were actually out in civilization this weekend, and the hotel had these. They rock. I never would have guessed you could pick them up for 50 bucks or so. Thanks for bringing that to the forefront.
Not sure what overflow protector you have, but it may be possible just to remove it and re-install it upside down. That at least puts the overflow point up another few inches...
Hi Tim. Thanks for posting that suggestion. Sounds like a slick one that can be implemented very simply. I hope Kelly has a chance to check back so she can take advantage of your suggestion. I'm not much of a plumber, but that sounds do-able. Is there a special putty or anything necessary?
My bathtub had one of those overflow holes that ruined the whole bath experience. I used duct tape for the duration of one bath, and then remove it. The suction cups never really worked, anyway. Fancy? No, but functional.
Myscha, the point you make about a color scheme is SO right on. It makes all the difference. I like dove grays. Relaxes the eyes.
I have to admit, I'm chuckling through my coffee right now, because my husband is going to LOVE the fact that you suggested his favorite answer for everything . . . duct tape.
And I think the dove gray suggestion you made is very interesting for a couple of reasons. First, it's a bit out of the ordinary which is always great when you are trying to create something unique. Second, it fits in with one of the things I like the best about this entire type of bath makeover . . . it's a very unisex design idea. Going with some of the industrial items and clear glass makes this something the guys can get excited about too. Double ditto on your dove gray color scheme suggestion.
These post would be more helpful if there were links to the sources of the suggested features. I am interested in industrial shelving and carts. However, i have found them to be very expensive with outrageous freight and shipping charges. I think all of us have these ideas but the trick is finding a good place to buy these items economically. It is not helpful to be told something with no practical way to materialize the objects written about. Please provide links to places where i can acquire industrial shelfing and carts.
