It’s Official: Designers Say This One Architectural Detail Is the Ultimate 2026 Bathroom Luxury
It's the must-have design feature to make relaxing soaks feel far more tranquil
Everyone seems to be craving a sense of tranquility in their bathrooms right now. A place to relax, unwind, and spend a bit of me time. And according to designers, bath nooks are the answer.
We instantly associate any nook ideas with coziness and relaxation, and it's no different in the bathroom. Transforming a corner or alcove of your space into a hidden bath space is the perfect way to create a more cocooning feel.
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This bath nook proves how simple yet elegant the feature can be, with an arched detail and brass accents.
While a freestanding bath can feel like the ultimate luxury experience, there's no denying that there's something a bit exposing and cold about sitting in the middle of the room, with open space surrounding you.
Integrating it into a nook, however, gives you that same elevated experience, but in a cozier, more tranquil way. And it doesn't just work with freestanding baths, but built-in designs, too. It's that sense of retreat that designers say makes this upgrade all the more enticing.
'The appeal of a bath nook lies in creating a cocooning space to relax and unwind, turning the bathing area into a more intimate retreat within the home,' says Louise McGarry, Creative Director of Studio Braw.
'By tucking the bath into its own alcove, the design naturally frames the tub while making thoughtful use of the room’s footprint. This makes the space feel calm, considered, and effortlessly stylish, blending functionality with a spa-like sense of comfort.'
A tonal color scheme works wonders to create a cozy feel. Here, various shades of green on the walls and the bathtub create the most inviting nook.
It's a look we've seen a lot of in small bathrooms to create a sense of bold design and zoning in a compact footprint, but it works just as well in larger schemes. 'There is something wonderfully comforting about a bath set into its own little corner,' agrees interior designer Hannah Llewelyn-Hughes.
'It feels sheltered and intentional, almost like stepping into a quiet alcove. Even in a larger bathroom, a nook brings intimacy and calm, which makes the whole experience of bathing feel more special,' she explains.
As well as being an assured way to create a calmer zone for relaxing and evening rituals, there's another benefit to bath nooks that you may not have considered. And it revolves around architecture.
'People are craving spaces that feel personal and restorative. We are far more conscious of how our homes support our daily rituals. A bath nook gives you that feeling of retreat without needing a vast room. It also introduces architectural interest, which many newer homes often lack, so it is a lovely way to add character,' Hannah adds.
For a more Mediterranean-inspired look, consider a more sculptural silhouette and warm-toned tiles.
There are a few things you need to consider if you want to create a bath nook that looks good and functions well.
'A well-designed bath nook starts with proportion and placement. The recess needs enough depth around the bath so the space does not feel cramped and room for ledges where items such as candles, books, or bathing products can sit comfortably,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.
You also need to consider the not-so-fun aspects of the design. Ventilation might not feel glamorous, but it needs some serious consideration if you want your bath nook to actually last.
'Think about access, cleaning, and ventilation,' says Adam Wollerton, Bathroom Design Manager at BK Eleven. 'Recessed spaces can trap moisture if not ventilated properly, and it is important to ensure that any ledges or shelves are positioned so they remain useful rather than becoming awkward gaps around the bath.'
If you get these things right at the beginning, the aesthetic elements can truly shine. As Adam explains: 'When those practical details are resolved early, a bath nook becomes one of the most characterful features in the room rather than just a stylistic gesture.'
5 Bath Nook Ideas To Create the Coziest Corner in Your Bathroom
If a bath nook sounds like the feature your bathroom is missing, look no further. Whether you have a freestanding tub or an alcove bath, here's how designers create these luxe spaces for the most relaxing retreat.
1. Utilize a Bay Window to Create a Bath Nook
The addition of an indoor tree in this bath nook adds to the tranquil atmosphere while adding a touch of privacy.
If you have a bay window in your bathroom, it's the perfect place to create a bath nook – the architecture is already there for you. It will, of course, depend on how much space is available, but where there is enough depth, it can create a truly luxurious zone.
And this design by Marie Flanigan Interiors is a perfect example. The floor-to-ceiling bay window offers the perfect depth and width to place the bath, with wooden beams adding a lovely organic detail.
It's such a simple yet tranquil way to create a bath nook. You can enjoy the views as you relax (assuming there is enough privacy) and enjoy that cozy feel from the surrounding walls.
2. Add Character With Stripe Tiles
Stripes never go out of style, and the tiles used in this bath nook prove just how timeless this feature can be.
Creating a bath nook opens up a unique opportunity to get really playful with your design. If you want to create a true focal point in your bathroom, a classic pattern tile goes a long way.
In this bathroom by Studio Duggan, a green and white stripe pattern has been created along the outside of the nook, continuing around the bath for a tile-drenched look. It's bold and playful without overwhelming the small proportions of the room.
This is a great example of how to create a bath nook if your space doesn't have existing architecture to make it work. By adding a frame around your bathtub, you can instantly create that enclosed space without having to change the bones of the room.
3. Integrate Shelving For Bath Nook Storage
Shelves add functionality to a bath nook, and the paneled finish here adds a more seamless finish.
Designing a bath nook is more than just how you create the surrounding structure. You still need to consider practicalities like storage – after all, no one wants clutter surrounding them as they try to relax.
'Small practical touches such as a recessed shelf for oils or a ledge for a book make all the difference,' says Hannah, who designed recessed shelving into the wall of this bath nook to house a mix of essentials and decor.
Try to be considerate about what you keep on your bath nook shelves and how you display them. A tray, such as Target's Threshold™ New Traditional Ceramic Bath Tray, is great for keeping product bottles together in one place and creates a more considered look.
For other essentials like face towels and shower caps, baskets are essential for a tidier and more organized shelf. McGee & Co's Tatum Woven Laundry Basket comes in two sizes, the smaller being perfect for shelf storage.
4. Use Micro Cement for a Textured Finish
For a more contemporary look, micro cement creates a clean, seamless finish.
It's easy to get carried away with the visual elements of a bath nook, but you have to think about practicality, too. As such, choosing the right materials is key to a successful bath nook. It needs to be water-resistant while also looking good.
'Think about materiality,' Louise advises. 'Micro cement is a great option as it is one smooth, waterproof surface free of grout lines. This works particularly well on curved areas.'
It's not just micro cement that works well, but any material that easily adapts to curved silhouettes. 'Any sort of natural textures help to create the cave-like atmosphere – limestone or tumbled marble are also great options,' she explains.
5. Create the Illusion of a Nook With a Shower Curtain
Adding a bath nook doesn't have to be a huge project – this shower curtain trick is easy to do and can be achieved in rentals.
If you don't have the existing architecture to create a bath nook, or if you don't have the means right now to add new structures, there are other ways to create the sense of a nook.
Don't underestimate the power of a well-designed shower curtain. Take this scheme as an example – the freestanding bath is located at the end of the bathroom, and by adding a shower curtain, a zoned nook has been created.
If you're going to try this method, you need to choose a high-quality shower curtain with a bit of pattern or texture to it. Something plain can fall a bit flat. Anthropologie is great for elevated designs, such as the Cotton Seersucker Shower Curtain featuring classic blue and white stripes or the Maeve Organic Cotton Ruffled Stripe Shower Curtain with a charming ruffle edge.
If you've been looking for ways to elevate your bathroom, this is your sign to upgrade to a bath nook. It's luxurious, tranquil, and adds a chic architectural feature to your scheme. And it's easier to add than you might have thought.
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