According to the latest research, the bathroom is becoming the UK’s unofficial safe space at home – we look into why this is, and how you can add a little wellness into your design…
A rising trend, dubbed ‘bathroom camping’, is emerging across the nation – according to a new poll of 2000 UK adults, conducted by training provider Emergency First Aid At Work Course. The research has revealed that 63% of people have admitted retreating to a bathroom to avoid circumstances such as social overwhelm and emotional burnout – with more than half of parents (54%) saying they regularly escape to the loo just to get a moment of peace.
“We’re trained to think of bathrooms as private, safe, and off-limits – so they’ve become the go-to space when we’re overstimulated, stressed, or emotionally drained,” says Sarah Jefferies, a First Aid and workplace wellbeing expert from Emergency First Aid At Work Course. “It’s a quiet place to regulate breathing, cry, scroll, or just escape expectations; especially in high-pressure social settings or even at work.”
Speaking with Brooks Lape, mental health expert and co-founder of Start Your Recovery, she says she often encourages people to create ‘a mini mental health retreat in their bathroom’. “Even a few minutes in a quiet, private space allows the nervous system to downshift, giving the brain a moment to recover from sensory overload or emotional burnout. Use the time to practice deep breathing or short mindfulness exercises,” she advises. “While it’s a small habit, it can help maintain emotional balance, especially for parents or those navigating high-stress environments.”
Wellness bathrooms
So what can we do to help create a more cocooning or relaxing space to escape to? “The key is making the space work for you – so, add those little touches that help you decompress,” says Yvonne Keal, product expert at Hillarys. “Lighting is key for relaxation. Dimmer switches or layered lighting, such as wall sconces or LED strips, let you set the mood. For privacy and a luxe touch, consider vinyl shutters or moisture-resistant roller blinds – they let in natural light while keeping you secluded.”
Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, says that seeing as the ‘bathroom camping’ trend is about carving out private, calming moments in busy lives, smart showers perfectly complement this by allowing you to customise your shower environment with temperature control, mood settings, and hands-free operation. “This transforms a quick rinse into a mindful retreat, helping you disconnect and reset in your bathroom sanctuary.”
Practicalities
If this sounds like something you’d like, then ventilation is the next key consideration. “When people seek the bathroom to decompress, the quality of the air they breathe plays a surprisingly big role in how relaxed they feel. Poor ventilation can leave a room feeling stuffy or damp, which can add to stress or discomfort.”
Another point to consider is heating; “Warmth is essential; no one wants their moment of calm ruined by cold tiles or chilly air,” says Nick Duggan, managing director at The Radiator Centre. “Simple touches like a heated towel rail can transform the experience, wrapping you in comfort the moment you step into the room.”
Finishing touches
Filling your bathroom with plants can also transform it into a peaceful retreat. “Natural greenery has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and purify the air by filtering out toxins,” says Richard Eaton, design director at British homeware retailer Denby. “Houseplants like English ivy, spider plants, and most ferns thrive in the humidity of your bathroom. For low-maintenance greenery, consider placing cacti on the windowsill – they need minimal water and often thrive on just the ambient humidity.”
Talking with bathroom designer friends, others suggested features like beautiful scents, a comfy chair, a shower seat, mood colour-changing lights for chromotherapy, or darker tiles and paint shades to create a cocooning ‘bathroom camping’ experience.
“Natural materials like wood and marble, and soft, neutral tones also help to create a tranquil atmosphere,” adds Urvashi Agarwal, creative director of Stone World London. “Natural stones, particularly marble, are integral to this transformation, evoking a sense of calm and discernible luxury.”
So, if you find yourself wishing for a space that could give you just a little privacy and permission to pause at home, then look no further than your downstairs loo, main bathroom or ensuite. With a few design tweaks, it could become that little daily sanctuary you need.
Keep in mind…
While it’s incredibly normal to want to step away from the noise now and again, it’s worth saying that frequently ‘camping’ in the bathroom can be a sign that your social calendar or home life is draining you more than it should.
“If you find yourself camping in there for half the evening, it might be worth asking whether you are taking on too much, or if you need clearer boundaries with friends, family, or colleagues. The bathroom should be a bolthole, not your permanent base,” advises Gemma Logan, friendship and relationship expert at Groopeze.
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