20 Ways to Design an Asian-Style Bathroom

Incorporating Asian design elements into your bathroom can create a serene, spa-like retreat. From materials and layout to accents and accessories, there are many ways to achieve this aesthetic. Here are 20 tips for designing an Asian-style bathroom:

Choose Natural Materials

Natural materials like wood, bamboo, stone, and woven textures are commonly used in Asian bathrooms. Consider using:

• Wood accents – Wooden cabinets, wall panels, shelving, bathtubs or vanities can add warmth. Opt for dark stained woods or bamboo for an exotic look.
• Stone tiles – Honed stone tiles in neutral shades work well for an Asian style. Try travertine, marble, slate or limestone in earthy tan, beige or grey hues.
• River rock – Lining walk-in showers or bathtub surrounds with smooth river rocks creates a Zen garden vibe.
• Bamboo – Use bamboo in wall coverings, window shades or ceiling panels for an organic touch.
• Natural fiber rugs – Jute, sisal or sea grass rugs bring in greenery and texture.

Design a Spa-Like Layout

Asian-inspired bathrooms often have a spa-like layout to promote relaxation. Consider these layout ideas:

• Freestanding tub – Have a freestanding soaking tub as a focal point, positioned by a window or beneath pendant lighting.
• Walk-in shower – A large walk-in shower with a pebble floor and a bench is soothing. Place live plants inside for a tropical feel.
• Double vanities – His and hers sinks allow couples to get ready in harmony. Select vessel sinks for a modern look.
• Privacy wall – Use a partial wall or frosted glass to separate the toilet from other areas for privacy.
• Spa corner – Create a mini-spa area with a basket of towels, candles and decorative jars of bath salts.

Add Eastern-Inspired Accents

Accent pieces with Eastern influences can give bathrooms exotic flair. Try including:

• Bamboo mats – Natural woven mats lend organic texture as floor coverings or wall art.
• Oriental screens – An antique screen adds mystery and divides space gracefully.
• Buddha statues – Situate a seated Buddha statue in a tranquil corner or near the tub.
• Chinese calligraphy – Hang a beautiful script artwork or carve a mantra into a wall panel.
• Bonsai trees – Displaying bonsai trees brings nature indoors. Place in recessed shelves with grow lights.

Use Soothing Color Palettes

Cool, tranquil colors are ideal for an Asian-inspired space. Consider these soothing hues:

• Pale greens – Subtle green tones like jade, sage and celadon evoke nature. Use on walls or mosaic tile accents.
• Serene blues – Pale sky blue, powder blue and aqua blue are calm watery shades. Try on cabinets or ceilings.
• Earthy neutrals – Natural sand, stone, tan and beige hues add Zen tranquility. Use on floors and walls.
• Crisp white – Stark white has a clean, airy effect. Use on tile, grout, sinks and linens.
• Black accents – For drama, incorporate black in cabinetry, wall panels or pendant lights.

Select Minimalist Fixtures

Clean, uncluttered lines suit an Asian style. Look for these minimalist fixtures:

• Vessel sinks – Sleek glass, stone or ceramic vessel sinks have a floating effect. Mount on stone vanity tops.
• Rainfall showerheads – Overhead rainfall showerheads for a soothing spa experience. Choose large 8-10 inch diameter heads.
• Freestanding tubs – A simple, sculptural tub placed in an open area makes an impact.
• Wall-mounted faucets – Faucets mounted on the wall keep vanity tops clutter-free. Choose modern designs.
• Recessed niches – Built-in niches eliminate need for storage cabinets. Display candles and decorative objects.

Add Special Lighting Elements

Create a relaxing ambiance with lighting suited to an Asian spa. Try:

• Hanging lanterns – Use silk lanterns, bamboo basket pendants or paper globes to cast a warm downlight.
• Sconces – Mount tapered candles or buy wall sconces with Asian motifs.
• Backlit onyx – Onyx thinly backlit with LEDs makes a striking glowy divider.
• Undercabinet lighting – Illuminate vanities with thin strips of LED lights for a soft glow.
• Steam shower lighting – If you have a steam shower, install waterproof lights that change color.

Incorporate Natural Wooden Cabinetry

Wood cabinets complement an Asian style bath beautifully:

• ** Espresso vanities** – For drama, opt for dark espresso-stained vanities with brass hardware.
• Bamboo cabinets – Cabinets made of sustainable bamboo have an earthy appeal.
• Wood wall cabinets – Hang wall cabinets with woven wood facades for open storage.
• Platform cabinets – A raised wooden platform for hiding plumbing is stylish East-meets-West option.
• Teak benches – Place a teak bench or stump stool at shower entry for seating.

Display Live Plants

Live plants enhance the spa-like tranquility. Ideas:

• Bamboo stalks – Place tall stalks in vases for an architectural look.
• Orchids – Exotic orchids add a tropical vibe. Seek hardier varieties.
• Succulents – Succulents are easy to care for. Situate in hanging planters or on shelves.
• Ferns – Set an overflowing potted fern in a bright bathroom corner.
• Lucky bamboo – Lucky bamboo stalks require only water. Display in glass vases.

Add Eclectic Asian Artwork

Decorate walls with diverse Asian-inspired artwork:

• Chinese fans – Hang a collection of intricately-painted paper hand fans.
• Japanese prints – Frame iconic Japanese artwork like The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
• Indian tapestries– Display embroidered silk tapestries for richness.
• Saris as wall art – Showcase the vibrant colors of Indian saris draped on the wall.
• Chinese brush paintings – Seek out calligraphy or nature-themed sumi-e ink paintings.

Incorporate Geometric Tile Designs

Geometric tiles lend visual interest and suit the clean Asian aesthetic:

• Herringbone – Cover floors or walls with a herringbone tile pattern.
• Honeycomb – Multi-sided hexagonal tiles create engaging honeycomb effects.
• Moroccan fish scale – Intricate fish scale shaped tiles evoke Moroccan mosaics.
• Checkerboard floors – A black and white checkerboard floor suits a modern black and white bath.
• Pixelated mosaics – Apply pixel-like mosaics to tub or shower surrounds.

Choose Cultural Bathtub Shapes

Traditional bathtub shapes from Asia impart authenticity. Options include:

• Japanese soaking tub – A deep rectangular wooden soaking tub soaked in hinoki cypress oil.
• Chinese pots – Ceramic vessel tubs resemble traditional Chinese dragon pots.
• Zen cuve – The Zen cuve’s oval shape permits seated meditation. Select natural materials like hinoki cypress wood composite.
• Indian corian tubs – Seamless oval or lotus-shaped tubs handcrafted from corian stone.
• Bali style – An oversized rectangular tub on a platform, made for two people.

Add Unexpected and Natural Elements

Don’t be afraid to add unique details for zen atmosphere:

• Sand and rock garden – Display raked sand and stones in a shallow corner box.
• Water features – The sound of trickling water is relaxing. Try a simple tabletop fountain.
• Natural found objects – Incorporate weathered branches, stones, shells or pieces of driftwood.
• Indoor vine wall – Let a vine like ivy trail down one wall for a bit of living greenery.
• Tree stump stools – Sanded tree stump seats bring the outdoors in.

Treat Windows Mindfully

Windows should enhance the spa-like ambiance. Consider:

• Frosted glass – For obscuring views out, use adhesive frosted window films. These still allow light in.
• Bamboo shades – Install bamboo roman shades to filter incoming light.
• Sheer linens – Hang sheer linen curtains for an airy, unobtrusive look.
• Eastern screens – Oriental folding screens block views while still permitting light and air flow.
• Window films – Apply decorative window films with Asian motifs like cherry blossom branches.

Use Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly building materials align with Asian principles. Options include:

• Reclaimed wood – Use salvaged wood for an antique feel with a green benefit.
• Cork flooring – Natural cork is durable, antimicrobial and sound-absorbing.
• Bamboo cabinets – Cabinets and shelves made from quickly-renewable bamboo are sustainable.
• Water-saving toilets – Install a low-flow toilet to conserve water. Dual-flush options let you regulate water usage.
• LED lighting – Energy efficient LED bulbs last over a decade and reduce carbon footprint.

Design Open Showers

For a spa feel, have an open walk-in shower without doors. Strategize privacy:

• Strategic placement – Ensure the shower faces away from entry points into the bathroom.
• Partial walls – Use partial walls and glass partitions to create separation from other areas.
• Shower curtains – Hang a sheer shower curtain or linen drape along one side for discretion.
• Plants as dividers – Situate live plants like bamboo to delineate shower and vanity spaces.
• Adjustable focus – Install adjustable showerheads that can be handheld or wall-mounted to direct water away from openings.

Choose Heated Surfaces

Heated surfaces pamper and warm without compromising style. Consider:

• Heated floors – Radiant heated floors feel decadent on bare feet. Use with stone and tile materials.
• Towel warmers – Keep towels pleasantly warm with custom towel racks that use hydronic or electric heat.
• Walk-in shower benches – Find long shower benches made of wood with inbuilt heating elements.
• Underfloor tub heating – Some higher-end tubs have electric heating pads beneath to warm bath water.
• Heated faucets and drains – Look for sinks and tubs with heated water lines and drain pipes to prevent freezing in colder climates.

Embrace Japanese Bath Traditions

Japanese bathing rituals enhance relaxation and wellbeing. Incorporate elements like:

• Hinoki wood – Made from Japanese cypress, this wood has anti-microbial properties beneficial for bathtubs and saunas.
• Onsen soaking tubs – Onsen tubs are made from hinoki cypress and allow Japanese style therapeutic soaking.
• Yukata robes – Provide light cotton yukata robes for lounging pre and post-bathing.
• Getabako – These small wooden water buckets are used to rinse before soaking. Keep one near the tub’s edge.
• Compact showers – Have a compact shower stall for rinsing off soap and dirt before a long relaxing soak.

Consider Feng Shui Principles

Feng shui recommends designing bathrooms to maximize positive chi energy flow. Useful tips include:

• Avoid positioning toilet facing entry – Make sure toilets aren’t situated in line with the door, as this disrupts energy flow.
• NO mirrors facing toilet or shower – Don’t place mirrors where they reflect toilets or showers. This supposedly doubles bad energy.
• Have windows if possible – Natural light and air flow from windows encourages positive chi circulation.
• De-clutter – Too many accessories or a crowded layout blocks good energy. Edit items to only essentials.
• Comfortable ergonomics – Having items inconveniently placed or hard to reach creates frustration and impedes chi. Design for solace.

Conclusion

There are many routes to designing a bathroom with an authentic Asian spa aesthetic. Natural materials, clean lines, greenery and a soothing layout all help to create a relaxing oasis. Accent pieces with cultural significance, spa-like bathroom fixtures and feng shui principles further enhance the ambiance. By thoughtfully incorporating some of these design ideas, you can transform your bathroom into a private Asian-inspired sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about creating an Asian-style bathroom:

What colors work well in an Asian bathroom?
Neutral earth tones like cream, beige, grey and tan are common. Cool hues like pale blue, green and lavender also create a Zen mood. Use white to keep things airy. Add black accents for drama.

What plants suit an Asian bathroom decor?
Orchids, ferns, bamboos, succulents, mosses, lucky bamboo, jasmine and chrysanthemums are appropriate and can handle the humidity. Place them in natural pots like rattan, wood or ceramic.

What sort of tile should I use?
Porcelain, travertine, slate, limestone, marble or granite tiles work beautifully. For patterns try honeycomb mosaic, herringbone, or geometric shapes. Stay with muted neutral tones.

Should I get a soaking tub or a shower?
Most Asian-inspired bathrooms incorporate both — a spacious shower and a deep soaking tub. However if space is limited, focus on whichever you’ll enjoy and use more often.

What is a Japanese soaking tub like?
These are deep wooden tubs made of hinoki cypress wood. They allow you to completely immerse yourself in hot water to your shoulders. Options include portable tubs or built-in onsen tubs.

What accessories evoke Asia?
Woven baskets, paper lanterns, silk screens, statues of Buddha, bonsai trees, incense burners, bamboo mats, and artwork like calligraphy, sumi-e paintings, or Japanese prints.

How can lighting provide an Asian ambiance?
Use pendant lights like bamboo or paper lanterns. Incorporate wall sconces and candles. Install dimmers for adjustable light levels. Try backlighting onyx panels. Rope lights lining stairs/thresholds create a soft glow.

What feng shui tips help Asian bathroom designs?
Face the shower and toilet away from doorways. Add windows and natural light when possible. Avoid mirror placement that reflects shower or toilet. Edit down clutter. Make sure layout enables easy comfortable use.

What type of vanity works for this look?
Floating minimalist vanities suit the uncluttered Asian aesthetic. Look for bamboo or wood cabinets elevated on legs for airy feel. Top with marble, granite, limestone or ceramic vessel sinks.

I hope this comprehensive article has provided lots of helpful ideas and insights for designing your own Asian-inspired bathroom sanctuary! Let me know if you have any other questions.