Bathrooms should be the apoteose of scents

Bathrooms should be the apotheosis of scent. Yes, I said it. They should be the best-smelling room in the house.

I know this isn’t easy. Bathrooms are, at best, utilitarian. They’re rarely loved, seldom glamorous, often cold, and usually treated as purely functional spaces. But hear me out: embrace your bathroom exactly as it is, in its dullness, its practicality, its unglamorous purpose. See it as a blank canvas, and turn it into the most beautifully scented room in your home (in the good way).

My own bathroom is cold and deprived of good sunlight. A large oak tree stands right in front of it, casting permanent shade. And yet, it is always fresh, clean, and pleasant-smelling.

Ventilation is key. Every day, I let fresh air in by keeping the smallest window half open. This prevents stale air from settling and helps keep moisture at bay.

I use plants to purify the air and bring life into the space: a Boston fern (great for feng shui and safe for cats), a jade plant, and a few succulents. In winter, I also grow a hyacinth. Its fragrance is exquisite, though not cat-safe, so it’s kept well out of reach.

I keep a bowl of pinecones that I refresh weekly with essential oils. My favorites are ylang-ylang for its sweetness, but I also rotate jasmine and frankincense.

There’s also a large bowl filled with bar soaps (I prefer them to liquid soaps). Not only do they scent the room beautifully, but they also give me a clear visual cue of my stock levels.

And finally, I always have a candle, which I light every day.

These simple, intentional rituals make the bathroom smell wonderful and, as a result, far more inviting. When decoration options are limited, because of space, construction, or the realities of renting, scent becomes a powerful way to elevate the room. Making the most of what you have can transform even the most utilitarian bathroom into a place of quiet pleasure.

Below photos of little corners that makes my bathroom cosy and smell beautiful