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After a long day, there’s nothing better than taking a hot shower to melt the stress away. But to really enjoy it, you need to set up your bathroom for ultimate relaxation. The best way to do that? It’s all in the lighting.
“Dark showering” has been trending on TikTok recently, but it’s actually something I’ve personally been doing for years. Basically the trend encourages those who shower at night to do so with the lights off, and instead light a candle or turn on a waterproof lamp for an ambient glow. Whatever you do, just don’t use “the big light!”
I’m a night-shower person; the combination of cozy lighting and warm water helps calm my nervous system in preparation for a good night’s sleep. Other “dark shower” enthusiasts say it feels luxurious and spa-like, too. That got me thinking: What else could I add to my bathroom to help make my nights even more relaxing?
How to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like Your Own Personal Spa
But that’s only the very beginning. Check out a few more of my favorite finds below to help elevate your night showers, too.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
From designer bags to LEGO sets, most of us have some sort of hobby or collection that takes up a lot of real estate. For me, it’s perfume. I have a moderately sized perfume collection that is continuously growing (much to my wallet’s dismay), and I realized it needed a designated home.
I didn’t want to hide my beautiful bottles away, and I also wanted to be able to easily access them, so the medicine cabinet was not an option. So I set off in search of a chic yet inexpensive way to display my prized possessions — and I found my inspiration (where else?) on TikTok.
In my search, I stumbled across this post from Gianna Butler, a Los Angeles-based creator with the same problem (and taste!) as mine. “I found an inspo picture on Pinterest and figured I could totally find something similar [by] thrifting or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace,” Butler told me. After weeks of searching, Butler was able to snag a stunning vintage spice rack for just $15 on Facebook Marketplace.
How I Turned a Thrifted Spice Rack into a Perfume Display
My own style definitely leans vintage too, so this was the perfect solution. I love the idea of giving an old piece a new life — and a new purpose. “The woman selling the spice rack told me this was a special piece; it had been her mother’s, and she was hoping it would go to a good home,” said Butler. “It was meant to be.” So, armed with inspiration and a mission, I headed to the thrift store myself.
Luckily for me, I didn’t have to search for long. In the home aisle, I found this gorgeous vintage mango-wood spice rack — and for just $12! I promptly checked out and headed home, eager to style my new score. I was a little nervous about whether or not the bottles would fit — most perfumes come in 1-ounce, 1.7-ounce, and 3.4-ounce bottles, with a typical maximum height of around 4.5 inches, which is similar to most spices — but my collection fits perfectly.
I am so thrilled with how this unassuming, inexpensive thrift find became a statement piece in my bedroom. The stunning, dark-stained wood makes the glass bottles pop, and definitely nails that vintage vibe I always strive for when decorating. My collection brings me so much joy, and even more so now that I get to see it every day.
If you’re also looking for a way to display a collection of yours, consider a spice rack! Thrift stores and online marketplaces are filled with pieces just like the ones Gianna and I found. If you’d rather skip the thrift store, though, this trinket shelf from Urban Outfitters has a very similar look. It’ll cost you more, of course, but it definitely still has that vintage vibe I love.
Cori is a freelance writer who covers interior design, gardening and houseplant care, DIYs, and trending style topics. She writes for publications like Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Better Homes & Gardens. When she’s not working on the next story, you’ll find her enjoying a…read more
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Before Scandinavian design became synonymous with pale wood floors and clean-lined chairs, it was a response to everyday life in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland). It developed in response to the region’s long, sun-deprived winters, shaping its emphasis on natural materials, usefulness, and bright interiors.
Beyond its cozy sense of “hygge,” the Danish concept of contented well-being, Scandinavian design is also philosophical. It reflects an investment in craftsmanship and the belief that well-made objects can — and should — improve daily living.
“Scandinavian design is known for its warmth and simplicity,” says architect Karen Frome, owner and founder of New York-based Rise Projects. “Their theory is that design should be present in all aspects of life to enrich and elevate the everyday experience. It creates a beautiful and eminently livable aesthetic, but more importantly, it maintains that design is for everyone and not a luxury commodity. ”
That democratic spirit helped make Scandinavian design one of the most influential global aesthetics of the 20th century. Namesake designers like Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Hans Wegner created pieces that weren’t just visually striking; they were also pragmatic and eternally in style. That unpretentious, practical mentality still shapes Scandinavian interiors today.
What Exactly is Scandinavian Design?
At its core, Scandinavian design is a balancing act: Simple but not sterile, thoughtful without trying too hard, and utilitarian yet not rigid. It leans minimalist in its style, yes, but softened by tactile materials and inviting textures. Most importantly, its design is defined not just by how a space looks but how it feels.
“Scandinavian design blends minimalism and warmth,” says Los Angeles-based interior designer Sarah West. “Each space is created with intentional choices that emphasize function.”
Clean lines and neutral color palettes guide the framework, while natural textures — wood, wool, leather, and linen — give the style depth.
Lived-in warmth is what differentiates Scandinavian interiors from other minimalist styles. A room may be pared back, but it’s never cold. Architect Marina Bourderonnet, founding partner of FAME Architecture & Design in Los Angeles, explains, “Scandinavian design is about coziness and the true feeling of home. It celebrates timelessness and the simple things in life: a warm wooden floor, a soft throw, light filtering through large windows. It’s the kind of space that makes you feel grounded, cared for, and at home.”
Ultimately, Scandinavian design endures because it isn’t just visually appealing; it also promotes serene spaces that enhance daily routines.
When Did Scandinavian Design Become Popular?
Designmuseum Danmark traces the global rise of Scandinavian design to the 1950s and ’60s, when Nordic designers introduced a warmer take on modernist design. Their approach stood in contrast to the era’s more austere interpretations that didn’t focus on comfort at all.
The Vitra Design Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Nordic modernist furniture, credits designers like Alvar Aalto — with his gently curved armchairs, iconic vases, and major institutional buildings — with shaping international perceptions of Nordic style. “He took the hard edge off the modernist movement using organic shapes, warmer materials, and a lighter palette,” Frome explains.
Today, Scandinavian design remains influential, reflected in the enduring popularity of warm minimalism, natural materials, and functional living. Design lovers across continents continue to draw on its principles. Bourderonnet attributes this staying power to how Scandinavian spaces embody “calm, comfort, and harmony,” a balance that feels both grounding and livable.
3 Essential Scandinavian Design Principles You Should Know
Scandinavian design may look effortless, but its visual clarity is built on a handful of core principles. These ideas anchor the style, creating spaces that are both practical and pretty.
Nature-Inspired Materials
Nature is ever-present in Scandinavian interiors, whether through birch floors, linen drapery, or wool blankets. “Materials are thoughtfully curated, creating a serene, organic connection to nature,” West says.
Bourderonnet adds that Scandinavian spaces echo “the textures of the natural world,” from stone and wood to handmade ceramics. “Think of a pale oak dining table with a soft wool throw draped over a chair,” she says.
5 Tips for Bringing Scandinavian Style into Any Space
Scandinavian design is surprisingly easy to incorporate into any home, no renovation required. A few adjustments can shift a room toward the calm, warm minimalism the style is known for.
Prioritize Natural Materials
Scandinavian interiors depend on tactile, organic materials to add warmth. Bourderonnet suggests pairing light woods (like pine, oak, or birch) with wool and linen textiles in soft neutrals such as white, gray, and beige.
For gentle contrast, layer in accents of pale pastels. Finish spaces with a few handmade objects, like ceramics or carved wood, for additional conversation-starting character.
