Bathroom Culture: Why the Bathroom Has Become the New Reading Room

24 Aug

For years, the living room was where we curled up with a good book. A quiet armchair, a blanket and a cup of tea were all we needed to switch off for an hour or two. But as life has become busier and our homes have become more multi-functional, many people are rediscovering another room that's surprisingly perfect for slowing down: the bathroom.

Inspired by the timeless comfort of traditional British country homes, today's luxury bathrooms are no longer just places to get ready. They're becoming sanctuaries for quiet rituals, long baths, flickering candlelight and uninterrupted moments with a favourite novel.

In an age of constant notifications, perhaps the greatest luxury isn't a bigger home or the latest technology, it's having somewhere to close the door and simply be.

A New Kind of Evening Routine

The idea of "bed rotting" may have dominated social media, but there's a gentler alternative gaining popularity: creating intentional moments of rest.

Rather than scrolling through a phone before bed, more people are swapping screens for stories. A warm bath, soft lighting and a chapter or two of a good book can help create a calmer evening routine and reduce overstimulation before sleep. Unlike our living rooms, which are often shared with family, televisions and laptops, the bathroom offers something increasingly rare: privacy.

What Everyone's Reading This Summer

Whether you enjoy contemporary fiction, historical stories, revealing memoirs or darkly compelling dramas, there’s something wonderfully indulgent about pairing a good book with a long soak. This summer, some of the most talked-about reads include Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, a sharp and compelling story about a modern-day influencer suddenly faced with the realities of life in 1855; The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, a moving novel told through letters that explores love, friendship and the relationships that shape our lives; Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, a gripping and darkly funny insider memoir lifting the lid on her years working at Facebook; and The Compound by Aisling Rawle, a dark, addictive novel following contestants living under constant surveillance in a reality TV-style compound. Whatever your genre of choice, a long bath is the perfect excuse to switch off, settle in and read just one more chapter.

The Scent of Summer

Candles instantly change the atmosphere of a room, and in summer there's a move away from heavy spices towards fresher, more uplifting fragrances.

Think:

Tomato leaf and fresh herbs

Fig and blackcurrant

Sea salt and sage

Neroli, orange blossom and bergamot

Green tea and jasmine

Wild meadow flowers

These lighter scents bring the feeling of an open garden or a coastal breeze indoors, creating a bathroom that feels bright, calming and restorative.

Building the Perfect Summer Bath

A long summer bath doesn't need to be piping hot. In fact, slightly cooler water can feel wonderfully refreshing on warm evenings while still helping your body relax.

To create the perfect summer bathing ritual, try adding a few thoughtful touches:

A soft linen robe waiting nearby.

Fluffy towels warmed on a heated towel rail.

Soft candlelight or dimmed lighting.

A bath tray for your book and drink.

Natural bath salts or magnesium flakes.

Fresh flowers or a sprig of eucalyptus.

It's less about recreating a spa and more about creating a ritual that gives you permission to slow down.

Designing a Bathroom You'll Want to Spend Time In

The most inviting bathrooms don't happen by accident. They combine thoughtful design with materials that naturally encourage you to linger. Natural stone, warm timber, brushed brass finishes and layered lighting create spaces that feel welcoming rather than clinical. A freestanding bath becomes the focal point, while recessed niches, shelving and generous ledges provide the perfect place for books, candles and beautiful everyday objects. Even small details - such as underfloor heating, dimmable lighting or a comfortable bath pillow - can make all the difference, transforming a bathroom from somewhere you simply use into somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time.

Luxury isn't always about adding more. Sometimes, it's about creating more moments. A beautifully designed bathroom. A bestselling novel you've been looking forward to reading. The gentle glow of candlelight. Half an hour without your phone. In a world that rarely slows down, perhaps the bathroom has quietly become the new reading room -a place to pause, unwind and savour life's simplest pleasures.

At Ripples, we believe the bathroom should be more than a functional room. It should be a place where thoughtful design supports your everyday wellbeing, helping you slow down, recharge and enjoy the simple moments that often matter most.

Explore more ideas across our bathroom inspiration hub or speak to your nearest showroom to begin your own transformation.

Visit your nearest Ripples showroom to discover how this innovative wellness feature can be seamlessly integrated into your bespoke bathroom design.