The History of the Bath Pillow

For as long as humans have taken to water for comfort, we’ve longed for a place to rest our head - a small, thoughtful luxury that transforms a simple soak into something restorative, even transcendent. Bathing has always been about more than cleanliness; it is ritual, pause, and pleasure. And wherever water has soothed the body, the head has searched for support.

In ancient Egypt, bathers reclined against carved headrests made from alabaster or wood. Beautifully sculptural and often intricately shaped, they reflected a culture that valued form as much as function — though comfort was clearly interpreted differently then. These headrests were objects of status, as elegant as they were unforgiving.

Across the world in China, bath houses favoured ceramic and stone pillows, often ornately decorated with symbols of luck, longevity, and wellbeing. They were believed to promote good posture and good health, prized for their craftsmanship and meaning. Soft they were not, but they held a deep cultural significance within the bathing ritual.

The Romans, masters of bathing as a social and architectural art, relaxed in vast thermae where conversation flowed as freely as the water. Here, rolled towels and stuffed bolsters were commonly used, while wealthier households introduced marble headrests - striking to look at, less kind to the neck. Even so, the intention remained the same: to linger, to recline, to be at ease.

As bathing moved into the modern home, the bath pillow followed - but not always gracefully. For decades, it arrived as a compromise. Functional but unattractive foam blocks suctioned to the tub, or decorative cushions that absorbed water and quickly lost their charm. Comfort or style, practicality or beauty - it seemed you had to choose.

Until now.

At Abahna, bathing is never an afterthought. It is a daily ritual to be savoured. That belief led us to create what we consider to be the original bath pillow that is both beautifully designed and genuinely comfortable - a piece that enhances the bath visually and physically.

At its core is a 3D honeycomb inner structure that allows water to drain and air to circulate, helping it dry quickly between uses. Surrounding this is an elegant, removable fabric cover — soft to the touch, refined in appearance, and fully machine washable. Both elements are designed for real life, real bathing, and real indulgence.

From alabaster headrests to ceramic pillows and marble supports, the story of bathing has always included a place for the head. Finally, that place can be soft, stylish, and unmistakably modern.

Discover The Original Bath Pillow

Our bath pillow is available in three considered striped designs, each finished with a delicate frill edge and created to sit beautifully in your bathroom:

Charcoal Grey & Green Stripe

Calm, grounded and quietly luxurious

Stylish bath pillow – spa-inspired bathroom accessory with striped design