7 Bathroom Trends Designers Are Leaving Behind In 2026

There’s no denying that trends come and go, but that doesn’t mean your bathroom needs to be a time capsule. Restraint and classic elements can go a long way in avoiding a bathroom that acts like a roll call of the decade’s best (or worst) trends. “Rather than chasing what’s ‘in,’ focus on thoughtful design choices that bring beauty, function, and longevity, so your space feels just as inviting years from now as it does today,” says Jessica Bandstra, Nashville, Tennessee-based owner and head of design at Dogwood Proper.

Over the past few years, we’ve leaned into timeless materials, cozy color palettes, and spaces brimming with personality—but we’ve admittedly had some missteps too. To avoid finding your bathroom’s greatest hits on this list of no-nos in the future, Katie Lindquist, Principal Designer at Katie Lindquist Interiors, shares a simple formula. “Bathrooms work best when they feel like little jewels—personal, polished, and meant to last,” she says. “Invest in the bones, layer in whimsy at the surface, and you’ll end up with a room that feels less like a trend and more like a timeless retreat.”

LED Mood Lighting

“Bathrooms are not nightclubs,” says Lindquist. “Lighting should flatter your reflection, not wash you in blue or purple glow.” She advises a layered approach that utilizes natural light, overhead fixtures, and sconces. Tiny, rechargeable lamps can add a quaint and cozy ambiance without requiring a call to the electrician.

Wet Rooms

Wet rooms certainly had their moment, but now we’re ready to welcome back the free-standing tubs and more private showers. “[Wet rooms] were designed as a showpiece, and they can certainly be beautiful, but they bring moisture and safety concerns, especially for forever homes and aging in place,” says Bandstra. Instead, we’ll be returning to more cozy features, Shannon Cassell of Raleigh, North Carolina-based Shannon Cassell Interiors says, like soaking tubs and smaller showers.

Wired Shelving, Metal Mirrors, and Medicine Cabinets

Sterile surfaces are being swapped for warmer, natural materials like wood that deliver both texture and interest. “Most any wood tone will work to soften cold tiles, and mirrors are an opportunity to inject personality into a space (and can be easily swapped!),” offers Cassell. The same can be said of wired shelving and farmhouse-inspired signs. “Unless you live in an actual farmhouse, I see this trend exiting the traditional aesthetic very swiftly,” she says.

Feature Shower Niches

If you’re redoing your bath, it’s time to rethink the shower niche. While they can be helpful for holding your shampoo bottles and soaps, Bandstra says that doesn’t mean it should be a stylistic focal point. “Niches serve a purpose, but your shampoo bottles are rarely as attractive as the tile they interrupt,” she says. Instead, tuck those must-haves out of sight and let the tile take the starring role.

Expected Tile Applications

While tried-and-true materials like subway tile are a classic for a reason, spicing them up by playing with size and layout can lend a fresh look. “We still love its classic charm, but we recommend using it in new scales and layouts,” says Bandstra. “Think stacked, oversize, or herringbone to give this staple new life without falling into the ‘farmhouse’ trap.”

If you want a similar look, but one with handcrafted charm, zellige tiles up the ante with texture and warmth. “The colors are soft and natural, which provides a relatively neutral backdrop with tons of character,” says Cassell.

Too-Loud Tile

“Somewhere along the way, bathrooms became a competition of who could source the loudest tile,” says Lindquist. “But when your shower floor looks like a kaleidoscope, it dates itself quickly.” The designer instead suggests opting for natural materials like limestone, classic marble, or a soft ceramic. “Then you can play with interest in wallpaper, paint, or even a cheeky sconce,” she says.

Tile “rugs” are similarly on their way out the door, but there are still plenty of ways to give a subtle style nod with your tile application. Cassell recommends lining the perimeter of your room with a contrasting tile (think penny tiles in a complementary shade) to add a touch of personality while still keeping with a classic aesthetic.

Open Shelving for Towels

It’s a good idea, but when it comes down to it, trying to keep open shelves tidy never works out quite how we anticipated. “Built-in cabinetry or paneled storage hides the clutter while still allowing space for a few artful touches (an antique box, a vase of greenery),” says Lindquist. “I also love to add fabric-backed wire cabinet doors to areas that were once wide open to give some warmth, textural and color interest, as well as privacy.”