By Arabella Peterson Interiors 19.11.2025

13 Bathroom Design Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2026

From tile drenching to heritage wallpaper – these styles will inspire your next update, whether you're renovating or just want to make a small update.

Bathrooms are the unsung heroes of the home. They have to be practical, space-efficient, hygienic, and ideally – beautiful. For those of us who love an ‘everything shower’ and a multi-step skincare routine, it can also be the space where we spend the most time (besides the bedroom, of course).

We’ve seen some flash-in-the-pan looks leave the trend cycle as quickly as they appeared, but many have stood the test of time. Styles naturally rise and fall in popularity, so if something really speaks to you, there’s no harm in leaning into different aesthetics at different moments.

Maybe you’re planning an entire renovation next year, or simply want to update some decorative elements of your bathroom. Whether you prefer classic interiors or love a modern touch, we’ve rounded up some of the design directions that we’ll see emerge in 2026 and beyond.

1. Microcement finishes

Even if you haven’t heard of microcement, you’ve probably seen it – maybe on the walls of a trendy wine bar or a boujee day-spa. This finish is an ultra-thin, hand-applied cement coating that creates a seamless, grout-free surface. Because it can be applied directly over existing tiles, it delivers the look of polished concrete without the cost or construction work. Basically, it’s a shortcut to a luxurious bathroom with a modern, minimalist vibe.

2. Ceiling-height shower curtains

We all know the ceiling-to-floor curtain trick for giving the illusion of space, but as Home & Garden points out, this “transformative” technique isn’t limited to living areas. If you prefer the classic look of a waterproof curtain rather than a door in your shower, hanging the railing closer to the roof and ensuring the curtain is long enough to reach the floor will elevate this standard feature. It’s a simple step that opens up a room and offers a sense of elegance.

3. Oversized and sculptural light fixtures

Statement pendants and large sculptural fixtures have been dominating bedrooms and living spaces in recent years, but the movement has officially made its way to the bathroom. Cloud-like pendants, pleated lanterns, or soft organic forms add visual weight and soften the hard lines of tile, stone, and glass. These pieces create a focal point that makes the bathroom feel curated rather than purely functional.

4. Vintage-inspired tiles

Vintage-inspired tiles will make a major return in 2026, with designers gravitating toward hand-painted, artisanal styles that add charm and character. Instead of the bold, graphic tiles that swept interiors in the last decade, this new wave leans delicate – Delft-style motifs, soft florals, and irregular brushstrokes that feel collected instead of mass-produced. Subtle, bespoke patterns are part of the wave of nostalgia that celebrates craftsmanship and bygone eras.

5. Creative tile drenching

Speaking of tiles – the more, the better, is the 2026 motto. Colour drenching with paint has been a major theme in some of the chicest homes over the past few years, it was only a matter of time before more people embraced it with tiling. This idea can be approached many different ways: matching a statement floor tile colour with a paint hue and coating the roof and walls so the whole room is a cohesive shade, running the same tile up the lower half of the walls, or tiling the entire space from floor to ceiling.

6. Bathroom lamps

Lamps in the bathroom might once have felt impractical, but in 2026 they’re becoming a design statement. Table lamps, cordless sconces, and even waterproof portable lights are replacing harsh overheads with a softer, more atmospheric glow. By borrowing lighting styles traditionally reserved for bedrooms or living areas, bathrooms instantly feel warmer, and far less clinical. It’s a small detail with big impact – turning an everyday wash space into something that feels relaxing and curated.

7. Design-forward freestanding bathtubs

A timeless porcelain claw-foot tub will always be in style, but if that doesn’t suit your home, a freestanding bathtub with a modern edge offers the same sense of luxury in a more contemporary way. In 2026, we’re seeing both softer, sculptural silhouettes, and natural materials like timber and stone with clean architectural lines. Placed beneath a window or centred in the room, these tubs become an instant focal point, which feel like functional art.

8. Revivalist wallpaper

We included wallpaper in our 2024 bathroom trend predictions, and, not to brag, but we weren’t wrong. Next year, they’ll move into a more pattern-heavy, old-world direction, following the archival references we’ve seen in interiors, fashion, and pop culture recently. Think ornate botanicals, toiles, damasks, and oversized florals – designs that feel lifted from a historic estate rather than a modern showroom.

9. Sensory and tech-driven design

Early adopters, this one’s for you. Wellness has been steadily shaping bathrooms, but 2026 takes it far beyond saunas and cold plunges. The new wave of sensory and tech-driven design focuses on atmosphere: circadian lighting that shifts from energising cool tones to warm, evening hues; HVAC-integrated scent and temperature control; and built-in soundscapes that turn daily routines into rituals. Paired with heated stone surfaces that maintain a consistent, spa-level warmth, these innovations create bathrooms that feel like fully immersive wellness environments.

10. Candy-coloured bathrooms

The reign of Dopamine Décor continues. For those craving something a little less serious, candy-coloured bathrooms are set to take off in 2026. We’re talking playful pastels, and glossy lacquered surfaces in shades of bubblegum pink, lilac, apricot, and pistachio. Instead of feeling childish, this palette is being applied with a grown-up lens – clean lines, and elegant hardware can elevate this look to joyful rather than kitschy. Bathrooms don’t always have to be neutral to feel elevated; sometimes a hit of colour is exactly what gives a small space its personality.

11. Stone in fluid forms

Stone is shifting from a classic surface material to something far more sculptural and organic in 2026. Instead of flat slabs and sharp edges, designers are embracing fluid, carved forms – curved vanities, wave-like ledges, softened corners, and tubs that feel poured into place. These pieces highlight the natural movement within the stone itself, letting veining and texture flow uninterrupted across rounded shapes.

12. Laundry-bathroom hybrids

Anyone who’s lived in a tiny apartment is likely familiar with having a washing machine in their bathroom or kitchen. Now laundry-bathroom hybrids are becoming a practical design solution rather than a last-resort layout. Instead of hiding a washer in a corner, renovators are integrating full utility zones into the bathroom with built-in joinery, benchtop space, and clever ventilation.

13. Heritage soft finishes

Not every bathroom update needs to involve tiling or plumbing – heritage-inspired soft finishes are one of the simplest ways to bring character into a space. We’re seeing a return to classic details: striped or inset-border towels, vintage-style bath mats, woven accents, and traditional finishes that speak to traditional craft. These pieces add a sense of history and comfort, thoughtful textiles and timeless accessories can go a long way.