Top Bathroom Trends for 2026: The Styles, Colours, Tiles & Designs Set to Define the Year
If you are planning a bathroom renovation, you are likely looking for inspiration and reassurance that your choices will last. That is why we have created this guide to the top bathroom trends for 2026, curated by our expert team.
We speak to homeowners every day in our luxury showroom. This gives us a great idea of how to pair current trends with timeless design. Our goal is to help you create a space that feels fresh today but remains stylish for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll explore the styles, colours, and textures set to define the year ahead. From spa-like retreats to architectural features, here is what you need to know for your next project.
Top Bathroom Design Trends for 2026
Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury is all about "stealth wealth." It focuses on high-quality fixtures that look and feel expensive without being overly flashy.
This trend uses warm neutrals like caramel, biscuit, and taupe to create a refined, calm atmosphere. It is the perfect choice for those who want a timeless, high-end space that prioritises quality.
Bold Luxury and Architectural Statements
If you prefer a more dramatic look, bold luxury is still making a massive impact in 2026. Instead of simple fixtures, we are seeing carved stone sinks, integrated vanities, and freestanding tubs with soft curves. These pieces turn the bathroom into an architectural moment rather than an afterthought. It is a great way to make a unique statement in your home.
Japandi: The Perfect Blend of East and West
Japandi remains a favourite because it combines Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality. This style uses pale wood vanity units and soft neutral tiles to create an uncluttered, peaceful layout.
To keep this look timeless, we recommend sticking with natural finishes like oak and stone-effect tiles.
Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors In
Biophilic design connects your indoor space with nature to improve your mental wellbeing. This trend uses natural greenery, wood textures, and stone finishes to make the room feel homely and relaxing.
To ensure this style lasts, choose moisture-resistant furniture and hardy plants like ferns that thrive in humid environments.
The Spa-Inspired Retreat and Steam Showers
Homeowners are increasingly turning their bathrooms into personal sanctuaries to escape daily stress. This trend includes rainfall showers, deep baths, and the rising popularity of home steam showers.
Steam showers turn an everyday routine into a spa experience, helping to reduce stress and soothe tired muscles.
Traditional and Retro Revivals
Traditional bathrooms are always in style, featuring roll-top baths, shaker-style vanities, and detailed brassware.
For a more playful vibe, the retro trend is returning with chequered floors and quirky basin shapes.
Trending Layouts and Features
The Rise of Large Showers and Wetrooms
Walk-in showers remain a staple, but the way we design them is evolving rapidly for 2026. Many homeowners are now choosing generous showering spaces over traditional bathtubs to increase their bathroom's footprint.
We are seeing a surge in demand for extra-large shower trays, often measuring 1.8m or more. This shift is partly driven by people wanting to future-proof their homes for later life. Open, seamless layouts like wetrooms are becoming a mainstream choice.
The Emerging Trend of Enclosed Showers
A new trend is also emerging where the shower becomes its own enclosed "room" within the bathroom. We are moving away from the exposed glass cube in the corner to create a more sophisticated space.
This design creates a private showering experience while also minimising the appearance of soap buildup on glass. To keep the space from feeling dark, it is best to ensure access to natural light through a window. This approach makes the shower feel like a deliberate architectural feature.
The Return of Drop-In and Undermount Bathtubs
While large showers are popular, those who keep a bath are gravitating toward built-in silhouettes. Undermount tubs can be paired with a generous ledge, providing the perfect place for candles, books, or wine.
This design offers a "luxury hotel" feel that is both functional and incredibly glamorous for a long soak. It provides a sturdy, permanent look that fits perfectly with the quiet luxury aesthetic we are seeing everywhere.
Tile Trends: Texture, Scale, and "Drenching"
The Impact of Tile Drenching
Tile drenching is one of the most impactful ways to create a dramatic and high-end feel. This trend involves using the same tile continuously across floors, walls, and even ceilings for a seamless look.
It is a bold evolution of the "colour drenching" trend seen in living rooms and bedrooms. By blurring the boundaries between surfaces, you create a sculptural, immersive space that feels much larger.
This technique works especially well in smaller bathrooms or en-suites to create a unified, cocooning atmosphere.
Large Format
Large format tiles remain a timeless choice because they offer a sleek look with fewer grout lines. These oversized tiles make a bathroom feel more expansive and are much easier to keep clean.
Textured Tiles
Textured tiles are excellent for anyone wanting to add depth and character. Fluted, ribbed, and stone-effect tiles provide a tactile finish that makes an immediate impact on feature walls. They are perfect for shower enclosures where you want to create a concentrated area of visual interest.
Marble Tiles
Marble-effect tiles continue to be a staple for anyone seeking a sense of luxury without the high maintenance. White tiles with grey or gold veining offer a classic look that will never go out of style.
Stripes and Chequered Tiles
For a more playful design statement, chequered and striped tiles are making a sophisticated comeback. These patterns work best in smaller spaces like cloakrooms or showers to add a retro yet modern touch. We recommend using smaller tiles for compact areas and larger patterns for a more spacious feel.
Colour Palettes and Hardware Finishes for 2026
Warm Hardware
Matte black taps and hardware somewhat took a backseat towards the end of 2025 as people opted for more timeless options, like lighter metal choices.
Look for warmer metals such as polished nickel, aged unlacquered brass, and champagne bronze. These finishes add a softer, more sophisticated touch to your bathroom. They catch the light beautifully and pair perfectly with the natural textures currently trending in luxury design.
Dark and Moody Colours for High Drama
Charcoal, navy, and deep green tones are making a strong statement this year. These bold tones work best when applied to feature walls or specific zones like the vanity area or decorative niches.
To stop a dark bathroom from feeling too small, we recommend using light flooring and plenty of mirrors. Good lighting is also essential to ensure the space feels atmospheric rather than cramped.
Earthy Neutrals and Vintage Terracotta
If you prefer a calmer palette, earthy neutrals like taupe, beige, and "greige" remain a timeless choice. These soft shades are adaptable and easy to pair with both modern and traditional furniture.
We are also seeing a rise in vintage terracotta and mustard shades. These colours add instant warmth and a grounded, rural feel to a bathroom. They pair beautifully with natural wood and stone, making them ideal for creating a cosy and inviting environment.
Why Choose Plumb Factory for Your 2026 Bathroom Project
Luxury Bathroom Showroom
The best way to explore these 2026 trends is to see them in person. Our luxury showroom features a wide range of designer tiles, ceramics, and high-end fittings. It is the perfect place to find inspiration and feel the quality of the materials before you make a decision.
Bespoke Bathroom Design Services
At Plumb Factory, we offer more than just products. Our expert designers work with you to create a bespoke layout that suits your lifestyle and home. Whether you want a spa-like retreat or a bold architectural statement, we help you envision your bathroom’s potential with the assistance of 3D CAD images.
Quality Supply and Installation Support
We provide a comprehensive range of plumbing supplies and fittings trusted by professionals. We can also recommend reliable, experienced bathroom fitters to ensure your new space is finished to the highest standard.
2026 Bathroom Trends FAQs
Which bathroom trends are becoming outdated in 2026?
Glossy tiles, all-white colour schemes, and chrome-only fittings are becoming slightly less popular. Homeowners are now favouring warmer tones, textured finishes, and metals like brass or bronze.
What bathroom trends work best for small spaces?
Wall-hung fixtures and large-format tiles are excellent for making small bathrooms feel more spacious. Using light neutrals and "tile drenching" can also create a unified, expansive look.
Are bathroom panels a trend or a permanent alternative to tiles?
Bathroom panels are definitely here to stay. They are practical, quick to fit, and very low-maintenance. They are an increasingly popular choice for shower enclosures where people want a sleek, grout-free finish.
How can I make a trendy bathroom feel timeless?
The key is to focus on quality materials and natural finishes. Styles like Japandi or Biophilic design stay relevant because they rely on stone, wood, and neutral tones that do not go out of fashion.
What are the best warm metal finishes for 2026?
Polished nickel, aged unlacquered brass, and champagne bronze are the top choices for 2026. These metals offer a softer, more sophisticated look than matte black or standard chrome.