7 bathroom trends for 2026

New bathroom trends for 2026 can provide the inspiration you need to refresh a tired, dull space. 

This year's bathroom trends include stylish yet practical fittings, mood-boosting lighting and spa-like features. 

Whether you're more drawn to aesthetics, sustainable materials or smart technology, 2026's bathroom trends are geared towards creating a space that's both practical and pleasing.

1. Wood finishes and textures

Sleek matt finishes have dominated bathroom trends for some time. However, wood-grain finishes, particularly oak, are growing in popularity.

‘We’re now moving into a more biophilic era which incorporates organic shapes and earthy tones,' says Hayley Bowman, Design Manager at Frontline Bathrooms. 'Oak fits into this aesthetic perfectly and is so versatile and can be incorporated into vanities, shelving, tiles and flooring.’

The technology for printing and embossing grain has also improved, so an oak-effect finish looks a lot more realistic if real oak is beyond the budget.

Match wood finishes with stone or porcelain surfaces in neutral, earthy tones to create a striking but welcoming bathroom space.

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2. Brushed nickel fittings

Last year we saw chrome fittings making a return in bathrooms, driven by its durability and versatility. This year, it's being usurped by brushed nickel.

'Brushed nickel gives you the neutrality of chrome without the coldness,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.

It’s neither dazzlingly bright nor disappointingly dark, making it a timeless, versatile choice for your bathroom brassware. 

Durable and easy to clean, brushed nickel is also good at hiding water spots and fingerprints. 

Check out our bathroom design ideas for tips on tiles, walls, paint and colours

3. The spa bathroom

The ‘spathroom’ trend, where spa-like features are incorporated into the home bathroom, continues to grow, as people are starting to see the bathroom as more of a retreat than a functional space.

As well as incorporating softer and more considered materials into your bathroom design, such as timber, natural stone and brushed metals, technology also has a role to play.

‘With technology increasing fast, bathrooms are having to step up and take on the role of a personalised wellness sanctuary,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.

Additions such as steam showers, soaker tubs, heated floors and and smart lighting can all create a spa-like atmosphere, with the premium end of the market embracing infrared saunas and cold plunge tubs and surround sound.

Lighter – and much less expensive – touches include the addition of houseplants, a bath pillow, bath tray and soft, fluffy towels.

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4. Large-format tiles

Using larger tiles results in a smoother, uninterrupted surface with fewer grout lines, which helps make a bathroom feel more spacious and luxurious. They can even make smaller bathrooms look bigger.

Plus, grout tends to get grubby over time, so less grouting means less cleaning.

Opting for large-format tiles in stone finishes can go a long way to creating a soothing, nature-inspired spa-bathroom look. 

Tiles over 60 x 60cm are generally considered large-format, but as this trend takes off, sizes such as 120 x 60cm and 80 x 80cm are gaining popularity. Bear in mind that installation may require a little more expertise due to their size and weight. 

5. Smart bathroom technology

Every year new smart bathroom features emerge that are designed to make your bathroom more comfortable and convenient. 

Modern smart toilets with heated seats offer personalised comfort and hygienic features, while app-linked showers and smart thermostatic controls let you set your perfect water temperature before you even step in.  

With smart lighting, you can create custom settings for different lighting levels that you can control from your smartphone or voice assistant, such as Alexa.

A smart mirror can display the news, weather and calendar updates, or even stream music and videos. If this is a step too far, try upgrading to a mirror with integrated motion-sensor lights and charging points for shavers and electric toothbrushes.

We've rated bathroom fixtures from Ideal Standard, Ikea, Roca and more. Discover the best bathroom sinks, taps and toilets showers and baths

6. Eco-friendly features

Bathroom products that help save water and energy are great for both the planet and your utility bills. An eco shower head is easy to fit – and to it can help save water and energy. 

Try fitting a toilet and basin combination unit, which recycles the water you use to wash and uses it to flush the toilet, saving you both space and water. 

Water recycling showers work similarly by collecting water in the drain, hygienically treating it, maintaining the desired temperature, and then circulating it back out through the shower.

Sourcing second-hand or vintage additions – such as mirrors, freestanding bath tubs or vanity units – is another way to be more sustainable when revamping your bathroom since the process of manufacturing new products has an environmental impact.

Discover 10 ways to have a more eco-friendly bathroom

7. Biodynamic lighting

Lighting in your bathroom can not only be used to enhance aesthetics, it can also boost your mood, making it a trend that's worth getting on board with.

Smart lighting will get your there to a degree, making it easier to switch from task lighting to mood lighting. But biodynamic lighting takes things a step further. 

Our natural circadian rhythms react to changes in lighting levels throughout the day, and biodynamic lighting aims to mimic this, controlling the direction, brightness and temperature of your bathroom lights.

The aim is to boost alertness, enhance sleep patterns and impact your mood as natural lighting would.