According to interior designers, these are the most coveted bathroom trends for 2026 and beyond

While fall marks the return of warming spiced drinks, cozy jumpers, and spooky season celebrations for most people, in the world of interiors, it's all about looking to the big trends emerging as we head towards a new year.

As the Bathrooms Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I'm most excited about the trends that are set to dominate one of the most used rooms of our homes. Your bathroom ideas need to blend unrivaled functionality with style and comfort that invite you to spend abundant time in them.

And this year's bathroom trends really do capture this very essence, embracing warmth, tranquility, and timeless appeal – but with a heavy dose of personality and unique style. These are the top bathroom trends interior designers expect to see everywhere in 2026 and beyond.

13 bathroom trends you'll be seeing everywhere in 2026

Whether you're searching for new ways to elevate your neutral bathroom or design a scheme that feels more relaxing, bathroom trends for 2026 range from larger installations to smaller accessories you can easily add. Here are the 13 worth knowing about.

1. Vintage-inspired tiles

There's a shift in the style of bathroom tiles that appeals, particularly if you want to blend timeless appeal with unique style. In 2026, bathroom trends will embrace designs heavily inspired by vintage pieces for a more characterful look.

'Vintage-inspired tiles, reimagined for today, infuse bathroom spaces with a tailored balance of nostalgia and luxury. By pairing patterned tiles with modern finishes, designers are creating bathrooms that balance heritage charm with a current, sophisticated edge,' says says interior designer Christine Markatos.

A beautiful blend of old and new has been introduced to this bathroom. The terracotta floor tiles add a rustic touch and contrast with the patterned, vintage-inspired wall tiles with hints of blue, which tie in beautifully with the bathroom vanity color.

2. Microcement finishes

There's a real focus on textured bathroom materials in 2026, overruling stark flat finishes for something with interest without being overly fussy. And microcement is a frontrunner when it comes to trends.

'The first time I encountered microcement was in Italy, and I fell instantly for its texture, at once beautifully tactile yet clean and minimal. To me, microcement is more than a passing trend; it feels like a response to how we want bathrooms to function and feel,' says interior designer Ami McKay.

'It’s both elevated and timeless, and I believe we’ll be seeing much more of it in 2026. We crave calm and ease, but also character, craftsmanship, and mood. When I walk into a bathroom with microcement walls, where the sink seems sculpted from the same seamless flow, and an arched shower niche frames water and shadow, I see a space that holds all of that,' she explains.

In this bathroom, the vanity countertop and sink have been created using microcement. Paired with the wooden bathroom vanity, it feels clean, chic, and utterly timeless. It creates a beautiful design feature without overwhelming the space.

'I encourage thinking of microcement not as a single finish but as a canvas, one that embraces curves, texture, and storytelling. It’s about showcasing the material itself, even celebrating it while integrating handmade beauty and usability across walls, floors, and wet zones like sinks and showers. What people ultimately see is the care, the artistry, and the timeless materiality.'

3. Taking your shower curtain to the ceiling

If you're installing window treatments in your living room or bedroom, designers always suggest hanging them right up to the ceiling to make your space look larger and more luxurious. And this approach is extending into our bathrooms in 2026.

But we're not talking about your bathroom windows, rather your shower curtain. It's an essential feature that can feel a bit cheap or lackluster when the right design and installation aren't achieved, but this emerging trend for long shower curtains will solve all of your issues.

Hanging your shower curtain from the ceiling and ensuring it reaches the floor is so transformative in your bathroom design. It gives the illusion of greater space while adding interest to your scheme, but it also gives a shower curtain a sense of permanence, rather than it feeling like an afterthought.

It's a small change that elevates your bathroom and makes it feel more curated – even in the smallest spaces.

4. Oversized light fixtures

Bathrooms are continuing to evolve to become less sterile and more liveable. Trends in 2026 are looking at ways to create the comfort of cozier rooms in your wash space, and beautiful light fixtures are at the heart.

'Free-standing tubs, by default, add a sculptural element to any bathroom. Adding stylish fixtures above or near the tub will help balance the visual weight of the tub,' explains Kristen Mendoza of Four Brothers Design + Build.

In this bathroom, the light fixture above the bath adds a real focal point and instantly adds a sense of coziness to the space. It's a trend that reinforces that sense of lived-in style and that a bathroom is more than just utilitarian.

5. Adding luxury with wet rooms

While wet room ideas are not a new concept, the way we view them as we head towards 2026 is shifting. Once reserved for rooms that couldn't quite fit a standard bathroom layout, they are now seen as a more luxurious choice that creates a more elevated scheme. In many ways, it ties in perfectly with the trend for spa-like spaces.

'Wet Rooms are the next big thing. Why close off a shower when the entire bathroom can feel like a spa? We love designing primary baths that offer a sense of escape,' says Jamie Lyn Smith of Smith Home Studios, who designed this personality-filled space.

'With a subtly sloped floor, the bathtub and shower flow seamlessly from the vanity area, creating one continuous, luxurious space. Add radiant heated floors throughout, and you’ll never want to leave – no more chilly steps after a warm shower, just comfort and calm.'

6. Serene, spa-like bathrooms

Bathroom styles have been vast and varied over the past few years, from bright, vivacious colors to bright white schemes. But trends in 2026 are returning to spa bathroom ideas that exude relaxation and tranquility.

'Primary baths are no longer viewed as utilitarian spaces; instead, clients are requesting spa-like retreats. I'm sensing this will be the biggest bath trend in 2026,' says Lauren Williams of MV Architects.

'We achieve this by using organic materials like natural stone and warm wood finishes to create a calming atmosphere. We focus on embracing the beauty of nature and transforming baths into restorative sanctuaries,' she explains.

And Lauren isn't the only designer highlighting the revival of the spa bathroom trend. Christopher Boutlier of the Washington, D.C.-based Christopher Boutlier Interiors is also anticipating its popularity.

'Spaces like this show where bathrooms are heading. Homeowners want a retreat that feels edited, serene, and artful rather than overly decorative. Clean bathroom cabinetry with furniture-style detailing, unfussy stonework, and a single sculptural branch speak to a larger move toward curated simplicity and wellness-driven design,' he explains.

'This approach is less about maximal luxury and more about intentional living, where every element has a purpose and nothing feels excessive. It is a sign that bathrooms are evolving into personal sanctuaries that reflect a calmer, more mindful way of life.'

7. Guest bedrooms will become the hub of experimentation

While the bold powder room trend has proved popular and enduring, there's a new place taking the experimental reins in 2026 – guest bathrooms are about to become the go-to setting to play with unexpected colors and showcase personality.

'In 2026, bathrooms will move decisively into the realm of experiential sanctuaries –each one designed not just for function, but for sensory and emotional impact,' says Rose Praino, co-founder and creative director of YDC Design.

'Secondary or guest bathrooms are becoming canvases for drama. Expect deep, saturated hues, backlit stone, and sculptural fixtures that transform a utilitarian space into an emotional experience. These rooms embrace playfulness and individuality, where color psychology and sensory intrigue come together to energize or captivate.'

8. Adding lamps to showers and bathrooms

Table lamps are a staple in almost every room of the home, from living rooms and bedside tables to kitchen counter lamps. But it's a trend that's making its way into bathroom lighting, perhaps unexpectedly, but certainly a stylish choice.

There are a couple of ways to embrace this trend – in this space, a classic table lamp has been added atop a cabinet as an additional light source and to create a cozier ambiance for relaxing evenings.

You could also opt for a wireless, waterproof portable lamp design that's suitable for keeping in a shower or on the side of the bath. Just make sure you keep any electricals that aren't bathroom-rated away from wet areas.

9. Pattern play and layering with tiles

Bathroom tiles are the focus of a few 2026 bathroom trends. Alongside vintage-inspired designs, playful patterns, layering, and tonal tile designs are all having their moment as we head into a new year.

'Getting creative with tile, with pattern play and layering, but keeping it tone-on-tone so the space feels calm rather than busy. It’s the perfect way to bring subtle interest and personality while still feeling restful and refined,' says interior designer Ashley Montgomery.

In this space, instead of adding patterned tiles to the wall – which is the most obvious approach – the team at Studio Duggan has opted for a stripped tile layout on the bathroom floor, creating an unexpected yet totally stylish feature.

10. Freestanding bath faucets

There are always a few traditional features that make a comeback, and in 2026, freestanding bath faucets are set to make a strong return. These more decorative designs are a chic way to make something functional a stylish statement.

What's really fun about this trend is its versatility. It's not a look that only works in traditional bathrooms, but with the right fixtures, it looks just as at home and elevated in a modern bathroom, too.

Take this bathroom, for example. The Mediterranean-style bathroom pairs rustic terracotta flooring with a modern tub and sleek brass fixtures. While the overriding aesthetic leans more contemporary, the freestanding faucet feels right at home.

11. Bathtubs with a view

As bathroom trends shift back towards relaxing, tranquil zones, bathroom layouts are also following suit. A relaxing tub is at the heart of the trend, so expect to see baths located beneath windows (with the appropriate privacy, of course).

'Large soaking tubs with a view, clutter-free surfaces, and layouts that encourage relaxation. Bathrooms are no longer hidden away in a back corner; they are prominent spaces focused on wellness and creating a retreat,' says interior designer Jess Cooney.

We often stick a bath in the corner of the room for plumbing convenience, but placing it below a window makes the most of your space and allows you to enjoy the natural light and scenic views as you relax. Just remember to add a privacy screen or cafe curtain to windows that feel exposed.

12. Statement bath rugs

Bath mats can feel a bit boring – they're usually either a block color in a function-first fabric or a novelty design meant to be humorous. But as we look to 2026, beautiful bathroom rugs are the must-have.

No longer are we introducing small mats as a place to step as you leave the shower, instead they will be viewed that same way as they are other rooms – a feature to ground a room and add warmth to the hard surfaces.

This fun colors, vintage-inspired designs, and timeless patterns that bring personality and interest.

13. Sculptural vanity lighting

Instead of boring fixtures, 2026 trends are heading towards bolder, more sculptural bathroom vanity lighting is the quickest way to create a more elevated, curated look.

This trend is all about adding interest – it could be a shade with a fun pattern or a design that features organic forms and playful silhouettes. In this bathroom, the circular sconces on a brass base add a new form to the vanity area.

Essentially, it's taking something that's always been viewed as a functional feature and making it more decorative. It's an easy and attainable way to bring personality and style into even the smallest bathroom.

From microcement accents to long-line shower curtains, these trends are great ways to make a bathroom look more expensive. While installing a full wet room might not be on the cards this year, simply adding a lamp or spa-like accessories will instantly make your bathroom less boring.