9 Shower Trends to Transform Your Bathroom in 2026, According to Interior Designers

While it's part of the overall bathroom design, a shower can often feel like its own entity, especially if you have a designated shower area with its own enclosure. It needs to feel cohesive with the rest of the room, but shower trends deserve a mention in their own right.

As you look for inspiration for this year's bathroom trends, don't forget to give the shower ideas their own moment, whether it's through the materials you use, the colors you choose, or the accessories you add to create something statement.

And the good news? Designers say this year is all about the shower, with new materials and designs coming into the limelight. Here are the most coveted shower trends to know for 2026, along with tips on how to incorporate them into your scheme.

9 Shower Trends to Know About in 2026

Whether you're reworking a shower room or you simply want to make your shower look more expensive, this year's trends have plenty to inspire your space. From tiles to architecture and even final decorative touches, these are the looks you'll be seeing everywhere in 2026, and how to introduce them to your scheme.

1. Unique Shower Benches

We've seen the rise of the sculptural bath stool, and even the emergence of charming, decorative shower stools. But 2025 is taking this a step further, with bigger and better shower benches that blend style and functionality.

'One of the biggest shower trends we anticipate for 2026 is the rise of unique, sculptural shower benches. We’ve seen the standard square and corner benches time and again, but adding a distinctive bench design is an unexpected way to elevate the shower,' says Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive Design Co.

'It’s also the perfect opportunity to play with materials. I love introducing either a bold statement marble or a coordinating stone that ties in with the bathroom vanity countertop. It’s a small moment in the overall space, but it’s where you can take a risk, whether that’s with shape, texture, or even a contrasting color.'

2. Windows in Showers

As spa-style bathrooms begin to re-emerge, there is one architectural feature that is becoming increasingly sought-after in showers: a window. We're not talking about a general bathroom window, but actually in the shower area for a dose of natural light.

'I have been getting more requests for windows or natural light in showers, and for the color palette to be simple, clean, and straightforward. I believe there is a deeper intention behind this consistent request – more than just simple aesthetics and style trends,' says Sondra Zabroske, architect at Four Brothers Design +Build.

'In our daily routines, there are fewer and fewer places where we are not bombarded with screens and can be alone with our thoughts. The shower seems to be the last stronghold. You can hear yourself think; it's a space that allows you to process your day and actually have a break from technology. If this is the case, to me it only seems natural to want a space less fussy and light-filled.'

3. Long Shower Curtains

If you have an old, plastic shower curtain, leave it firmly in 2025. This year, designers are embracing a more stylized, tailored look – they're approaching shower curtains the same way they would window treatments in other rooms.

Opting for long shower curtains that stretch from floor to ceiling elongates the room and creates a more elevated look. To really nail this trend, opt for beautiful designs on cotton or linen – you can easily add a shower liner behind to make it more waterproof.

This bathroom by Ethan Charles Design is a chic example. Hanging the shower curtain directly from the sloped ceiling all the way to the floor creates a more integrated look rather than a basic functional accessory. The lighter tones add contrast to the earthy green tiles – it's full of personality and character without being too busy.

4. Curved Shower Profiles

It's not just kitchen trends that curves are making an appearance in, but in bathrooms, it's a little bit more architectural. Instead of just curvaceous decor and accessories, curved doorways, profiles, and walls are proving a coveted look.

'We are seeing a growing appetite for softly curved shower walls, particularly in homes where bathrooms are becoming more sanctuary-like. These fluid lines not only make the space feel more organic and calming but also add a sculptural quality that feels bespoke,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'Tiles are perfect for this type of design; smaller formats or flexible mosaics hug the curve beautifully, allowing for a seamless, flowing look that enhances both function and artistry in the shower zone,' she explains.

And she's not the only one noticing this curvy trend emerging. 'We have been seeing clients who love incorporating arched openings. The floor plans also have curved or oval-shaped showers in plan. It does not always need to be rectangular,' adds Wayne Adams of BVA BarnesVanze Architects.

5. Bold and Moody Tiles

White tiles always feel like a safe bet. It's an expensive element of the design process, and one you don't want to have to redo or replace anytime soon. But moody colors are here to stay, and designers say it's a palette we will all be embracing in our shower designs in 2026.

'One of the big shower trends heading into 2026 is the rise of bold, saturated tile. We’ve seen color exploding across furnishings, and it’s now making its way into architectural finishes – especially shower walls,' says Kristen Bonney-James of KBJ Interiors.

'I hope that homeowners feel inspired to move beyond the standard white subway tile and embrace richer hues that bring personality, warmth, and artistry into their bathrooms. Ground bold shower tile with a neutral paint color to keep the space beautifully balanced.'

6. Brushed Nickel Finishes

Brass is a truly timeless bathroom hardware finish, so it goes without saying that it's not going anywhere as we head into 2026. But trends are starting to embrace cooler tones, especially brushed nickel.

'Showers are becoming more design-led and tactile, and finishes play a huge part in that shift. Brushed nickel is set to be one of the defining choices going into 2026 because it feels softer than chrome but is still contemporary,' says Richard Eaton, design manager at Tissino.

'In a shower space, it adds warmth and depth to the fittings, complementing everything from clear glass enclosures to textured tiles. Carrying the finish through on faucets, shower heads, and frames creates a harmonious look that feels deliberate and considered, transforming the shower into a true focal point of the bathroom.'

7. Retro Metal Shower Enclosures

Showers are levelling up in 2026, but not in the way you might think. The focus is on shower screens and enclosures, in particular, how they can double up as a striking focal point. The answer? Retro-style designs.

'Most recently, we have seen a lot of requests for retro metal shower enclosures, ones that have nice finishes like brass or nickel; they have an art deco vibe,' says Wayne, noting a shift towards more decorative, statement shower designs.

This design is a perfect example and embraces the curved trend at the same time. The arched shower door creates a beautiful architectural moment, while the brass and glass doors pay the perfect homage to a more traditional style.

8. Juxtaposing Materials for a Chic Look

Confidence is the buzzword when it comes to shower designs in 2026, where contrasting materials are mixed and matched to create a striking yet still classic look. It's about playing with bold materials and pairing them with quieter looks for a space filled with artful juxtapositions.

'One of the biggest shower trends going into 2026 is pairing bold, expressive materials with refined, luxurious details. Think dramatic marble or oversized lighting to give the bathroom attitude, balanced with softer elements like drapery panels or plaster walls to keep it feeling elevated rather than stark,' says interior designer Kate Hartman.

'It’s the juxtaposition of materials, colors, and textures that makes this look feel fresh, modern, and original. Start by choosing one statement element and let it anchor the shower’s mood, then soften and refine the space. The goal is a curated mix that feels luxurious without being too precious, where contrast creates character.'

In this bathroom, a bold marble has been introduced for the bench and niche, while a calmer white zellige tile has been used on the walls. It's a look that lets the marble shine as the statement, and the tiles ground the space. It's both chic and timeless.

9. More Monolithic Materials

As we head into 2026, people are increasingly seeking bathroom designs that create a sense of calm. As such, large-format tiles are making a comeback, mixed into designs to create that seamless look.

'I see showers moving toward a quieter, more architectural sensibility. Clients are asking for spaces that feel restorative rather than showy, and that shift is shaping the next wave of design,' says Christopher Boutlier, principal designer at Christopher Boutlier Interiors.

'The biggest trend is the move toward monolithic materials. Large-format stone, porcelain, or terrazzo panels create a seamless envelope without the visual noise of heavy grout lines. It gives the shower a sculptural stillness that feels both modern and timeless.'

Shop 2026's Shower Trends

This is your sign to let your shower be the star of your bathroom in 2026. Whether you spruce up your shower walls with a marble niche or are looking for ways to give your walk-in shower more impact, these trends have something for every style and space.