12 Bathroom Trends That Are Completely Outdated (And How To Swap Them)

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Let's take a vote – does shag carpet belong in a bathroom? We're imagining a resounding "no," and we wholeheartedly agree. There are some bathroom trends that just belong in the past. The obvious ones that date your bathroom include the aforementioned carpet, Hollywood vanity lights, and glass block windows. And a few may surprise you, like super matchy matte black hardware that designers say is on the outs.

So, we've put together a list of 12 bathroom trends that are totally outdated. But don't fret, we've also included how to swap them. Modernize your bathroom and ditch the dated pedestal sink for a modern vanity. Or, swap that glaring light fixture for a set of stunning scones. Here, we've provided plenty of inspiration to turn your outdated bathroom into an in-the-moment sanctuary.

Ready for your close-up? You'd better be if you're sporting the Hollywood vanity lights above the mirror in your bathroom. These lights had their heyday back in the 1980s and 1990s, but they're considered an outdated trend now. Bulb-framed mirrors are very basic, adding little personality or dimension to your bathroom.

Instead, try out a new trend for your bathroom mirror. Backlit LED mirrors are a great alternative, offering bright lighting while being energy-efficient. This LED Bathroom Mirror with Lights from LOAAO is anti-fog and has a dimming feature. If you want to get super fancy, invest in a high-tech mirror, which can include LED lights and Bluetooth speakers (like this Smart Mirror from STARLEAD). Uniquely-shaped mirrors are also a great upgrade, like circles, ovals or even arches. Additionally, mirrors with statement frames in materials like wood and metal are in. Luckily, you can easily DIY a bathroom mirror frame that won't break the bank.

Using the big light (especially if it's glaring or fluorescent) is so out. Especially when your bathroom depends on one large light fixture hung from the ceiling. This harsh lighting can be unflattering and wash out skin tones. In a room where you're getting ready to look your best, you definitely don't want a light source that detracts from your appearance.

But there are some awesome alternatives in lighting. Layering lighting, combining multiple sources of light, is a great way to modernize your bathroom. Modern ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and even countertop lamps can make your bathroom feel more like an oasis and less like a sterile operating room. These Wall Sconces from VerRon are a great bathroom lighting option. Motion sensor lights are another way to update your bathroom, offering convenience, practicality, and style. For example, these Wooden Motion Sensor Lights from LANDGOO have a sleek design and offer hands-free convenience. When possible, always maximize natural light. That helps create a comfortable, ambient space in your bathroom.

There's no doubt functionality is in and visible clutter is out. With that being said, pedestal sinks aren't the move. Although a popular bathroom fixture in the early 20th century, these sinks have declined in popularity due to a lack of storage and counter space. All your hair products, make-up, and toiletries likely won't fit on the rim, and they will create visual clutter even if they do.

So swap out the pedestal sink for a vanity. The size of your vanity really depends on the size of your bathroom, but they typically range from 24 inches to 72 inches long. There are a million different bathroom vanity ideas that can easily elevate your space. Add an antique touch to a bathroom with a vintage vanity, or choose a floating vanity for a more modern, sleek look. No matter what your design style is, be sure to choose a piece with adequate counter space and storage so your bathroom can be both functional and practical.

This is the one you might not have seen coming. All matching matte black fixtures are out of style. Now matte black isn't out altogether, but it is if it's the only finish used in the bathroom. Matte black hardware is notoriously hard to keep clean and is easily scratched. It's also become outdated because it stands out and creates a stark contrast in the bathroom.

With all that in mind, it's still okay to use matte black fixtures sparingly, like for a towel rack. Instead, consider some of these hardware trends set to dominate this year: soft gold or champagne finishes, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, natural stone accents, or colorful fixtures. Mixing metals is also in right now, and all of your bathroom hardware no longer needs to be uniform. This Champagne Gold Bathroom Faucet from Lava Odoro is a sleek and modern option. And this Set of Oil Rubbed Bronze Hardware from BigBig Home includes a toilet paper holder and towel hooks, providing elevated yet functional pieces.

Jacuzzi tubs were all the rage in the 1990s and early 2000s, but not anymore. There are a few reasons why these once-luxury tubs are now on the outs. First, they take a long time to fill up with water. They're also very hard to maintain and can even be considered unsanitary. An oversized jetted tub also takes up valuable space in your bathroom, and you don't want your retreat to feel crowded.

The good news is that there are a number of sleek and trendy tub alternatives. Freestanding options can serve as a centerpiece of a bathroom and come in a variety of styles. In order to choose the perfect freestanding tub style for your space, be sure to consider size, style, and shape. Clawfoot tubs are a classic option, or you can go modern with a contemporary curved bathtub. Deep soaker tubs can give similar vibes to a Jacuzzi, but are much more trendy and practical. A stylish, unique bathtub option is to create a wet room. In this concept, the tub is placed in an oversized walk-in shower, giving spa-like vibes.

Yes, the all-white bathrooms had their time to shine, and boy, were they shiny, but their popularity has greatly decreased. There's a key reason why all-white bathrooms are going out of style. Although this color scheme (or lack thereof) gave a clean, monochromatic aesthetic, many think this trend is cyclical. Crisp, all-white bathrooms aren't particularly inviting, and can often look better online than in real life.

Instead, go bold! Adding colors, textures, and patterns is a great way to create a warm and welcoming space. Some trendy bathroom paint colors that are taking over are bright and bold colors like green or purple, and even colors that bring a neutral pop. Natural wood tones are a popular choice, as are patterned tile or wallpaper. This Dark Floral Wallpaper from Laatse offers a bold, interesting pattern. Or, these Peel-and-Stick Wall Tiles from Smart Tiles are a unique, fun bathroom backsplash option.

Bet you didn't think showerheads were going to be on this list. But honestly, an old or dingy showerhead greatly dates your bathroom. Not only can they be an eyesore, but older models are often not water-efficient and hard to get clean. Making this update is also a super-easy way to improve the look and functionality of your bathroom.

Once you've decided to ditch the standard white showerhead, the list of alternatives is almost endless. Showerhead technology has come a long way. Smart showerheads are a very modern option. This Smart Showerhead from Hai connects to an app that can help you track water usage and LED lights that even alert you when you've gone over a certain amount of water. If you're not quite ready for that tech upgrade, consider a rain showerhead to bring subtle luxury to your bathroom. There are also dual showerheads, handheld showerheads, and two-in-one showerheads on the market. A few things to consider when picking out a showerhead include water pressure, flow matter, finish, and price.

Although carpet in the bathroom was a sign of luxury in the 1950s, it has become practically obsolete. Why? Well, that's fairly obvious. First, carpet retains moisture, and bathrooms are damp, humid areas. This can lead to mold and mildew. Carpet in a bathroom is also very high maintenance, requiring frequent cleaning. With that being said, carpet isn't the most logical choice for bathroom flooring.

If you're still rocking the bathroom carpet, consider making an update. Bold, dramatic bathroom tile will be a popular flooring trend in 2025. Additionally, patterned tiles, wood-look planks, and brightly-colored floors are great bathroom flooring options. Adding heated tiles on the floor brings a sense of luxury and comfort to your bathroom. All these flooring options may not bring the squish factor that carpet does, but that's what bath rugs are for. This Set of Bathroom Rugs from H.VERSAILTEX is a super popular option and comes in a variety of colors.

Those mid-20th-century pink porcelain toilets and sinks are out. Now, there has been a revival of colorful plumbing features in recent years, but typically, these vibrant pieces bring your bathroom right back to the 1950s. They may be considered a fad, but they aren't a long-lasting trend in the bathroom space.

Instead, go for neutral plumbing fixtures. White or black plumbing fixtures are a more timeless option. Look for solid pieces that will last for years to come from reputable brands like Delta, Kohler, and Moen. Then, you can add in color, personality, and texture in many other areas of your bathroom. Consider bright, patterned tiled floors, vibrant wallpaper, unique hardware, and more.

Accent tile in the shower, yes or no? Although it was a shower staple in the 1990s and 2000s, it's considered a no-go now. The stark contrast this strip of tile creates can actually make your shower look much shorter and smaller, adding visual clutter to your shower space. So, swap out that accent tile to create a clean, more spacious-feeling shower.

Tile ideas that create a fresh and clean aesthetic in your shower include marble shower walls, tiny tiles, interesting tile patterns, or even uniquely-shaped tiles. If you're really looking to turn your bathroom into a spa, go for pebbles. Small stones can be a stylish addition, making your shower a statement piece. These Bright Subway Tiles from Lovdeco can also add personality to your shower, especially if you install them in a herringbone or chevron pattern. Striped or fluted tiles are other unique, modern shower options.

Glass block windows and walls definitely dominated bathroom design in the 1950s, but their time in the spotlight has passed. These glass blocks did add privacy and allow some light to shine through. However, they were bulky, heavy, and hindered natural light.

So, update your bathroom by maximizing the natural light without these dated features. Replace external glass block windows with an energy-efficient window or even a skylight. If the glass blocks were used as a partition, consider a frosted, textured, or patterned glass pane (that will take up way less space). Or, consider glass shower walls for a clean, minimal look. This Frameless Shower Door from DELAVIN comes in a variety of sizes and finishes.