This Bathroom Trend Looks Great On Instagram, But You'll Regret It IRL In 2026

Based on the popular minimalism trend, open concept designs have made their way into every corner of the house, including the bathroom. With sleek walk-in showers that have no doors or curtains, open-concept showers have been popular in 2025. This design trend has seen ups and downs over the years, and it was just a few years ago, in fact, that homeowners and designers were wondering if doorless showers were going to be the next big design trend. But now, designers are rethinking the look for 2026.

The shift in designer recommendations went from minimalistic, open designs to bathrooms that prioritize comfort, privacy, and ease of use. Even as Instagram creators try to convince viewers that all-stone, doorless showers are a status symbol, people in real life are citing cleaning issues and cold drafts. There's been an ongoing debate between open concept versus traditional interior designs, and this time, designers are leaning toward cozy and comfortable. In 2026, open concept showers are expected to fall out of favor, and you could end up regretting this choice. Instead, designers recommend a more traditional layout for your shower, one that is low-maintenance and offers warmth and privacy. 

If you're thinking about adding a unique bathroom design like a doorless shower, take a moment to consider the pros and cons of open concept showers before you build or renovate. For example, doorless showers are often considered difficult to keep clean. With water splashing all over the place, the floors have to be mopped more frequently. Another common complaint is that the lack of an enclosure makes the shower feel cold and drafty, and people miss having a hot, steamy shower. Privacy is another concern for many, especially in homes with shared bathrooms. Further, some doorless shower designs are problematic because they weren't built with enough slope to drain properly. 

Other design problems, like cold floors, can be fixed by integrating heating into the floors. Some people even prefer to add glass doors or shower curtains to mitigate the cleaning issue. Shower curtains can add a luxurious look to your bathroom that can help balance the open concept design with a bit of coziness and warmth, something designers are recommending for 2026.