The Low-Maintenance Bathroom And Shower Trend That's Set To Make Waves In 2026

Some trends gain popularity for aesthetic reasons, while others get attention for improving functionality. This trend happens to do both. If you're tired of constantly cleaning grout in your shower and bathroom floor, you'll fall in love with this low-maintenance concept. Nobody likes scrubbing the bathroom, so why not choose a solution that minimizes the time spent tidying up? Designers and homeowners are currently embracing tiles with minimal grout lines, and this tile trend is set to take over showers and bathrooms in 2026.

Nureed Saeed, interior designer and president of NKBA's Northern California chapter, told Good Housekeeping: "People's lives seem to be getting busier than ever. In bathroom design, that translates to smaller grout lines and large format tiles to limit the amount of grout that is exposed and prevent the homeowner from having to clean more." Picking the right size tile is key to pulling your space together. Whether you are planning to retile your shower or your entire bathroom, some of the most common dimensions to consider include 24-by-24 inches, 24-by-48 inches, and 32-by-32 inches.

There are several pros and cons to large-format tiles. Beyond the minimal grout, larger tiles create a more streamlined appearance. If you tend to lean toward a minimalist aesthetic, large bathroom tiles can help you achieve a sleek look. Plus, if you're designing a more compact space, they can actually make your room look larger. However, because there is less grout, that also means there is less texture. This can be risky when it comes to slipping, particularly in the shower. You can either opt for textured tiles with a matte surface or smaller tiles on the floor with larger tiles on the walls.

If you're wondering how to lay tile without using grout whatsoever, there are a few options to consider. Rectified tiles are cut to fit together edge-to-edge with no gap in between. However, if there are any gaps at all, water infiltration can be a major risk. To prevent this issue, you can also install rectified tiles with extremely minuscule lines. This will give you the benefits of minimal grout without the risk of no grout at all.