Traditional Decor Is Back For 2026 - How To Add It To Your Bathroom Design

The traditional style of home décor is back, and it brings all sorts of nostalgia with it. According to a trends study by Houzz, the amount of homeowners who chose traditional décor increased by 5% from the previous year. "Clients are craving spaces that feel layered, personal, and grounded," Sarah Goldstein, senior designer and licensed realtor at Teela Bennett Design, told The Spruce, "Traditional style brings back craftsmanship, rich textures, and timeless silhouettes that make a home feel lived-in and meaningful." After what feels like a lifetime of stark minimalist influence, we're longing for a more personal touch with items that have character.

An easy place to incorporate traditional style is in the bathroom. It's an ideal spot to include vintage pieces, a distinct feature of traditional style, like a classic wood-based double vanity or monogrammed hand towels. "I'm seeing people gravitate towards a blending of past and present design that balances design innovation with a sense of familiarity and history," Adam Dunn, the senior vice president of design at Four Hands, tells Better Homes & Gardens, "I think this design trend is reflecting our collective desire for connection, comfort, and creating meaning in our personal spaces." Adding a few vintage pieces to the bathroom is a quick way to infuse both traditional and uniquely personal elements to the room.

Updating your bathroom with traditional décor style doesn't require full renovation. Small additions can make a big difference. If you're looking for ways to get that vintage bathroom look, consider hanging personalized monogrammed towels. You could also upgrade the towel racks or hooks with a muted metal for a traditional aesthetic. If you have a window in your bathroom, swap out your old blinds for sharp linen curtains in understated hues and drape them across for an elegant vibe. Even a simple change, like replacing the sink faucet with polished nickel or aged brass hardware, can give the room a timeless look.

Oftentimes, homeowners who aren't ready for full renovation but want a significant upgrade find that investing in a single, quality feature is a good compromise. Symmetry plays a big role in traditional style décor, so trade in your current vanity for two side-by-side pedestal sinks or a wooden double vanity. Wainscoting is another option that can instantly bring traditional flair to the bathroom. Using marble wainscoting around the tub or shower area adds a classic vibe, especially if it's around a freestanding tub, which is the ultimate old-fashioned feature that is back on trend for 2026. And when it comes to flooring, checkerboard design is one bathroom tile trend you don't want to skip. This ageless look is traditionally black and white, but in the spirit of infusing personal touches, use whatever colors work best for you.