The Unexpected Place Where Smart TVs Are Becoming Popular

Great news ... you no longer need to be embarrassed by your secret desire to have a smart TV in that special place you go to for privacy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, shared that having a TV in your bathroom is totally on-trend and a way to boost your bathroom experience. Although there is a particular way to make it work design-wise.

Kelly said, "It's less about 'watching TV in the bathroom' and more about extending the wellness experience." The creative director, who also serves as the 2026 national board chair of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), said she's observing "screens integrated into spa-like environments — steam showers, soaking tubs, even sauna spaces — where the intention is to slow down, not multitask." According to Kelly, "the direction we're moving in is less about adding more technology and more about thoughtfully layering it into how we live and unwind."

When choosing a smart TV for the bathroom, Kerrie Kelly mentioned two critical considerations — moisture and visibility. "You want a screen that's rated for humid environments, with anti-glare technology and strong brightness levels to compete with natural light," she exclusively told House Digest. If you're surprised that some TVs are built to resist moisture, you'll be interested to learn you can now find water-resistant models with anti-fog features. Some retailers even have a category of "bathroom TVs." Of the best smart TV brands, according to Consumer Reports, both Samsung and Roku make a water-resistant model.

According to Kelly, bathroom TVs shouldn't announce their presence. Just as important as the TV's bathroom-compatible technology is how it's integrated in the room. "Mirror TVs, recessed niches, or concealed panels tend to feel much more aligned with today's design direction than anything overt," Kelly added. Mirror TVs are a low-profile approach to bathroom viewing. These tech wonders boast a sleek, ultra-thin display designed for seamless integration into your decor, and they appear as a regular mirror. Some of the brilliant ways to hide your TV like a professional designer will also work for a well-planned bathroom display. 

Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Kerrie Kelly expanded on creating a subtle presence for a bathroom TV, stating, "the most successful placements are intentional and discreet — either directly aligned with the tub for a true soaking experience or integrated within a vanity mirror so it's only visible when in use." She recalled observing bathroom TVs that worked well "within custom millwork, integrated into mirrors, or behind sliding panels, allowing the space to shift between serene and functional depending on the moment."

Kelly advised not treating a bathroom TV like you would any other media setup. "A bulky screen or visible wiring can quickly undermine an otherwise beautiful space," she said. The location matters too. "Avoid placing it where it competes with focal points like a statement tub or a view," she added. "This is one of those moments where restraint matters." Of course, you'll also want to steer clear of mistakes everyone makes when buying TVs, such as choosing one that's too big. Then the bathroom can be a luxurious place to relax and linger.