Bathroom Trends That Went Out Of Style In 2026 (So Far)

We're not even halfway through the year, but we've already seen plenty of bathroom trends go out of style in 2026. Of course, bathroom remodel ideas that inspire you are all well and good, but most of us realize that if we want to make changes beyond a fresh coat of paint, redesigning can be expensive. If you're about to make significant alterations to your bathroom, it's worth knowing the outdated bathroom trends designers hope never to see in 2026 so you can avoid ending up with a space that lacks style before you've even used it. From overly minimalistic and cold white spaces through to oversized showers and bathtubs, these are the things in your bathroom that immediately date it — and not in a good way.

Traditional details and decor is back on the menu for 2026, with warm and quietly elegant styles coming to the forefront. This trend is embracing the whole house, including bathrooms, where there's a move toward aspects such as softer tiles made with materials such as limestone and quartzite and softer cabinetry with subtle detailing. All of this means we're seeing certain bathroom trends falling out of style, with the major outdated trends explored below.

Big bathtubs and showers were popular thanks to the luxurious feel they gave to a bathroom space. However, these statement pieces have already fallen out of favor in 2026, and there are plenty of reasons you should think twice before buying an oversized bathtub. These huge tubs use masses of water, which isn't great for keeping the water warm, and does no favors to the environment either. A huge bathtub also takes up a lot of room, which most homeowners don't generally have to spare.

It's a similar story for large showers, with Sarah Moore, founder of Sarah Catherine Design, telling Homes & Gardens that "The bigger-is-better trend when it comes to showers is on the way out. For one, monster-size showers can get a bit cold. Also, who really needs all of that space? Using less space for the shower leaves room for a freestanding tub or makeup vanity. It's a win/win all around."

Installing a smaller shower or bathtub also gives you the freedom to be more expressive with your choice of tiling or stone surrounds. Colorful or brightly patterned tiling, for example, could overwhelm a space if you used it in a large shower, but it adds a splash of originality and individualism in a smaller space.

Once popular for adding a sense of luxury and cleanliness, all-white bathrooms are going out of style, with designers moving away from a look that can feel cold, unwelcoming, and sterile. Minimalistic styling and white surfaces are certainly easy to keep clean, but they can lack warmth and feel rather identikit.

You can go one of several ways to replace this stark feel. Sarah Trop, interior designer and founder of FunCycled, explained a gentler approach to The Spruce: "Expect to see muted earth tones, soft neutrals, and gentle warmth take over. These palettes still feel clean and fresh, but they add the comfort and lived-in quality that people are craving." On the flip side, designers and clients are embracing bathrooms that have a personal touch, showcasing bolder designs, colors, and patterns to create a sense of individuality. One of the easiest ways to do this is by choosing warmer tile colors for your bathroom refit, although we still recommend thinking about the longevity and timeless appeal that makes a home saleable in the future.

Cool tones in the bathroom were popular for many years, but 2026 has already seen this trend losing popularity. For example, cool blues were everywhere in bathrooms, but this common bathroom choice could now date your space. Instead, designers are recommending a return to warmer palettes, such as rich browns and burgundies. As Lindsey Colhoun of Lindsey Colhoun Design explained to Forbes, "These tones are being layered with natural stone, textured tile, and softer finishes to create bathrooms that feel grounded, atmospheric, and timeless rather than trendy."

As mentioned above, warmer tile colors and materials are rising to the fore in 2026, replacing the cold-toned tiles that had a tendency to look a little flat and lifeless. Designers are embracing more natural and organic materials, such as limestone, quartzite, travertine, and zellige tiles, that have a feeling of life attached to them. So, whilst there is a trend away from cooler tones, the barometer has not swung completely the other way to overly bright and loud colors. Instead, the emphasis is on adding depth, warmth, and a timeless feel to the walls, whether it's through the use of a new paint color or by changing the texture and tones of your tiles.

Chrome has remained a popular choice for bathroom fixtures and fittings over the years because it's inexpensive and easy to find in shops or online. However, this once-popular faucet color should now be avoided at all costs. 2026 has already waved goodbye to this shiny finish, with warmer tones and textures again leading the way with brushed bronze and satin brass proving popular.

Similarly, black matte hardware has also fallen out of fashion. As Alex Azat of Plaster and Patina explained to Forbes, "Black matte hardware is also out and being replaced with natural, grounded elements and interesting living materials such as unlacquered brass that continue to age beautifully through time." 

From a maintenance point of view, chrome and black finishes are also the worst for showing water stains, which can be a particular issue if you live in a hard-water area. Additionally, from a financial standpoint, replacing your fixtures and fittings is one of the cheapest ways to immediately update your bathroom.

There are many types of tiles you can use in your bathroom, but when it comes to patterns on those tiles, geometric patterns have fallen out of favor for 2026. High-contrast tiles have long been popular in bathrooms since they're an easy way to add interest and a visual focal point to the space, but now these are starting to look somewhat dated because the trend for hard shapes and sharp corners has long since passed. While some might argue that the checkerboard style is a timeless one, the smart money is on shifting over to creating your own unique pattern with the clever use of differently shaped and colored tiles, even blending high-contrast and neutral-contrast tiles in the same space.

Think softer edges and patterns, as opposed to the hard feel of a geometric pattern, when you're choosing your tiling. The more organic and natural tiles have an ability to reflect light, texture, and color, producing interesting effects and a beautifully blended color space. 2026's tiling choices help create a space that flows better, with no harsh or jagged changes from overly white walls through to hard geometric patterns. The new bathroom style creates a space that feels delicate and stylish.