Bathroom
7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025
Reporting on home design trends is always a thrill, whether we’re tracking the macro movements that will take over the year ahead or diving into the micro-trends from TikTok that have us scratching our heads. But let’s be honest for a second—“bathroom” and “trends” don’t always go hand in hand. After all, how many of us are still staring at outdated plumbing fixtures or stuck with the dubious tile choices our landlords got on clearance? Plus, with the average bathroom remodel in the U.S. costing over $12,000,
Still, bathroom design trends are more than just about aesthetics—they tell us how we live, relax, and what we find chic. And as we look toward 2025, the intersection of post-pandemic self-care and the increasing desire for personalization will be key. “People are moving away from generic designs and focusing on creating spaces that reflect their unique tastes,” explains Alex Yacavone, senior design studio manager at Kohler.
In fact, experts predict a shift away from minimalism in favor of more bold, dramatic choices—even in smaller bathrooms. “Bolder design moves and more drama are taking over,” says Xavier Donnelly, creative director at Ash Interiors in New York. So, what exactly can we expect to see in the bathroom in 2025? Here are the top trends shaping up for the year ahead. 7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025 are already starting to make waves.
Head-Turning Tiles
Tiles are making a major comeback in bathrooms, but not in the way you might expect. Gone are the days of boring white subway tiles; in 2025, bathroom tiles will be bolder and more expressive. “Stone has been the go-to for luxury bathrooms for years, but now we’re seeing vintage-inspired patterns with deep glazes and intricate shapes,” says Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, global design leader at LIXIL Americas.
Square tiles are also making a resurgence, with designers like Victoria Sass incorporating 1×1 tiles in bright stripes and geometric patterns. “The future of residential bathrooms will look a lot like the past,” says Sass, noting that these “retrospective futurism” styles are gaining popularity.
7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025 includes these eye-catching tiles, which will add a dramatic flair to bathrooms in the year ahead.
Brown
Brown tones are having a moment, and they’re showing up everywhere, including in the bathroom. Pantone’s “Mocha Mousse,” the 2025 color of the year, hints at the increasing popularity of earthy, warm browns. According to Yacavone, brown hues bring a sense of comfort and grounding to a bathroom. “These colors are great for creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere,” he says.
But designers advise against overdoing it. “Too much brown can be overwhelming, like how shiplap became overplayed,” warns Sass. However, brown tones in smaller doses can create a cozy, earthy vibe—perfect for those looking to infuse a bit of warmth into their bathrooms.
With so much emphasis on earthy tones, 7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025 will likely see brown becoming a staple in many bathrooms, from warm mocha walls to rich wood accents.
High-Contrast Finishes
As vibrant hues continue to make their mark, bathroom fixtures will follow suit with more high-contrast finishes. Gold has been a go-to for bathroom hardware, and it’s not going anywhere. “Gold faucets and hardware offer a gorgeous contrast against deeper wall colors,” says L’Henaff. Designers are also experimenting with mixing matte black and gold for an edgy, modern feel.
Expect to see matte finishes, graphite tones, and even subtle metallic touches on faucets, showerheads, and lighting fixtures. These bold finishes will complement the new wave of tile designs and color schemes, ensuring that bathroom hardware stands out as much as the walls. Innclude this focus on high-contrast materials, where hardware becomes a statement piece in its own right.
Seashells
The seashell trend is making a splash in bathrooms everywhere. Inspired by the resurgence of mermaidcore, seashells are showing up in unexpected places, from shell-shaped furniture to intricately designed wall sconces. “We’re seeing Rococo-style, seashell-inspired elements—whether it’s a chair, side table, or even a shell-encrusted ceiling,” says Donnelly.
It’s a whimsical touch that brings a sense of oceanic luxury to the bathroom, and with the growing trend of immersive, nature-inspired designs, seashell accents are set to become a focal point for many in 2025.
As experts predict, 7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025 will undoubtedly see seashells and ocean-inspired designs making waves in bathroom decor.
‘80s and ‘90s Redux
Minimalism is being redefined, with a return to ‘80s and ‘90s-inspired materials and finishes. Glass bricks, sleek stainless steel surfaces, and even wall-to-wall carpeting are making a comeback. “We’re seeing a resurgence of the kind of ‘80s minimalism that’s polished and sleek, with some glamour thrown in,” says Sass.
Donnelly predicts mirrors will become even more prominent, covering entire walls for a bold statement. These retro materials give a nod to the past while adding a contemporary twist, creating a nostalgic yet fresh vibe for the modern bathroom.
7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025 will likely include the reinvention of these vintage materials, giving bathrooms a sleek, polished, and decidedly futuristic edge.
Chicer Showers
While bathtubs will always have their appeal, the spotlight in 2025 is on showers. “The shower has become the new centerpiece of the bathroom,” says L’Henaff. From performance showers with multiple settings (think waterfall, rain, mist) to the rise of wet rooms, which combine both shower and bathtub into one waterproof space, showers are taking center stage.
Zillow’s latest report confirms this trend, noting that wet rooms are being featured 19% more often in listings. For DIYers, there’s good news: high-impact upgrades, like luxurious shower curtains instead of glass enclosures, are predicted to become a chic alternative.
With 7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025, showers are poised to be the main attraction, ushering in a new era of bathroom luxury.
Self-Care on Steroids
Post-pandemic, self-care has become a permanent fixture in our daily lives, and bathrooms are no exception. “Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces; they’re sanctuaries for relaxation and wellness,” says Yacavone. In fact, Zillow’s 2024 report found that listings mentioning wellness features increased by 16%.
Expect to see everything from saunas and steam rooms to mani-pedi stations and champagne bars in luxury bathrooms. Designers are going all out with wellness features, creating bathrooms that promote mental and physical well-being.
7 Bathroom Trends Experts Say Will Dominate in 2025 will reflect this post-pandemic self-care obsession, with bathrooms transforming into personal wellness havens.
As we move into 2025, bathroom design is poised for a transformation. From bold tiles and high-contrast fixtures to seashell accents and self-care sanctuaries, these are the trends shaping up to dominate the year ahead.
