Top 8+ Bathroom Trends Experts Say Are No Longer Fashionable

All-White Bathrooms Fade Out

White-on-white bathrooms used to be the go-to for a clean, minimalist look, but recent surveys from Houzz in 2024 show that homeowners are craving more warmth and personality. Designers now criticize all-white spaces for feeling cold and sterile, lacking the coziness many people want.

A National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) report from early 2025 noted a 22% drop in white tile purchases compared to 2023. Experts say the overuse of white makes bathrooms harder to maintain, as every little stain or water spot stands out.

The trend is shifting toward creams, soft grays, and even bold colors, which create a more inviting vibe. People want bathrooms that feel like a retreat, not a hospital room.

As a result, sterile white palettes are quickly being left behind.

Oversized Jacuzzi Tubs Lose Their Allure

Once the epitome of luxury, giant jetted tubs are now on the decline according to the 2024 U.S. Home Design Report by Statista, which found that sales dropped by 31% over two years.

Homeowners are realizing that these tubs take up precious space, use lots of water, and are rarely used after the initial excitement fades. Real estate agents from Redfin noted in a 2025 trends review that buyers now prefer more practical soaking tubs or larger showers.

Maintenance is another big issue—cleaning all the nooks and crannies is a hassle. Many people are opting to convert these tub spaces into spacious walk-in showers or storage.

Today’s bathrooms are about function and relaxation, not just extravagance.

Industrial Fixtures Are Out

Exposed pipes and matte black hardware were everywhere a few years ago, hailed for their edgy, warehouse-inspired style. But by 2025, a Houzz survey of interior designers found that 65% now see industrial fixtures as harsh and outdated.

Homeowners are seeking softer, more organic finishes such as brushed brass, warm nickel, or even colored hardware for a less rigid feel. The cold and mechanical look is being replaced by elements that blend with natural materials and softer textures.

Designers point out that industrial styles clash with the comforting, spa-like bathrooms people want today. The shift is toward tactile, inviting finishes instead of stark, utilitarian ones.

Heavy Use of Grey Tones Declines

For years, grey was the king of bathroom color schemes, seen as neutral and sophisticated. However, the NKBA’s latest trend report from February 2025 revealed that only 14% of new bathroom projects now feature grey as the dominant color, down from 36% in 2022.

Designers argue that grey can feel gloomy and impersonal, especially in small spaces. There’s a growing preference for earthy, muted greens, blues, and even terracotta tones.

These colors bring energy and life into bathrooms, making them feel more personal. The grey-on-grey look is now considered flat and uninspiring by most experts.

Open Shelving Is Losing Steam

Open shelving looked great in magazine spreads, but in real life, it requires constant tidying and styling. According to a 2024 Home Organization Trends poll, 71% of homeowners regret installing open shelves in their bathrooms due to dust, clutter, and lack of privacy.

Designers now favor concealed storage like cabinets and drawers that hide personal items and keep the bathroom looking neat with minimal effort. The open shelf trend is now seen as impractical for busy families.

In 2025, more bathroom remodels include tall linen cabinets and under-sink drawers for seamless organization. People want easy, stress-free mornings—not extra staging chores.

Wall-to-Wall Mirrors Are Outdated

Large, seamless mirrors used to be a symbol of modern luxury, but they’re quickly falling out of favor. In a recent 2025 survey by HomeAdvisor, 61% of designers recommended framed mirrors or sculptural shapes instead.

Wall-to-wall mirrors can make bathrooms feel cold, and they’re hard to keep spotless. They also lack personality, while framed mirrors add style and a sense of craftsmanship.

The trend is now leaning toward statement mirrors that act as decor pieces, often with arched or geometric designs. This move adds a layer of visual interest and warmth.

Glossy Tiles Take a Backseat

Glossy tiles once dominated bathroom walls and floors, praised for their light-reflecting qualities. Now, according to the Tile Council of North America’s 2024 study, matte and textured finishes have overtaken glossy tiles in new bathroom installations by 40%.

The problem with glossy tiles is that they show water spots and fingerprints easily, making them high-maintenance. Matte tiles, on the other hand, create a softer, more natural look and are much easier to keep looking clean.

Designers say that textured tiles also add depth and interest, preventing the space from feeling flat. Homeowners are prioritizing low-maintenance, tactile surfaces over shine.

Patterned Floors Are Losing Favor

Bold geometric tiles and intricate patterns were all the rage, but recent data from the NKBA in 2025 shows a 27% decrease in patterned floor installations over the past year. Experts argue that busy patterns can overwhelm the eye and make a small bathroom feel even smaller.

There’s a return to classic, timeless floors—think large-format tiles in soft hues or subtle stone looks. These choices don’t date as quickly, giving the room lasting appeal.

Simpler floors let other design features, like vanities or lighting, take center stage. Patterned floors are increasingly seen as a design risk rather than a statement.

Floating Vanities Aren’t Universal Anymore

Floating vanities have been loved for their sleek, modern aesthetic and the illusion of more floor space. However, the 2024 Bathroom Trends Report from Remodeling Magazine found that traditional vanities with legs or a furniture-style base are making a comeback, with a 19% rise in installations last year.

Homeowners are realizing that floating vanities often mean sacrificing valuable storage space. Plus, cleaning underneath them can be annoying, especially in family bathrooms.

Experts note that grounded vanities give a sturdier, more substantial feel. The shift points toward practicality and timelessness over fleeting trends.

Monochrome Black Bathrooms Are Falling Out

The black-on-black bathroom trend brought drama and boldness, but according to a 2025 review by Elle Decor, designers now say these spaces can feel oppressive and hard to maintain. Black surfaces show soap scum, dust, and watermarks very easily, leading to constant cleaning.

Homeowners are gravitating toward lighter, layered palettes that feel fresh and uplifting. Even those who love dark accents are mixing them with wood tones or lighter tiles for contrast.

The all-black look is now seen as more of a design statement than a practical choice for everyday life, especially in small or windowless bathrooms.

The End of Trendy Vessel Sinks

Those high, bowl-like vessel sinks were once a staple of boutique hotel-style bathrooms, but their popularity is quickly waning. A 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that 62% of respondents prefer integrated or undermount sinks for their ease of use and cleaning.

Vessel sinks can be awkward to use, splash-prone, and tricky for kids or shorter adults. Designers now favor streamlined sinks that blend seamlessly with the countertop, creating a calm, cohesive look.

Integrated sinks also mean fewer nooks for grime to collect, making maintenance much simpler. The vessel sink trend is fast becoming a relic of the early 2010s.