Top 8+ Bathroom Trends That Experts Say Are Out of Style
- Heavy Ornate Fixtures Swallowing Space
- All White Everywhere Feels Cold
- Bulky Bathtubs Eating Up Floor Space
- Busy Tile Patterns Causing Visual Overload
- Heavy Drapes Blocking the Sun
- Old Lighting Fixtures Bringing Down the Mood
- Overly Complicated Showers Confusing Everyone
- Sterile Spaces With No Personality
- Cluttered Countertops Chasing Away Calm
- Matchy-Matchy Sets Draining All The Fun
Heavy Ornate Fixtures Swallowing Space

Those chunky, Victorian-style faucets and baroque towel racks once screamed “luxury,” but now they just shout “outdated.” Designers like Leanne Ford say these heavy fixtures make a bathroom feel smaller and distract from clean lines. Imagine a petite powder room with a massive gold swan-shaped faucet—suddenly, the space shrinks visually by half.
Today, streamlined matte black or brushed nickel fixtures create calm and clarity, letting the rest of your bathroom breathe. **Slim, sculptural taps and minimal hardware** are the new essentials for anyone craving a bathroom that feels both modern and effortlessly chic.
All White Everywhere Feels Cold

For years, the all-white bathroom was the go-to for “clean” and “timeless.” But now? It’s starting to feel more icebox than inviting.
Zillow’s 2024 data shows that buyers are gravitating towards bathrooms with **warmer, layered color palettes**. Think soft sage cabinets, blush towels, or a navy accent wall.
Even a single wood detail—a floating vanity or bamboo blind—can bring instant warmth. Color doesn’t have to be loud; just enough to soften those hard edges and make you want to linger a little longer.
Bulky Bathtubs Eating Up Floor Space

Remember those massive jacuzzi tubs that seemed like a good idea until you realized they hogged half the room? Today’s homebuyers are looking for bathrooms that feel open and functional, not crammed with rarely-used features.
Designers now recommend **sleek, freestanding soaking tubs** or even skipping the tub entirely in tight spaces. You’ll gain precious square footage and create better flow—plus, cleaning gets a whole lot easier.
In small homes, this one change alone can boost resale value and daily happiness.
Busy Tile Patterns Causing Visual Overload

Tile is a bathroom’s jewelry, but too many patterns can turn your oasis into a dizzying funhouse. Experts say the old trend of mixing busy mosaics, wild geometrics, and high-contrast grout is falling flat.
Instead, focus on **one statement tile moment**—like a herringbone floor or a gorgeous shower niche—while keeping the rest simple. This approach not only calms the space, it also leaves room for personal accents, like a favorite print or plant.
One designer likens it to wearing a single bold necklace instead of piling on every accessory you own.
Heavy Drapes Blocking the Sun

Bathrooms crave natural light, but heavy curtains and layered valances can block both sun and style. Gone are the days of velvet drapes and fussy tie-backs.
Today’s bathrooms shine with **simple roller blinds, linen sheers, or top-down shades** that provide privacy without stealing sunlight. Not only does this make your space feel larger, but it also lifts your mood—there’s a reason sunlight is called nature’s antidepressant.
Think spa, not speakeasy.
Old Lighting Fixtures Bringing Down the Mood

Lighting can make or break a bathroom, and many homes still suffer under the glare of 90s vanity bars or builder-basic flush mounts. Designers suggest swapping these out for **layered lighting**: a sleek pendant over the tub, sconces at the mirror, and dimmable LEDs for nighttime.
A quick fixture swap can instantly modernize your space and make morning routines feel a little more luxe. As one stager puts it, “The right lighting adds thousands to perceived home value—and hours to your day.”
Overly Complicated Showers Confusing Everyone

Multi-head showers with confusing controls and endless jets once felt like the future. In reality, they often go unused, leak, or break.
Experts now recommend **simple, intuitive setups**: a single rain shower head, a hand-held sprayer, and easy-to-reach controls. This not only saves water and repairs, but creates a spa-like vibe without the stress.
One real estate agent shared that buyers are turned off by “showers that look like airplane cockpits.” Keep it simple for everyone’s sanity.
Sterile Spaces With No Personality

Bathrooms can easily slide into “generic hotel” territory with nothing but chrome, tile, and towels. The best spaces, though, tell a story—yours.
Designers urge homeowners to add **personality with art, greenery, or unique accessories**. Try a vintage rug by the sink, a framed print that makes you smile, or a pot of eucalyptus on the shelf.
A personal touch transforms the space from cold to comforting, and buyers notice when a bathroom feels lovingly lived-in, not staged for a catalog.
Cluttered Countertops Chasing Away Calm

It’s tempting to line up every lotion, makeup brush, and hair tool for easy access, but visible clutter can spark subconscious stress. Designers recommend **integrated storage solutions**—think recessed medicine cabinets, drawer organizers, or open shelving with baskets.
One inch of extra counter space, according to a recent Houzz survey, can increase a bathroom’s perceived size by up to 20%. A clear countertop isn’t just pretty—it’s psychological self-care every single morning.
Matchy-Matchy Sets Draining All The Fun

Coordinated everything—towels, mats, soap dispensers—was once a sign of a well-designed bathroom. Now, it reads as flat and uninspired.
Experts suggest **mixing materials and finishes** for a layered, collected look. Pair a matte black faucet with a brass mirror, or mix linen towels with a jute rug.
This approach adds depth and tells a richer story, making your bathroom feel curated, not cookie-cutter. A little contrast goes a long way toward making the space uniquely yours.