6 bathroom trends you'll see everywhere in 2026, say designers

If you're ready to move past shiny marble shower surrounds and polished brass vanity lights, you're not alone. We asked top interior designers to tell us the bathroom design trends they're most excited about in 2026—and the consensus is clear: polish is out and patina is in.

Curious what else is happening? Here are the bathroom design ideas that designers say will define the coming year.

Hand painted tiles

Designer Abby Wolf-Weiss predicts a move toward more relaxed, unexpected floor plans and a growing interest in hand-painted tiles that add art and charm to showers, backsplashes and vanities.

“I hope we move away from austere, perfectly symmetrically stacked tiles, which can give a bathroom a bit of a clinical feel,” she says.

Unlike the bold, large-format cement tiles that once turned heads, today's hand-painted tiles appear more delicate and sophisticated. Think blue and white Delft-style tiles playfully spread across a back wall, offering just the right amount of whimsy.

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Sleek, spa-focused layouts

Bathrooms are getting smarter and quieter, notes designer Melanie Boyden.

“We're definitely leaning more toward smarter features in the bathroom,” she says, pointing to showers with level thresholds, linear drains, ceiling-mounted rainfall showerheads and minimal glass elements that create a calming, open feel.

Storage is also evolving. Expect tall tower cabinets that take advantage of vertical space – often with built-in power – and floating vanities for a clean, modern look. Even the toilet gets a thoughtful update.

“Pocket toilets or partially screened toilets help keep the focus on wellness, while wall-mounted options make cleaning a breeze,” says Boyden.

Vintage statement lighting

Whether due to fear of mixing water and pipes or just out of habit, vintage lighting is traditionally not the first choice in bathrooms. But that's changing – more and more homeowners are looking beyond simple, off-the-shelf furnishings and favoring pieces with character and history.

Not sure if vintage will work in your space? That's part of the charm.

“With authentic vintage pieces, the appeal is often playing with scale in unexpected ways. It doesn't have to fit together perfectly to feel just right,” says Wolf-Weiss.

Some of the most popular options right now include Italian modernist cone lights, which pair easily with classic bathroom finishes like shaker cabinets and marble. For something with more patina, cast brass tole mounts provide a rich, layered feel.

Energy and water saving technology

Sustainability continues to drive smart bathroom improvements. According to Boyden, homeowners are turning to environmentally conscious technologies to save water and energy without sacrificing comfort.

These include digital thermostatic valves, real-time water usage monitors and leak sensors that send text alerts before damage occurs.

And for cozy, cost-conscious comfort? Zoned underfloor heating is on the rise.

“It helps keep energy costs under control while keeping your bathroom feeling warm and cozy in the colder months,” says Boyden.

Textured surfaces

While marble has long been a favorite in the bathroom, more and more designers are turning to textured surfaces to add depth and softness to the space.

Boyden predicts greater use of fluted limestone, which she recently installed in her own bathroom. She's also a fan of ribbed ceramic for its “calm and tactile, luxurious feel.”

Expect to see ribbed details in everything from shower enclosures to glass cabinet fronts and vanity doors.

Herb greens and teracotta

Sage and olive tones are nothing new in the bathtub, and Boyden is confident they'll stick around well into the future.

“They have a grounding effect, a spa-like feel and go wonderfully with limestone and oak,” she says.

The color conversation for 2026 is warm brown tones with pink undertones such as terracotta and rose beige – both of which create a calming balance when combined with herbal green tones.

As the green and terracotta palette becomes more popular, you can expect light green onyx to become a standout material for vanities and shower stalls. With its soft green hue and subtle brown veining, light green onyx feels like a fresh take on marble: understated, elegant, and yet just different enough to feel new.