Bathroom Trends 2026: Design Ideas Shaping the Year Ahead

As we look ahead to 2026, bathroom design continues to evolve towards spaces that feel calm, considered and highly functional. At Littlejohn Bathrooms, we work closely with leading suppliers and designers, giving us a clear view of the trends that are shaping bathrooms right now and those set to define the year ahead. From refined metal finishes and natural textures to smarter technology and spa-inspired layouts, here are the key bathroom trends for 2026 to inspire your next project.

Above: Collaro collection from Villeroy & Boch. Featuring 2026 trends of timber textures, floating vanity unit and wall hung WC.

1. Brushed Nickel Finishes
Brushed nickel remains one of the most in-demand finishes into 2026. Offering a softer, warmer alternative to chrome, it works beautifully across both contemporary and classic bathrooms. Brushed nickel brassware and accessories from brands such as Coalbrook and Samuel Heath, offer refined detailing and high-quality finishes which elevate taps, showers and fittings without overpowering the space.

2. Bold and Moody Tiles
Bold, moody tiles continue to make a strong statement, particularly within showers and feature walls. Deep tones, dramatic finishes and rich textures add depth and atmosphere, transforming bathrooms into immersive, design-led spaces. Brands such as Ca’ Pietra are leading this trend, offering tiles that combine strong colour with tactile finishes and striking patterns.

3. Floating Vanity Units & Wall Hung WCs
Floating vanity units have been popular for many years and they continue to play a key role in modern bathroom design. When paired with wall hung WCs, they enhance the feeling of space, improve practicality and create a clean, uncluttered look. This combination is especially effective in smaller bathrooms and en-suites, helping to maximise visual flow while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

4. Smarter Comfort Through Subtle Technology
Technology in bathrooms is becoming increasingly discreet. Rather than dominating the design, the focus in 2026 is on enhancing comfort quietly and intuitively. Underfloor heating remains a popular choice for consistent warmth, while sensor lighting is used to provide soft illumination and a refined ambiance. Brands such as Astro Lighting offer beautifully designed lighting solutions that balance functionality with atmosphere, resulting in a calmer bathroom environment.

5. Shower Enclosures Instead of Baths
We’re seeing a clear shift away from baths in favour of larger, more luxurious shower enclosures. While it was once common to retain at least one bath in the home, this is no longer always a priority. Framed shower designs, particularly retro-style metal frames from brands like Drench, are increasingly popular, adding architectural interest and structure to the space.

6. Eco-Friendly Bathrooms
Sustainability remains a key consideration in bathroom design. Water-saving technology is becoming more advanced and more design-conscious. Brands such as Hansgrohe are leading the way with water-efficient taps and showers that reduce consumption without compromising performance. For a deeper look at sustainable innovation, including advanced hygiene solutions, see our previous blog on eco-friendly bathroom design, where we explore Toto’s washlet technology.

7. Pastels, Earth Tones & Soft Colour Palettes
The trend for softer colour palettes is growing in 2026, with an emphasis on pastels, earth tones and muted shades. Gentle greens, warm neutrals, clay tones and soft blush hues are replacing cooler greys and stark whites, creating bathrooms that feel calmer and more inviting. Once again, Ca’ Pietra plays a key role here, offering tiles that balance colour, pattern and texture, helping create spaces that feel welcoming and relaxed rather than clinical. Green tiles in particular continue to be a popular choice, bringing a natural, restorative quality to bathroom interiors. If this look appeals to you, take a look at our previous blog on green bathroom ideas, where we explore how this colour can be used to add depth and character to your space.

8. The ’Spa Bathroom’
Bathrooms continue to evolve into personal sanctuaries. The spa-inspired bathroom remains a strong influence for 2026. Natural materials, warm lighting, uncluttered layouts and calming finishes all contribute to this look. Timber accents, brushed metal finishes and carefully layered lighting work together to create a space designed for rest and wellbeing. Our blog on natural style bathrooms explores this trend in more depth.

9. Natural Timber Tones & Texture
Natural timber tones are making a confident return, often through wood panelling, furniture finishes and textured surfaces. Timber helps soften harder materials such as tiles and stone, bringing warmth and balance to the bathroom. Texture is also emerging on vanity units and furniture frontals, with brands such as Utopia and Vanity Hall introducing tactile finishes that add depth and visual interest. Textured tiles from Porcelanosa further enhance this layered, sensory approach to bathroom design.

10. Unique Shower Benches
Showers are becoming more than purely functional spaces. In 2026, integrated and bespoke shower benches are increasingly popular, adding comfort, accessibility and a spa-like quality to everyday routines. Often tiled to match the enclosure or created as a feature within the shower, benches work particularly well alongside framed shower designs and textured tiles, creating a sense of cohesion and luxury.

Above: Left: Rialto Ca'Doro Terrazzo and Avebury Burnt Caramel tiles from Ca’Pietra, reflecting the bold and moody trend. Centre: Balcoon collection from Duravit, reflecting the softer colour palette trend. Right: Show-stopping shower and bespoke built in bench featuring Oasis Veloute Tan & White and Riviera tiles from Ca’Pietra.

CREATE YOUR DREAM BATHROOM WITH US IN 2026.

Bathroom trends for 2026 are about thoughtful design, combining comfort, sustainability and timeless style. By layering texture, embracing softer finishes and integrating subtle technology, bathrooms are becoming spaces that feel both practical and restorative.

At Littlejohn Bathrooms, our team works closely with leading suppliers to help you interpret these trends in a way that suits your home. Visit our showroom or book a design consultation to explore how these ideas can be tailored to your space. Contact us or find our showroom.