6 Bathroom Trends That Are Definitely Going Out of Style in 2026, Designers Say

When it comes to bathrooms, trends tend to linger a little longer than in other parts of the home. After all, most of us aren’t swapping out tile or vanities on a whim. But even in these hard-working spaces, design preferences evolve, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year of noticeable shifts. In general, bathroom design is predicted to follow the lead of many other areas of the home in 2026—prioritizing warmth, practicality, and timeless finishes. 

According to interior designers, here are six familiar bathroom trends that are going out of style this year—from vessel sinks to matching fixtures and more.

High-Contrast Tile

Bold, high-contrast tile designs and patterns are on their way out, according to Sarah Trop, interior designer and founder of FunCycled. This look has been especially popular in bathroom flooring, where high-contrast black-and-white tile has enjoyed a comeback.

From classic checkerboard to bold geometric designs, this trend has had a chokehold on bathroom design over the past few years. While timeless designs like checkerboard will never really go out of style, in 2026, we’ll see more subtle, muted takes on these high-contrast looks. 

“Ahead, we will see trends leaning more heavily into texture and subtle movement,” Trop says. “Natural stone, handmade tiles, and organic materials will dominate. You still get visual interest, but in a softer, more calming way.”

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All-White Bathrooms

Listen, the white-on-white look has been going out of style for a while now, but in the bathroom, it’s held on longer than most other spaces. In the bathroom, all-white walls, tiles, and fixtures felt clean, luxurious, and airy, while today the look feels cold, sterile, and impersonal, Trop says.

Now, much like the rest of the home, bathrooms are shifting toward warmer, more inviting, spa-like environments, and all-white designs don’t measure up. 

“In the new year, expect to see muted earth tones, soft neutrals, and gentle warmth take over,” Trop says. “These palettes still feel clean and fresh, but they add the comfort and lived-in quality that people are craving.”

Matching Fixtures

Another bathroom trend that’s on its way out, according to Trop, is overly matchy fixtures. While rigidly matching all your fixtures was once believed to make a bathroom feel sophisticated and seamless, today, designers disagree. Mixing finishes has been growing in popularity, and in 2026, it’s set to be the standard. 

“For 2026, the design direction is more relaxed and layered,” Trop says. “Mixing softened finishes, such as aged brass with matte black, or even incorporating unexpected elements like leather accents, creates a curated, collected feel.”

The key to mixing and matching fixtures like a pro? Stick to the same finishes for a cohesive and intentional look. That is, brushed fixtures in various colors or shiny fixtures in various colors, but not both.

Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks have been a staple in modern and organic bathroom designs alike over the past decade, but Trop says they’re stepping out of the spotlight in the new year. 

“While they once made a modern design statement, many homeowners find them impractical and overly decorative,” she says. “They’re harder to clean and don’t align with the growing desire for understated, organic design.”

So, what’s taking their place? It’s back to the basics—integrated sinks paired with warm, timeless fixtures for the perfect balance of stylish and functional. 

Open Shelving

Across the board, designers and home experts agree that open shelving is on its way out in nearly every area of the home, including bathrooms. While it offers an open and airy feel, open shelving can be difficult to maintain, leading to a space that looks cluttered, disorganized, and messy. 

Instead, Shannon Kadwell, kitchen and bath director at Anthony Wilder Design/Build, says that cabinetry with organized interiors and custom storage solutions is set to be the new go-to.  

Center-Stage Bathtubs

Dramatic center-stage bathtubs have been the thing of Pinterest-primary-bathroom dreams for the past several years now. These large freestanding tubs often serve as the focal point of the space, offering a luxurious, spa-like look—but are they really practical?

Kadwell says no, which is precisely why they’re on their way out of style in 2026. While they may be luxurious, they often sit unused, taking up valuable floor space. They can also be challenging to clean, says Kadwell. 

Instead, Kadwell says that clients are increasingly asking for larger showers with built-in features like seats, wide niches, multi-functional showerheads, and more.

“The attention is now on creating an easy-to-use spa-like retreat rather than just showing off a tub,” she says.