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Trends in Bathroom Fixtures and Materials

Finishes can often get left to the last minute when planning a bathroom, but they make a big impact. Choose faucets and shower heads in a finish that reflects your style.

Choosing matte finishes like brushed bronze will help to keep your space feeling sophisticated. Warmer contrasting tones are on trend, too, like honeyed hues that feel cozy and inviting.

Matte Finishes

A matte finish is a flat, soft color that hides water spots and fingerprints better than glossy finishes. It’s also durable and a great choice for high-traffic areas like the family bathroom. The finish is easy to clean, and a quick wipe down keeps it looking fresh.

It goes with any design style, from modern and traditional to eclectic and boho. And it works especially well with mixed metals, blending seamlessly with both brass and nickel fixtures.

Matte black faucets pair beautifully with modern, white and brushed nickel fixtures to create an elegant, monochromatic look. It also looks stunning with wood and marble accents.

Matte finishes are easy to match with other bathroom accessories, like towel bars, soap dishes and toilet paper holders. They are also a perfect complement to wall mirror frames and magnifying bathroom mirrors, which can easily be matched with a matte-finish frame. It’s a timeless design trend that will endure for years to come.

Black and White

The color black is a classic bathroom idea that can make a bold and sophisticated statement. For a modern look, pair black fixtures with white or light-colored tile and walls to create a striking contrast that will instantly elevate the space.

Alternatively, you can create a moody look by pairing black tiles with neutral colors like gray or off-white. British blogger Olivia from Lust Living used this technique in her contemporary bathroom, pairing black herringbone wall tile with a white herringbone floor to add texture and depth to the room. She then topped the design off with white vanities and a white tub to keep the overall aesthetic clean and modern.

Layers are another popular bathroom trend that helps to create a more personal, cozy space. Incorporate patterned wallpaper, wainscoting, or a textured window treatment to add dimension and style to the room. Finish the space off with a plush bath rug and beautiful artwork, and your bathroom will feel like a luxurious retreat.

Layers

A bathroom isn’t just about functionality – it’s also about creating layers. Adding different textures, fabrics, and colors creates depth that makes your bathroom feel luxurious. Try textured wallpaper, wainscoting, or fun tile, paired with patterned fabric or plush bath rug to add interest and warmth.

Layering can also be achieved through the use of a variety of light fixtures. Choose from unique pendant lights, backlit mirrors, or sconces that create a focal point and provide ambiance. Make sure to install dimmers to give you control over the amount of lighting in your bathroom.

Bathroom trends continue to focus on wellness and turning your home into a personal day spa. A bold color palette, streamlined shower rooms, and tech-led fixtures all help to transform your bathroom into an indulgent retreat. Whether you are doing a complete renovation or a quick vacation rental spruce up, these bathroom trends will add value and drama to your space.

Vintage

Authentically vintage bathroom fixtures like claw foot tubs and pedestal sinks are well functioning, but also beautiful pieces of art that can be a focal point in the room. Classic tile choices that evoke a time in history, such as one-inch squares, round “penny” tiles or hexagons, are also perfect for this style. Similarly, wainscoting and beadboard adds a classic touch to a space.

Until the 1920s, bathroom fixtures were almost exclusively white. This was the optimum color for sanitation and cleanliness. However, the late 1920s brought a shift in preference toward beauty and color. Many manufacturers began offering a wide variety of colorful options.

Adding antique-inspired touches to your bathroom is easy with the right accessories and storage solutions. For example, repurpose an old wooden ladder into a unique towel rack or a rustic crate to hold extra towels and toiletries. Other classic accents like gold-toned faucets can be a great way to tie your bathroom design together with vintage colors and finishes. You can also include a vanity that features a vintage-inspired countertop.

Art

While the bathroom is typically seen as a practical space, homeowners are increasingly using it to express their style. They’re bringing gallery wall ideas into the room to display paintings, clocks, or other unique decor pieces.

Decorative tile is another way to bring a touch of personal flair into the room. Look for hexagons, chevrons, and herringbone patterns to add geometric appeal or a vintage feel.

Incorporating textured materials into the design is also a growing trend. Reeded finishes are making their way into the bathroom, with vanity cabinets and shower doors sporting a fluted look for a subtle texture.

Using natural elements like wood and greenery is another popular way to bring the outdoors in. Homeowners are incorporating these touches into the bathroom to create a relaxing atmosphere that’s both comfortable and earthy.