As 2025 approaches, several bathroom design trends are emerging—some of which might lead to regret down the road. While some ideas are fresh and innovative, others can quickly become outdated. In this guide, we'll explore eight bathroom trends you should avoid, drawing on insights from designers, trend reports, and years of renovation experience. Stick around until the end for timeless bathroom trends that can save you money and ensure your renovation lasts for years to come.

Color Palettes

Bold, moody shades—such as neon green, pink, or jet black—might seem exciting, but they can make your bathroom feel dated quickly. While dramatic colors create impact now, they can make a small space feel cramped and uncomfortable over time. To achieve a timeless look, opt for soothing neutrals like soft beige, taupe, or light gray. These colors help open up the space and stay inviting, even as trends change. Lighter, neutral tones on walls or vanities offer a fresh, versatile approach that will remain relevant.

Smart Technology

While smart bathroom features, like voice-activated mirrors or high-tech showerheads, seem futuristic, they often complicate daily life. These gadgets can be expensive to install and maintain, and they may become outdated as technology evolves. Stick to practical, easy-to-use technology, such as programmable thermostats for heated floors or touch-free faucets, to add convenience without making your routine more complicated.

Bathroom Cabinets

Floating vanities and handleless cabinets are often showcased in design magazines, but they come with practical challenges. For instance, pushing open a handleless cabinet with wet hands isn’t as sleek as it looks. Floating vanities offer less storage space, and bathrooms could always use more storage. Instead, consider traditional cabinets with modern hardware, which combine functionality and beauty. Low-mounted vanities offer stability and provide ample storage space—both practical and timeless options.

Lighting

Overly ornate chandeliers may seem luxurious at first but can quickly turn into a safety hazard in a bathroom. Chandeliers are difficult to clean in a high-humidity space and can feel tacky over time. Instead, choose simpler lighting fixtures like moisture-resistant sconces or sleek flush mounts for ceiling lights. These options provide both style and function, creating a balanced, sophisticated look in your bathroom.

Open Shelving

Open shelving looks great in magazines but tends to attract clutter in reality. Maintaining an organized look with open shelves is challenging. Instead, consider a mix of open and closed storage. Cabinets can keep clutter out of sight, while open shelves can display decorative items. This blend gives you the best of both worlds—organized storage without the mess.

Glossy Floor Tiles

Shiny, glossy floor tiles may look modern, but they become slippery when wet, creating a potential safety hazard. Opt for matte or textured tiles, or smaller tiles, which offer better grip and are easier to maintain. Materials like porcelain or ceramic with an anti-slip finish are stylish and practical for bathroom floors. Stay away from large, glossy floor tiles, which can be difficult to clean and more dangerous.

Jetted Tubs

While large jetted tubs might seem like a luxurious addition, they take up a lot of space and are rarely used. Jetted tubs also require a lot of maintenance and can harbor bacteria, causing them to look outdated after a few years. A better choice is a space-saving soaking tub or a deep standalone tub. These options still provide a luxurious, relaxing feel while being more practical and easier to maintain.

Backlit Mirrors

Backlit mirrors with LEDs might seem sleek and modern, but they can be difficult to repair when the lights go out. In some cases, they don’t provide enough light for tasks like applying makeup or grooming. Instead, opt for a classic frame mirror paired with separate lighting fixtures, such as vanity lights or sconces. This approach gives you more control over lighting and provides a timeless design that won’t go out of style.

Timeless Bathroom Trends

Now that we’ve covered the trends to avoid, here are three timeless bathroom trends that will save you money in the long run and remain durable for years to come.

• Natural Stone Countertops
  Investing in natural stone countertops, like granite or quartz, adds luxury to your bathroom while offering excellent longevity. These materials not only look beautiful but also provide lasting value. They are a better option than marble, which can stain and requires more maintenance.
• Marble-Effect Porcelain Tiles
  Marble is a timeless classic, but using it throughout your entire bathroom can be costly. Marble-effect porcelain tiles offer the high-end look of marble at a fraction of the price. Opt for larger tiles to minimize grout lines, making them easier to clean and maintain.
• Chrome and Polished Nickel Finishes
  For durable, versatile hardware finishes, chrome and polished nickel are excellent choices. These finishes are affordable, long-lasting, and always in style. They reflect light beautifully and can complement any design style. Pair them with simple, elegant faucet designs for a sophisticated, timeless look.

Conclusion

By avoiding these eight bathroom trends and opting for timeless, practical choices, you can create a space that will remain stylish and functional for years. For more tips and ideas on timeless bathroom design, check out our video on essential bathroom trends.