For many Brits, the new year signals a time for renewal, taking time to better yourself and look after yourself. This also makes the start of the year the perfect time to focus your attention on transforming the areas of your home that are important to your well-being.
UK Google searches for terms such as ‘bathroom design’, ‘bathroom design ideas’ and ‘bathroom layout’ all peak in January, when most people are likely to be committing to New Year renovation resolutions and looking to give their home a new feel.
In 2025, we saw the rise of double basins and bold trends like tile drenching in bathrooms. But according to Emily Robertson, bathroom expert at Mira Showers, the era of subway tiles and dark colour palettes is coming to an end. She reveals the trends you should be embracing for your 2026 bathroom makeover.
- Spa vibes
Perfecting your morning and nighttime routines has been a big part of people’s self-care journeys in 2025, so much so that people are now considering their interior design choices as part of perfecting that ritual. According to TikTok’s creator search insights, searches on the app for ‘relaxing bathroom ideas’ have increased by 1000% in the past 7 days alone, as people hone in on their wellness routine.
Pinterest – @emilyo2033
“The main trend that will be seen across bathrooms in 2026 is creating a spa-style environment at home. The bathroom is where you start and end the day, so it should be a place where you feel relaxed and are able to wind down.
“We will see a shift away from stark white bathrooms, and instead, we will see people move towards tonal design choices that will help to create a more calming atmosphere.
“Adding wooden accents in lighter tones, along with tonal soft furnishings like bath mats and robes and accessories like candles and diffusers, will give you the perfect finishing touches.”
- Lamps
Rechargeable lamps have been popular additions to the home in 2025, but according to Google, this trend is set to make its way into the bathroom as well, with UK searches for ‘bathroom lamps’ having increased by 242% in the last month and 116% in the last quarter.
Pinterest – @julyajaedierson
“With spa-style bathrooms set to become even more popular in 2026, so too will lighting. In order to create a calming, sanctuary-style environment, lighting is key. It’s time to say goodbye to harsh overhead fixtures and instead welcome soft, ambient light to create your own private retreat. Adding a rechargeable lamp to a shelf or windowsill will help you reduce the glare in your bathroom and create a relaxing atmosphere without having to rewire the whole room.
“Of course, it’s important to remember that with any type of lighting and electricals, you must be cautious in bathrooms, even when using portable lamps, so make sure you are careful with your placement and avoid placing them too close to your bath or shower, where they may come into contact with water.
“This trend is especially friendly for renters as it requires no physical changes to your bathroom. Even for those with more than one bathroom, who don’t want to invest too much, buying a portable lamp means you can easily set the mood in whichever bathroom you desire.”
- Zellige tiles
Zellige tiles are the latest style set to become a firm favourite in both bathrooms and kitchens in the coming years. Currently, UK Google searches for Zellige tiles are up 56% compared to last year, with further searches predicted to go up another 11% next year.
Pinterest – @Inesbgnobre
“Subway tiles have been one of the most popular choices in bathrooms for the last few years, whether it be white with a contrasting grout or varying shades of green, but in 2026, it’s time to say goodbye to the design favourite. Instead, zellige tiles are set to be the tile of choice in the home.
“Zellige tiles are Moroccan-style clay tiles that are glazed and come in varying colours, although the most popular choices will be earthy tones such as terracotta, oyster and sand. With this style, no two tiles are the same, with each one having unique cuts, whether that be in colour or texture, but this handmade, rustic look will help to give your bathroom a timeless, considered charm.
“It’s common for zellige tiles to be either square or rectangular in shape. If opting for a thinner rectangular shape, consider laying them vertically rather than horizontally or diagonally, as has been popular previously; this will make your room feel taller and more airy.”
- Sculptural basins
Pinterest – @thesrinathcollective
“A trend we’ve seen start to emerge but will continue to see in 2026 is a shift towards ‘furniture-worthy’ bathroom fixtures, where each element of the bathroom feels considered and more of a statement piece.
“One of the easiest places to start with this trend is with the basin. When looking at basins, sculptural designs are what will be most popular in materials such as stone or textured ceramic. Opting for a sculptural basin whose shape is more organic and feels less man-made will help create a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere.”
- Tile clashing
Pinterest – @tileexpert
“Another trend set to evolve in the world of bathrooms is tile clashing. It may sound similar to the trend previously dubbed tile drenching, where every surface in the bathroom, from the floor to the ceiling, was tiled; this tile trend is more considered and intentional.
“Tile clashing is being used in focused areas rather than throughout the whole room. For example, around the sink, in shower enclosures or alcoves, or as a backsplash. Instead of overwhelming the space with a mixture of tiles that feel random, this trend is about curating clashes that have a clear colour palette or theme.
“Clashes can be created through shapes by adding subtle directional changes in placement or by mixing hexagonal tiles with rectangular ones. They can also be created by mixing tones to create a clash from a contrast in hue rather than brightness, which can be overwhelming to the space.”
- Floating vanities
Pinterest – @Wendynapier72
“A more functional trend expected to be adopted in many bathrooms is floating vanities. Making the vanity area a focal point is a trend in itself, but adopting the floating style will add a touch of luxury to your space.
“Floating vanities are great for bathrooms that have minimal space, as they help to create the illusion that there is more space than there is. They also help to make the room feel sleek and less cluttered, which in itself elevates the room.
“Popular materials for vanities moving forward will be natural wood tones that tie into that previously mentioned spa feel. Wooden vanities also pair nicely with fixtures made from materials like stone to give the room a natural, calming feel.”
For more bathroom trends and inspiration, visit the Mira Showers site.