9 Bathroom Features That Are Always Eyesores
We all dream of having that perfect, magazine-worthy bathroom. But sometimes, certain features can really drag down the overall look. From outdated fixtures to poorly planned layouts, these bathroom blunders can make even the cleanest space feel shabby.
Let’s explore nine bathroom features that consistently miss the mark and how you might fix them.
1. Ceiling-High Wall Mirrors
Remember those massive wall-to-wall mirrors popular in the 80s and 90s? They’re still lurking in bathrooms everywhere, creating that dated, overwhelming feel.
Giant mirrors might seem practical, but they often make spaces feel like outdated gym locker rooms rather than serene personal spaces. The harsh lighting typically paired with these mirrors doesn’t do anyone any favors either.
For a modern update, I prefer framed mirrors that complement the room’s style instead of dominating it.
2. Shell-Shaped Sinks
Those seashell-shaped sinks might have seemed charming in 1985, but they’ve long since washed up. The novelty design quickly becomes the focal point for all the wrong reasons.
Functionally, these basins create awkward water flow and splashing issues. Plus, the ridged surface collects grime in hard-to-clean crevices that will drive you crazy during cleaning day.
Modern, simple basin designs offer both better functionality and timeless appeal without screaming “beach-themed bathroom gone wrong.”
3. Visible Toilet Plumbing
Few things look as unfinished as exposed toilet pipes. That snaking, dusty plumbing behind your toilet creates an instant eyesore in an otherwise nice bathroom.
Beyond just looking messy, exposed pipes collect dust and grime that’s difficult to clean properly. I’ve found that even regular cleaning doesn’t keep them looking presentable for long.
Simple toilet shrouds or half-walls can hide these necessary but unsightly components, instantly elevating your bathroom’s appearance without major renovations.
4. Carpeted Bathroom Floors
Nothing says “questionable design choice” quite like carpet in a bathroom. The damp environment creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew beneath those soft fibers.
Over time, that plush carpet becomes a soggy, smelly mess that’s nearly impossible to keep truly clean. I’ve seen even high-quality carpets deteriorate quickly in bathroom settings, trapping odors and moisture.
Stick with waterproof options like tile, vinyl, or engineered wood for a bathroom floor that’s both practical and pretty.
5. Frosted Glass Shower Doors
Those bumpy, frosted glass shower doors instantly date your bathroom back to the 1990s. The textured surface doesn’t just look outdated – it’s a cleaning nightmare!
Water spots and soap scum cling to every tiny ridge and dimple. You’ll spend ages scrubbing with little improvement to show for your efforts. Many homeowners give up the fight entirely.
Clear glass doors with modern hardware or a stylish shower curtain provide cleaner lines and easier maintenance while bringing your bathroom into the current decade.
6. Colored Porcelain Fixtures
Avocado green toilets, baby blue bathtubs, and bubblegum pink sinks – these colorful porcelain fixtures scream “time capsule” rather than “stylish bathroom.”
Popular in the 60s and 70s, these bold-colored fixtures limit your design options and make the space feel smaller and busier. Finding matching replacement parts becomes nearly impossible when something breaks.
White or neutral fixtures provide a clean, timeless backdrop that allows other elements in your bathroom to shine without competing for attention.
7. Busy Wallpaper Patterns
That busy floral or geometric wallpaper might have seemed like a good idea at the time. Fast forward a few years, and it’s overwhelming the small space and making your bathroom feel claustrophobic.
Moisture and steam gradually peel the edges, creating an unintentionally distressed look that’s far from charming. The patterns often clash with other bathroom elements, creating visual chaos.
Simple paint in light colors or subtle, moisture-resistant wallpaper creates a more peaceful atmosphere that won’t feel dated next year.
8. Fuzzy Toilet Seat Covers
Plush, fuzzy toilet seat covers rank among the most questionable bathroom accessories ever created. These fabric nightmares collect bacteria, dust, and moisture in a place where cleanliness should be the priority.
Beyond the hygiene concerns, they look instantly outdated and give even the most elegant bathroom a tacky feel. The matching fuzzy rug that wraps around the toilet base isn’t doing your bathroom any favors either.
A simple, clean toilet seat without fabric adornments is always more appealing and much more hygienic.
9. Countertop Clutter
A bathroom counter overflowing with products, appliances, and random items creates instant visual chaos. Even expensive fixtures and beautiful finishes get lost in the jumble of toothpaste tubes and hair products.
The mess makes daily cleaning nearly impossible, allowing dust and residue to build up between bottles. Many people don’t realize how much this disarray affects the overall impression of their bathroom.
Smart storage solutions like medicine cabinets, vanity drawers, and decorative baskets help contain essentials while keeping surfaces clean and visually calm.
