9 Bathroom Styles That Are On Their Way Out By The End Of The Decade (And 9 That Are Timeless)
Your bathroom isn’t just a functional space – it’s a reflection of your style and a key area that can make or break your home’s value. As we move further into this decade, certain bathroom trends are fading fast while others stand strong against the test of time.
I’m sharing which looks you might want to reconsider during your next renovation and which classic designs will keep your bathroom feeling fresh for years to come.
1. Outdated: All-White Everything
Remember when every designer insisted on pristine white bathrooms from floor to ceiling? That sterile hospital look is losing its appeal fast. Homeowners are craving warmth and personality in their spaces.
White-on-white creates maintenance headaches too – every water spot and speck of dust shows immediately. Instead, people are embracing warmer neutrals and pops of color that make the bathroom feel more inviting and lived-in.
2. Timeless: Subway Tile
Subway tile has graced bathrooms for over a century, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. The simple rectangular design offers incredible versatility – whether installed in traditional horizontal patterns or more creative herringbone layouts.
While white subway tile remains a classic, today’s options include gorgeous jewel tones, handmade varieties with slight imperfections, and even textured finishes. This affordable option pairs beautifully with virtually any design style from farmhouse to modern.
3. Outdated: Vessel Sinks
Those bowl-like sinks that sit completely on top of the counter had their moment in the early 2000s. Now they’re quickly falling out of favor with homeowners who’ve discovered their practical limitations.
Cleaning around vessel sinks is a nightmare – water and grime collect in that hard-to-reach seam where sink meets counter. They also splash water everywhere and waste valuable counter space. Undermount and integrated sink options offer cleaner lines and better functionality.
4. Timeless: Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks have been bathroom staples since the Victorian era, and they continue to charm homeowners with their elegant simplicity. Their space-saving design makes them perfect for powder rooms and small bathrooms where storage isn’t the top priority.
The clean, classic lines of a well-designed pedestal sink bring an air of sophistication to any bathroom. When paired with wall-mounted fixtures and thoughtful accessories, these sinks create a timeless focal point that never feels dated or trendy.
5. Outdated: Jetted Tubs
Those massive jetted tubs that dominated master bathrooms in the 90s and early 2000s are quickly becoming relics of the past. Homeowners have realized these tubs are water-wasters that take forever to fill and rarely get used.
The jets harbor mold and bacteria in their internal plumbing, making maintenance a constant battle. Modern homeowners are opting instead for sleek freestanding soaking tubs that offer relaxation without the complicated mechanics and cleaning headaches.
6. Timeless: Clawfoot Tubs
Clawfoot tubs have been bathroom royalty for over 150 years, and they’re not abdicating the throne anytime soon. Their iconic silhouette instantly elevates any bathroom with a touch of vintage luxury that never goes out of style.
Modern versions come in various materials beyond the traditional cast iron, making them more accessible for today’s homes. What makes these tubs truly timeless is their perfect balance of form and function – they’re not just beautiful showpieces but genuinely comfortable places to soak.
7. Outdated: Shower/Tub Combos
The standard shower-tub combo that’s been a staple in American homes for decades is rapidly losing favor. These utilitarian fixtures scream builder-grade and lack the luxury feel today’s homeowners crave in their personal spaces.
The shower curtain or sliding doors that accompany these units collect mildew and look dated almost immediately. Homeowners are increasingly separating these functions – opting for a statement tub for relaxing soaks and a separate walk-in shower for daily use.
8. Timeless: Walk-in Showers
Walk-in showers offer a blend of luxury and practicality that never goes out of style. Their open, barrier-free design creates a sense of spaciousness even in smaller bathrooms and provides accessibility for all ages and abilities.
With proper waterproofing, these showers can feature beautiful tile work that serves as the bathroom’s focal point. The clean lines and minimal hardware of a well-designed walk-in shower create a spa-like atmosphere that homeowners continue to desire year after year.
9. Outdated: Colored Sanitaryware
Remember those avocado green toilets and pink sinks from grandma’s house? They’re making unwelcome comebacks in certain retro-inspired designs, but they’re destined to look dated again very quickly.
Colored toilets, sinks, and tubs are extremely difficult to coordinate with changing design preferences. When these items need replacing, finding matching pieces becomes nearly impossible. White sanitaryware has remained the gold standard because it’s versatile, clean-looking, and pairs with any design style.
10. Timeless: Black and White
The classic combination of black and white in bathrooms creates a timeless foundation that transcends passing trends. This high-contrast pairing first became popular in the early 20th century and has never truly gone out of style.
Black and white checkerboard floors, white subway tile with dark grout, or black fixtures against white walls – all create dramatic yet eternally stylish looks. The beauty of this color scheme lies in its versatility – it works with any accent color and can lean traditional or modern depending on the fixtures and accessories.
11. Outdated: Bathroom Carpet
Wall-to-wall carpet in bathrooms was somehow popular in the 1980s, but it’s a trend that should never make a comeback. The moisture-rich bathroom environment turns carpet into a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Even those small fuzzy toilet lid covers and matching bath mats are falling out of favor. Modern homeowners recognize that hard surfaces like tile and luxury vinyl are more hygienic and practical choices for bathroom flooring, with washable area rugs providing comfort underfoot.
12. Timeless: White Sanitaryware
White toilets, sinks, and tubs have been bathroom standards for over a century for good reason – they simply don’t go out of style. Their clean, bright appearance signals cleanliness and provides a neutral backdrop for changing design elements around them.
Unlike colored fixtures that quickly date a bathroom, white sanitaryware allows you to update your bathroom’s look with paint, accessories, and textiles without major renovations. The timeless appeal of white fixtures also makes replacement parts easier to find if something breaks.
13. Outdated: Oversize Whirlpool Tubs
Those enormous corner whirlpool tubs that dominated 90s master bathrooms are definitely on their way out. They take up massive amounts of space, use excessive water, and often sit unused while collecting dust.
Homeowners have realized these statement pieces rarely deliver on their promise of regular relaxation. The jets require constant cleaning to prevent mold growth in the pipes. Modern bathrooms are prioritizing space-efficient layouts with more practical fixtures that actually get used daily.
14. Timeless: Brass Fixtures
Quality brass fixtures have adorned bathrooms for generations, transitioning seamlessly through changing design eras. Unlike trendy finishes that quickly look dated, well-crafted brass develops a beautiful patina over time that adds character and warmth.
Today’s unlacquered brass options allow for this natural aging process, while living finishes create unique patterns with use. Even modern polished brass fixtures have staying power when chosen in classic silhouettes. The warm metallic tones complement virtually any color scheme and add a touch of subtle luxury.
15. Outdated: All-Glass Shower Doors
Those completely transparent shower enclosures that were all the rage in the early 2000s are losing popularity fast. The crystal-clear glass shows every water spot and soap scum streak, requiring constant cleaning to look presentable.
Privacy concerns have also made these fully exposed showers less desirable. Homeowners are gravitating toward partially frosted options or textured glass that provides some visual screening while still allowing light through. Some are even returning to high-end shower curtains that add softness and can be easily changed.
16. Timeless: Tile Flooring
Tile has been the go-to bathroom flooring for centuries, and its popularity isn’t waning anytime soon. The water-resistant properties make it perfectly suited for wet environments, while the design possibilities are virtually endless.
From classic penny rounds and hexagons to marble and porcelain, tile offers durability that few other materials can match. Modern innovations like heated tile floors add luxury without changing the timeless appeal. With proper installation, quality tile flooring can last decades while maintaining its beauty.
17. Outdated: Themed Bathrooms
Those heavily themed bathrooms – nautical with rope accessories everywhere or beach bathrooms with seashell-shaped soaps and fish netting – are quickly becoming design relics. These spaces feel gimmicky and often come across as trying too hard.
The matching sets with coordinated shower curtains, soap dispensers, and tissue box covers feel particularly dated. Modern bathrooms are embracing more subtle nods to themes through sophisticated color palettes and carefully chosen accessories that don’t overwhelm the space with obvious motifs.
18. Timeless: Marble
Marble has graced luxurious bathrooms since ancient Roman times, and its appeal remains undiminished today. The natural stone’s unique veining patterns ensure that no two marble bathrooms are exactly alike, creating truly one-of-a-kind spaces.
While marble requires more maintenance than some materials, its timeless beauty makes it worth the effort. From classic Carrara to dramatic Calacatta, marble adds instant sophistication to any bathroom. Even small touches like a marble vanity top or shower niche can elevate the entire space.
