15 of the the top bathroom trends for 2024

One of the top design trends to look forward to is a spa-like aesthetic. And what's lighter and airier and more serene than a classic white bathroom — complete with the white dressing gown, too?

There's a reason why simple white bathroom furniture is very much in style. People want their bathrooms to feel like retreats or sanctuaries they can visit in their own homes. So, if you need a bit of an escape, then you might consider swapping a more colourful space for one that's all white.

Now, we've touched on the spa aesthetic and the eternal love for a classic white bathroom. But if you prefer your space to be a bit more colourful, there are some trends that will suit you, too.

For starters, 2024 will be the year of the bathroom mural. Whether you opt for a graphic wallpaper or a hand-drawn piece, you will be completely on-trend by sprucing up one of the walls in your bathroom with a unique pattern or scene.

Many homeowners find this type of focal point to be something that they can appreciate daily while they peer through their shower doors or soak in a freestanding bath. If you're feeling bold, this could be the perfect change in your space, although we do suggest consulting with a professional designer to help you choose the right sized and scaled mural for your bathroom.

As you seek out tips for designing your bathroom, consider this easy upgrade that won't require much by way of renovation. You can make your bathroom feel fresher and more alive — quite literally — by investing in some leafy houseplants.

Research has shown us already that filling your home with houseplants can do wonders for your state of mind. A plant can reduce your anxiety and help you feel calmer.

So, if you can't afford to re-fit your bathroom with classic white tiles and spa-like fixtures, you can still create an atmosphere that's just as serene. Fill your bathroom with plants and pampas grass and see for yourself how much a bit of green can enhance your space.

Cookie-cutter cabinetry is not in this year. Instead, people are looking to honour the art of fine furniture-making. And, yes, that even applies to how they will decorate their bathrooms.

Rather than selecting a pre-fabricated set of cabinets for, say, a bathroom counter or vanity, many homeowners will seek out a bespoke piece of vintage furniture to do the job. For instance, an old sideboard might make the perfect bathroom vanity, while an antique wardrobe can hold all of the bathroom linens.

Whatever you can fit in your bathroom will make a statement. It will make your space feel equal parts expensive and unique, too.

Here's another idea for a cheap and simple project that will modernise your bathroom. Spend a few hours swapping out your bathroom hardware, from cabinet and drawer pulls to faucets to shower heads.

Your best bet is to choose new hardware that will fit the holes already in your cabinets and countertops. That way, you only have to unscrew the hardware and screw in your new handles.

Most importantly, though, you need to choose hardware in what will be the finish of 2024: matte black. This finish stands out against the serene shades that go in most bathrooms. It also looks great in a more modern space with clean lines.

Related article: Are black taps a good or bad idea in the modern bathroom?

Perhaps the idea of a bathroom mural piqued your interest, but you're not ready to make such a bold statement. You might be more comfortable with this, one of the latest trends for bathrooms: patterned bathroom towels.

We're not talking about subtle dots or chevrons, either. Think bathroom towels with stark, bold checkerboard patterns. Expect these graphic prints to be all over 2024's batch of towels and flannels.

You can take it down a notch whilst remaining on trend by opting for a brighter towel colour, too. This idea is a great one if you're hoping to reinvigorate your bathroom decor on a budget. Swapping out linens is much cheaper than, say, removing and replacing the tilework.

Installing a backlit mirror in your bathroom is a practical way to improve lighting and add a modern touch. These mirrors illuminate evenly, making grooming tasks easier, and their sleek design can make your bathroom look more spacious and contemporary. They're especially useful in small or dimly lit bathrooms, providing necessary lighting without taking up extra space. Choose a style that fits your bathroom's décor for an instant upgrade.

If you want to liven up your showering experience in 2024, consider upgrading to a steam shower. A steam shower works through a generator boiling water and then releases the resulting steam into the enclosed area of the shower. Steam has plenty of benefits; first, the warm humidity creates a relaxing environment, reducing stress and tension; second, steam can also open up pores, cleanse your skin, helping to improve skin health and appearance and help relax stiff joints and muscles.

Academic research backs up these findings, a 2012 study found that moist heat, such as that provided by a steam shower or steam room can improve circulation by dilating small blood vessels or capillaries, allowing more blood to flow more easily and transport oxygen around the body.

Move away from standard bathroom wall finishes and make your bathroom stand out with bright, extravagant, bold wallpaper. There are plenty of different wallpaper designs out there that you can try, from geometric patterns to floral designs. To keep your bathroom fresh, consider incorporating elements such as plants and shrubs to keep the air quality high and create a nice contrast with your wallpaper.

Ambient lighting or mood lighting is essential for creating the desired atmosphere in your bathroom. To achieve this you need to look beyond lighting that emits a particularly harsh light, such as fluorescent lighting and look at strategically placing light sources to create a soothing and relaxing environment. Instead of harsh, direct lights, consider installing recessed LED lights or wall sconces that emit a gentle glow. Layering light sources, such as combining overhead lights with vanity lights, can also contribute to a more nuanced and adaptable lighting scheme.

Related article: 13 bathroom lighting ideas for a quick refresh

If you need to replace or install a new bathroom vanity, then make sure you check out floating models. This type of bathroom vanity is connected to the wall, leaving plenty of space between the unit and the floor. Floating vanities give a bathroom a contemporary, modern look and are particularly useful in bathrooms that need to maximise space. There are plenty of ways you can customise a vanity as well; for example, if you need extra lighting, consider installing LED spotlights underneath the vanity, or if you need extra storage, you could install some shelving units above or below the vanity, depending on what's more functional and looks the part.

There's nothing quite like designing an intimate, personal space such as a bathroom with natural materials. Doing this is soothing in itself, and there's no easier way to bring a sense of serenity and freshness into a space that only the natural world can provide than to incorporate natural elements into your bathroom's interior design. There are an infinite number of ways to do this, but for brevity, here are three to consider:

Use natural stone

Consider materials like marble, granite, or slate for countertops, floors, or shower walls. These natural stones bring an earthy and luxurious feel to a bathroom. They'll also stand the test of time, and won't require a tonne of ongoing maintenance.

Maximise natural light

If you're redesigning or renovating a bathroom try and prioritise your window space specifically to get more natural light into your bathroom. Ways of doing this include installing large windows to let more daylight in, installing skylights or sun tunnels which funnel natural light from the roof into the room.

Use wooden accents and plenty of greenery

Plants and greenery keep your bathroom fresh, purify the air and bring a slice of nature indoors, creating a calming, spa-like atmosphere. Opt for plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns, spider plants, or aloe vera; all thrive in bathrooms. To enhance the natural vibe, you can complement your plants with wooden accents, like teak or bamboo bath mats, shelves, or a wooden-framed mirror. These wooden elements add warmth and texture but also harmonise beautifully with the greenery, adding a sense of tranquillity.

One of the many contemporary bathroom design trends popular at the moment is the incorporation of marble into many classic elements and bathroom design features, including baths, shower, floor and wall tiling, vanity worktops. In many modern bathrooms you'll also often see accessories made of marble such as soap dishes, trays or toothbrush holders, all of which add a refined touch to a bathroom.

One of the hottest bathroom trends for 2024 is the growing popularity of Zellige tiles. Zellige is an Arabic word meaning 'little polished stone', and Zellige tiles typically come in a single colour but have variations in tone, shine, and depth, giving a unique, textural and characterful look. It's these little variations and the raw character that adds to the charm of the tiles. The tiles are typically handmade, have a low ecological impact, add a layer of visual texture and helps create a healthy interior bathroom space.

Finally, 2024 bathroom decor trends won't laud you for having the tiniest bathroom on the block. This year, people are moving towards larger bathrooms — think bathroom suites. If you have a big budget for your bathroom re-do, then you may consider increasing the area that your bathroom covers in your home's floor plan.

A lot of this has to do with the fact that so many of us are still working from home and will continue doing so. A large, luxurious bathroom feels like a getaway from our day-to-day lives. So, if you have the chance to increase the dimensions of your space, spring for it!

You asked us, what are the latest trends for bathrooms? So, now that we've answered your question, we want to know, which one(s) will you incorporate into your space? An indoor garden, a focal wall or a completely new master bathroom? Whatever your choice, we’re sure you’ll have no regrets with any of these trending ideas that will easily stand the test of time.