We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Your bathroom should be a quiet getaway. It’s where you pamper yourself, indulge in self-care and take breaks from your daily routine. It should feel like an extension of yourself, which might be why you’re considering updating its interior design. Start with the focal point to make the most significant impact. Check out the latest bathtub trends for small and large spaces to collect inspiration for your next big home renovation.
What Are Bathtub Trends?
Bathtub trends are the latest popular design ideas specifically for bathtubs. They affect everything from a tub’s size to its features. Experts estimate that mid-range bathroom renovations add 73.7% of the renovation’s cost to a home’s value. Replacing your tub could be the most straightforward way to sell your house for a higher price without a more complicated project like building an extra bedroom.
Best Bathtub Trends for Small Bathrooms
You don’t have to miss out on an interior design upgrade if you live in a more compact space. Consider these bathtub trends for small bathrooms that can match anyone’s decorating preferences.
Shelving With Plants
When you can’t replace your tub or anything surrounding it, look at your walls. Adding small shelving will give your bathroom a fresh look. Use them to house decorations from flea markets, estate sales or the storage boxes beneath your house full of belongings you’d decorate with if you had extra space.
You could even start a bathroom garden with your new shelving. An aloe vera plant only requires watering every two weeks if kept in a humid place, like right where you bathe. It’s a great option for anyone trying to upgrade an alcove tub with a raised shower head.
New Tiles in a Bold Color
Vivid shades of one color are part of the leading bathroom trends for small bathrooms. You could add tiles to a standard alcove design or apply tiles around the tub’s base. A deep navy or soothing gray could give your bathroom the style you want without breaking your budget.
Glass Door Installation
You don’t need to move to enjoy a bathtub with glass doors. Install them yourself if you own your home. Glass panels, a door, wall anchors, screws and general supplies like a drill can make it happen over a single weekend. Attach your brackets, slide the glass into place, drill screws to secure everything and your bathing space will look fancier than ever.
Popular Tub Designs for Big Bathrooms
Expansive bathrooms provide more room for bathtub renovations. See if any trendy ideas match the vibe you want for your next home upgrade.
Freestanding Acrylic Clawfoot Tub
Clawfoot tubs have a timeless appeal. They exude luxury without taking up too much space. Get an oversized acrylic model with enough room for you to lounge in a hot bath while spa music plays from a nearby speaker. It’s a bathroom fixture that impresses almost everyone and arrives nearly ready to use.
Clawfoot tubs also interest homeowners because they’re easy to clean. Research shows that only 15% of bathroom bacteria linger on toilets while the rest remain on surfaces like countertops, door handles and bathtubs. You’ll only need to wipe your clawfoot tub down with a few paper towels to make it shine. Other tubs will have tiny grooves along the bottom that trap mold and require more scrubbing to clean.
Multi-Jet Massage Tub
A tub that doubles as a penetrating massage appliance could be the next best upgrade for your home. You could use the adjustable jets to potentially relieve muscle tension as you relax in steaming water filled with bubbly soap. Many even come with removable shower heads so you can rinse off as your bath water drains away.
These tubs come in many styles but most often fit in the corner of a room. If you have a corner you might like to use, a jetted bathtub complete with underwater lights, a shower head and bubbling capabilities will give your home a five-star vibe and impress potential future buyers.
Jacuzzi Tub With Hidden Storage
You could also take your jet tub addition to the next level by building around it. Work with a contractor to attach tiled or walled extensions to any exposed part of the tub. They can install pressure-release handles so the walls swing open, revealing extra storage for towels and soap. You won’t have to add shelving or hang cabinetry if you design hidden storage compartments that match the rest of your bathroom’s interior decorating.
Outdated Bathroom Trends to Avoid
As you look into bathtub trends, get up to speed on the design ideas everyone’s starting to avoid. You’ll prevent yourself from investing in a home upgrade that ultimately looks outdated or even reduces your home’s appeal on the market.
Copper Bathtub Fixtures
Bronzed faucets and handles are fading into the background of the interior design world again. Copper fixtures come and go in popularity. There’s nothing wrong with using the reliable, robust metal in your bathroom. It just isn’t as trendy as brushed nickel or stainless steel fixtures.
An All-White Interior Design
White paint and fixtures have their perks. You’ll quickly notice any water damage that could cause mold growth, which can dysregulate your immune system while causing other adverse side effects. However, people are embracing bold hues now instead. Your tub might be white, but your tiles, paint or shower curtain can give your bathroom a pop of color. You can even make your new shelving a strong hue if you decide to add them.
Carpets Beneath Freestanding Tubs
Carpet flooring in bathrooms was popular in the 1970s and recently came back in the form of rugs. While you’re thinking about decorations to add to your bathroom, skip the idea of putting carpet underneath your tub. It’s a bit dated compared to bare flooring that showcases your choice in tiles or vinyl laminate. If your bathroom echoes, you can always add long curtains to your windows or hang more towels on an extra rack.
Make Your Bathroom Look Incredible This Year
Checking the latest bathtub trends might inspire you as you think about your next renovation project. Determine your budget before deciding what you’d like to change about the room. Your tub might become your new favorite place to relax once it matches modern design styles.
About The Author
Olivia Elsher is a Senior Writer and Editorial Manager at Renovated. She has over 5+ years of experience writing about property related topics such as: real estate, home improvement, renovation, and construction.
