4 Bathroom Design Trends for 2021

4 Bathroom Design Trends for 2021

Quick answer: Four standout bathroom design trends are nature themes and accessories, floating (wall-mount) vanities, large-format and wood-look tiles, and freestanding soaking tubs—each adding both style and everyday function to your space.

Looking to freshen up your bathroom? Here are four bathroom design trends worth considering for a relaxing, modern refresh.

Modern bathroom with floating vanity, wood-look tile, and freestanding soaking tub

How do you bring nature themes into a bathroom?

Bathroom trends have shifted toward themes that feature plants and natural elements, helping create calmer, more relaxing spaces. There are lots of ways to incorporate them into your next project: real or faux plants, nature-inspired décor items, and plant-print stenciling or painting projects. As we spend more time at home, bringing elements of nature into a renovation can liven up the space and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Why are floating vanities so popular?

Floating vanities—also known as wall-mount vanities—are gaining popularity for good reason. They offer a modern, updated look and great customizable storage. There is a wide variety of styles and sizes of floating vanities to choose from to increase storage, fit a small space, or create a custom look that enhances your bathroom in both function and style. Bonus: they even make it easier to clean the bathroom floors.

What are the top bathroom tile trends?

Tile has been growing in popularity in bathroom redesigns. It's a versatile material that works as flooring, wall decoration, and accents. The first trend is large tile pieces: rather than small or mosaic finishes, large tiles lend an air of luxury and leave fewer grout lines to deal with, making them a statement in their own right. The second is wood-look tiles. Tile comes in many materials—most commonly ceramic and porcelain—that are versatile in texture and look, so you can recreate a great wood-grain finish without the problems real wood flooring would cause in a high-moisture bathroom. Explore our tile collection for large-format and wood-look options.

Why are freestanding soaking tubs trending?

Rest and relaxation have gone from a luxury to a necessity, and people are realizing the mental and physical benefits of making time to relax regularly. One of the best ways to do that is to revamp your bathroom with tranquil upgrades. This shift to at-home relaxation has more people splurging on soaking tubs, specifically freestanding, flat-bottomed designs. Trends still favor a separate shower and tub setup, so you can include a space-conscious oasis without sacrificing function for spa qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a floating vanity?

A floating vanity, also called a wall-mount vanity, attaches to the wall instead of resting on the floor. It offers a modern look, customizable storage, and easier floor cleaning, and works well in small spaces.

Are large tiles or small tiles better for a bathroom?

Large tiles lend an air of luxury and leave fewer grout lines to clean, making them a popular statement choice over small or mosaic finishes.

Can I use wood-look tile in a bathroom?

Yes. Ceramic and porcelain wood-look tiles recreate a realistic wood-grain finish without the moisture problems real wood flooring would face in a bathroom.