When designing your bathroom, be sure to implement your own style and create a theme that appeals to your own sensibilities. Common bathroom styles are more guidelines, allowing you to cherry pick the elements you want for your home. Let us look at different styles today and see what each of them can bring to your home.
Your own style is important as many aspects of common bathroom styles may not mesh with what you have in mind for your bathroom. Remember that your bathroom is your own space to customize as you want so draw inspiration from other styles but be sure to create your own style that you are comfortable with.
Here are some common bathroom styles and the unique flair they can bring to your home.
Classic decor focuses on using simplistic bright colors like simple colors such as white and soft grey to bring a sense of cleanliness to the bathroom space. This usually is further accented by gold, brass or platinum trimmings.This style utilizes porcelain, marble and acrylic for their fixtures and focuses on tile and brick for walling. And speaking of accessories, this style primarily uses clawfoot freestanding tubs, freestanding sinks, rugs with simple floral patterns or contrasting tile. Lastly, classic bathrooms usually contain a large decorative mirror with floral trimmings and lighting provided by a chandelier or sconce.
Modern decor utilizes sleeker designs to create a neat design that is intended to save space without losing any functionality. Modern design uses natural stone, stone resin, wood, glass and composite materials to achieve it’s look. Common colors include black, white, grey, and light brown colors-colors that emulate the look of natural stone and wood. Fixtures include either a freestanding or drop-in bathtub and a walk-in shower. Sinks and vanities are generally wall-mounted and “floating” to save space and appear more modern. Towels and rugs usually match the color of the fixtures and walls or have geometric shapes to add to the modern feel. Lastly, lighting is typically more varied in a modern bath, using just about any style that will accommodate it.
Contemporary bathrooms blend sensibilities from both classic and modern design. Contemporary bathrooms typically use clean lines, symmetrical geometric patterns and hard angles in their design. Contemporary bathrooms use similar materials such as modern design, mainly natural stone, stone resin, granite and stainless steel. Their focus is on man-made and natural materials that complement each other and provide a visual contrast. Common elements of a contemporary bathroom include a standalone sink basin amongst wooden or metal vanities or cabinets. This style contrasts modern and classic designs to create its own unique aesthetic.
Appealing to a more rustic sensibility, country style bathrooms are more in line with farmhouse living. This style utilizes wood paneling for both their floors and walls to create the feel of a farmhouse. Common colors with this style include light and dark browns to simulate the look and feel of different types of wood. Freestanding bathtubs and vanity mounted sinks are the fixture of choice for this style as they invoke a sense of escape for the user. Lighting is meant to be rustic, so your lighting should simulate the look and feel of lanterns.
A maritime theme is perfect for your getaway to the ocean. Common colors with nautical style are light blues, blue greens, whites paired with blue and anything that resembles the ocean and the sky as a contrast. Porcelain or acrylic freestanding bathtubs are the fixture of choice, pairing well with vanity installed sinks to provide a classic feel. Materials for this style would include wood, natural stone and porcelain. Your decor should be maritime themed, so items like boats, shells, ocean creatures and objects you may find from the beach.
Designed to add some flair to classic style bathrooms, Spanish style bathrooms are similar to the mediterranean style. This style incorporates elements such as terracotta tiles in intricate patterns in a classic bathroom space. This style utilizes distinctive colors such as bold red, yellow, orange and bright white colors. All bathtub types and walk-in showers can be utilized in a Spanish styled bathroom as the defining aspect would be the terracotta tiles integrated into the design. Accessories with gold trimmings and more classic designs such as candles and ornate scones make great pairings with this bathroom style.
Traditional bathroom designs are quite similar to classical choices, using familiar designs to create universal charm. These bathrooms usually cover a wide spectrum of colors and patterns with classic approaches such as porcelain clawfoot tubs, using marble and stainless steel for sink stands and vanities. Traditional design emphasizes bold design by employing classic materials such as porcelain, acrylic and marble in unique ways. The colors of traditional bathroom setup tends to be primary colors such as bright colors, off-whites, grays, browns and black.
Vintage bathroom designs tend to use elaborate and whimsical wall patterns to create a vintage feel. These bathrooms are typically classic, employing similar aspects such as fiberglass or acrylic drop-in tubs and pedestal style sinks. The trademark feature of vintage style bathrooms is a split between floral and intricate wall patterns and tile for the wall and sometimes flooring. Vintage style bathrooms are always primary colors, typically green, white and light red.
Colonial bathrooms utilize minimalistic elements to create a comfortable environment indicative of the colonial period. Colors are typically similar to woodwork and natural wood plus yellows, light greens, soft blues, white and red. A popular addition would be stenciling of natural elements to create a more historical feel as stenciling was quite common on elements such as mirrors and fixtures during the time period. This bathroom is stylized by adding authentic touches such as a chair rail, stenciling and natural varnish to remain true to the period.
Farm house to cottage or country style bathrooms, farmhouse bathrooms use earthy color palettes to create a sense of comfort. Wood accessories, wood flooring and accents add a unique rustic environment. These can further be extended to light fixtures and accents for pictures and mirrors. A trough sink would help tie it all together alongside a simple freestanding bathtub.
Craftsman bathrooms employ crafted elements such as drawers, cabinets, vanities, windows and sometimes even fixtures. This style of bathroom retains much of the charm of the classic bath, but uses elements that you have crafted for a more rustic and at home feel. Since much of the elements are constructed from wood, simple elements such as brass, nickel and copper accents are all that’s needed.
Industrial bathrooms are meant to exemplify the beauty of natural design. These bathrooms use normally unattractive features such as exposed pipes, ducts, tubes and wire to create an unfinished design that seems to blend into the concrete jungle. Traditional material for this style include steel, other metals and concrete. Brick is a common material for the walling and corrugated steel panels are another great choice for creating the perfect industrial setting. Hanging exposed lights, metal mirrors and even a concrete bathtub can also add well to this aesthetic.
Another addition into the classic bathroom design, Hampton style bathrooms are typically constructed from white marble and have a hint of blue accent. They share many traits of traditional design, but tend to use higher end material. The countertops are usually marble or granite, high gloss floor tile, marble wall tiles and shaker style cabinets. Freestanding bathtubs are the last element to tie this bathroom altogether, giving you a great room to build on and make it your own. so long as the fixtures share the same white aesthetic. For this reason, wood paneling,
Shaker style refers to a specific type of cabinet and vanity that is expertly crafted. Shaker cabinets are generally constructed from wood, typically oak and can very easily be a focal point in your bathroom. You simply need to pair this cabinet with bright primary colors or solid colors to fully contrast with the deep oak colors.
Cottage style bathrooms are supposed to invoke the feel of a vacation away from your home. This style utilizes classic pedestal sinks to contrast against the bright color schemes and natural lighting. Many of the fixtures of a cottage home need to be substantial and add weight as the cottage utilizes more natural elements like sunlight, so brass or copper fixtures play great here. Countertops are generally natural or stained wood as they see plenty of sunlight and can add a nice visual compliment. Good pairings include bold patterns and colors on linens, tiles, shower curtains and distressed furniture against the very vibrant backdrop.
Rustic bathrooms create a classic feel with a wood foundation. Stained wood and multiple types of wood help to create a home away from home. Natural tones such as greens and golden browns are excellent compliments with the wood wall panels and floor tiles. In the case of accessories, wrought iron, stainless steel and copper make excellent contrasts against the natural elements of the wooden design. Curtains with extra durability such as plaid or buffalo check make excellent pairings.
European bathrooms utilize transitional design, combining elements from different eras to provide their own mix. They use materials such as stone or natural wood for countertops and sink pedestals. For accessories, natural wood and wrought iron are popular choices as they help to complement the design and can either be modern or traditional depending on the other fixtures.
Mediterranean bathrooms utilize complex and varied tile designs to make the most of their space. Grand and luxurious, mediterranean bathrooms are designed to be a relaxing oasis. Natural stone, marble, granite and clay are common materials for the walls and flooring. Large windows and mirrors above the vanities are also common with mediterranean themed bathrooms, typically with diamond patterning. Freestanding and drop-in bathtubs are the choice here, with sinks installed over the vanity to provide a more homely environment.
Scandinavian bathrooms are generally wide and minimalist. Striving for that nordic feel, these bathrooms utilize wood paneling and marble in much of their walls and flooring. Their colors are generally more muted with white being the most common, paired usually with wooden accents. Freestanding bathtubs are the popular bathtub of choice as they afford more free space and match the more minimalist design choice. Geometric rugs, accents and towels are a great pairing here to match the minimalist design choice. A scandinavian bathroom is often seen as a modern design as there is less wasted space and they can easily a full bath into a small space without looking cramped for space.
Japanese bathrooms strive to efficiently utilize the space around them. This involves utilizing a great deal of modern designs to save space. Common colors include different shades of brown, and different aspects of white and grey to convey cleanliness. Wood and natural stone are common materials for japanese style bathrooms as they are generally higher quality and provide a peaceful aesthetic. Soaking tubs are the bathtub of choice here as they offer the benefits of a freestanding tub while saving space. The aesthetic of japanese bathrooms are more in line with nature, using symmetrical geometry to provide an attractive space that doesn’t take up too much room.
When it comes to bathroom styles and themes, there are almost endless combinations. So look at different styles and ask yourself what elements appeal most to you. If you do the research, you will easily find your own style and eventually the bathroom that appeals most to you.
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA):
“The NKBA’s 2024 Bath Trends Report identifies products, styles, features, and materials that are anticipated to be popular in the next few years, based on a survey conducted among designers, manufacturers, contractors, and architects.” — Real Simple
Houzz 2024 U.S. Bathroom Trends Study:
“The motivation of making the bathroom more accommodating has grown notably, rising from 23% in 2023 to 27% in 2024. In contrast, improving resale value has dipped from 31% to 26%.” — Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Living:
“From paint colors and tile patterns to fixtures and décor, there are many ways to elevate your bathroom and make it feel brand new. Houzz surveyed 1,247 U.S. homeowners to get insight into their recent or planned bathroom renovation projects.” — Martha Stewart
Forbes Home:
“Here are 2024’s biggest bathroom design trends, according to experts, focusing on self-care elements, warm tones, and more.” — Forbes Sara Story, Interior Designer:
“Incorporating classic fixtures and repeating reliable, distinctive design elements brings a sense of nostalgia and timelessness to modern bathrooms.” — Architectural Digest Jake Arnold, Designer:
“Material drenching, enveloping a space in a single material, is gaining popularity in bathrooms for a cohesive and immersive look.” — Architectural Digest Jack Decker, Designer:
“There’s a noticeable shift towards darker, richer wood finishes in bathroom design, moving away from open floor plans to more intimate spaces.” — Architectural Digest
The Spruce:
“Across the board, designers agree that warm neutrals are in for bathroom design in the New Year. Rather than stark all-white bathrooms, think warm white, cream, and beige tones; lighter wood tones like maple and white oak; mushroom and taupe; and warm brown and camel tones throughout.” — The Spruce
These insights showcase the diversity of bathroom trends for 2023 and 2024, from nostalgic design elements and cohesive materials to rich wood tones and warm, neutral palettes.
The bathroom is no longer just a functional space—it has evolved into a sanctuary where style, comfort, and practicality converge. The top bathroom styles of 2024 showcase a blend of timeless design, innovative materials, and thoughtful functionality, catering to diverse tastes and needs. From warm, earthy tones and sustainable materials to bold fixtures and cohesive “material drenching,” these trends reflect the growing desire to create a personalized oasis within the home.
Whether you’re drawn to nostalgic designs with classic fixtures, sleek modern minimalism, or the cozy intimacy of darker wood finishes, there’s a 2024 bathroom style that will inspire you. Use these trends to transform your bathroom into a space that enhances your lifestyle and expresses your unique sense of style. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, your dream bathroom is within reach.
Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.
Contact us with any business related inquiries.
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When designing your bathroom, be sure to implement your own style and create a theme that appeals to your own
Use spell check. Mediterranean is spelled this way.