Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing oasis is easier than ever with the latest bath trends. From statement-making tubs to spa-worthy fixtures and finishes, there are many ways to create a soothing retreat right at home. Read on as we explore the hottest looks that will have you eager to retreat to your bath.
Freestanding Tubs Take Center Stage
Freestanding tubs have become one of the most popular fixtures for today’s bathrooms. Their sculptural forms and ample size are perfect for a luxurious soak. Freestanding tubs come in a wide range of styles to complement any décor.
Contemporary styles like rectangular or oval tubs provide a sleek, modern look. Materials like acrylic or composite are lightweight yet durable. For a ultra-contemporary vibe, choose a tub with clean lines in a glossy white or black finish.
Traditional clawfoot tubs have an old-world, vintage charm. Sitting atop exposed feet, these tubs look like sculptural works of art. Clawfoot tubs come in cast iron or acrylic. For a standout look, opt for a polished nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finish on the feet.
Slipper tubs have one end that is rounded and sloped for head and back support. Often embellished with decorative exterior lines, a slipper tub brings European elegance to the bath. Look for styles in materials like enameled cast iron or solid surface.
A freestanding tub makes a dramatic style statement, so allow enough open space in the room to showcase its full profile. Have it professionally installed on a solid foundation for safe support.
Make a Splash with Creative Tub Surrounds
The area around the bathtub is the perfect spot to add some personality. Today’s trending tub surround ideas are anything but boring.
Tile. Turn your tub surround into a work of art by covering it in tile. Bold patterns, colorful mosaics, creative mixes of shapes and textures—anything goes with tile. Glass, ceramic, natural stone, and porcelain are all options. For a cohesive look, bring some of the tile patterns onto the walls and floor.
Wood. The warm, organic look of wood instantly gives a spa vibe. Use cedar, teak or bamboo on a tub surround or as wainscoting on bathroom walls. Maintain moisture resistance with regular applications of sealant.
Panes of glass. Frame the tub area with floor-to-ceiling glass partitions. Frosted, etched or colored glass provides privacy while allowing light to filter through. To prevent water drips, have a glass specialist fit and seal the panels.
Natural stone. Slate, travertine, marble and other natural stones make a luxurious, spa-like tub surround. Go for large slabs or mosaic sheets. Be aware that porous stones will need annual sealing to prevent stains and damage from moisture.
Plaster. For a seamless look, have your tub surround plastered in luxurious Venetian plaster. You can create visual interest with textures, colors, or embed items like seashells or glass tiles into the wet plaster.
With so many options, it’s easy to turn your tub surround into a stunning feature that enhances your whole bathroom.
Bathtubs with Bells and Whistles
Today’s bathrooms go far beyond basic with luxury tubs that provide a spa experience at home. Here are some popular add-ons and upgrades to look for when shopping for your dream tub.
- Whirlpool jets. Nothing beats a relaxing soak in a jetted tub. Strategically placed jets provide a stimulating massage. Add bubble jets for frothy, effervescent enjoyment. Control speed, direction and flow with touchscreen panels.
- Bluetooth audio. Set the mood with your favorite audio playlists. Many tubs now come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and hidden waterproof speakers. Sync your smart device and enjoy surround sound as you soak.
- Lights. Chromatherapy lighting sets the tone withLED lights in hues like blue, green or purple. Slowly transitioning colors has a meditative effect. For added ambience, look for tub rim lighting as well. Fiber optic pinpoints of light twinkle like stars across the bath.
- Inline water heaters. Keep your bathwater consistently warm with tub-integrated or external inline heaters. Some models even allow you to preset the perfect temperature in advance.
- Disinfection systems. Keep your soak squeaky clean with ozone and UV light technology that actively disinfects the tub between uses. Ah, relaxation without worry!
- Touchscreen controls. Conveniently adjust all settings with intuitive touchscreen panels. With just a tap you can start the jets, activate lights, add heat and more.
With so many high-tech options now available, you can truly customize an at-home spa tub for total relaxation.
Exotic and Specialty Tub Materials
Tired of standard porcelain and acrylic tubs? Today’s top-tier bath materials provide exotic, high-end looks for your sanctuary.
- Wood. Teak, cedar, and redwood bring the warmth and beauty of nature indoors. Naturally moisture-resistant, wood needs protective sealing to maintain its integrity over time.
- Copper. Known for its antimicrobial qualities, copper makes a striking, low-maintenance tub material. Over time it develops a unique patina. Copper is naturally mold and bacteria resistant.
- Stone resin. This lightweight yet durable material combines ground stone with resin to mimic the look of exotic stone at a lesser cost. Good thermal retention keeps water warm longer. Less prone to chipping and cracking than actual stone.
- Bronze. For a truly decadent golden glow, bronze is unmatched. This expensive option will become a family heirloom. Bronze needs periodic polishing to maintain its brilliant metallic shine.
- Gel coat. Using colored gel coat as an exterior finish allows for rich, vibrant tub colors. Glossy surfaces are easy to clean and retain their like-new sheen for years. Popular for fiberglass and acrylic tubs.
For the utmost in extravagance, consider a tub carved from rare and precious stones. Think golden onyx, black quartzite, or Carrara marble. Let your bath become a gemstone treasure!
Get Creative with Tub Shapes and Sizes
Tub designs today go far beyond the standard rectangle. Consider these creative shapes and sizes to enhance your bath.
Curved. A tub with smooth, organic lines brings a contemporary edge. Flowing curves make for an inviting soak.
Oval. Longer than a traditional tub, an oval design allows you to recline and extend out. It’s perfect for taller bathers.
Asymmetrical. For a dynamic look, try a tub with an irregular shape. One side may curve while the other is straight.
Corner. Maximize small spaces by fitting a tub neatly into the angle of two walls. Corner tubs come in triangles and other unconventional forms.
Wet rooms. Ditch the tub completely for an open wet room. These spa-like spaces have a zero-edge shower and entire waterproofed floor for maximum freedom.
Extra deep. For a truly immersive experience, look for tubs at least 20 inches deep. Deeper tubs allow your whole body to be enveloped in water.
Extra long. Stretch out with a tub that’s over 60 inches long. Extra length is great for multiple bathers or taller individuals.
Compact size. Apartment dwellers can still enjoy a good soak with space-saving tubs that are just 48 inches long yet extra deep.
Don’t limit yourself to what’s standard. The right specialty tub can make your bath a place you’ll never want to leave.
Premium Faucets and Fixtures
Elevate your bath design with high-end faucets and fixtures that feel like they came straight from a luxury spa. Here are some of the most luxe options available:
- Waterfall faucets — These contemporary faucets mimic overflowing spouts, with water pouring straight down into your tub. Choose from sleek stainless steel or brushed nickel.
- Mosaic knobs — Faucet handles covered in colorful glass, shell or metal mosaics add an artistic, handcrafted look.
- Sensor faucets — Touchless faucets turn on and off with just a wave of your hand. They conserve water and promote germ-free hands.
- Gold accents — For serious glam, choose fixtures with gold, champagne bronze or rose gold finishes. Warm metallics pair perfectly with cool marbles and stones.
- Retro styling — Reproduction fixtures in styles like vintage French or industrial Americana lend character. Look for porcelain knobs, exposed plumbing, or distressed patinas.
- Smart controls — Digital interfaces let you preset temperatures and fill levels. Some apps even allow remote control of your tub from afar.
- Diverters — Strategically placed valves let you easily switch from tub faucet to showerhead or hand shower. Upgrade to a thermostatic model for precision temp control.
- Exposed plumbing — Let pipes become design features by keeping them exposed. Polished chrome has a cool modern vibe.
By investing in bath hardware that looks as beautiful as it functions, you’re sure to feel pampered.
Create a Spa Sanctuary with Small Touches
It’s the little details that take your bath from basic to spa sanctuary. Incorporate these small touches for a truly indulgent retreat:
- Plush towels warming on a towel warmer
- Fluffy bathmats underfoot
- Luxurious bathrobes and slippers
- Aromatic candles and ambient mood lighting
- Tray tables for drinks, books and devices
- Built-in or freestanding shelving for bath accessories
- Baskets and bins for fresh bath linens
- Privacy curtains or glass block windows
- An audio system with ceiling-mounted speakers
- Radiant floor heating for toes and towels
- Wall-mounted warming drawers for spa essentials
- A fireplace or wall-mounted fire feature
- Potted plants and flowers blooming from the moisture
- Tiered caddies filled with bath salts, oils and bubbles
- An in-tub or undermount beverage cooler
- A mini-fridge stocked with chilled towels and beverages
- Wall art, mirrors and decorative sconces
- A mounted TV or tablet for movies and shows
Little luxuries like these will make your bath an irresistible escape from the everyday. Once you start relaxing here, you’ll never want to leave!
Make a Statement with Color and Pattern
Don’t be afraid to add bold, artistic flair to your bath with color and pattern. Here are some eye-catching ways to decorate:
Vibrant paint colors. Coat walls, cabinets, even ceilings in vivid hues. Try exotic colors like persimmon, chartreuse or sapphire blue. Glossy paint adds depth and makes colors pop even more.
Wallpaper. Choose lively prints and patterns to decorate walls and ceilings. Florals, geometrics and abstract designs all pack visual punch. Use removable papers for easier updating down the road.
Colorful tiles. Turn tub/shower surrounds and backsplashes into mosaic masterpieces. Mix and match colors, shapes and textures. Install tiles in graphic patterns like chevron, herringbone and starburst designs.
Painted floors. Make a floor as fun as the walls by painting it in deep, bold colors or in wide stripes. Use colors found on the walls for a pulled-together palette. Seal with polyurethane for protection.
Metallics. The warm sheen of bronze, copper and gold brings glamorous flair, as do reflective finishes like hammered nickel, polished chrome or pewter. Try metallic wall tiles or cabinetry accents.
Eclectic accessories. Add personality with multi-patterned towels, shower curtains, rugs and home decor items. Mix colors and patterns without worrying about clashing.
Glass accents. Clear glass vessel sinks, tub partitions, mirror frames and shelving keep the room feeling open and airy. For extra elegance, choose colored, frosted or etched glass.
By embracing vivid hues, fun motifs and artistic accents, you can energize your bath with style that awakens the senses.
Bathroom Flooring with Flair
Flooring is one of the most exciting ways to make a style statement in today’s bathrooms. Take a walk on the wild side with these flooring ideas:
- Bold graphic tiles like harlequin diamonds or zigzag chevrons
- Shimmery glass mosaics for a glittering effect
- Mirrored tiles amping up the glam factor
- Natural stone patterns reminiscent of a Turkish bath
- Warm hardwoods, perfect for a calming spa feel
- Painted concrete floors in vibrant matte hues
- Radiant heated floors for luxury underfoot
- Patterns of diminishing tile sizes for visual interest
- Colorful stained concrete in hues like lagoon blue
- Faux animal hides adding organic texture
- Geometric terrazzo designs in bold aggregate mixes
- Shapes like hexagons and octagons for Moroccan flair
- Vintage mosaic tile salvaged from historical buildings
- Bold black and white checks or graphic stripes
- Metallic finishes like pewter, bronze and mercury glass
With so many options, it’s tempting to decorate on the floor first and design the rest of the room around that stunning foundation!
Incorporate the Healing Arts
For a true mind-body-spirit bath sanctuary, incorporate decorative elements rooted in wellness traditions from around the globe:
Himalayan salt tiles: Glowing, rosy slabs of salt tiles clean the air through hygroscopy. Bathe in the warm, healing glow.
Reflexology shower floors: Patterns of pebbles, tiles and textures massage and stimulate pressure points on feet.
Chromatherapy: Color-shifting LED lighting promotes relaxation, vitality and focus through light wavelengths.
Aromatherapy: Use essential oils in baths, candles, diffusers and skincare products. Inhale relaxation and well-being.
Crystals: Place crystals like amethyst, rose quartz and citrine around the room to manifest desired energies.
Sound therapy: Hang soothing wind chimes or place singing bowls and gongs to relax and meditate to.
Far infrared saunas: Release toxins and rejuvenate muscles. FIR also promotes glowing skin.
Meditation spaces: Create an area for quiet contemplation with an altar, pillows, candle and statue.
Herbal baths: Use fresh or dried herbs like lavender, rosemary and mint to enhance and heal the bathing experience.
Steam/hydrotherapy: Offer healing humidity and moisture to sinuses and skin with steam rooms.
By incorporating wellness elements into your bath, you can soothe the body, calm the mind and uplift the spirit.
Smart Home Technology for Ultimate Convenience
Today it’s easier than ever to control your bath via smart home technology for the ultimate in comfort and convenience:
- Voice Control — Give voice commands to preset lighting, start the tub, play music and more. Compatible with Siri, Alexa, etc.
- Digital Assistants — Ask a virtual assistant to start filling your tub, play your bathtime playlist and share your schedule.
- Smart Faucets — Turn on/off, set perfect temps and fill tubs via app from anywhere. No more surprises when you get home.
- Water Monitors — Sensors monitor usage and leaks, shutting off water automatically if needed. Get alerts if repairs are required.
- Wireless Controls — Adjust settings like lighting, heat and jets via remote, tablet or smartphone app.
- Smart Mirrors — Mirrors double as touchscreen devices for news, weather, and displaying visual spa effects.
- Aromatherapy Diffusers — Automated diffusers release relaxing essential oils on customized schedules via smart apps.
- Entertainment Integration — Stream music and video to built-in waterproof speakers and displays.
Take advantage of smart home tech to customize and automate your bath for maximum enjoyment with minimum effort. Your dream spa is now in the palm of your hand!
FAQs About Contemporary Bathroom Design Trends
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating a beautiful, relaxing bathroom sanctuary:
What are some popular freestanding tub materials?
Popular materials for freestanding tubs include enameled cast iron, natural stone composites, acrylic, copper, and wood slabs. Choose materials that offer durability, easy cleaning, and design appeal.
How can I add a spa vibe to my bathroom?
Add elements like soft lighting, aromatherapy candles, plush towels, nature sounds or music, indoor plants, artwork, and a serene color scheme of whites, greens, and blues.
What type of flooring works best in bathrooms?
Water-resistant flooring that offers traction when wet is key. Top options include porcelain or ceramic tile, natural stone, linoleum, vinyl, and sealed hardwoods. Avoid carpeting.
What are some budget-friendly bathroom upgrades?
Update lighting fixtures, swap in new cabinet hardware, paint or apply decorative wallpaper, replace shower curtains and bath accessories in colors and patterns you love.
How can I make a small bathroom feel more spacious?
Use wall-mounted fixtures, elongated mirrors, glass partitions around tubs/showers, pedestal sinks, floating shelves rather than bulky cabinets, and bright, light colors on walls.
What design tips make a bathroom safer?
Install grab bars in tub/shower areas, use anti-slip mats and tub decals, make sure lighting is bright, ensure electrical outlets have GFCI protection, and utilize a thermostatic mixing valve on the tub.
How can I add a spa-like experience to my existing tub?
Consider adding a tub
