See the Bathroom Styles Homeowners Want Now
Get ideas for vanity styles, wall and flooring materials, colors and more from the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study
Mitchell Parker
November 2, 2021
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
Figuring out the look of your bathroom involves some big decisions. Design and remodeling professionals can help you choose the right materials, colors and other elements to reflect your style and create the atmosphere you want. And a look at the most common bathroom renovation selections can provide a good jumping-off point for making those selections.
Here we share popular choices for walls and flooring, vanities and countertops, sinks and faucets, showers and bathtubs, and mirrors and lighting from the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.
Here we share popular choices for walls and flooring, vanities and countertops, sinks and faucets, showers and bathtubs, and mirrors and lighting from the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.
Overall Style
First, it’s important to determine the overall style of bathroom you want. This “North Star” will help guide you and your design team’s decisions along the way.
And chances are, your existing style isn’t cutting it. Among homeowners renovating their bathroom, nearly 9 in 10 (88%) go for a style change.
Modern is the most popular design style (20%), followed closely by transitional. Contemporary isn’t far behind. But while traditional style saw a slight increase in interest, from 9% in 2019 to 12% in 2020, the style dropped in favor down to 10% in 2021.
Find a bathroom designer near you
First, it’s important to determine the overall style of bathroom you want. This “North Star” will help guide you and your design team’s decisions along the way.
And chances are, your existing style isn’t cutting it. Among homeowners renovating their bathroom, nearly 9 in 10 (88%) go for a style change.
Modern is the most popular design style (20%), followed closely by transitional. Contemporary isn’t far behind. But while traditional style saw a slight increase in interest, from 9% in 2019 to 12% in 2020, the style dropped in favor down to 10% in 2021.
Find a bathroom designer near you
This Dallas bathroom by Spruill Remodel is an example of beautiful transitional style. Timeless oak cabinetry features flat-panel fronts for a more modern look.
A traditional-looking three-light sconce is mounted between two arched mirrors. Marble-look quartz countertops and marble-look porcelain shower tile offer a classic look in a durable material.
Streamlined faucets bridge the gap between traditional and modern styles. The flooring is porcelain tile that mimics the look of limestone.
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A traditional-looking three-light sconce is mounted between two arched mirrors. Marble-look quartz countertops and marble-look porcelain shower tile offer a classic look in a durable material.
Streamlined faucets bridge the gap between traditional and modern styles. The flooring is porcelain tile that mimics the look of limestone.
Shop for a bathroom vanity
1. Walls and Floors
Walls and floors comprise the largest visual surface in a bathroom, so the choices you make for them will set the tone and influence a lot of other decisions in the space.
A vast majority of homeowners update their wall and flooring finishes during a bathroom renovation (84% each). White is by far the most common selection for walls inside the shower (46%) and outside the shower (34%). But 16% of homeowners go for gray walls inside the shower, and more than a quarter of homeowners (27%) go for gray walls outside the shower.
Beige dropped 2 points, to 12%, for walls outside the shower, while blue made a strong showing at 11%.
Walls and floors comprise the largest visual surface in a bathroom, so the choices you make for them will set the tone and influence a lot of other decisions in the space.
A vast majority of homeowners update their wall and flooring finishes during a bathroom renovation (84% each). White is by far the most common selection for walls inside the shower (46%) and outside the shower (34%). But 16% of homeowners go for gray walls inside the shower, and more than a quarter of homeowners (27%) go for gray walls outside the shower.
Beige dropped 2 points, to 12%, for walls outside the shower, while blue made a strong showing at 11%.
This Chicago bathroom by M House Development shows how white-and-gray walls inside a shower and out can create a soothing, elegant feel.
The side walls are a warm light gray, while the vanity wall is a rich charcoal. The marbled tile on the floor and inside the shower ties the various whites and grays together for a cohesive look.
The side walls are a warm light gray, while the vanity wall is a rich charcoal. The marbled tile on the floor and inside the shower ties the various whites and grays together for a cohesive look.
Paint is the most common application of color for walls outside the shower (79%).
Also outside the shower, ceramic or porcelain is the most popular flooring material (59%). It’s the second-most-common material choice for walls (23%), though its popularity dropped 3 points year over year.
Meanwhile, marble is making gains. Some 13% of homeowners choose marble for their flooring, a 3-point increase year over year. And 6% select marble for nonshower walls, up 2 points from the previous year.
Also outside the shower, ceramic or porcelain is the most popular flooring material (59%). It’s the second-most-common material choice for walls (23%), though its popularity dropped 3 points year over year.
Meanwhile, marble is making gains. Some 13% of homeowners choose marble for their flooring, a 3-point increase year over year. And 6% select marble for nonshower walls, up 2 points from the previous year.
Butter Lutz Interiors used marble tiles in various sizes for the floors and walls inside and outside the shower in this Austin, Texas, bathroom. Rich wood detailing on the upper half of the walls warms the cool marble.
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2. Vanities and Countertops
A vanity is often the workhorse of a bathroom. It’s got to adequately store all the toothbrushes, hair styling tools and other products. Plus, its size and countertop surface mean it greatly affects the overall look of a space.
Most homeowners (76%) upgrade their vanity cabinet during a renovation, and the majority of homeowners choose a custom vanity (34%) or a semicustom one (22%). That preference for customization explains why vanity cabinets are twice as likely to be built in (56%) as they are to be freestanding (30%).
When it comes to looks, Shaker-style cabinetry is the most popular style choice (44%), but flat-panel cabinets rose 3 points year over year, to 31%.
As with walls, white is the most popular color choice for a vanity (32%). But wood is close behind (27%). And of the 81% of homeowners who upgrade their vanity countertops, 58% choose a white material, up 7 points year over year (see previous slide “Top Colors in Renovated Bathrooms”).
A vanity is often the workhorse of a bathroom. It’s got to adequately store all the toothbrushes, hair styling tools and other products. Plus, its size and countertop surface mean it greatly affects the overall look of a space.
Most homeowners (76%) upgrade their vanity cabinet during a renovation, and the majority of homeowners choose a custom vanity (34%) or a semicustom one (22%). That preference for customization explains why vanity cabinets are twice as likely to be built in (56%) as they are to be freestanding (30%).
When it comes to looks, Shaker-style cabinetry is the most popular style choice (44%), but flat-panel cabinets rose 3 points year over year, to 31%.
As with walls, white is the most popular color choice for a vanity (32%). But wood is close behind (27%). And of the 81% of homeowners who upgrade their vanity countertops, 58% choose a white material, up 7 points year over year (see previous slide “Top Colors in Renovated Bathrooms”).
This Salt Lake City bathroom by Andrea West Design shows a beautiful example of a light wood, built-in Shaker-style vanity with a white-based countertop.
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The 10 Most Popular Bathrooms of Summer 2021
3. Faucets and Sinks
Faucets are the most upgraded bathroom feature among renovating homeowners (88%). More than a quarter (28%) choose a water-efficient model, 14% go for a finish that doesn’t show fingerprints and 4% select a model that operates by touch or a wave of the hand.
More than three-quarters (77%) of homeowners upgrade their sinks, up 3 points year over year. The vast majority (67%) choose an undermount sink versus a drop-in (14%), vessel (9%), console (6%), trough (4%), pedestal (2%) or wall-mount (1%) version.
And while most homeowners (63%) opt for double sinks, the number has been declining since 2019 and dropped 5 points in 2021 compared with 2020.
Faucets are the most upgraded bathroom feature among renovating homeowners (88%). More than a quarter (28%) choose a water-efficient model, 14% go for a finish that doesn’t show fingerprints and 4% select a model that operates by touch or a wave of the hand.
More than three-quarters (77%) of homeowners upgrade their sinks, up 3 points year over year. The vast majority (67%) choose an undermount sink versus a drop-in (14%), vessel (9%), console (6%), trough (4%), pedestal (2%) or wall-mount (1%) version.
And while most homeowners (63%) opt for double sinks, the number has been declining since 2019 and dropped 5 points in 2021 compared with 2020.
This Seattle bathroom by Eclectic Designs features double undermount sinks with transitional-style faucets in a brushed-nickel finish. Also notice the marble wall tile, white countertop and gray vanity, all popular trends revealed in the study.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
4. Showers and Bathtubs
What good is a bathroom without a proper shower? It’s no surprise that homeowners give a lot of attention to this area, with most (82%) upgrading their shower during a renovation.
A large majority (69%) choose ceramic or porcelain tile for the shower walls, while a little more than half (52%) choose ceramic or porcelain tile for the shower floors, down 4 points year over year.
As with marble use outside the shower, the classic material is rising in popularity for inside the shower as well. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) of homeowners choose marble for the shower floors, up 4 points since last year. The same portion of homeowners choose marble for the shower walls.
More than half (55%) choose a rain shower head, almost a quarter (23%) go for dual shower heads and 16% add body sprays.
What good is a bathroom without a proper shower? It’s no surprise that homeowners give a lot of attention to this area, with most (82%) upgrading their shower during a renovation.
A large majority (69%) choose ceramic or porcelain tile for the shower walls, while a little more than half (52%) choose ceramic or porcelain tile for the shower floors, down 4 points year over year.
As with marble use outside the shower, the classic material is rising in popularity for inside the shower as well. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) of homeowners choose marble for the shower floors, up 4 points since last year. The same portion of homeowners choose marble for the shower walls.
More than half (55%) choose a rain shower head, almost a quarter (23%) go for dual shower heads and 16% add body sprays.
This Atlanta bathroom by Innovative Construction shows many popular shower trends, including marble tile walls and flooring and a rain shower head. Notice other popular trends as well: white walls and a built-in wood vanity with a white-based countertop and an undermount sink.
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5 Common Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid
This Columbus, Ohio, bathroom by Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft features dual shower heads, one of which is a ceiling-mount rainfall model, plus a handheld sprayer. Light-colored porcelain tiles line the main shower walls, while a recessed strip of blue leaf-pattern ceramic tile forms an accent band.
The gray vanity, white countertop and gray walls are other bathroom features trending now.
The gray vanity, white countertop and gray walls are other bathroom features trending now.
Though not quite on the level of showers, bathtubs are another major area for renovations. Some 37% of homeowners upgrade the tub, 10% keep the same tub and 24% remove the tub altogether.
Of those who upgrade, 54% go with a freestanding flat-bottom tub. And most people (57%) choose an acrylic model.
Meanwhile, 26% upgrade to an alcove tub, also known as a shower-tub combo, which combines the functions of a shower and bathtub to save space.
Of those who upgrade, 54% go with a freestanding flat-bottom tub. And most people (57%) choose an acrylic model.
Meanwhile, 26% upgrade to an alcove tub, also known as a shower-tub combo, which combines the functions of a shower and bathtub to save space.
Dresner Design used a freestanding bathtub in this Chicago bathroom to create a welcoming spot below a picture window offering a leafy view. A large black chandelier, black textile-clad chair and black artwork add graphic elements.
Circle Design Studio created a stylish alcove tub in this Virginia bathroom by covering the tub apron and walls in white-and-gray marbled tile. Geometric floor tile and a deep blue vanity elevate the style even more.
5. Mirrors and Lighting
The right mirrors not only help you look your best, but add to the style of your space and reflect light around for an airier look.
More than three-quarters of homeowners (78%) upgrade their bathroom mirrors. And the majority (51%) install two mirrors instead of one (41%). One-fifth of homeowners choose mirrors with LED.
The right mirrors not only help you look your best, but add to the style of your space and reflect light around for an airier look.
More than three-quarters of homeowners (78%) upgrade their bathroom mirrors. And the majority (51%) install two mirrors instead of one (41%). One-fifth of homeowners choose mirrors with LED.
Four Brothers Design + Build installed two black-frame mirrors in this Washington, D.C., bathroom, creating beautiful symmetry above the double vanity.
You’ll also notice other popular features found in the bathroom trends study: a wood vanity, white countertop, double undermount sinks and marble tile on the walls.
You’ll also notice other popular features found in the bathroom trends study: a wood vanity, white countertop, double undermount sinks and marble tile on the walls.
Good lighting is high on the list of bathroom design features most recommended by design and remodeling professionals. And that’s also reflected in homeowner preferences, as 82% of renovating homeowners update their light fixtures.
The most popular choices are wall lights (57%) and recessed lights (55%). But lighted mirrors, pendant lights and chandeliers all inched up in popularity from last year.
Light fixtures that mix metal and glass remain the most desired choice (66%), although 1 in 5 renovators opts for an all-metal fixture (21%).
The most popular choices are wall lights (57%) and recessed lights (55%). But lighted mirrors, pendant lights and chandeliers all inched up in popularity from last year.
Light fixtures that mix metal and glass remain the most desired choice (66%), although 1 in 5 renovators opts for an all-metal fixture (21%).
This North Carolina bathroom by Atwood Fine Architectural Cabinetry shows a layered lighting approach with LED-lit mirrors, wall lights and recessed ceiling lights.
The 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study gathered information from 2,891 Houzz users who reported that they were homeowners age 18 or older who had completed a master bathroom remodel or addition in the past 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The survey was fielded between July 21 and July 27, 2021.
See more and download the full study here
More on Houzz
5 Big Takeaways From the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study
Browse bathroom photos for inspiration
Read stories about bathroom design
Shop for bathroom products
The 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study gathered information from 2,891 Houzz users who reported that they were homeowners age 18 or older who had completed a master bathroom remodel or addition in the past 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The survey was fielded between July 21 and July 27, 2021.
See more and download the full study here
More on Houzz
5 Big Takeaways From the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study
Browse bathroom photos for inspiration
Read stories about bathroom design
Shop for bathroom products
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Don’t use drywall. Pick wet-room materials, including window suitable for a wet environment. Better to avoid sills and recessed ledges. If used, slope slightly outward to drain rather than retain moisture. Recommend epoxy mortar and grout. Non porous finishes inside shower only. Pretty as natural stone is, many are porous and no amount of sealant will improve the issue. Ordinary caulk is out of the question. Consider materials used in the marine industry.
These surveys are fine if you’re considering resale. Otherwise, choose what you love!
Bathtubs are great if you could get into them ..like with two feet on the ground. Balancing on one leg to get in and out of a tub grows tiresome.