This year many bathrooms are getting a fresh update. Big trends are shaping how designs look and feel this season, and the WGSN report highlights these key changes. This article breaks down six major trends from the report, showing how global changes influence everyday living. Whether it’s new design ideas or fresh products, these trends help people refresh their spaces.
Table of Contents
6 trends that will shape the bathroom market in A/W 2025
1. Dynamic living
2. Dual realities
3. Restorative focus
4. Ornate retro
5. Biophilia-connected
6. Layered craft
Bottom line
6 trends that will shape the bathroom market in A/W 2025
1. Dynamic living
Future homes will need to be more adaptable, and bathrooms are becoming a key focus for people looking to maximize their living spaces. This shift drives designs that make bathrooms more flexible and practical as consumers increasingly want their spaces to serve multiple purposes.
Examples to watch:
The Anfibio bathroom collection by Matteo Ragni for Azzurra introduces a multifunctional washbasin with built-in storage and shelving to simplify everyday routines. Similarly, Cape Town retailer Urban Toolshed teamed up with TheUrbanative to create smart storage solutions, like the Buhle Ring wall hook, which combines a sculptural design with practical functionality.
How to apply this trend:
- Prioritize inclusivity by designing bathroom features for people of all abilities and body types.
- Add flexibility with modular furniture and storage, such as adjustable shelving or compartments.
- Include small, functional details like hooks for hanging shower products, built-in anti-fog mirrors, and integrated storage. For inspiration, look to designs like the Cool Collection by Brooklyn-based Sproost.
2. Dual realities
Futuristic designs inspired by the digital metaverse give minimalist bathrooms a fresh, modern look. These designs combine industrial styles with layered transparency, clever use of light, and shiny reflective surfaces. Products that serve multiple purposes are also becoming more popular.
Examples to watch:
- Color C Studio, a 3D design studio with locations in Amsterdam and Cape Town, created a concept featuring a bathroom on a moving train. This design blurs the lines between digital and real spaces, creating an immersive, otherworldly experience.
- London-based designer Charlotte Taylor designed a Joshua Tree residence with an open floor plan. It features a glass shower in the bedroom, merging real and virtual aesthetics to create a mixed-reality vibe.
How to apply this trend:
- Use cool metallic finishes, like brushed metal, for bathroom fixtures, hardware, and accessories to create a sleek, futuristic look.
- Add unexpected Key Colors to transparent or semi-transparent materials. For instance, Germany’s Axor features bathtubs in warm amber tones made from durable stone resin.
3. Restorative focus
Well-being has quickly become something important for consumers. Even better, they now prioritize it when creating the ultimate bathroom space. This trend means retailers must focus on restorative qualities, especially those that engage all the homeowner’s senses.
Business buyers can do this by stocking their collections with scent-scalping items like diffusers and accessories that promote well-being. The best part? Retailers can also tap into consumers’ increasing worry about water consumption by implementing these strategies in the shower and bathtub.
Examples to watch:
Some brands are already making the most of this trend, like The Maana Kyoto Villa. This boutique hotel offers a luxurious Japanese aesthetic with the perfect combo of soothing materials, creating an amazing soothing setting. But what makes this approach stand out is the presence of weathered wood and sanded stone, as these design elements engage the senses with a tactility consumers love.
How to apply this trend:
- Since well-being is the new focus in bathrooms, retailers can spice things up by offering a soothing palette of warm neutral tones and stony hues, especially options that consumers can layer easily.
- Linen collections should also be given some love here. Business buyers can add waffle textures so consumers can enjoy subtle dimensions. Consider stocking variants with embossed wavy lines for floor mats—they’ll help enhance the user’s underfoot comfort.
4. Ornate retro
If one trend keeps gaining momentum, it’s the continued influence of historical references and the past. This time, however, it’s creating a blend of old and new aesthetics for the bathroom space, giving it that unique antique-inspired fashion.
Ornate retro appeals to all trend-aware consumers who like vintage elements. Even those who love traditional settings will appreciate this trend.
Examples to watch:
Vintage is a big hit, and Florence-based Ex.t has already recognized its potential. The brand designed a collection of bathroom furnishings that gave past designs a modern twist. Its assortment of bathroom furniture also highlights eye-catching yet unexpected Color trends and traditionally inspired silhouettes.
How to apply this trend:
- Retro may be a popular trend, but only some people love the aesthetic. For this reason, retailers should test the appeal of retro to their audience by starting with small details. Think faucet handles, towel rings, and bath accessories—they are perfect for adding ornaments to bathrooms.
- Another approach businesses can take is restoring vintage hardware and fixtures, especially for cost-conscious retro lovers who want affordable authenticity.
- Including antique details is another great way to action this trend. Retailers can consider details like claw feet for slipper tubs and telephone handles for shower systems.
5. Biophilia-connected
The climate crisis still influences consumer behavior and purchase decisions, meaning nature will remain a big trend moving forward—and bathrooms are no exception. This trend targets bathroom interiors and furnishings with natural materials and organic textures—design elements that bring a sense of the outdoors inside.
Examples to watch:
Wood is a core part of the biophilia trend, thanks to its rich, comforting look, which is hard to resist in modern bathrooms. That’s what Paris-based interior design and architecture firm Liaigre focuses on, especially with its wooden bathtub design. The idea stands out strikingly because of the contrast between the surrounding stone walls and flooring and the wooden tub, which appeals to residential and hospitality spaces.
How to apply this trend:
- Natural pigments are also a big part of this trend. Hence, retailers should offer bathtubs, countertops, and wall tiles in vegetal green shades and other versatile colors (like Apricot Crush).
- Businesses should offer responsibly sourced and reclaimed wood for bathroom furnishings, flooring, and walls.
- Bathroom textiles should also get biophilia updates with botanical prints. Puckering and textural stitching are great ways to offer a moss-inspired dimension. Lastly, twisted fringe can help enhance the space’s overall organic effect.
6. Layered craft
Following the retro revival, consumers are increasingly interested in traditional materials and handcrafted techniques. The layered craft theme brings decorative furnishings that transform bathroom spaces into something more eclectic. If consumers have a knack for artisanal perspectives, they will love the authentic, one-of-a-kind design embodied in this trend.
Examples to watch:
One retailer already leveraging this trend is the Poland-based Etsy shop Drewnokreacja. It offers handmade wooden bathtubs made from high-quality oak. Drewnokreacja stands out because it combines craftsmanship with more modern silhouettes, presenting an eye-catching statement piece.
How to apply this trend:
- Follow Drewnokreacja’s example by showcasing classic weaving and wrapping traditions. It’s one of the best ways to present an authentic handmade appearance for bath products made from rattan, bamboo, cane, and seagrass.
- Alternatively, businesses can consider embroidery and needlepoint traditions for bath linens for that unique bohemian look.
- Lastly, blend traditional weaves and digital printing techniques to create new pattern effects for shower curtains and bath mats.
Bottom line
Many consumers see their bathroom spaces as key investments, especially those looking to transform them into a therapeutic haven for self-care. Retailers can address this growing need with products that create a sense of comfort. They should also tap into the appeal of natural materials, like travertine, marbled stone, and sandstone. These design trends prove that consumers want the best ways to feel good in their spaces, and businesses can help with that by following these six key trends.
