Tastes change, purchasing habits evolve or disappear, and we are now in the age of individuality and personalisation. With the current year fast disappearing and a new year on the horizon, now is the time to start looking at the potential and expected 2023 bathroom trends.
The start of a new year is always the ideal time to consider what to do with your home and start planning the changes you want to make. If your bathroom is looking tired, old and in need of reinvigoration, or if you are simply wanting a change of scenery, then ‘new year, new me’ does not just have to apply personally.
From freestanding baths to wall hung vanity units, what customers are searching for and buying online can give an indication of current trends, as well as predicting what will be in vogue in the future. As in previous years, experts from across the industry, including our own Leeds Showroom Manager, Paul Wells, have contributed predictions for 2023.
Jump To Section
- What are the 2023 Bathroom Colour Trends?
- What are the 2023 Bathroom Product Trends?
- Will 2023 Bathroom Trends Change From Previous Years?
- What Are the 2023 Bathroom Tile Trends?
- What Bathroom Trends Are Manufacturers Missing Out On?
- Will 2023 Be The Year of Eco Bathroom Products & Sustainability?
- How Will The Economy Impact 2023 Bathroom Trends?
- Where Can I Get Ideas & Keep Up To Date on 2023 Bathroom Trends?
- Where Can I Read About 2021 & 2022 Bathroom Trends?
(c) Roper Rhodes - Widcombe 1200 Curved Double Basin Unit in Pewter
What Will The 2023 Bathroom Colour & Style Trends Be?
“Bright and uplifting colour is back for 2023” declares Zoe Jones, Senior Content Producer & Interior Designer at Roper Rhodes. This is a common theme and consensus among the experts. The trend of personalisation has been affected by the Covid pandemic, which made many people place more value on their home space as a result of spending longer hours at home, as well as working from home, each day.
Additionally, the feeling that bathroom design – to an extent – is having less of an impact on house valuations has led to many homeowners designing bathrooms in keeping with their own taste and style, over the needs of what prospective future buyers may want.
Colour has exploded in recent years as such, and while some has come and gone, others remain popular or surging in demand. So, what’s in store for 2023?
1. Brushed Bronze & Golds
Metallic colours have grown in popularity over the last few years with brushed bronze and brushed gold really making their mark. These colours complement most palettes, from dark colours, warmer and earthy tones, to neutral colours like white.
Rising demand has led to the launch of a new finish, brushed bronze, into the market, which CEO of Just Taps Plus, Jeevan Seth, says has been dictated by customer demand: “We’re also noticing a lot of consumers are after new and unique finishes, making the introduction of our new Brushed Bronze all the more important.”
(c) Just Tap Plus - JTP Vos Brushed Bronze Single Lever Mixer
It is a similar story for Origins Living with founder Sofia Charalambous advising that some of their mirrors have seen a boom in 2022 in bronze: “Brushed bronze is definitely one finish to watch. We predict this exquisite finish will be making a big splash in the world of bathroom design.”
Paul Wells, Showroom Manager here at Sanctuary Bathrooms, also agrees with this: “Colours are going to be big next year. It’s going to about the new colours in terms of brushed bronze, as well as existing colours in gold and brasses.”
And James Sketch of KEUCO adds: “Colour will continue to make an impact, we’ve seen a distinct increase in the sales of black, from accessories right through to taps and showers, whilst nickel and brass tones are beginning to make an impression in design trend.”
2. Blues and Greens
Natural colours will be popular in 2023 as the notion of biophilic design continues into next year. Biophilia is a term used to describe bringing the outdoors inside. This translates into lots of natural colours, wood tones, the inclusion of oxygenating plants and patterns that are reflective of flora and fauna.
Underlying colours will come in the form of blue and green hues, these calming colours intended to promote relaxation, purity and health, as well as evoking spa-like interiors. Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs, predicts that “green and blue will remain popular”, which is something Paul Wells agrees with: “in terms of bathroom colours, greens and blue hues are popular and will continue to be in 2023 because of the spa-like feel and natural look.”
Jeevan Seth also advises that the nature-aspect is driven by consumers with “a growing desire to create sanctuaries at home, using different nature-inspired shades.”
3. Chequerboard
It may come as a surprise that chequerboard, chessboard, or even monochromatic mosaics will start to enter the bathroom space. A more classical and period-style look, perhaps more commonly associated with the foyer of a luxury hotel, this style can be used to great effect on both floors and as a stylish feature wall.
Zoe Jones says: “Chessboard and chequerboard floors can be seen in both bathroom and kitchen design in classic Victorian palettes, while checkered mosaic wall tiles are embracing softer, more feminine colours.”
(c) Roper Rhodes - Tavistock Marston Traditional 500 Bathroom Vanity in Dark Grey in Chequerboard Tiled Bathroom
Checks and stripes will be popular, either as standalone designs or used together,” agrees Barrie Cutchie.
4. Cottagecore
Cottagecore exploded as a trend on social media channels early into the pandemic but has actually been around for a longer period. This trend focuses on the world around us, on a slower pace of life and takes inspiration from traditional farmhouses and rural life.
These are the features that Zoe Jones believes will sit alongside colour in 2023: “Running side by side our newfound love of colour in the bathroom is the profusion of texture, colour and pattern exemplified by cottagecore.
“Ranging in decor intensity from dainty florals to gaudy neon frills, our preoccupation with all things pastoral has firmly taken hold in the interior design world.
“Get the cottagecore look in your bathroom by opting for traditional furniture, aged brassware and panelled or wainscoted walls. Duck egg blue, pink and racing green are all colours that exemplify this charming, unique bathroom trend.”
Margaret Talbot, VitrA UK’s Marketing Manager, believes it is a trend that has surprised people in 2022 too stating about Cottagecore: “a look we last saw in the 80s has enjoyed a resurgence with a small number of consumers looking back to period styles of brassware in brass, copper and decorated sanitaryware.”
5. Bright Colours
“When it comes to bathroom design, there is no longer a rulebook to how these spaces should be decorated anymore, particularly as homeowners are now becoming more experimental with their interior choices,” says Jeevan Seth. ”Homeowners are no longer afraid to take on vibrant shades and mix them with unexpected colours.”
There has always been a demand for bright colours in the market, but they have often been considered more daring or niche. Nevertheless, more brands are recognising that there is a demand for colours and patterns. Jorge Hernandez, Product and Design Manager at Bathroom Brands Group, which includes Crosswater and Burlington, says consumers are shifting away from simple colours: “We’re now seeing the natural progression from this minimalism into a more widely accepted expression of colour and texture. This opens the door to revival trends inspired by previous eras of design and characterised by a more maximalist approach.”
Sarah Fowler from JIS Europe think that certain bright colours may emerge more than others: “I think pink will continue, as well as maroon and acid yellow as a highlight colour.”
6. The London Influence
Regional style-trends often vary. Nevertheless, the market will continue to adapt to the so-called London influence.
“London is a cosmopolitan city, which as well as disposable income, has a huge population with a variety of tastes, and personal styles. As such, there is a regional difference in terms of popularity and trends,” explains Paul Wells.
“The capital plays a big part in dictating the trends that come to the fore with manufacturers focusing on London, so new, emerging and even resurgent trends in London over the last few months of 2022 could dictate how the market changes in 2023 in terms of trends.
“What we see in London in recent months and the next few upcoming months in terms of ranges and demand will slowly seep into other areas of the country over the course of 2023.”
How Will Bathroom Products, Fixtures and Fittings Trends Change in 2023?
In addition to changing colour trends, the style of products we put in our bathroom are likely to change too. Whether it’s toilets or baths, we asked the experts to provide their insight into the bathroom product trends of 2023.
1. Showers Continue To Grow Over Baths
A returning prediction from 2022, the inclusion of showers in bathrooms will continue to rise as more people opt for eye-catching walk-in showers and wetrooms over bathtubs. Showers have progressively become a must-have fixture in the bathroom space, which Paul Wells explains: “Walk in showers are still doing well in terms of sales, as are freestanding baths as an aspirational product. Certainly, many of the customers that we have in the showroom want one or the other but low profiles, walk in showers and wetrooms are certainly the go-to item still.”
Whether standalone or over-bath, the shower provides convenience and functionality, particularly for busy people. One interesting statistic from BC Designs is that they have seen an increase to “25% now over-bath showering compared to 10% pre-pandemic.”
2. Freestanding Baths & Freestanding Shower Baths Replacing Standard Baths
Another prediction from our experts was that freestanding baths will continue to surge ahead of standard straight or square baths.
Until recently, the freestanding bath has been reserved for those with larger spaces and with more disposable income to splash out. However, now even those with more limited space – such as a standard sized family bathroom – no longer need to compromise or feel that a freestanding bath is out of reach.
In fact, back to wall freestanding baths and freestanding shower baths can easily sit against a wall, providing the luxury of a freestanding bath, as well as the practicality of a shower system or shower handset for those who still want convenience. Paul Wells advises: “When it comes to shower baths, freestanding shower baths are more popular than standard baths. This is because it avoids the need for a bath and a separate panel, while the freestanding shower baths tend to have it all in one for a clean look. It also compromises between the luxury of a freestanding bath, while also keeping the practicality and convenience of a shower.
Barrie Cutchie explains: “High up on the list of ‘must haves’ are larger bathtubs, including freestanding models, all of which ties into five-star, luxury bathroom.
“This ties into the sales of freestanding baths, where on average, we’ve seen an increase of 30% on sales.”
(c) BC Designs/Darren Chung - BC Designs Boat Bath & Brassware in Chequerboard Bathroom - Bathroom Owner: @fifilabellehats
Meanwhile, the team at House of Rohl, which includes brands such as Victoria and Albert and Riobel, also predict that the move towards larger baths will see the removal of the taboo of bathing with a partner: “The idea of unwinding in a hot bath with your partner is less sensational than it once was.
“There are practical considerations, of course. Larger baths will obviously be more comfortable for two, and it makes sense to choose a symmetrical shape so there is no argument about the best end.”
3. Close Coupled WCs Replaced By Cleaner Look of Wall Hung or Back to Wall Toilets
Close-coupled toilets have long been a staple of the British bathroom. Their simple design and exposed cistern made them appropriate for any space. Nevertheless, one trend that is on the radar of many experts is the gradual decline of the close-coupled toilet as people move towards more spacious-looking and cleaner-finished bathrooms. This will likely coincide with a rise of wall hung toilets and back to wall toilets, which conceal pipework and cistern for a neater finish, while saving more space in the bathroom.
Paul Wells explains: “From the point of view of other products, wall hung toilets and back to wall toilets are now more popular than the common close-coupled toilet. This comes back to people wanting a cleaner and more open aesthetic in their bathroom space, as it helps to open the bathroom up, as well as creating more space.”
(c) Villeroy and Boch - Collaro Kansas Oak Wall Hung Vanity Unit & Venticello Rimless Wall Hung Toilet
4. Wall Hung Basins & Storage Will Mean Pedestal Basins Are More Niche
Along a similar line, the popularity of storage has seen a dramatic increase. As with the decline in close-coupled toilets, this has resulted in a move away from another staple of the British bathroom: the pedestal basin.
While still a great option for many bathrooms, the pedestal basin prevents those with limited space from maximising what space they do have to the full. As such, wall mounted basins along with separate under-storage such as baskets or drawers, or wall hung vanity units coupled with vanity basins or countertop basins, are the preferred choice. These combinations not only serve to update the basin but provide vital space to tidy things away and achieve that cleaner look.
“There is still a market for traditional pedestal basins,” says Paul Wells, “but the key thing is that people want storage more than ever now, and a wall hung vanity unit and vanity basin, or a worktop with a countertop basin or vessel sink are simply easier. Again, the wall hung element opens up the space.
“The hotel-look and luxury appearance is still one of the most popular bathroom styles, and while countertop basins are less sought after than vanity units and basins, they do create that Instagrammable and Pinterest look. Some brands also have matching countertop basins and freestanding baths for a complementary look with consistency something customers look for.”
(c) Victoria and Albert - Ravello Countertop Basin
5. Curves & Soft Lines
Barrie Cutchie predicts that curves and soft lines will be a big feature of 2023: “Curves and softer lines will be a big trend into 2023.
“Curves isn’t a new phenomenon in bathroom design, but the concept has come to the forefront, in part due to the pandemic.
“Adding curves can introduce a visual rhythm that infuses a more relaxed, softer feel to the space, removing harsh lines and angular corners.”
This is something Sofia Charalambous agrees with: “Curves are the most sought-after shape. With an organic natural flowing silhouette, it’s all about curves in the right bathrooms.”
And Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK says: “Look out for a resurgence in curves – we’re moving away from the strong geometrical lines that have been such a big part of the minimal bathroom, towards something a little softer.”
6. Matt White Experiment Has Ended
A few years ago, as consumers sought after different finishes, there was a rise in matt white fixtures and fittings. Nevertheless, whereas the likes of the matt black finish have gone from strength to strength, white items have seen a slow demise.
Paul Wells advises: “Matt white fixtures are the ones to be niche or disappear completely. They are no longer popular and were a bit of a fad and experimentation at the time. The problem was that manufacturers never really provided complementary ranges, and it only really worked with black fixtures, where brass and gold colours have now displaced white. Customers have also turned away from all-white bathrooms in favour of colour and experimentation.
Will 2023 Bathroom Trends Change From 2022 and Previous Years?
The 2022 bathroom trend predications included such things as Japandi schemes, transitional design, more subdued colours instead of bold, as well as a growth in ‘doubling up’ where bathrooms would have separate basins and vanity units rather than a shared space used by one person.
While some of these remain very niche or are predicted to flip again in respect of colours, many of them are unlikely to change. Biophilic design is still very much going to be a huge feature of bathrooms, while people are experimenting with their spaces in terms of colours, styles, and looking to create their own personal sense of luxury in any way they can.
What Are the 2023 Bathroom Tile Trends?
Along with bathroom product trends, we have also explored what some of the 2023 bathroom tile trends will be. Tiles are such a dynamic product, with many finishes, designs, patterns and styles available, all of which can add a personal touch, and a slice of personality into your space.
1. Coloured Tiles
“Many people want to create a stylish feature wall so using coloured, patterned, or stylish tiles is one way of doing this,” says Paul Wells, Sanctuary Bathrooms’ Showroom Manager.
“One thing that is changing is that people are no longer tiling their bathroom in the entirety. Instead, homeowners are turning towards part-tiling or doing half-and-half bathrooms with paint colours, again exploring styles and colours.
“Nevertheless, more colour is certainly coming to the fore, and we anticipate that this is likely to explode more in the coming year.”
2. Grey Tiles
Paul also predicts that Grey Tiles will continue to be a safe bet. “Grey tiles remain a staple choice, as it is a safe colour that customers can use to work with a variety of other colours.”
3. Wooden Tones & Natural-Look Tiles
Tying into the theme of nature and bringing the outdoors inside, one style of tile that is becoming more popular is those with wooden tones, as well as natural colours and styles.
Krista Cowen, Brand Manager at tile specialists Ca’ Pietra says: “The trend for bringing the outside in, with more fluid and organic patterns, is key for 2023; our recent collaboration with artist Clarissa Hulse brings this to life with her bold and beautiful watercolour designs.”
(c) Ca' Pietra - Clarissa Hulse collaboration Jungle Hexagon Porcelain Tiles & Signature White Hexagon Porcelain Tiles
Paul Wells agrees adding: “Reeded wooden-look tiles will also be one that grows, and we have already seen this as people seek to create a natural outdoor or spa-like look.”
And Sofia Charalambous also thinks natural materials will play a vital part in 2023: “Introducing natural materials to the bathroom including bamboo will be huge as we seek to reconnect with nature.”
(c) Origins Living - Kenji Bamboo Bathroom Mirror - New in 2023
Jorge Hernandez believes this will remain dominant in certain bathroom themes and colour schemes: “Within the Japandi and Biophilia trends we think wood tones, and calming colours will remain dominant.”
4. Marble
It isn’t a new trend, but it is the one that everyone is talking about this year. Marble has always been seen as a more luxe product with rich veining and a hard, durable material providing both style and substance into any bathroom space.
While there is always a demand for real marble surfaces, some manufacturers are using faux marble and marble-looks to great effect, creating something that looks like the real material while taking sustainability into account.
Zoe Jones explains that, as well as existing marbles, consumers are now also searching for newer colours.
“The penchant for pale and neutral marble is bucking in favour of bolder, more dramatic tile trends and new and exciting materials.
“White, neutral crystal base marbles such as Calacatta and Carrara have been given a dramatic twist with the availability of deep black, gold, green and even purple veined stone such as Calacatta Viola, Bianco Lassa and Calacatta Gold, while interior magazines are brimming with coloured base marbles such as Triane yellow marble, serpentine green and lazulite blue.”
Krista Cowen adds: “The sumptuous ‘Marble Luxe’ look continues to be big in 2023, with consumers wanting to add a touch of luxury to their bathrooms,” citing their Long Island range, as well as the marble-effect Savoy collection in a polished porcelain as examples of the variety available to customers. “We anticipate marble continuing to be a popular trend.”
Meanwhile, Barrie Cutchie advises: “The use of marble, or excellent interpretations of marble on porcelain or ceramic tiles, are the bedrock of spa-esque design. Large format marble tiles work well as they provide a sleek finish as the size results in far fewer grout lines for a more premium finish.”
Are There Any Trends That Manufacturers Are Yet To Jump On?
One trend that manufacturers need to focus on and take advantage of in 2023, according to Paul Wells here at Sanctuary Bathrooms, is that of matching wall-mounted bath taps.
(c) House of Rohl / Riobel Parabola Chrome Wall Mounted Bath Shower Mixer
“One area that there is a real demand – and manufacturers are missing a trick – is the demand for more variety in finishes for wall-mounted bath taps. With freestanding baths extremely popular and many coming undrilled with tap holes too, customers are looking at stylish and clean brassware.
“They have done well with wall mounted basin taps and created some beautifully designed taps in this style, however, they some do not provide a matching wall mounted bath tap or bath shower mixer, which is unusual when customers usually want a consistent look if they are having a wall-mounted basin tap.
“This is something that has been growing for around seven years, and no manufacturer has really grasped the nettle, and made use of this trend.
“This is also surprising as some fitters are also advising more away from freestanding taps because of the impracticality of them being installed into the floor, and the potential for damage requiring them having to come out to fix.
“Whoever looks at this and expands their range in styles, colours and design could grow a decent revenue stream.”
Will 2023 See A Growing Trend of Eco-Friendly And Sustainability?
There is an increasing focus on the eco-friendliness of products and the impact of brands on the environment, as well as of consumers in terms of energy and water usage, and carbon footprint. Earlier in 2022, the topic of the cities likely to be affected by water scarcity was covered by Sanctuary Bathrooms. Are consumers really pushing for more sustainable products, or even asking about the impact of brands? There seems to be some difference of opinion on this and whether 2023 will continue this conversation.
Paul Wells explains that consumers, on the whole, have not been asking for the environmental credentials of brands or products because of the difficulty to adapt a bathroom to save energy and money, as well as water.
“Eco-friendly and sustainable products are the buzz in the market from a manufacturer point of view, who look to promote themselves on green features ahead of competitors.
“However, the reality is that not many customers deliberately ask or care about these features when speaking in the showroom, and one part of this is that the bathroom is extremely hard to adjust sustainably other than water-saving.
Yet brands say differently, and that sustainability will be key moving forward. “We predict a focus on more environmentally friendly options”, says Krista Cowen, while Sarah Fowler adds “Sustainability is going to be the by-word going forward.”
Many brands already incorporate environmentally-friendliness into their products with features and design changes included as USPs. Examples of this are the use of reclaimed or recycled materials, such as Ca’ Pietra in tiles, The Sussex Range by JIS who use recycled stainless steel in their towel rails, and GROHE who have innovative features such as aerators and water-saving functions in their taps and showers.
Additionally, the industry naturally adapts of its own accord, with products like dual flush toilets with adjustable or water-saving flush volumes now commonplace.
“Many manufacturers, such as in brassware like taps and showers, already have aerators, foamers and water-saving features already built-in so they are already embedded in the market without customers needing to ask for them,” Paul adds.
Is the Economy Going To Affect Trends in 2023?
One of the questions on the mind of many homeowners, as well as businesses, is how trends will have to adapt to the potential of a struggling economy in 2023. With many people tightening their belts financially, as well as people perhaps scaling back their spending plans, there was a common theme in the thoughts of the experts:
1. Maximising The Space We Have
The first thought is that many people may have to ‘make do’ with what they have, opting to refresh existing spaces rather than beginning big renovation projects or revamps.
Zoe Jones states: “There has been a clear shift in consumer trends over the last 6 months, and three things that will be at the forefront of renovators mind’s this year will be economy, space and sustainability.
“Searches for small bathrooms and tiny bathroom design have exploded on Google and Pinterest, as homeowners are making the most of the space they have, while conserving heat and water will also be an important consideration in bathroom design for 2023.”
(c) Roper Rhodes - Marston Cloakroom Spruce with Lucia Black Handle
House of Rohl’s team also believes that people shouldn’t be put off by trying to add luxury to a small space: “The desire to create a luxurious sanctuary shouldn’t be frustrated by size limitations, however. The bathroom market has evolved to offer exciting new products that bring high style to the smallest spaces.”
2. The Search for Longevity
Everyone wants value for money and 2023 will be no different. However, the current state of the economy means that people will want durable products that last longer and won’t have to be replaced within a short space of time. Sarah Fowler says that “There will be an increased interest in long lasting good solid products.”
James Sketch agrees: “When planning home improvements, refurbishments and newbuilds the trend will be longevity and style. Consumers will be looking for investment pieces, they will be looking for substance as well as style, elements that will last and add value to the home.”
3. Part-refreshes
Barrie Cutchie feels that with a change in economy, it may go even further in terms of scaling back, with many opting to refresh small parts of their space, or even staggering changes: “What we may see is people choosing to update part of their bathroom – through the use of tiles, brassware or paint to give it a refresh and to bring it on trend, rather than re-doing their whole bathroom.”
Where To Get Great Ideas for 2023 Bathroom Trends?
We asked the experts where they search for ideas for new bathroom trends to enable you to keep an eye on trends at the same time.
Sarah Fowler advises: “Instagram, stalwart magazines such as World of Interiors, and House and Garden, books, and Pinterest.”
Jeevan Seth says: Our sources of inspiration often come from all different areas, from the latest magazines to influencers and consumers. Social media has a big influence when it comes to finding new and individual interior trends. Instagram and bloggers will experiment with different styles to inspire homeowners into taking the leap and testing out different looks within bathrooms. Interior design programmes and popular home magazines also remain huge influencers and will encourage consumers into trying out new and distinctive styles.”
Krista Cowen adds: “Instagram and Pinterest are a fantastic source of inspiration for customers starting out on their decorating journey.
“The Creative Team at Ca’ Pietra gets their inspiration from across the globe and from a huge array of sources. They are constantly researching and discovering new ideas, taking inspiration from both the old and the new. Historic buildings, modern contemporary structures, the natural environment, fashion and interiors, plus the latest cutting-edge technologies is just a snapshot of what the team research.”
Where Can I Find The Previous Years’ Bathroom Trends:
If you need help with your bathroom or want to talk about trends and how to adapt them into your space, contact one of our experts or use our 3D Bathroom Design Service.
