4 Controversial Bathroom Trends Designers Never Want to See Again

For such a small space, a lot can go wrong in a bathroom. Maybe the layout off your small bathroom is all wrong, or perhaps your new bathtub doesn’t quite fit where it should. But the biggest issue is also likely the most common: What was stylish when it was designed or built is often seen as outdated years or decades later. 

“It’s hard for bathrooms to stay on trend because mostly everything is fixed into place and expensive to redo,” says Sasha Basso, designer at Capiz Studio. “It’s not like a living room where you can more easily paint, switch out furniture, or change cushions. Once you install tile, it’s pretty tough to make that change!”

You probably don’t want to commit to an expensive, labor-intensive bathroom renovation only for it to seem like a time capsule in a few years. But at the same time, you probably don’t want to play it so safe that the “after” is entirely devoid of personality. Amy Wasserman, CEO and cofounder of The Unoriginal Bathroom Company, says the best thing to do is to accept that one day, no matter what you do, your once-trendy bathroom will probably be seen as tired. “The upside?” she says. “What goes around, comes around. If you leave it long enough it will eventually be in style again.”

Still, some trends truly should never make a comeback, at least according to the pros. To steer clear of these controversial trends, I asked Basso, Wasserman, and designer Alvin Wayne to share the four controversial bathroom trends they never want to see again. Read on to get their honest opinions. 

Once upon a time, when disco was still on a DJ’s regular rotation, carpeting was used to cover the entire floor of a bathroom. Even if some people at the time were a little grossed out, it appeared enough to stay top of mind for all three designers I spoke to. 

“I can forgive a lot of old design sins, but wall-to-wall shag carpeting in the bathroom is a hard pass from me,” Wasserman says. “Not only was this not an appropriate material for a bathroom, but it also didn’t wear well. What’s worse than carpet in a bathroom? Wet and matted carpet in a bathroom.”

If you notice this soggy detail in an older home, don’t feel compelled to keep it. And if you see it in an old bathroom inspo picture, you don’t need to copy it. A removable, washable rug is a more modern way to bring this trend back into your life, if you crave a little coziness underfoot, say, when standing in front of your vanity. 

Remember the ruffled, dainty toilet covers you, your parents, or maybe even your grandparents had growing up? As sweet as they may have been, designers don’t want to see them in today’s bathrooms. “Moisture and fabric don’t mix,” Wayne says. “It leads to mold, odors, and a cleaning nightmare. Those fuzzy seat covers and tank toppers collected dust and bacteria while serving no real purpose.”

Resist the urge to decorate this spot, and stick to accessorizing your vanity instead. A nice candle and small vase will do the trick. 

A bathroom is the one space in a home where alone time is usually preferred. So finishes that get in the way of some much-needed solo time made the designers’ list.

“Two things I can’t stand are clear glass surrounds on toilets and barn doors on bathrooms,” Basso says. “I don’t know about everyone else, but I don’t need other people seeing or hearing whatever is happening. Glass surrounds on toilets leave nothing to the imagination, while barn doors may look cute, but they do absolutely nothing for sound insulation. You might as well leave the door open!” 

While other factors may have been at play when these decisions were made — like making the most of natural light and square footage — the pros think nothing should get in the way of privacy. “Don’t stress: Everything is fixable, and it doesn’t have to be expensive,” Basso continues. “Glass surround? Add a privacy film. Barn door? I bet there’s a DIY out there to install a regular door.”

Back in the ’80s, bathtubs used to be as large and exaggerated as shoulder pads. If you still have both in your life, at least the latter is easier to remove. But big jacuzzi tubs? They’re another story. 

“This design is big, bulky, and just plain bad,” Wasserman says. “It’s a surefire way to date your bathroom and can be a deal-breaker when you try to sell your home.”

Wayne agrees. “Jacuzzi tubs with a high step-up might’ve felt luxurious, but they were impractical and even dangerous, especially when wet,” he says. 

While there’s probably nothing you can do to make this update quickly, besides adding a lot of plants and turning it into a bit of a display moment, maybe it’s worth replacing it one day. 

After all, designers say these controversial bathroom trends should be nixed once and for all. Maybe that can start in your space?