Bathroom design styles are so much more than picking out tiles and faucets. It’s about curating a space that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and, yes, your fabulousness. Whether you’re redecorating a little powder room or giving your main bath the full glow-up it deserves, your style choices set the mood. From soft and serene to bold and bougie, the right design can turn your bathroom into a sanctuary that works and wows. In this guide, I’m serving up a mix of classic looks and fresh, trending styles to help you find the perfect vibe for your space. Time to soak up some inspiration (excuse the pun).
Source: Bert & May
Table of Contents
1. Modern & Contemporary Bathroom Design Styles
If you’re drawn to that glossy, contemporary look straight out of a design magazine, this style is your match. Think clean lines, minimal clutter, and a cool, refined color palette—crisp whites, soft grays, bold blacks, and the occasional pop of color to keep things interesting. Materials like glass, chrome, and concrete add a sleek edge, while floating vanities create the illusion of more space and keep the design feeling light and airy. Sleek fixtures tie it all together with ease. It’s a look that whispers luxury—even in the smallest bathrooms. Ideal for urban homes, high-end makeovers, and anyone who wants their self-care served with a serious dose of style.
- Key Features: Clean lines, minimalism, neutral colors, sleek fixtures
- Materials: Glass, chrome, concrete, floating vanities
- Color Palette: Whites, grays, blacks, with occasional bold accents
- Ideal For: Urban homes, luxury bathrooms, small spaces
Shop the look:
Floating Concrete Sink – vertexconcrete.com
Charcoal Zellige Tile – ottotiles.co.uk
Polished Nickel Accessories – cb2.com
Metal Frame Pivot Wall Mirror – westelm.co.uk
2. Farmhouse & Rustic Bathroom Design Styles
Create a soulful oasis infused with rustic charm, a space that tells a story through its weathered layers and timeless textures. Start with shiplap walls painted in tones that complement your color palette, setting a cozy, grounded foundation. Anchor the room with a classic clawfoot tub that transforms bathtime into a luxurious, spa-like ritual. Add depth and dimension by blending vintage fixtures with reclaimed wood and galvanized metal—materials that speak to resilience and beauty in imperfection. Soften the space with warm whites, creamy neutrals, and muted blues, wrapping everything in a sense of calm and comfort. This is where vintage charm meets modern sensibility—a bathroom that feels fresh, curated, and deeply personal. It’s country, it’s cottage, it’s comfort—but elevated and rich with character that reflects who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.
- Key Features: Shiplap walls, clawfoot tubs, vintage fixtures, wood accents
- Materials: Reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, porcelain sinks
- Color Palette: Soft whites, creams, muted blues, warm wood tones
- Ideal For: Cozy, country-inspired, or cottage-style homes
Shop the look:
Bath – justbaths.co.uk
Vanity – tikamoon.es
Tiles – bertandmay.com
Pendant Light – lampara.es
Wall Sconce – loberon.es
Faucet and shower – homary.com
Shelves – etsy.com
3. Industrial Bathroom Design Styles
Don’t hide those copper pipes or cover up those beautiful brick walls—embrace the bold, urban character of an industrial-style bathroom. Layer in raw concrete and distressed wood to amplify the texture and attitude. Illuminate the space with the warm, nostalgic glow of Edison bulbs, adding just the right touch of vintage charm. A moody palette of grays, blacks, and rich browns, accented with metallic finishes, ties it all together—perfect for loft-style living, city spaces, or anyone craving a modern, edgy refresh.
- Key Features: Exposed pipes, concrete or brick walls, matte black fixtures
- Materials: Metal, concrete, distressed wood, Edison bulb lighting
- Color Palette: Grays, blacks, browns, with metallic accents
- Ideal For: Loft-style apartments, urban spaces, modern-industrial blends
Shop the look:
Bath -catchpoleandrye.com
Vanity – simplybathroomfurniture.com
Tiles – ottotiles.co.uk
Sign – amazon.com
Wall Sconce – kosiluz.es
4. Scandinavian Bathroom Design Styles
Rooted in simplicity, Scandinavian bathroom design is the Beyoncé of minimalism—effortlessly flawless, quietly powerful, and never doing too much, just doing it right. It’s about crafting a calm, clutter-free space that feels both modern and deeply inviting.
Think clean lines, light wood finishes, and a soft, neutral palette of whites, gentle grays, and blush-toned pastels—warm enough to keep it cozy, cool enough to stay chic. Matte surfaces and natural textures bring a grounded elegance, while smart, space-saving tricks (because who doesn’t love a clever queen?) add everyday ease.
- Key Features: Light and airy, functional simplicity, natural textures
- Materials: Light wood, white tiles, matte finishes
- Color Palette: Whites, soft grays, pastels, with wood warmth
- Ideal For: Small bathrooms, minimalist lovers, bright and open spaces
Shop the look:
Valentina Matte White Freestanding Bath -baysidebathroom.com
Vanity – sklum.com
Tiles – ottotiles.co.uk
Pendant lights – sklum.com
Shelf – sklum.com
5. Bohemian (Boho) Bathroom Design Styles
If your soul sways at the thought of a Moroccan bazaar or your dreams come fringed and flowing under the desert sun at Coachella, then this could be your vibe. Bohemian bathrooms are all about embracing the bold: vibrant colors, unexpected patterns, and natural textures that ooze personality and warmth.
Picture rattan that murmurs “tropical escape,” wicker that’s more fashion editorial than picnic accessory, and terracotta tiles that have lived—really lived—and have the stories (and stains) to prove it. A rich, expressive color palette cocktail of earthy neutrals spiked with jewel tones like mustard, teal, and deep terracotta. It’s moody, worldly, and just the right amount of extraordinary.
This bathroom is for the free spirit, art collector, wanderer, or simply anyone allergic to beige-on-beige boredom. It’s layered, lush, and every piece tells a tale. So go ahead: hang that vintage mirror, adopt the high-maintenance plant, and light the incense you bought in Tulum. You’re not just designing a bathroom—you’re creating a whole mood.
- Key Features: Eclectic patterns, vibrant colors, natural elements
- Materials: Wicker, rattan, terracotta, mosaic tiles
- Color Palette: Earthy tones mixed with jewel tones (mustard, teal, terracotta)
- Ideal For: Free-spirited, artistic, and globally inspired designs
Shop the look:
Bath -bigbathroomshop.co.uk
Cupboard – www.etsy.com
Tiles – maitlandandpoate.com
Pendant light – meadowblu.com
Basket – natyal.com
Wooden Mirror – granadamaison.com
Green Mirror – conely.es
Rug – sklum.com
6. Traditional & Classic Bathroom Design Styles
This bathroom style instantly transports me back to my childhood and my grandmother’s grand old Victorian house. It still had all its original features—including the bathroom, proudly clad in black faux-marble wallpaper. But what stood out most was my grandmother’s unforgettable contribution to the decor: on the underside of the toilet seat, in bold lettering, were the words “SHUT LID, PULL CHAIN.” I never quite understood why, but we all followed the command with polite obedience. Years later, while reading Bill Bryson’s book At Home, which delves into the evolution of domestic life, I stumbled upon a hypothesis that finally made sense of it. Spoiler alert: it involved germs, rats, and Victorian plumbing paranoia. Granny always knew best.
Which brings me neatly to the matter at hand. Traditional and classic bathrooms are where Downton Abbey elegance meets high-end spa serenity (minus the leaky pipes). This style is all about timeless balance, beauty, and attention to detail. Envision symmetrical layouts, marble surfaces, gleaming brass or polished silver chrome fixtures, and porcelain touches that whisper vintage luxury. A clawfoot tub is non-negotiable; it doesn’t just hold water, darling, it holds court. Pair it with a pedestal sink, and suddenly your bathroom is giving 19th-century aristocrat with a modern twist.
The color palette remains soft and refined. Creamy whites, powdery blues, and hints of gold or silver that lend a quiet opulence. Perfect for those who swoon over historical charm but demand a polished finish, this look is ideal for elegant homes with a generous dash of vintage romance.
- Key Features: Elegant details, symmetry, clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks
- Materials: Marble, brass, porcelain, wainscoting
- Color Palette: Creams, soft blues, gold accents
- Ideal For: Timeless, elegant homes with a vintage touch
Shop the look:
Bath – hudsonreed.com
Sink – hudsonreed.com
Towel Rail – hudsonreed.com
Tiles – fireclaytile.com
Wall Pendant Sconces – litfad.com
Mirror – westwing.es
7. Coastal & Nautical Bathroom Design Styles
If you feel most at peace surrounded by sea breezes, the scent of sun cream, and the rhythmic sound of waves gently lulling your nervous system into a state of bliss, then this bathroom style is calling you. Coastal design doesn’t have to be Anley international maritime signals, nautical compasses, or seashells, for that matter. Instead, it’s all about embracing the essence of the shore. It captures the character of sun-bleached wood, sea-weathered textures, and matte-finished sea glass tiles that feel like treasures smoothed by time. The color palette mirrors the seaside itself: soft sky blues, crisp whites, and sandy neutrals that evoke that relaxed, barefoot-on-the-boardwalk energy. Perfect for beach houses, spa-inspired spaces, or anyone looking to bottle up that fresh, salt-air feeling all year long.
- Key Features: Light and breezy, beachy textures, ocean-inspired decor
- Materials: Whitewashed wood, sea glass tiles, rope accents
- Color Palette: Blues, whites, sandy neutrals
- Ideal For: Beach houses, spa-like retreats, light-filled bathrooms
Shop the look:
Bath – beliani.es
Vanity – esty.com
Tiles – fireclaytile.com
Wall Sconce – hozodesign.de
Mirror – etsy.com
8. Transitional (Blend of Traditional & Modern) Bathroom design styles
Transform your bathroom into a space James Bond would gladly risk life and country for.
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the timeless romance of a clawfoot tub and the sleek allure of a floating vanity, congratulations—you, my friend, are a transitional soul with impeccable taste. This style is the design equivalent of a perfectly mixed martini: one part classic charm, one part modern sophistication—shaken, of course, not stirred.
Imagine marble countertops that whisper old-world elegance, effortlessly paired with sculptural gold fixtures worthy of a minimalist Scandinavian spa. The color palette is a refined mix of warm neutrals, softly contrasted to keep the eye intrigued without ever feeling overwhelmed.
It’s the ideal blend for those who want their bathroom to feel like a love child between a five-star hotel and Grandma’s best powder room: elegant, welcoming, and impossibly chic. Transitional design is where classic grace meets contemporary cool, and they make one hell of a good-looking couple.
- Key Features: Balanced mix of classic and contemporary elements
- Materials: Marble countertops with sleek faucets, neutral tones with subtle patterns
- Color Palette: Warm neutrals with soft contrasts
- Ideal For: Those who want timeless appeal with modern convenience
Shop the look:
Bath – porcelanosa.com
Sink/Vanity – senese-factory.com
Tiles – bertandmay.com
Wall Sconce – westwing.com
Pendant light – westwing.com
Mirror – laredoute.es
Faucet – lussostone.com
9. Spa & Zen (Wellness-Focused) Bathroom Design Styles
Step into a bathroom so serene, even your houseplants pause to meditate. This is the Spa & Zen aesthetic, where stress evaporates like mist, and quiet luxury comes alive. A sanctuary that whispers, Inhale… exhale… as you glide across smooth pebble tiles, letting a rainfall shower rinse away the weight of the world. Picture eco-retreat elegance meets minimalist monk, no vow of silence required (though we fully support your linen-robe phase).
Drenched in a palette of earthy greens, soft grays, and warm whites, every hue works like a visual sigh, lowering blood pressure at a glance. Blend natural textures like stone, bamboo, and the faintest whisper of wood grain to ground your spirit while elevating every detail. For those who believe true self-care demands ambient lighting, flawless water pressure, and a dash of feng shui fabulousness. Because your bathroom shouldn’t just function, it should float.
- Key Features: Calming atmosphere, natural materials, open showers
- Materials: Stone, bamboo, pebble tiles, rainfall showerheads
- Color Palette: Earthy greens, soft grays, warm whites
- Ideal For: Creating a relaxing, retreat-like bathroom
Shop the look:
Bath – ruvati.com
Sink/Vanity – homary.com
Tiles – fireclaytile.com
Wall Sconce – lassola.es
Pendant light – etsy.com
Mirror – westwing.com
Faucets and shower – leroymerlin.es
Bench – westwing.com
10. Maximalist & Bold Bathroom Design Styles
If minimalism makes you yawn and beige feels like a personal attack, then Maximalist & Bold is your spirit animal in bathroom form. We’re talking unapologetic drama—deep navy and emerald walls that smolder, bold patterns that dare you to look away, and statement fixtures that practically wink at you. High-contrast tiles are a must. Wallpaper with the personality of a fashion editor is without question essential. And don’t even get me started on the gold and brass accents, because subtlety is for waiting rooms, not for your personal haven. This is a look made for those who live unapologetically, crave bold flair, and firmly believe that when it comes to style, more is always more.
- Key Features: Dramatic colors, bold patterns, statement fixtures
- Materials: High-contrast tiles, wallpaper, gold or brass accents
- Color Palette: Dark hues (navy, emerald) with pops of color
- Ideal For: Those who love drama, personality, and luxury
Shop the look:
Bath – entornobano.com
Sink/Vanity – bernstein-badshop.com
Tiles – bertandmay.com
Wall Sconce – lassola.es
Pendant light – cb2.com
Mirror – cb2.com
Faucets and shower – hudsonreed.com
Wallpaper – cole-and-son.com
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Bathroom
Choosing the right style for your bathroom isn’t just about what’s trending. It’s about what resonates with you every time you step inside. As a seasoned interior designer, I always tell clients, Think beyond the Pinterest board. Consider your lifestyle, your home’s architecture, and how you want to feel in the space. Are you craving a calming retreat after a long day or a bold statement that starts your mornings with flair? Let function guide the foundation, and let style bring it to life. When done right, your bathroom becomes more than just a utility—it becomes your personal retreat, refuge, or, yes… even your drama-filled jewel box.
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