City Tiles and Bathrooms: Latest trends and timeless colours

Don't miss out on biggest ever summer sale event, with up to 75% off at City Tiles and Bathrooms
City Tiles and Bathrooms: Latest trends and timeless colours

City Tiles and Bathrooms: Don't miss out on biggest ever summer sale event, with up to 75% off. Talk to our experts for advice.

Bathroom trends

Modern bathrooms in 2026 are redefining everyday living, combining warmth, texture and intelligent design to create spaces that feel both functional and restorative. From natural materials and curved finishes to wellness-inspired features and smart storage, the latest trends reflect a growing focus on comfort, personality and timeless style.

Free-standing baths:

Few bathroom features make a statement quite like a freestanding bath. Elegant, sculptural and instantly inviting, these luxurious tubs have become a defining feature in modern bathroom design, bringing a sense of relaxation, indulgence and timeless style to the home. 

Whether positioned centrally or placed beneath a window, a freestanding bath naturally becomes the focal point of the room. From sleek contemporary silhouettes to classic roll-top designs, they add character and sophistication while creating a more spa-like atmosphere.

Beyond aesthetics, freestanding baths are also valued for comfort. Often deeper than standard built-in options, they offer a more immersive bathing experience, transforming everyday routines into moments of relaxation and escape.

Their enduring appeal lies in their timelessness. While bathroom trends continue to evolve, freestanding baths remain a symbol of luxury and refinement, blending traditional elegance with modern design innovation.

Freestanding baths are now available from just €699. 

Japanese toilets:

Japanese toilets are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after upgrades in modern bathroom design, combining advanced technology with exceptional comfort, hygiene and sleek contemporary style. Once considered a luxury feature, they are now increasingly popular among homeowners looking to create a more refined and wellness-focused bathroom experience.

With features such as integrated bidets, heated seats, self-cleaning functions and intuitive controls, Japanese toilets are transforming everyday routines while elevating both comfort and cleanliness.

Such as our range from Grohe and Geberit.

LED mirrors:

LED mirrors are emerging as one of the defining bathroom trends of 2026, reflecting the growing demand for spaces that combine style with smart functionality. Once viewed as a luxury feature, illuminated mirrors are now becoming a staple in modern bathrooms thanks to their sleek, minimalist appearance and everyday practicality. 

Features such as anti-fog technology, adjustable lighting and energy-efficient illumination make LED mirrors particularly suited to busy bathroom environments, while their soft lighting helps create a more refined, spa-like atmosphere.

As homeowners continue to prioritise both aesthetics and convenience, LED mirrors are quickly establishing themselves as an essential element of contemporary bathroom design.

Bathroom storage:

Bathroom cabinets are enjoying a renaissance in 2026, emerging as a defining feature of modern bathroom design rather than a practical afterthought. Today’s bathroom furniture is designed to do more than simply store essentials — it creates a sense of calm by concealing clutter while complementing the overall aesthetic of the space. 

The focus has shifted towards smarter, more personalised storage solutions that suit the way people live. Wall-hung vanity units help maximise floor space and create a lighter, more open feel, while deep drawers provide organised, easy-access storage for everyday items.

Vanities from only €299 Tall boys from only €304.

Fluted and matte finishes:

Adding texture to a bathroom without compromising cleanliness once felt like a difficult balance, but 2026 design trends are proving otherwise. Fluted bathroom vanities, with their soft ripple-like detailing, are growing in popularity for the way they catch the light and introduce subtle texture without creating unnecessary maintenance concerns. In contrast, smooth-fronted cabinets provide a calming visual balance, helping spaces feel refined and uncluttered.

Designers are also embracing layered textures across furniture and brassware, pairing silky matte vanity units with softly rippled handles or brushed brass taps to create depth and understated character.

Matt finishes continue to dominate bathroom design, offering a softer, more inviting alternative to high-shine surfaces. By absorbing rather than reflecting light, these finishes create a warmer, more lived-in elegance — delivering a style that feels both luxurious and effortlessly personal.

Timeless colours 

Bathroom colour trends in 2026 are moving firmly towards warmth and longevity, replacing stark bright whites with palettes that feel softer, calmer and more inviting. Nature-inspired shades such as earthy terracotta, muted greens and ocean blues are becoming increasingly popular, bringing subtle colour into the bathroom without overpowering the space.

These biophilic tones are often paired with tactile finishes, including fluted vanities, warm oak furniture and soft, linen-inspired wall colours, helping bathrooms feel more connected to the overall character of the home.

While classic white sanitaryware remains a timeless choice, designers are leaning towards softer off-white and cream ceramics to create a gentler, more welcoming take on neutral design.

Such as our tambour 800mm… 

What are the most popular bathroom furniture colours right now?

Bathroom furniture trends in 2026 are embracing warmth, softness and nature-inspired tones, with homeowners moving away from colder, clinical palettes in favour of colours that feel timeless and inviting. While classic shades like white and grey remain enduring favourites, warmer neutrals and earthy hues are becoming increasingly dominant in modern bathroom design.

Evergreen Neutrals White continues to be one of the most popular choices for bathroom furniture thanks to its clean, bright and spacious appearance. Grey also remains a staple, offering a calm and sophisticated backdrop in both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Black is gaining popularity for those seeking a bolder, more luxurious aesthetic, particularly when paired with lighter finishes for contrast. Meanwhile, beige, cream, taupe and greige are making a strong comeback, replacing cooler tones with softer, warmer neutrals that work beautifully alongside wood and stone textures.

Nature-Inspired Tones Green remains one of the standout bathroom colour trends, with shades such as sage, olive and deep forest green helping to create a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere. Blue continues to be equally popular, ranging from soft powder blues to rich navy tones that bring both calmness and depth to a space.

Emerging Trends Softer shades of pink are also beginning to appear in modern bathroom schemes, adding warmth and subtle character without overwhelming the room. Natural wood tones — from light oak to rich walnut — remain a timeless choice for introducing texture and organic warmth. 

Darker finishes such as charcoal, anthracite and gunmetal are also growing in popularity, particularly for brassware and hardware, bringing a refined industrial edge to contemporary bathroom interiors.

Ultimately, choosing the best bathroom furniture colour can enhance the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Whether you prefer a calming and serene atmosphere or want to make a bold statement, there are plenty of options to suit all styles.

What Is the Best Finish, Matte or Gloss?

Matte finishes continue to lead bathroom design trends in 2026, prized for their soft, sophisticated appearance and understated elegance. Their non-reflective surface creates a calm, contemporary look that feels warm and refined, making them particularly popular in modern and spa-inspired spaces.

Gloss finishes, however, still have a place in bathroom design, especially in smaller or more contemporary rooms where reflective surfaces can help bounce light around the space and create a brighter feel.

Satin finishes are also growing in popularity, offering a practical middle ground between matte and gloss. With a subtle sheen and easier maintenance than fully matte surfaces, satin provides both softness and durability for everyday use.

Talk to our experts at City Tiles & Bathrooms:

Cork's largest tile and bathroom superstores.

Expert advice and top-class service.

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