Mate, we’re getting out of hand with bathroom trends heading into 2026.

I’ve been doing this for nearly 25 years, and I’ve never seen it so hard to figure out which trends are worth following—and which ones you’re better off avoiding. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate it as best I can.

Below, I’ll walk you through my top five bathroom trends you should seriously consider for your upcoming renovation or new bathroom project in 2026.

Quick Overview: 2026 Bathroom Trends

We’ve officially entered an era where your bathroom is about you—your style, your comfort, your choices.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking:
“Jim, haven’t bathrooms always been about making it your own?”
Well… not really.

For the last 15 years, trends and design concepts have leaned hard into neutral for resale. Everyone was being told the same three rules:

• Don’t use colour
• Always include a bath
• Keep the walls white

That was the playbook. And for a long time, it worked.

But now? We’ve finally moved past the last hurdle—the all-grey bathroom—and landed in a space where you can actually install whatever you feel like.

I will let the reader of this be the judge of how they feel about them, but I hope it helps them better understand the throw it at the wall renovation culture.

Top 5 Bathroom Renovation Trends For 2026

• 1. New Bathroom Tech
• 2. Walls Wall and More Walls
• 3. Greige Is The Tile Colour Of 2026
• 4. Wellness is Where It’s At
• 5. Smaller Spaces, Big Ideas

Tech That Actually Works

Alright, here’s where things get fun. Smart tech is stepping up, and it’s not just for your car anymore. In 2026, you’ll be controlling everything with your voice. Imagine walking in, saying, “Shower time,” and having the water heat up, the lights dim, and your music start playing – all with a simple command.

Smart mirrors will be the next big thing. We’re talking mirrors with built-in LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and even skin-care analysis. They’ll give you weather updates, traffic reports, BMI Scales (too scared to use that one) and much, much more.

In the Australian market the only one I have used is the Delta Smart Mirror, which you can get from Tradelink Here.

These are pricey at almost $2500 starting price, but give it a year or more, andthe competition will drop.

Second but not last is the smart toilet which I have broken down before but have jumped 15% sale increase in Australia last year.

Most smart toilet models in 2026 are designed with hygiene, comfort, convenience, and user-friendliness in mind.

Here’s a look at the key features commonly found in modern smart toilets:

• Heated seats with adjustable temperature settings
• Customisable water pressure and pulsating wash options
• Self-cleaning nozzles for improved hygiene
• Rimless design for a more hygienic and efficient flush
• Touchless or automatic flushing with presence detection sensors
• User presets and controls accessible via remote
• Built-in Bluetooth and MP3 functionality
• Automatic lid opening and closing
• Integrated night light for nighttime use
• Soft-close seats to prevent slamming

These smart toilets continue a popular rise into Europe and Australia bathroom renovations and 2026 will be its biggest year as people move to that day spa feel.

The best one I have used in the last few years is from Reece called Roco In Wash but it can be pricey.

2. Walls Are Back

Gone are the days of tearing down walls to open up a space. In 2026, bathroom trends are flipping the script—we’re putting walls back in.

Not full-height walls, though. The walls I’m referring to are part of the rising half-wall trend.

Half Walls: Function Meets Form

Half walls are making a strong comeback, and for good reason. They:

• Replace glass panels, which most people hate cleaning
• Double as shelves, adding built-in functionality

They feel more natural than a metal shelf and can be transformed into a shower seat, arched niche, or—my personal favourite—the T Wall.

These clever features create a seamless, stylish storage solution that feels integrated into your 2026 bathroom design.

Nib Wall

Ever had that awkward spot between your shower screen and vanity that’s impossible to clean or access?
Enter the Nib Wall.

This small bricked section—sometimes called a shower shelf or shower return—solves one of the most frustrating design flaws in modern bathrooms. Poor planning and tight layouts often create unusable or hard-to-clean areas. A nib wall removes the gap entirely, giving the space purpose and flow.

Planning your next renovation? Consider adding a nib wall to eliminate that dead zone for good.

Shower Niche

Call it a shower niche, shower recess, or whatever you like—this in-wall storage feature is incredibly practical.

Perfect for stud frame or double-brick walls, a niche usually measures around 400mm x 600mm and offers:

• Discreet, built-in storage
• Easier cleaning compared to surface shelves
• A sleek, modern finish

If you’re working with a small bathroom or want a clutter-free look, a niche is a must-have.

T Wall

One of our most popular design innovations is the T Wall—named for its shape and game-changing shelf space.

So what is it?

A T Wall is a bricked half-wall, roughly 1200mm high, that runs along the length of the room. What makes it different is the addition of a nib wall section, positioned at the start of the shower.

It’s one of the smartest ways to:

• Maximise shelf space
• Create visual structure in the bathroom
• Separate wet and dry zones without full enclosures

We’ll dive deeper into why this design works so well later in the article—but for now, know this: the T Wall is all about convenience, style, and smart space planning.

3. Greige Is The 2026 Bathroom Tile Of The Year

Tired of playing it safe with grey or white tiles? Dive into my latest post where I reveal the must-have tile trend for 2026—greige. This soft, neutral blend of grey and beige is taking bathroom design by storm because it strikes the perfect balance: stylish yet timeless, versatile yet serene.

Why greige is the trend worth knowing about:

• Effortlessly complements wood tones—whether light oak or modern grey
• Enhances a calm, sanctuary-like vibe in your space
• Pairs beautifully with natural textures: think wood, marble, brass, and even greenery
• Brightens and visually enlarges your bathroom, especially ideal for smaller spaces

4. Wellness Spaces

In 2026—just like in 2025—the goal is to create a bathroom space that makes you feel relaxed and at ease.

With that in mind, the key design elements to look out for include real terrazzo, porcelain panels, microcement, timber-clad walls (such as VJ panels), and the rising popularity of groutless bathrooms.

Bolder, more earthy-toned tiles—like deep reds, greens, and blues—are gaining momentum, though I believe this trend may fade the fastest.

Other features like timber-look and real timber vanities, as well as curved finishes, will continue to grow in popularity throughout 2026 bathroom renovations.

5. Small Spaces Big Ideas

As large, affordable homes become harder to find, many 2026 bathroom renovators are working with tiny spaces and big ideas.

One of the biggest trends right now—and something I’m fully behind—is transforming your laundry into a bathroom.

Not only can this add serious value to your property, but it can also completely change how you live in your home.

Conclusion: Trends Are Changing—Are You Ready?

Mate, if there’s one thing 2026 is making clear, it’s this: bathroom design isn’t about playing it safe anymore. It’s about making bold, personal choices that fit your space and lifestyle—whether that’s installing smart tech, building a feature T Wall, choosing greige over white, or turning your laundry into a luxe bathroom.

We’ve moved beyond generic, one-size-fits-all trends. You now have the freedom—and the tools—to create something that feels right for you. Just remember: don’t chase every trend, but don’t be afraid to break the old rules either.

As always, renovate to your space, your circumstance and frankly, install what you want in your space, it’s your money so do what you want with it.

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It’s important to note that all our advice is general in nature, and every bathroom is unique. For the best results, always consult a qualified local tradesperson.

At On the Ball Bathrooms, we value your feedback—so feel free to leave us a comment below. If you’re in Perth, Western Australia, and looking for a bathroom renovation quote, contact us on 0419 964 678 or email us at info@ontheballbathrooms.com.au.

This article was written by James McLoughlin, co-founder of On the Ball Bathrooms. With over 20 years of experience and more than 3,000 completed renovation projects, James brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. We hope you’ve found these tips helpful—or at the very least, enjoyed some beautiful renovation inspiration 🙂.