Style Trends in Today’s Baths

We look at trends in bath design — from wellness spaces to high-design powder rooms — that can benefit from new and better lighting options.

By Julie A. Palm

A recent article on Houzz promises “10 Bathroom Projects That Deliver Big Results.” I was disappointed to see that it didn’t include “Upgrade lighting” as one of the 10 projects.

The article does encourage renovators to find ways to bring more natural light into bathrooms by adding or expanding windows or installing skylights — but that’s often not possible or is beyond the budget. And we know one of the simplest ways to upgrade a bath – whether the primary bath, kids’ bath or a powder room – is to freshen up the fixtures with style and function in mind.

Spa-like baths with natural materials and lots of bright whites, can still feel homey, as this design by Stil James shows. The bubble-like pendant above the soaking tub is a fun touch. Photo credit: Carolina Andrade

Here are a few current trends in bathroom design that new lighting can help to support.

• Center stage showers: Those water jet-filled garden tubs that once were the height of bathroom luxury are being replaced by large showers — from architectural, conservatory-style, glass-walled showers to hotel-like wet rooms. (In higher-end design, the tubs that remain tend to be deep, luxury soaking tubs that serve almost as architectural features in the room.) Today’s large shower spaces — almost rooms within rooms — often feature multiple showerheads, seating and other amenities. And because of their size, they demand good overhead lighting.

• The importance of accessibility: The National Association of Realtors notes that more than four in 10 design and remodeling professionals say that homeowners are thinking about aging family members and aging in place when remodeling. In bathrooms, this means practical features like low-curb or curbless showers, grab bars and higher-seat commodes. But another key to accessibility is improved lighting – whether overhead or above vanities – as well as lighting that can be better controlled and adjusted to the needs of different users of the space.

*Powder rooms, like this bath designed by Georgia and Hunt Design House, are a place to play with more whimsical or dramatic design elements — and standout lighting fixtures.*

• Wellness rooms: The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS) notes that “wellness has … shifted from a luxury to a universal expectation, and it’s shaping design decisions from the start. Homeowners want environments that support mental, physical and emotional well-being, and they prioritize light, water and air quality, and calm.”

In the bathroom, this can even mean the addition of light therapies, especially in tub and shower areas.

“… Some of the most impactful wellness decisions are the least visible. Lighting quality, acoustics, airflow, water quality and filtration, layout and materials all shape how a space feels to live in — often more than the finishes themselves,” the NKBA | KBIS continues in a report about trends from its 2026 show.

I love that part about lighting quality being even more important than the finishes when creating wellness spaces. It’s a message that seems ripe for lighting showrooms to share with their customers.

• Powerful powder rooms: In terms of design, en suite bathrooms in primary bedrooms tend to be more spa-like and streamlined with lots of clean whites and other soothing neutrals. However, powder rooms are a place to play. The small rooms give people an opportunity to take chances with brighter colors, fun wallpapers and other interesting design details.

*Large shower spaces, like the glass-enclosed one in this bathroom designed by Carta Creatives, are dominating today’s bathrooms. Photo credit: Kyle J. Caldwell*

Elana Tenenbaum Cline, founder and creative director of design firm Carta Creatives, loves to put statement lighting in powder baths. “I love a sconce,” she says. “I always want to put a sconce everywhere. It depends on the room and the function, but I always think a sconce completely finishes the space.” And that often includes, she says, “something more dramatic in a powder bath.”

If you’re attending the spring High Point Market and you want more on lighting and other trends in bathroom and kitchen design, NKBA | KBIS will host “Designing With Light: Layering, Materials and the Architecture of Illumination” at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the NKBA | KBIS space in Broad Hall, 300 W. Broad Ave. The panel will feature Kichler Lighting, Lutron and designers Jaque Bethke, Jerel Lake and Kim Scodro and will include a light brunch.

NKBA | KBIS also will host “What’s Next in Design” in kitchens and baths, a seminar by Jaye Anna Mize, vice president of consumer insights and trend spotting firm Future Snoops. It will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, also in the NKBA | KBIS space in High Point.

Related articles

High-Income Earners Still Spending on the Home

Is Maximalism’s Moment Coming?

Julie A. Palm

Julie A. Palm is style editor for both Design News Now and Lighting News Now. She grew up with a DIYer mother who spent weekends browsing vintage stores, painting and decorating, giving Julie a love of all things home. Julie has covered the home furnishings industry for nearly three decades. In her role as style editor, Julie is thrilled she can focus on two of her favorite parts of the business — interior design and lighting.