I've carried out a fair few bathroom renovation projects now and while none have been complete flops, I have had little regrets with each. I'm here to share these with you now so you can hopefully avoid doing the same.

There can't be many renovators out there who have stepped out of a project 100% happy with the end result. There seem to be some common home renovation mistakes that always lead to at least one or two niggles that need fixing (or which get left to grate for the foreseeable future.) For me, it is the bathroom renovation regrets that bug me daily.

All too often, practical spaces within the home – kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms, to name a few – suffer from bad planning. That is to say that homeowners fail to give proper consideration to exactly how they will use them, then end up disappointed that they can't quite fulfil all their needs.

Bathroom renovation mistakes I now regret

While these are my personal bathroom renovation regrets, when I spoke to leading experts in the field it seems I am not alone in making them when trying to emulate the latest bathroom trends. Understanding what they were and how to avoid them will, with any luck, mean you won't end your project feeling frustrated and could also help ensure you won't need to waste money putting mistakes right.

1. Putting the shower in the wrong place

This is a biggie when it comes to bathroom design mistakes and it is all based around getting the bathroom layout wrong. In short, we just didn't think through all the practical aspects.

We have a shower over the bath, to save space. There were two walls that this could have been fitted along — and we chose the wrong one. For reasons unknown, we decided to locate the bath along the wall with a large, timber-framed window. This means that the frame is, daily, subjected to a deluge of water. As a result, the paint peels off and needs repainting at least twice a year. Plus, the glass is always covered in watermarks.

"One of the biggest issues people run into when renovating bathrooms is poor layout planning," reveals expert in all things home Myles Robinson, founder and CEO at UK Composite Doors.

"A bathroom needs to be functional first and foremost, so things like door clearance, placement of fixtures, and enough space for movement are essential. A common mistake is squeezing in a freestanding tub when there really isn’t enough room, making the space feel cramped.’’

The takeaway? Speak to a bathroom designer about all your options and play around with lots of different layouts, listing their pros and cons, until you find one that fits.

2. Forgetting the importance of cosy lighting

While it's true to say that bathrooms are, first and foremost, practical spaces for getting clean, they have become so much more in recent years – certainly for us.

With two teenagers, the family bathroom is now the number one destination for decompressing, recharging and, of course, a fair amount of preening. All of this means that the functional lighting that seemed such a good idea at the early design stages, no longer quite cuts the mustard. Yes, it ensures the space is well-lit, but it does nothing for the overall ambience of the room and leaves it feeling a little clinical. We committed one of the most common lighting mistakes by focusing solely on background light sources.

"The way to ensure your bathroom is a relaxing place to be after a busy day is to ensure it has great lighting," says award-winning interior designer Ann Marie Cousins, owner and head interior designer at AMC Design. "Bathroom lights used to be pretty limited and often we were in the position of having no choice other than spotlights but these days, lots of companies make great lights for bathrooms.

"It’s not terribly flattering to only have spotlights," continues Ann Marie. "It’s best to have wall lights on either side of the mirror as well as the spots you have above. By using a dimmer switch, or having your lights on a home automation system, you can vary the mood, so that it’s bright and practical on busy mornings but relaxing and inviting after a busy day."

3. Being unadventurous with colour choices

In all honesty, we didn't give an awful lot of thought to the bathroom colour scheme – certainly not as much as we did for rooms such as the living room paint colour or bedrooms. We began by painting it in one of the best white paint colours, before painting one wall taupe and then switching to a cool grey, which does absolutely nothing for the space.

"Bathrooms have gone so far beyond being blue or white and fully tiled. It’s all about choosing finishes and colours that bring joy and life to the space," says Ann Marie Cousins. "Think about a colour that you love and make sure it works with the direction of the room. North-facing rooms require warmer colours than south-facing — and don’t forget that while an east-facing bathroom will be bright in the morning, a west-facing one will need colour and lighting to brighten it up in the morning."

On the subject of which colours could work best in the bathroom, Ann Marie offered some more advice, which has got me wanting to pull out my paintbrushes and get on board with some current interior colour trends.

"If you just can’t tear yourself away from white or blue, think about adding orange towels as a complementary colour with maybe some succulents on the windowsill to break it up. Or, opt for bottle green tiles with pale pink walls and brass taps and shower valves for a sense of luxury. Above all else, trust your gut and choose things you love."

Take note of the things you need to know before buying black bathroom taps, because they come with a whole other list of regrets – as our colleague can attest.

4. Forgoing underflooring heating

Our house is cold, pretty much all year round. It is old, draughty and poorly insulated. Nowhere do you notice this more than in the bathroom on a winter's morning when stepping out of the shower feels like an endurance test.

We have a sizeable heated towel rail but, given that it is usually covered in damp towels, this does little to heat the room – I really wish we had opted to install electric underfloor heating. If I had looked into what you need to know before installing underfloor heating, I would have realised that, as we started from scratch with the space, which was once a bedroom, it wouldn't have caused any extra disruption.

"Don't be fooled by the belief that a single radiator or tower heater will get the job done – it won't," warns James Stoltzfus, an interior designer at Zook Cabins. "Instead, I'd recommend installing a separate underfloor heating system. They are easy to install and work well.

"If underfloor heating isn’t a viable option, consider a combination of a larger panel radiator and an additional heated towel rail," adds James.

5. Locating the extractor fan away from the shower

If you are keen to find ways to prevent mould in the house, this one is for you. Thankfully, we didn't neglect to install a ventilation source altogether in the bathroom but we didn't fully think through the best placement for our extractor fan.

"Excess moisture can be easily prevented by installing a proper extractor fan in the right place – close to the shower or bath," says James Stoltzfus. "I’d always advise clients to choose a high-quality extractor fan with a humidity sensor that automatically switches it on. At the very least, get one that turns on with the lights. Aim for a model with a high extraction rate - 90-100m³/h for a standard bathroom and up to 200m³/h for larger spaces."

Inexplicably, we fitted ours over the toilet where it is needed the very least, although it is vented outside which helps a little.

‘’Installing an extractor fan that vents outside, not just into the attic, is a must, and if there’s a window, using that for added ventilation can help prevent long-term issues,’’ advises Myles Robinson.

FAQs

What to consider before renovating a bathroom?

Obviously, you will be keen that your bathroom renovation runs smoothly and is a resounding success. To ensure this, it is worth bearing in mind a few bathroom design rules as well as the following considerations:

• Speaking to an experienced bathroom designer will ensure you are making the most of your space and getting the layout spot-on
• Ventilation is key to keeping the bathroom steam-free and preventing issues with mould or damp from forming
• If you can, provide an additional heat source alongside a heated towel rail
• Bear in mind that if you are a one-bathroom household, you may be without facilities for some time
• Background lighting, such as downlighters, is great, but aim to also include some task and ambient light sources – considering light colour temperature too
• Don't forget to build plenty of storage into your layout — shelves, wall cabinets and vanity units are all fantastic ways to do this
• Be sure that any materials you choose for furniture, flooring, wall coverings and so on can deal with a moist, humid environment
• Don't attempt to save space by opting for smaller sanitaryware such as basins or go too small with a shower enclosure — they will just make life harder

Once your bathroom renovation project is complete, you will no doubt be keen to keep it looking its best. Look into how to make a bathroom smell good at all times too to ensure it provides a spa-like retreat feel.

Wallpaper in the bathroom...is it a good idea or a decorating disaster? There was a time when carpet in the bathroom was hugely popular but look how that turned out – possibly one of the least practical ideas ever, so is bathroom wallpaper a trend that should stay?

Carpets and toilets aside, certain materials don't mix well with water and wildly fluctuating humidity levels – both of which are strong features in any bathroom trend. We're talking soft furnishings, untreated softwood and, of course, paper. This begs the question, can you put wallpaper in a bathroom with the hope it will last?

Interestingly, it seems the answer is yes but with caveats– so we asked the experts to explain how to use this unlikely bathroom decorating material so that it lasts for years to come.

Can you put wallpaper in a bathroom?

First things first, looking at bathroom design rules, is it actually advisable to use wallpaper in a bathroom?

"As a decorator with 18 years' worth of experience in country house interiors, I often find myself suggesting wallpaper for bathrooms," says interior designer Sarah Osmond of Sarah Osmond Interiors. "It can bring so much warmth and character to a room and elevates the purely functional to something truly special and cocooning."

"I love wallpaper in the bathroom, but it's important to choose a wallpaper that can withstand the moisture that a bathroom presents," adds Esme Amberg, head of design at The Roost. "Wallpaper is a fabulous way of adding colour and character to a space."

"When it comes to interior design, bathrooms can often be overlooked as a space for creativity," picks up James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director and interior designer at Bobbi Beck. "Wallpaper gives versatility to this particular space offering a wide range of colours, patterns and textures, enhancing your bathroom and adding a spruce of personality."

Bearing in mind that these designers are most certainly not shy about recommending wallpaper for bathrooms, we took a look at the types of papers that are suitable and how to apply and maintain them to keep them looking their best.

What type of wallpaper works best in a bathroom?

Setting wallpaper trends aside for a moment, it is important to note that not all wallpapers will be suitable for use in the bathroom and understanding this is key to the success of this kind of decorating project.

"Bathroom wallpaper has come a long way from its humble beginnings," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz. "Modern advances in materials and printing technology have made it a viable option for bathrooms, often characterised by humidity and temperature fluctuations.

"You can opt for vinyl, vinyl-coated or non-woven wallpapers that are specifically designed to withstand moisture and humidity," continues James. "These materials are more resistant to water and can be wiped down without damaging the design."

Another important note here – just because a wallpaper says it is 'wipeable' doesn't mean it can be used in the bathroom near wet areas.

"Few homeowners have any awareness that not all 'washable' wallpapers are waterproofed," explains Farook Member, director and home design expert at QS Supplies.

"Some wallpapers with a scrubbable, wipeable claim actually draw in humidity. A qualified designer will specify vinyl-coated or fibreglass wallpaper with a sealed upper layer that won’t allow moisture in but will permit enough airflow to not trap moisture at its backing."

Can you use normal wallpaper in a bathroom?

Surprisingly, using regular wallpaper in the bathroom is not seen as one of those interior design mistakes to avoid – providing you apply it using some specialist techniques.

"If using standard wallpaper, apply a waterproof decorator’s varnish or a clear sealant over the surface as this can help improve its resistance to humidity and eliminate any paper shrinkage," advises James Mellan-Matulewicz.

"People are understandably nervous about mixing paper with potentially high humidity, but to counter this I recommend using a high specification extractor fan alongside the application of a couple of coats of Polyvine Decorators' Varnish," suggests Sarah Osmond. "This provides a non-porous layer on top of the paper and can be bought in a dead matt finish so doesn't have to interfere with the finished look of the paper."

How do you prepare bathroom walls for wallpaper?

Wallpaper is a great way to make a bathroom look expensive on a budget but if you want your wallpaper to stand the test of time you need to prepare the walls properly before doing anything else.

"A critical consideration is substrate preparation," says Farook Member. "Most homeowners believe new wallpaper can simply go over current walls, but when a surface isn’t appropriately primed and sealed, moisture will penetrate and disintegrate adhesive over the years.

"Most designers use a non-woven lining paper (wallpaper backing) first, then a finished wallpaper for a long-term, even face," continues Farook. "A mould-resistant adhesive in place of a traditional paste will prevent peeling and mould in crevices forming."

FAQs

Is paint or wallpaper better in a bathroom?

With so many paint colour ideas for bathrooms and a mind-boggling choice of wallpaper patterns, both are brilliant options – providing you carry out sufficient wall preparation and use products that are recommended for the task. That said, there are pros and cons of each that it is worth bearing in mind.

"Paint can often be an easier choice based on the perception that wallpaper installation can be more complex," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz. "However, if paint is applied incorrectly, humidity and warm temperatures can cause peeling and bubbling over time.

"Wallpaper installations can actually be easier than you might have initially thought," continues James. "More paste-the-wall options are available on the market making installation quicker and less messy. Wallpaper also offers a wider range of designs and styles than paint cannot achieve."

Can you paint over wallpaper? This may well be a question you are mulling over if you are renovating a bathroom so be sure to check out our guide.

A timeless bathroom trend or an acquired taste? Design experts reveal how avocado bathrooms are making a comeback. Will you be embracing this surprising shade when remodelling your bathroom?

It's no secret that trends tend to come back around, but who knew the popularity of this 70s-inspired interior trend would return to make avocado bathrooms the height of fashion in modern homes?

That's right. The versatile fruit's popularity has surpassed recipes and smoothies, as it is also the colour inspiration for one of the most timeless bathroom trends.

Avocado bathrooms – back in fashion

While neutral colourways continue to dominate colour trends, adopting more colourful schemes is gaining popularity – Dulux's Colour of the Year 2025 True Joy is a shining example. Therefore, it's not surprising that avocado bathrooms are firmly back on our radar.

"The avocado bathroom trend saw a huge surge in popularity during the 1970s," says Ryan McDonough, an Interior design expert at RMC Home Design Renovation. "The style revolves around bathroom decor, such as fixtures, tiles and accessories, having a distinct avocado green colouring, often paired with other bold colours such as brown or mustard yellow."

“Translating the trend in a much more subtle way makes it more accessible to different tastes, styles and budgets," says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. "Splashes of green create a modern vibe without going the whole hog – after all, the saturated shades of the 70’s were pretty overwhelming. "

Of course, in the 70s there was also the inclusion of a rather questionable shag pile carpet and a bolder floral wallpaper, both even more popular trends at the time. So what do avocado bathrooms look like in the 21st century?

“While we are seeing a return of Avocado, thankfully it won’t be paired with carpet this time around," Barrie reassures us. “Avocado green is an intense tone that can be used to create accents and focal points within the bathroom, adding a touch of originality and personality to the environment."

“The context of the room makes all the difference too. For example, choosing avocado for a rustic property or a period home gives it a whole new look and feel – with more of a nod to heritage palettes. If your space is modern, a statement freestanding colourful bath can give an ultra-modern room the wow factor.”

Styles notes for avocado bathrooms

"Coloured sanitaryware remains hugely popular in bathroom design, partly as our love affair with colour continues and partly because we no longer wish to have stark, white sanitaryware that jars with the colour scheme,” says Barrie.

"Combining a much longed-for freestanding bath with this dramatic colour is a surefire way to create an on-trend bathroom without overpowering the space.”

"Avocado pairs perfectly with wood and natural stone, for a soft and relaxing look. Or you can team your colourful bath and basin with white tiles for a cool and contemporary scheme."

Opting for a complete green refurbishment might be a bathroom design mistake in this day and age, but there are some inventive ways of achieving the look with a more modern twist.

If you fancy yourself a true maximalist decor lover, then using the avocado green colour as your bathroom's base is the best and most true way to go. Ryan says, "Alternatively, for a more subtle approach, it can simply be incorporated as an accent within your colour scheme."

Adding, "Tones that generally tend to complement avocado green include shades of white, pink, and brown, among others. The choice is yours when adding your own unique touch to the theme."

Actual green suites may be hard to source, unlike in the 70s, but colour drenching with your walls, floors or even towels can be just as effective.

Similar to how you'd decorate your home with sage green, using the earthy undertones of the shade is an easy way to create cohesiveness in a space. This can be done with the types of materials you use, wood, stone and brass being some of the most recurring complimentary choices.

"These can be used for furnishings or to add accents to the room, such as through the inclusion of a statement wall. White tiles can really make the boldness of the avocado pop and help to create a clean and contemporary look for your bathroom," advises Ryan.

However, if you want to achieve a true 70s avocado bathroom we say go loud with the green bathroom fixtures and lean into the groovy look with bold patterned wallpaper and warm-toned accessories. Why not even add a shaggy bath mat to complete the space?

Shop the look

Once your bathroom looks good enough to eat why not use our guide to make your bathroom smell just as good too? It's one of the hardest spots in your home to keep odour-less but we share simple tips and tricks you can use to make that task a little less challenging.

Firstly, the good news: there are many ways to make a white bathroom look anything but boring. While it may be the go-to choice for most homes, making a few clever tweaks to such a crisp, minimalist space can transform it into an environment you want to linger in.

From your choice of floor and design of cabinets to shade of towel and use of statement decor, there are many things to consider when adding vibrancy and serenity to a white bathroom. Because, while it's worth paying attention to the latest bathroom trends, it's important to ensure this room reflects your personality.

So, whether you want to feel energised as you get ready in the morning or are after a space that helps you relax in the evening, you want your white bathroom to be a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Take a look at these ideas for elevating it...

32 white bathroom ideas

Potted plants

Plants are a great asset in a white bathroom because their vibrant green colour adds a refreshing, natural contrast to the clean, neutral backdrop. They bring life and texture into the space, and create a serene, spa-like atmosphere - one that can also be enhanced with choices of pots.

Dark wood floor

A dark wood floor can look nice in a white bathroom because it creates a striking contrast to the paler decor, which adds depth and warmth to the space. The rich tones of the material also have a grounding effect against the bright, crisp surfaces.

Pine furniture

Want to make a white bathroom feel more cosy? Incorporate pine furniture, which will introduce natural warmth and texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp, clean surfaces. Further still, the lighter wood style will add character and a spa-like feel that will enhance the room's overall vibe.

Colourful cupboards

A splash of colour in the form of a bathroom cabinet can add a bold pop of personality, while breaking up the white palette. A vibrant shade - such as navy blue - can also serve as a striking focal point that draws the eye to the more important parts of the room, like a sink or mirror.

Stone wall

There's no need to paint all four walls white. If you've got a nice stone or brick base, why not leave it exposed? This introduces natural texture and character to your space, creating a contrast with the smooth, clean white surfaces, that will add warmth, depth and a unique, rustic charm.

Pine wood floor

A pine wooden floor - as opposed to tiles - can look great in a white bathroom because the light, natural tones bring warmth and softness to the crisp, clean surroundings. What's more, the material's organic texture adds character and a cosy, inviting, spa-like atmosphere that you'll want to unwind within.

Patterned tiles

If you want to mix up your all-white tiles, why not add a monochrome aesthetic? A black chequered floor will add a bold focal point, and break up the simplicity of the white walls - bringing personality and texture to the space - and creating a stylish contrast to the plainer aspects of the room.

Colourful tiles

A white bathroom doesn't mean you can't have fun with other shades. Add in some colourful tiles to break up the neutral space and create a focal point - particularly beside a sink or mirror. Further still, pretty pastel hues can add to the cosy, calming ambience of your room.

Colourful towels

You can add splashes of colour to your white bathroom in a number of ways - not least with carefully chosen, and easy-to-change, items like hand and bath towels. They can brighten up the space and create an aesthetically pleasing visual contrast with the neutral, minimalist backdrop.

Gold fittings

Golden metal fittings - on a bathtub or sink - look stunning in a white bathroom because they add a touch of luxury and sophistication, while standing out beautifully against the clean, white backdrop. As opposed to traditional silver hardware, they can also deliver extra warmth to the space.

Colourful decor

Add in stylish items - like candles and diffusers - to bring easy pops of colour into your white bathroom. They add in vibrancy and can be used to reflect your personality, while also creating a lively contrast to the neutral backdrop. What's more, waft in their lovely scents while doing your skincare routine or enjoying a soak.

Statement mirror

When choosing a mirror to go in your white bathroom, you'd do well to select one that makes a statement - perhaps through a quirky shape or unusual frame to elevate the overall aesthetic. What's more, it will reflect light to make the bathroom feel more spacious and bright.

Marble effect

Embracing marble effect surfaces in a white bathroom will bring a luxurious feel, complementing the crisp, cleans tones with sophistication and a timeless style. On top of this, given its lighter colour, it will also blend well with the rest of the room.

Rattan baskets

Rattan baskets are a great addition to a white bathroom because they add warmth and natural texture, creating a cosy contrast against the clean, minimalist white backdrop. Their earthy tones and woven design bring an organic, spa-like feel to the space - perfect for helping you relax.

Wood panel

Rather than four white walls, you can introduce a wood panel on one to create an aesthetically pleasing point of difference. The natural tones of the material will introduce warmth and texture, creating a striking contrast against the minimalist design of the rest of the room.

Off-white paint

Off-white paint can look nice in a white bathroom because it adds subtle warmth and softness, preventing the space from feeling too sterile or cold. The slight variation in tone creates depth and dimension, while maintaining a bright, clean and serene atmosphere.

Wall shelves

Short on space? Shelving can look nice in a white bathroom because it adds both functionality and style, offering a way to display decorative items or store essentials in an organised and aesthetically pleasing manner. Choose a neutral colour for the shelving itself so that it blends well with the rest of your decor.

Black accents

Black accents can look really stylish in a white bathroom because they create a striking contrast that adds depth and definition to the space. The bold, modern touch of black - when used on mirror frames, taps and shower panels - adds sophistication to a clean white backdrop.

Ceiling colour

Subtly introducing another colour to the ceiling of a white bathroom - particularly one that is sloped - adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. This unexpected design element draws the eye upwards, and choosing a gentle hue like grey can maintain the clean, fresh aesthetic.

Maximalist look

A white bathroom doesn't mean you can't lean into your penchant for a maximalist aesthetic. What's more, a clean, white backdrop actually allows bold colours, patterns and textures to stand out, creating a vibrant and visually stimulating result. Use towels, plants and other decorations to reflect your personality.

White tiles

Rather than a plain white wall, introducing tiles will add some difference in texture for a more stylish finish that is also practical for protecting against water damage. Whichever shape you choose, it is certain to complement the other decor in your space - from metal taps to diffusers.

Centre bathtub

Jazzing up needn't mean adding in colour or pattern if that's not your vibe - it can also include altering the layout of the room. A central, freestanding bathtub can really make a statement and will create the perfect calm and balanced ambience to enjoy a long, candlelit soak.

Heated rail

White bathrooms have a reputation for feeling a bit sterile and cold, so why not literally add warmth via a heated rail? Not only does it serve an important function - keeping your towels and the room toasty - but it also makes a stylish statement if installed in a contrasting shade like black.

Wooden details

Introducing wooden elements is a great idea in a white bathroom because the natural material adds warmth and cosiness to the space in a way that complements the the crisp, minimalist decor. Try stools and racks for an easy way to get started.

Painted brick

Painting exposed brick, rather than plastering over it, can look really stylish in a white bathroom. The difference in texture brings a quirky, industrial feel, but one that also still ties in with the rest of the room, and contrasts nicely with softer items. What's more, the relaxed aesthetic also means the paintwork needn't be perfect.

Statement sink

A colourful sink can make a stunning statement in an all-white bathroom. Introducing a sparing pop of colour via a key item will make sure the aesthetically pleasing splash that doesn't overwhelm. However, it's best to go for a shade - such as a pastel one - that will be harmonious with the rest of your decor.

Colourful accents

A white bathroom needn't be all white. Adding in colourful accents - such as through tiles - is an easy way to create add vibrancy and personality while retaining an overall airy, minimalist aesthetic. However, it's best to opt for a softer shade that won't feel overwhelming and stick to one area of the room - such as the shower.

Statement bath

While the vast majority of bathtubs come in white, why not consider using it as a way to add a stylish splash of colour into an otherwise neutral space? A tub in a contrasting, but harmonious hue - such as turquoise green - will draw the eye and create a lovely focal point.

Clear surfaces

White bathrooms work best when clutter is kept to a minimum. A lack of objects kept on the surface - such as toiletries and make-up - will allow your mind to properly unwind when using the space. Try to utilise the storage available, such as cupboards.

Colourful artwork

Flex your creative muscles and use carefully chosen artwork on your plain white bathroom walls. It will add vibrancy and personality into the space, with colourful designs contrasting nicely with the rest of the neutral decor.

Statement wallpaper

If your toilet, sink and other aspects of your bathroom are all white, then why not elevate one wall with beautiful, patterned wallpaper? Depending on the design or colour you choose, it can add a charming, rustic feel to the space.

Shower curtain

A shower curtain may serve a primarily functional purpose, but it can also be a great way to add a pop of colour or pattern to elevate the neutral, minimalist backdrop. What's more, if you change your mind, it's very easy to switch.

Black bathroom taps are the modern must-have for many a sleek bathroom scheme. And while they look contemporary and chic, I have found out the hard way that looks can be deceiving – because they are not as practical as I'd hoped.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on bathroom trends, you’ll have spotted many a black tap working its way onto the pages of glossy interior magazines. Japandi bathrooms were instrumental in making black taps a common fixture in family bathrooms, and there have been several trends that have popped up since.

But as I say, I've learned elements about owning black taps that I overlooked when installing them into my home. So before you go adding to the cart, here's the lowdown on what you need to know before buying black bathroom taps.

What you need to know before buying black bathroom taps

Wondering what to consider before buying and installing black bathroom taps? Just as we found previously when looking at what you need to consider before buying a hot water tap, there are lots of factors that new buyers might not automatically consider.

Here’s the lowdown on the key points to think about before making a purchase, especially if you are keen to make your bathroom look expensive as a result.

Black taps can fade

During my research into the issues associated with black taps, I came across lots of instances where people had experienced colour fade in lower-quality black taps. The reasons for the colour fading can include exposure to cleaning chemicals or UV light. The fading can be in spots or patches or all over.

Richard Ticehurst, Brand Expert at Britton, had this advice about protecting the finish of matt black bathroom taps, “It’s important to prevent the buildup of products such as soap and toothpaste. This can affect the look of the brassware and may wear away the coating. Rinse thoroughly and often with clean water to remove any soapy residue that could stain the fixtures.”

Limited choice of black bathroom taps

Although more common than a few years back, there are still fewer style and design options for black taps compared to alternative finishes. This restricts your choices and can be a hindrance if you are shopping for replacements to fit existing baths or sinks and need a specific size.

Happily, many of the trusted brands like Grohe, Calypso Bathrooms and Britton Bathrooms are adding new ranges all the time.

We are spoilt for choice with most kitchen and bathroom fixtures and fittings these days, so the limited choice in black bathroom taps might come as a surprise.

A note about trends

Some people might argue that black taps, well, black accents of any description, are part of a passing trend and could therefore become outdated.

I’m playing devil’s advocate here as I actually don’t think black taps are a 'trendy' item and I honestly believe they will stand the test of time because black accents in an interior scheme can help to achieve a timeless feel. I’ll caveat that by adding that this is obviously dependent on what they are paired with in the scheme.

I always advise against decorating your home to align with the latest interior trends unless they are trends that really resonate with you and spark joy because items like taps are a long-term fixture and no one wants to be paying plumber call-out fees every few months as the trends change.

What I wish I had known before buying black bathroom taps

I’ve had black taps in my bathroom for a few years and feel they make a strong style statement, bringing lots of positive aspects to the table, or should that be sink?! However, black bathroom taps present challenges in terms of maintenance and durability.

This contemporary finish can be greatly affected by the hardness of your water and your willingness to increase your daily cleaning routine. These are the things I wish I’d known before installing black taps in my home...

1. Black taps can be easily marked

The extent to which this point is an issue will depend on the hardness of the water in your area. In Kent, we suffer from extremely hard water and limescale is a daily issue. Consequently, black taps are prone to water spots and mineral deposits and require more ongoing maintenance than chrome or stainless steel.

Fingerprints can be an issue on glossy black taps, where the oil from your skin can leave telltale marks after using the taps. I can’t personally attest to this issue being bad as I always opted for a matte finish, luckily, which holds up better against fingerprints.

2. Durability can be an issue

I must admit, for about two years, I was pretty smug about this point not being an issue for me, but the day did eventually come when the finish on my black taps started chipping and scratching to reveal unsightly patches of bare metal.

From speaking to people about this issue when it did finally occur, I understand that I was quite lucky to have escaped it for so long as there were many reports of relatively new black taps chipping and flaking, much to the distress of their owners.

The good news is that you can complete a DIY repair on your black taps' paint job in a few simple steps. Start by cleaning the tap, then lightly sand the affected area, remove any loose or flaky paint, dust off and apply a coat of paint primer to the whole tap. Once the primer is dry you are ready to spray paint the tap with enamel paint and restore it to its former glory.

I have a step-by-step tutorial on how to restore black taps with paint on my blog in case it's useful.

3. Frequent cleaning is required: but with a gentle approach

If you love cleaning, you might not consider this one to be an issue, but for those who find cleaning a chore the prospect of extra cleaning being required to keep black taps looking their best might be offputting.

As we have seen, black taps are prone to visible water spots and mineral deposits so they benefit from a daily wipe. Matte finishes are less problematic than gloss, but they can still appear dirty if not regularly cleaned.

I mentioned earlier that overuse or prolonged exposure to cleaning chemicals can result in colour fade so it pays to be mindful about the cleaning products you use on black taps. Bunmi Scott is a green cleaning expert and has this advice to keep black taps looking their best without risking damage from harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products.

"The easiest way to clean black taps in a non-abrasive way is to use lukewarm water with some eco-washing up liquid," Bummi explains. "Using a soft sponge, wash down the tap then rinse it with water and then dry it with a micro fibre cloth."

4. Black taps can be more expensive

After even a quick trawl of the usual bathroom sites, it will become apparent that black taps often come at a higher price than other finishes.

This needs to be carefully considered before making a purchase because it will also be true for other fittings and fixtures on a black finish, so the cost of kitting out your whole bathroom or kitchen could add up fast. The last thing you want to do is risk making a common bathroom design mistake by misjudging the budget.

5. Black bathroom taps can vary in colour

This point might not be a huge issue if there is enough distance between the taps and other hardware in your kitchen or bathroom. However, it could become problematic if you have black items from different suppliers in close proximity, as any colour variation will be noticeable and could ruin the cohesiveness of the aesthetic you were hoping to achieve.

What are the main disadvantages of black bathroom taps?

The main disadvantages of black bathroom taps centre around their tendency to show marks and water stains if not cleaned very regularly with gentle cleaning products. As we discovered was the case with self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens, there are specific cleaning requirements.

The cleaning routine you adopt will need prior consideration as exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning. You’ll likely need to clean more frequently, especially in hard water areas if your black bathroom taps have a gloss finish. The selection of black bathroom taps available to purchase might be more limited than for other finishes and they might be more expensive.

The Dry:Soon Heated Towel Airer isn't quite like any other heated clothes airers on the market. It's perfect for drying towels in your bathroom as well as for smaller loads of laundry. I'm sold.

Traditionally, the best heated clothes airers have been measured against how well they bear the brunt of your big laundry loads, but that’s not always what you need. If your towel rail is too small or draining your utilities, it’s worth investing in the Dry:Soon Heated Towel Airer.

I’ve been using this in my bathroom, as well as to supplement my main heated airer. When I have a few small bits to dry, this demands minimal room and doesn’t take up too much space. I've done the maths on how much heated airers cost to run and it's pennies. This is a no-brainer.

Specifications

Unboxing

Whilst the Dry:Soon arrived in a small, slim cardboard box, this was actually the most frustrating to assemble of all the heated clothes airers out there. You can see in the picture that this has long feet, but these need to be screwed into place with some special tools. Therefore, you’ll need to have your toolbox handy and your motivation levels high to get using this straight away. I, unfortunately, didn’t, so I’ll confess that I was using this without any feet for a whole week before I could sum up the handywoman inside me to fit the feet on. 

Aside from that, the rest of the packaging was easy to dispose of and this looked nice and slim. I wouldn’t begrudge it some space in my bathroom — and that’s saying a lot.

Who would it suit?

The Dry:Soon has really been designed for towels and use in the bathroom. If your heated towel rail only works when the central heating is on, this is a great way to stop your towels from staying damp while the heating isn’t running. It’s also generally useful for any extra towels or small laundry loads that you do. I found myself putting a lot of gym clothes on it for a quick dry as well as small towels and blankets. Top tip: your dryer doesn’t have to just be for wet clothes. You can put pyjamas and blankets on it so that when you go to use them, they’ve been gently warmed.

As you might have guessed, this won’t replace your main heated airer, but it’ll be a great helping hand around the house. Or, if you live in a really small space, it’ll also be a handy way to enjoy the benefits of a heated airer, without needing to make space for a big one.

How easy is it to use?

Once I had screwed on the feet, using the Dry:Soon was easy. There’s a button tucked in the inside of the ladder that lets you choose either two or four hours before the ladder will automatically turn off. This is great for your utilities as well as for fire hazards. The rungs generally run at 50 degrees, so you won’t need it on for any longer. It can do the job of almost all tasks in four hours. Which brings me on to the results and my in-person tests. 

Normally, I run all heated clothes airers through a light load, medium load, and heavy load of washing. However, this maxed out in capacity at 2.7m of space, which is just shy of a light load, so I switched up my tests. I put a load of towels on the heated airer, a mini wash, and then another load of clothing. 

Given that the Dry:Soon boasts six rungs, I thought I would be able to get six towels dry on it. However, that was wishful thinking. This could dry three large towels in two hours, but if I put more on, they were really hard to get properly dry, even after four hours on full heat. That’s enough for a small family, or to cater to some overflow from your normal towel rail, but it’s important to note that this has limited capacity.

Now, I know that the Dry:Soon isn’t designed for light laundry loads, but it flew through drying my gym clothes, a hand-washed jumper, and general clothing that I had lying around. In fact, it was one of the fastest heated clothes airers to get my pieces of clothing cupboard dry.

The greatest difficulty that I had in using this was that I don’t have plug sockets in my bathroom, but I wanted to use this for drying towels. I ended up keeping this on the landing, plugged in, near the bathroom. It didn’t make for the most attractive decor, but when it wasn’t in use, I put it out of the way. 

What is it like to store?

This isn’t really designed to be stowed away. Instead Dry:Soon opted for a design that would be compact enough not to need to be disassembled. Whilst this is slim, small, and inoffensive in a bathroom, the feet do stick out a little. In fact, they measure 12 cm. You’ll want to find a little nook where you can store this ladder. I have a gap between my sink and bath, but you might have a cupboard. 

How does it compare?

It’s unfair to put this up against tower heated clothes airers and pod airers, since they’re the main event and this is more of a support act. It does, however, have some crossover with one of my favourite heated airers, the Aerative Portable Dryer Hanger. This works by drying clothes one item at a time, so it’s much smaller scale than the Dry:Soon. However, it’s faster and much more versatile: I dried shoes, shirts, and heavy jumpers in record time. 

I feel like a broken record saying this again, but the Dry:Soon ladder has a very specific use. It’s great for your towels in the bathroom and small loads. If you take small to the extreme and wash just one item, get the Aerative. If you know you often have little batches of washing and damp towels, go for the Dry:Soon.

Should you buy it?

I’ll say it one last time (and then I’ll stop, I promise), this is the perfect compliment to an overcrowded towel rail and small washing loads. Anything more will need a substantially bigger clothes airer, but this is nifty to have around for small jobs. 

How we test

At woman&home, we have a standard process for how we test heated clothes airers. I've spent months drying sheets, jumpers, tops, and more on the best heated airers on the market. 

Before a review comes to you like this, I'll have used it in my own home. I unbox it, making notes on the packaging, parts, and assembly. Then, I'll put different loads of washing, from jeans to cottons, and woolly knits, timing how long it takes to get each garment to cupboard dry.

Once I'm satisfied that I've got a good idea of how long the heated airer takes to dry clothes, I'll move on to storage. I test out different storage spaces around my home so that you get a good idea of where you can put your heated airer. 

After that, I'll do a comparison between the heated airer that I've tested and similar models on the market. I often look for a more expensive and a less expensive model, so that you know whether you're getting good value for money.

After that, I'll give you a judgement on whether this heated airer is worth buying. I'll say who it suits and who it doesn't. I'll always aim to cover all bases because I want you to be able to make an investment that you consider money well-spent.

When bathroom layout, storage, decor, and lighting all come together, we can create spaces that are a joy to spend time in, adding a little luxury to our daily routines. Of course, every bathroom and household is different, but there are a few general bathroom design rules that, for me, are a no-brainer when I'm advising clients on a bathroom project.

The kitchen tends to get all the glory, but given that we start and end our day in the bathroom (and it's the one space guests are most likely to visit) it's a space that merits some careful planning and design attention. 

The decisions can feel overwhelming, so it's always a good idea to speak to a professional if you can, whether you want to adopt some of this year's biggest bathroom trends or be guided by what you love.

Bathroom design rules to follow

Good bathroom design will always blend aesthetics – those tiles that make your heart sing, the roll-top bath, the beautiful view – with the practicalities of everyday life, such as heating, ventilation, and needing to store a lot of stuff.

1. Use some non-bathroom features

I love a bathroom that feels more like a room in which you bathe – so a little more cosy and less 'bathroomy' than the standard bathroom. For instance, you could go for painted walls rather than lots of tiles. 

Sophie Clemson advises her clients to avoid having tiles everywhere in the bathroom, as she says this can feel quite dated and can look like a wetroom if the tiles are from floor to ceiling. 'Place tiles only where you need them due to water, such as around the shower and sink area. This will create a modern look,' she says.

Other ways to create a cosy or quiet luxury aesthetic include soft window treatments, such as fabric curtains or a Roman blind layered over a wooden Venetian blind. Then, add accessories like the best indoor plants for your health and well-being, artwork, a low stool by the bath, a bathroom rug, and even a small bookshelf if there's a spot where it won't get damp. 

You can always soften an existing bathroom with decor but if you like the idea of a homely bathroom that invites you to linger for longer, think about ways of adding visual warmth and texture at the renovation stage. 

2. Factor in more storage than you think you need

Bathrooms quickly become overrun with our daily skincare products, toiletries, shampoo bottles, and towels, as we go about our daily routines. So, where space allows, it's always sensible to accommodate all our bathroom paraphernalia to help keep things organised and help declutter your bathroom to free up space. After all, physical clutter means mental clutter.

"Bathroom storage is especially important in a family home," adds Sophie Clemson. "There are so many toiletries that build up over time, which can make your bathroom look cluttered, therefore, plan in plenty of storage."

Consider shower niches, as these always look super smart, a mirrored cabinet, open shelving, woven baskets, a kitchen sink unit with drawers beneath, and plenty of hooks. 

One of my favourite bathroom storage solutions is to create a hidden cupboard in a wooden bath panel by cutting out a square in the panel and adding hinges and a handle. This creates lots of extra space for storing towels or whatever else and doesn't take up any room.

3. Let the light in

Many home layouts mean we're not blessed with a window in our bathroom or en suite, in which case, it's important to think about lighting, ventilation and ways to avoid excess humidity. 

But, if you can, allow natural light to flow in as much as possible by installing a larger window, adding a skylight, or using glass shower screens that the light can travel through. Ensure you stay on top of cleaning glass shower doors to keep the look gleaming and airy.

Opt for window treatments that don't block the light and only have frosted glass where it's totally necessary. 

Mirrors and reflective surfaces will also bounce light around, and plants can also make the space feel more airy – a favourite interior design trick for making a small room look bigger. We all want our bathrooms to feel like our own personal spa, and sunlight streaming through the windows creates a sense of well-being and connection with nature.

4. Create a focal point

The focal point or, as it's often called, the 'wow moment' in your bathroom might be obvious – a beautiful roll-top bath sitting in a window, a walk-in shower in a dark green tile, or a beautiful terrazzo sink. 

Or, it might be less clear. Think about where your focal point will be, and if the room lacks one, you can add a statement light fitting, a large piece of artwork, or a big mirror. Each of these will create a focal point or 'destination' in smaller bathrooms and en suites, drawing the eye and making the space feel more cohesive. By creating an area that's the centre of attention, the whole design will feel more pulled together, making your bathroom look more expensive and well-designed.

5. Carefully plan your layout

Think carefully about the most functional layout for the bathroom based on your bathing habits and how many people are using it. "We always recommend working with a bathroom planner to see what's possible in your space, as you may want a certain layout, but because of plumbing, you may have to have a little rethink," says Sophie Clemson. Not measuring your space correctly is the most common bathroom design mistake to avoid.

"We recommend not cramming too much into the space, as it can make the room feel smaller. If you’re working in an empty room, mark out the bath, shower, toilet, and sink with masking tape," Sophie adds. "This will give you an idea of how much floor space you will have remaining and whether changes need to be made while they can."

"Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may not have much choice in the layout of the sanitaryware," says Sophie. "If you have to position the sink next to the shower, consider a wall-hung floating cabinet because it will help to give the illusion of more space if you can see underneath the sink."

The more floor space visible, the more spacious the bathroom will feel, so consider storage cabinets with legs and wall-mounted toilets. Keeping items up off the floor will also make cleaning the bathroom much easier.

Victoria Beckham's farmhouse-core bathroom was visible as she gave a rare peek inside what appeared to be her cosy Cotswolds home in an Instagram video. 

Fashion icon and designer, Victoria Beckham, took to social media this weekend to show off her dedicated skincare regime which includes an LED facemask and the best face moisturisers to hydrate and nourish the skin. While discussing her routine, the star gave a sneak peek inside her Cotswolds home, featuring a farmhouse feel with large wooden beams and a roomy walk-in shower. 

Victoria showed that she's been keen on picking up on the bathroom trends of 2024 as the space can be seen with crisp white tiles contrasting with the black metal and glass framed side of the walk-in shower.

Outside of the bathroom, Victoria and husband David have opted for dark-painted walls in a shade of forest green that picks up on the green accents in the floral painting hung outside of the bathroom. The dark wooden panelling and rustic style framing of the door only add more intriguing contrast to the room and provide a totally rustic energy. 

Using stained woods and other dark colour palettes can be a bold choice in a home and can be present in farmhouse-style homes or other interior design trends such as mid-century modern or minimalism. Changing the tone of a room with a splash of paint is also a great way to change the feel of a space without completely redecorating or spending a fortune on a redesign. 

In the post, VB also explained that she loves to take time to give her skin a refresh and a pamper each week. 

"On a Sunday morning, I try and find time for a pamper session – I apply a face mask (I switch between a few face masks that I love depending what my skin needs). I leave this on for as long as I can," she explained, sharing tips on how she keeps her complexion nourished and hydrated.

Wondering how to make a bathroom smell good? Although it seems like an impossible task, there are quite a few neat tricks you can use to make your space as fragrant as possible at all times. 

Everyone wants to know how to make your house smell good, whether for our guest's sake or just our peace of mind. And whilst you may have mastered how to make your kitchen smell good, the bathroom can be a little bit trickier for several reasons. 

With drains, toilets and regular use, keeping on top of your bathroom's cleanliness can seem like a never-ending job never mind making sure it's smelling good. That's why we asked home and cleaning experts what easy steps you can take to keep your bathroom smelling fresh with minimal effort. 

How to make a bathroom smell good: 8 easy steps

Even when you know how to clean a bathroom and how often you should clean your bathroom, some smells are too stubborn to be simply cleaned away. Whether you've been using the wrong products or perhaps have forgotten a step in your usual cleaning routine, unwanted scents can slip through the cracks. 

If you're sick of turning your nose up every time you enter your bathroom then try these expert-recommended tips and you're space will be stink-free in no time. 

1. Use natural cleaning products

Most of us know how to clean our house and have picked up all the expert cleaning hacks we've ever come across but using natural ingredients for cleaning is still quite uncommon. Not only can natural cleaners make quick work of a tough job but they're also much more affordable. 

"One of the best ingredients to use for cleaning bathrooms is lemon juice, as it will help to dissolve limescale and soap buildup," explains Nancy Emery, in-house cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse. It'll also leave your bathroom with a refreshing smell." 

She also recommends cleaning with baking soda when it comes to tackling the toilet bowl due to its odour-neutralising powers. "You can even fill a jar with baking soda and leave it open in your bathroom as a homemade diffuser, except this one will absorb any nasty smells, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh. Remember to replace the baking soda once a week," explains Nancy. 

2. Stay on top of mould

There are several unexpected places mould may be hiding in your home, and your bathroom is one of them. Knowing how to clean grout properly and even the best way to clean your shower curtain is a great start to keeping the mould out of your bathroom. 

"One of the root causes of a stinky bathroom is mould and mildew build-up. That musty smell you get as you open your shower enclosure or the nasty black spores forming around your tiles or bath are clear signs you need to clean more regularly," explains Nancy. 

To get rid of mould in your bathroom you can quickly clean it with bleach, however, if you want to use natural methods then Nancy recommends cleaning with vinegar. Allowing the bleach or vinegar solution to seep into the mould for around 30 minutes will mean a much more effective clean. 

3. Deodorise drains

Perhaps one of the worst culprits in your bathroom for giving off unwanted smells is drains. A gurgling drain is one of the common bathroom sounds you should never ignore as this usually means the pipes are blocked with hair and grime. 

Speaking to a cleaning professional at Property Rescue, Emily Barron, she explains, "Drains are a common area causing nasty smells, but luckily this is a super easy fix. You can eliminate the odours by using a simple mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, pouring this down the drain and following it with hot water minutes later will deodorise it." 

4. Empty your bin regularly

This may seem like an obvious idea, but as bathroom bins aren't as commonly used as ones in our kitchen they can often get forgotten about. However, bins can be quite the silent killer when it comes to unwanted smells especially if you've recently decluttered your bathroom.

"Not only can a bin full of old rubbish create smells but it may also attract insects and pests that can contribute to foul odours," explains Peter Clayton, managing director of Trade Plumbing. 

Even the smallest piece of rubbish, such as used makeup wipes or sanitary products can create a bad aroma in your whole bathroom. It's also a great idea to get decompostable small bin liners for your bathroom bin, this will stop any rubbish from sticking to the external pin and causing further clean-up. 

5. Know which scents to use

Lighting one of the best-scented candles is perhaps the easiest fix for getting your bathroom smelling good. However, a little more thought can go into scent-scaping your space to make sure it's exactly to your liking and that you're investing in scents that stick around for longer. 

So what scents are best for our bathrooms? Speaking to Interior Designer, Keely Smith, she says, "One of the easiest ways to spruce up any bathroom is through aroma. Fresh scents have the power to shift our mood and reduce stress levels." 

Keely explains that her favourite natural air fresheners include baking soda infused with essential oils, slices of fragrant citrus and pots of green living plants. Having one of the best fragrant house plants in your bathroom is a great way of naturally scenting the space. 

Aside from that, Keely recommends finding an oil diffuser that would work for your space, scents such as eucalyptus, tea tree or ylang-ylang are perfect for a bathroom she points out. 

6. Control the humidity

Our bathrooms are one of the most humid places in our homes all year round, which is why investing in the best dehumidifier for a bathroom is a great remedy for this. If you do not want to purchase a dehumidifier then several plants can help with condensation in any room but you might need more help if you're bathroom is regularly used. 

"For bathrooms without a fan, humidity can be difficult to control, leading to dampness. To avoid a damp smell within your bathroom I recommend opening your window, after having a hot bath or shower, to provide ventilation," explains Peter. He does, however, warn against opening your bathroom door as it can allow the humidity to reach other parts of your house.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

7. Wash your towels regularly

When smells start to linger in your bathroom, your first thought might not be the towels hanging on the door. Sometimes you can not realise just quite how often your towels need washing and even the signs your towels need replacing can go unnoticed for a while. 

Steve explains, "Damp towels can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which can spread foul smells throughout your bathroom." Keeping on top of your towel's washing cycle will not only deter smells but also make any trips to the bathroom much safer for you. 

8. Schedule regular cleans

One of the easiest ways to keep your bathroom smelling its very best is by simply keeping on top of cleaning. Emily explains that regular maintenance is the number one must in ensuring your bathroom stays smelling fresh and clean. 

"Keep on top of the important areas like the toilet, sink and shower, just a quick wipe around each day or every few days with a disinfectant spray can eliminate mildew and bacteria that create unwanted odours," she explains. This doesn't mean you have to tackle cleaning the shower head or figuring out how to get rid of limescale every day but a wipe around now and then will make deep cleans a lot easier. 

Now you know all the best ways to make a bathroom smell good, be prepared for guests to comment on how lovely your space is. Being able to detect where certain smells are coming from is the quickest way to finding solutions and enforcing either deodorising techniques, cleaning or scent boosts. 

Whether you're looking to refresh your bathroom with a few cosmetic tweaks or completely renovate, these key bathroom trends of 2025 are here to inform and inspire design choices to create a stylish space you'll love for years to come.

Any degree of renovation or remodelling in a bathroom is an investment, similar to contemplating the latest kitchen trends. Therefore, it pays to stay informed of the latest innovations in materials, layout designs, and trending colour palettes to ensure your project results in a timeless space you love.

Ultimately, like any popular interior design trend, your dream bathroom scheme is a matter of personal taste and might not follow strict bathroom design rules. However, these on-trend design elements show that there are key focuses to consider incorporating into any bathing space this year.

Bathroom trends 2025: 9 inspiring design ideas

Sometimes, the term trends can feel overwhelming, particularly when choosing investment pieces for a bathroom, as they signify a fleeting, 'of-the-moment' style. Thankfully, we've cut through the noise and selected the most prominent elements to inform and inspire design choices to ensure you create a stylish space to enjoy for years to come and avoid costly bathroom design mistakes.

1. Delicate fluting

From reeded glass to elegantly sculpted furniture, fluting is a design element that is well and truly here to stay in the world of interior design. “Fluted finishes are a bathroom trend that started in 2024 but that we’ll see lots more of in 2025 – and with good reason,” says Sally Bettison, Product Manager at Tissino. This decadent aesthetic is a great way to make your bathroom look expensive and add personality to your home.

“There are so many options open as to how to bring in fluted finishes, but a particular favourite is fluted glass as you are doubling up on aesthetics and practicality. By adding fluted shower screens, you can ‘zone’ your shower from the rest of the bathroom – great if your family use the space together at various times of the day. Reeded or fluted glass is also just the right level of opaque – allowing light to pass without everything being visible and so is great for creating a light and airy shower experience."

“If you really want to bring the trend to life, consider investing in other bathroom products alongside your shower screen, such as fluted furniture that will also add the subtle texture but that continues the flow of the ribbed effect.”

2. Spa-like sanctuaries

As we’ve seen consistently over the last few years the desire to create a stress-free home continues to gain momentum. 'Spa-rooms' are the must-have aesthetic for modern bathrooms to create a restful space that encourages you to take time for yourself to relax and destress. Bathrooms are no longer merely a space to shower as part of your rushed everyday routine, the aim is to create a decor that feels functional but indulgent at the same time.

“The bathroom is continually evolving into something of a ‘personal wellness sanctuary," says Rikki Fothergill a bathroom style expert at Big Bathroom Shop. In 2025, she predicts that this trend will be more than just a stylistic choice. “There will be more emphasis on creating actual spa-like experiences at home, moving beyond just aesthetics.”

We're expecting to see advanced spa-like features incorporated into home interiors, suggests, “Infrared saunas, chromotherapy showers and health-monitoring technologies will be integrated with everyday fixtures.”

As a result, homeowners will be looking for spa-like features such as walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, body sprays, steam functions, and bench seating to transform showers into home spas. Freestanding tubs are the main attraction offering bathrooms to promote a luxury space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

A really easy way to instantly get more of a spa-like atmosphere is to tap into the core lighting trends where the ambience is key to changing the emotional pull of each space – layered lighting is key. For a spa bathroom opt for warm temperatures at low levels to allow the eyes to soften in focus – the mind will soon follow, allowing a deeper state of relaxation.

This is the one trend where smaller details and accessories can make all the difference. From upgrading your current towels that need replacing to the best bath towels on the market and embracing the art of scent-scaping to create the look and feel of a luxury spa can all go a long way to transforming the space into a tranquil haven of relaxation.

3. Avocado bathrooms

When compiling the list of emerging trends I had to do a double take because coloured sanitaryware is back in fashion for the first time in many years. And not just any colour, it's the classic 70s-inspired design trend of the avocado bathroom.

“The renewed love for avocado bathrooms can be partly put down to a revival of retro interior trends which is coupled with the colour green becoming increasingly popular,” says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. “As well as colour combinations, avocado bathrooms work across both contemporary, rustic and period homes and so are highly versatile."

"The beauty of it is that avocado ceramics is a great tool for helping with our love of colour because we no longer wish to have stark, white sanitaryware that jars with the colour scheme, add in our desire for freestanding baths and it is a winning combination. Consider laying different hues of green in the same space so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by too much of the avocado shade, and it will also make the avocado bath pop.”

Thankfully, unlike the original avocado bathrooms of the 1970s, there will be no carpets for the trend in 2025. Barrie reassures us of this by saying: “While we are seeing a return of Avocado, thankfully it won’t be paired with carpet this time around.”

4. Textured tiles

Texture within interior design has never been more prominent. I feel it comes from a place of wanting maximum comfort from our surroundings and there's something hugely relatable about engaging the sense of touch to create a calm, reassuring environment – particularly in bathrooms.

Therefore textured tiles are the biggest tile trend across the board. Unique, textured surfaces are redefining bathroom design by welcoming character without overwhelming them with colour or metallics. A simple neutral tile is a timeless style but a move on from the ‘boring’ contemporary smooth tiles of yesteryear.

“The prominence of texture has been seen across fashion and interiors over the past year and tiles are following suit for the year ahead,” says Isabel Fernandez at Quorn Stone. “One of the standout trends for 2025, is the use of tiles with a pronounced and tactile surface. These designs can add depth and character to any room, whether with wavy, fluted and relief finishes, to those imitating natural materials such as stone.”

“Using textured tiles within the bathroom can transform a plain bathroom into a visually appealing space," says Maria D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK. "Try experimenting with the size and shape of your tiles, as well as mixing and matching the styles to create contrast and depth. For example, you could use textured tiles for the shower walls or backsplash and smoother tiles for the rest of the walls or floor.”

"Unique and beautifully crafted, embossed tiles boast raised detailing, intricate designs and eye-catching patterns that create a stunning tactile experience in homes."

"From geometric shapes to waves and floral motifs, embossed tiles allow homeowners and designers alike to interplay with light and shadow, whilst acting as their own piece of wall artwork – creating wonderful contrast in a space."

5. 'Quiet luxury' design focus

The desire for 'quiet luxury' design is not going away anytime soon, and it's particularly prevalent for creating a timeless bathroom scheme. The trend focuses on investment for the long term, with consideration for materials, fixtures and fittings.

“Unlike many trends we see, this one is arguably not even a trend at all – it’s less about a specific look and more about creating an atmosphere that is timeless and evokes a feeling of understated elegance,” says Barrie Cutchie. It's for this very reason that a quiet luxury aesthetic adds value to your home.

“Quiet luxury is a style that emphasises high-quality pieces that have a timeless appeal. It’s about creating a space that feels comfortable while being sophisticated and aspirational but also achievable."

How does that translate when considering bathroom design? "It could be an organically shaped bath or one made from a naturally derived material, accessories with simple silhouettes and an understated colour palette."

6. Frameless shower enclosures

I rarely see anything but frameless shower enclosures nowadays, and for good reason. This minimalist approach to shower screens is ideal for making any bathroom feel open, which is highly desirable as most bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side (in comparison to other rooms in the house).

“A frameless shower screen is pretty explanatory, it is a clear screen without a frame," says Barrie. "While framed shower screens, such as those that take inspiration from Crittall, have long been popular, the thought of an almost invisible screen is now taking over.

“The reason behind the switch is to make a bathroom feel airy, which can be especially important in smaller spaces. Opting for a frameless shower screen also means you have even more opportunity to reflect your personality in your tile design and bathroom fittings.”

The key to keeping this look faultless is to master how to clean glass shower doors to maintain a gleaming sheet of reflective beauty – rather than a screen of soap suds and smears.

7. Nickel fixtures and fittings

It would appear those warm metallics have had their time in the spotlight because a new favourite finish is set to take centre stage – and thankfully it's not black, because we now know all the cons after exploring everything you need to know before buying black bathroom taps.

“For the last several years, brass and brushed brass has dominated bathroom brassware but for 2025, there will be a shift to new finishes which I’m excited about,” says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

“Still in keeping with softer finishes such as a brushed effect so that it isn’t jarring to the rest of a scheme, is nickel and stainless-steel finishes.”

“While most silver-ish metals have a grey shade to them, brushed nickel emanates a slightly golden hue that glows with subtlety, gently reflecting light sources back into the room to create a spa-style atmosphere.

This makes it the perfect choice for those with warm-toned bathrooms with colour palettes of beige, cream, chocolate, yellow, or even deep sapphire blue. Because brushed nickel isn’t overtly shiny, it also resists fingerprints – a godsend in busy family bathrooms or sharing households.”

8. Tile drenching

Colour drenching takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to modern bathroom design. Where you might use the best living room paints to cover every surface in a living space in a bathroom the same design principle applies only in this functional room the look is being executed via 'tile drenching' to create a cohesive look.

“We saw this trend coming a while back so have been gradually increasing tile sizes across our collections and adding to our finishes to make achieving this look all the easier,” explains Grazzie. “Whether you go with one tile all over or one tile collection but in different scales and orientations, you can create a space that’s as minimalist or as maximalist as your heart desires."

“It works in any size room too, including the smallest of bathrooms, even if you opt for a large format tile. Large format tiles can be the winner for this look as there are fewer grout lines to break up the stone drenching effect."

9. Curvaceous lines

Bathroom designs are softening, with the trend for rounded elements taking centre stage. Angular basins, baths and even mirrors are being overlooked in favour of rounded edges and curved lines that help to lessen the impact on the space so it feels less imposing and clinical.

The use of curves might not feel overly dramatic in terms of a style statement but it really can go a long way to make any small bathroom feel bigger because every inch of space feels valuable.

Unlike the bathroom trends of the last few years, I feel there's less focus on the best interior paint colours for bathroom trends this year and more prominence placed on the materials and the way these are used – irrespective of their colour.

Of course, the best white paint colours and classic white sanitaryware will always prove hugely popular for bathrooms because it's a space of functional importance but that's not to say homeowners shouldn't explore more daring colours. Some of the best bathroom colour ideas are bright and bursting with personality – and let's not overlook the resurgence of avocado green.

Our bathroom trends insight for 2025 aims to give an overarching outline of the topline trends you'll be seeing more of in the year ahead – ones that can be used in any space, in any shade to suit personal preference.

There are many things we can get away with avoiding in our homes, like that one dusty corner we can never seem to reach, or that mess of boxes in the loft begging to be organised. But these sounds in your bathroom are certainly not something you should be ignoring. 

Every home is prone to the odd noise here and there, from creaking floorboards to tinkering pipes however, it turns out there are common bathroom sounds known to plumbers taken as warning signs as potential problems. These areas of concern could then result in a hefty repair bill if they go unattended for too long.

You may have successfully avoided making any of the worst bathroom design mistakes to create a space to be proud of however, even your newly fitted suite can fall victim to everyday wear and tear, which can lead to the odd strange noise from the toilet or taps.

The 5 bathroom sounds you should never ignore

"Of the sounds not to ignore - groaning, gurgling or water hammer are up there as they could mean main pipe blockages requiring a plumber," says Matthew Ferris, master plumber and founder of Ferris Plumbing. "Preventing problems is, by all means, crucial, so it's important to follow maintenance routines to extend everything's lifespan." 

1. Bubbling toilet

Ignoring this sound is particularly easy to do, as we don't often hang around the toilet long enough post-flush to listen out for any mysterious or strange noises. But the sound of bubbling or gargling in your toilet can be the first sign that something is not quite right. 

"A bubbling toilet usually means a faulty flush valve/flapper isn't sealing properly, which results in it wasting water," Matthew explains. Replacing these inexpensive parts is a simple DIY." If you're up for the task of fixing the issues yourself, Matthew recommends taking the following steps: 

• Assess if the toilet flush valve is sealing properly after each flush, also look for any gaps or intermittent bubbles coming from the bottom of the toilet bowl.
• If you find fault sealing then you will need to buy a replacement valve, also known as a flapper, just make sure the one you buy is compatible with your toilet model.
• Once you have your replacement valve, turn off your toilet water supply and flush the toilet to empty the remaining water in the tank.
• Then remove the old valve and install the new one following the instructions provided on the packaging, each one is a little different so the instructions provided will be best.
• Finally, turn your water back on and test for proper flushing and refilling, as well as for the lack of bubbles.

As an example of how affordable values are, you can buy a Viva Skylo Lever Or Push Button Dual Flush Valve for under £15 at ToolStation.

2. Dripping tap

It's not just the problem of how to get rid of limescale when it comes to taps, you've also got to look out for consistent dripping and leakage. Although it may not seem like much water is being wasted, constant dripping water can hike up your water bills when left to continue for months. Luckily Matthew has just the fix. 

He says, "Intermittent dripping taps point to worn washers that need swapping. I stock common sizes for my customers to borrow free of charge while they do the quick job. Constant dripping can however mean valve replacement may be needed."

If you think your tap needs its washer replaced then do not worry, the process couldn't be easier: 

• Firstly you need to check if the washers at the end of the faucet handles or spouts are visibly worn down.
• If you notice significant signs of wear then make a note of which faucet brand your tap is and make measurements to ensure you get the right sized replacement.
• Visit your local hardware store as they will more often than not carry all common washer sizes.
• When you have your new washer, turn off the water lines to your faucet and disassemble the handles and spouts to gain access to the washers.
• Simply swap in the new washers, reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on. You should immediately notice a lack of dripping water!

We recommend Amazon's £3.25 Assortment of Rubber Flat packs of 13 Tap Washers 3/8" or 1/2" or 3/4" for sealing drips on sink or bath taps.

3. Whistling windows

Have you started to hear a howling in your home? Don't call in pest control or the ghost hunters just yet as it's most likely your windows that are causing the strange whistling sounds. Matthew explains, "Whistling windows can signal air leaks around frames or sashes depending on what kind of frame you have." 

Broken seals could also be the answer as to why your windows have condensation on the inside, it's not just air but also moisture that can get in through the smallest gaps. Matthew suggests this quick DIY job if you're starting to hear your windows whistling: 

• When your windows are particularly loud, perhaps on a windier day, listen closely to where the sound is coming from and which specific windows are indicating airflow.
• Then simply apply weatherstripping tape to seal any gaps in the sashes and frames, for aesthetic purposes, you can use clear tape.
• Should the swelling persist or worsen then you may need to call in a professional for further caulking or realignment.

4. Banging towel rail

Having our bathroom radiators and towel rails working at maximum efficiency is important if you're looking for ways to save money on energy bills. That's why you can't ignore any bang or hissing noises that your towel rail might be producing. 

"A banging towel rail could be loose brackets or air pockets in radiator valves," says Matthew. "These are easy fixes once you determine the cause - again, often DIY jobs." 

He explains that hissing generally means trapped air and may simply resolve after running fixtures fully. Persistent hissing however many require further inspection. If you're a newbie to radiator care then Matthew has suggested a method for fixing it: 

• Verify the source of the banging sound and inspect the wall brackets that are securing the radiator or towel rail.
• If you find the brackets to be loose then tighten the wall anchors that are securing them. For towel rails make sure to check for any loose connections to water lines as well.
• Should the banging persist after tightening any wall anchors then bleeding your radiator should cure the problem, if it does not then contacting a plumber is the next step.

5. Hissing fixtures

Not only can you hear your tap dripping but it might also be creating a hissing sound too, this can be from either water or air pushing out of the fixture.

"Hissing sounds in the bathroom signal trouble. Whether it's from your toilet, sink or pipes in the walls, they need addressing and quickly. If you notice hissing coming from a water fixture, then it’s probably due to your water pressure being too high," says Dom Lees Bell, bathroom expert at Drench.

"This can be fixed quite simply, so don’t let it linger. If you ignore the sound, it can lead to high water bills, but it also adds unnecessary stress to your pipes, which will reduce their lifespan and can cost around £1500 plus to repair," he adds.

• Eradicate limescale by cleaning with vinegar, it's one of the most effective methods we've tried for completely removing the scaly substance.

Although they're all too easy to avoid, these noises are the first sign of a problem and should therefore not be ignored. 

Knowing how to style a bathroom for Christmas is the secret to transforming a standard everyday space into a stunning sanctuary that offers a touch of luxury for visiting guests.

We’ve all been there, the year has flown by and you’ve run out of time for a full bathroom makeover but you have guests coming and you need some tips for how to make the best of the space.

Fear not, similar to styling a guest bedroom for Christmas there are simple tips and tricks to take the stress out of elevating this essential room, from exploring the secrets of softening your towels to deep cleaning your bathroom.

We've spoken to interior designers to get their take on how to style a bathroom for Christmas to make the space feel more luxurious.

How to style your bathroom for Christmas guests: 9 easy ideas

Similar to styling a hallway ready for Christmas these tips on how to style your bathroom will save the day if you’ve run out of time for a full-on makeover but are keen to get the space looking its best to impress guests.

Our insights from experts are equally useful if your bathroom just needs a little festive lift to spread seasonal cheer to even the smallest room in the house with a few simple Christmas decorating ideas.

1. Don't hold back on the deep clean

This is probably an obvious first step when considering how to style your bathroom, but it’s vitally important so needs a mention. Bathrooms get a lot of use and can start to look grubby and dirty without a regular deep clean. You might not even notice some of the telltale signs that a guest will spot immediately, so it pays to up how often you clean your bathroom when you're expecting guests.

Any effort spent styling and decorating for guests will be wasted if the first thing they spot is a pug hole full of hair or a grimy shower screen and limescale all over the taps. Cleaning with baking soda is so effective here and I recommend setting aside at least half an hour to deep clean your bathroom if you can.

“Clean like you’ve never cleaned before," says Karen Robinson, interior designer and owner at Ruby Red Interiors. "Go above and beyond your normal bathroom cleaning routine and make sure the sanitary ware is gleaming, the mirrors are polished and the floor is clean enough off which to eat your Christmas dinner off."

2. Declutter your bathroom

Decluttering your bathroom isn’t going to involve the same heavy lifting that you might expect from a junk room to guest bedroom transformation, but it is equally important.

Sort through all your toiletries and put them into groups – a great way to organise a small space. Anything old, empty, rarely used, or even out of date needs to go.

Sort what’s left into neat boxes or baskets and ensure there is some free space for guests to use. If you have any unopened toiletries or make-up that you don’t want, consider donating them to beauty banks or charities that support women’s refuges, as they are always looking for these items.

3. Bring out the best towels

Providing your guests with clean, fresh towels is a non-negotiable, but taking the time to fold and present them beautifully is an extra touch that can make a bathroom look expensive on a budget.

You might opt to leave bath towels in your festive guest bedroom but you’ll also need hand towels in the bathroom so have a plan for how to store them. Some people like to roll towels up and stack them, either in a basket or a wall-mounted towel holder. Folding is an alternative to rolling and folder towels can be neatly placed over a towel rail or radiator.

On the subject of towels, Karen Robinson has these tips, “Coordinate your towels with a solitary Christmas trinket. For example, if you want to hang a fabulous gold star, team this with white towels with gold hems,” and “Last, but not least, always make sure your towels are fluffy and soft…guests always seem to remember the softness of their towel.”

Emma Capron, interior designer and creative director at Bean Interiors Ltd. had these top tips to share, "Do your towels need replacing? Nothing beats warm fluffy, fresh-smelling matching towels for when you step out of the shower or bath. So make sure your towel radiators are turned on and your towels are freshly washed and soft.

"Whilst I’m not a fan of using ‘fabric softeners’, I do love adding the ‘Scent Booster’ beads when washing towels and bedding, they make such a difference."

4. Refresh grubby grout

I recently shared this little bathroom upgrade on my Instagram as it’s super simple yet effective and again doesn’t require any tools. You can use grout pens for this task, but I find them a bit fiddly so I prefer to use a tube of grout reviver with a sponge applicator.

Clean the grout and dry the surface first, then squeeze a layer of grout reviver over the grout lines and leave for an hour. Wipe off any excess on the tile edges and leave until the grout lines have fully set and your white tile grout is sparkling like new again, ready to welcome your guests. I used the Unibond Grout Reviver Pen priced at £7.98 at Amazon.

5. Add flowers or festive foliage

A vase of festive foliage can look and smell amazing and create a welcoming feature. If your bathroom is about as far from a luxury hotel as can be, you can strategically place a beautiful festive bouquet to distract from your bathroom’s weak points.

Interior designer Rukmini Patel has these great suggestions, "Create a small bouquet of fresh bunch of eucalyptus, pine leaves and some thistle. The smell from the eucalyptus will feel fresh and inviting whilst the pine leaves will smell festive. If you’re feeling brave you can hang a bunch of eucalyptus upside down in the shower too."

If festive foliage doesn't appeal, perhaps a plant might be the answer. Interior designer Emma Capron has this great suggestion, "If you have the space, a freestanding moisture-loving plant can make a huge difference, the practice of Biophilic design, essentially means bringing nature into the home to create a restorative atmosphere. If you don’t have the floor space, could you hang a couple from the ceiling?"

6. Treat your guests to seasonal toiletries

Many of us like to save ‘the good stuff’ and our 'crowd-pleasing perfumes' for special occasions, but what better occasion than welcoming guests into your home? Break out the Molten Brown, the Aesop and the L'occitane.

Emma Capron had this top tip, "Treat your guests to luxurious new hand wash and hand cream; there are some great ones available in simple pump dispenser packaging," adding, "Make sure there are plenty of products available, just in case your guests have forgotten anything, even if its miniatures; shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, bath oils, toothpaste, cotton wool etc."

Don’t panic if you don’t have a stash of luxury handwash on standby as I can personally recommend these excellent value and superbly scented alternatives:

7. Scentscape your bathroom

The idea of scent-scaping your home comes up a lot because it is a great way to elevate your mood and enjoy a more sensory experience in your home. This principle can be extended to involve your guests in making their stay more relaxing and enjoyable. We recommend checking to see if there are any scents they are not keen on beforehand, as filling the air with these will have the opposite effect.

Providing a way to improve the fragrance of a bathroom is a good idea to ensure your guests can make themselves at home. Lavender and citrus scents are good for bathrooms and create a welcoming spa-like experience during your guests' stay. “Add a festive-scented candle to a shelf, such as an orange and cinnamon fragrance or a nutmeg and ginger scent,” says Karen.

Why not combine fragrance methods, here are Emma Capron's top tips, "Additional ways to add layers of scent to the bathroom is to combine your best Christmas candles, perfect for bathing and reed diffusers are great for continuous scent; just remember to rotate the reeds every week or so."

8. Buy a new bathmat

Investing in a fresh new bathmat is a great way to give your bathroom a lift. Choose a colour that’s in keeping with the room’s colour palette and make sure it’s freshly laundered and inviting when your guests arrive.

It’s a good idea to have a spare if the house is quite full, as stepping out onto a soggy bathmat isn't pleasant. When not in use, you could fold your pristine bathmat and drape it over the bath edge or hang it neatly on a towel rail.

Bathmats can be used to zone the bathroom and don't have to be limited to the bath or shower area, consider adding a little mat to your sink area for extra comfort for your guests.

9. Give your shower screen an upgrade

Even if after cleaning your glass shower doors they still look like they have seen better days, but you don’t want the hassle or expense of replacing them, a handy hack that I love to do is to add reeded glass film to the screen which instantly uplifts it’s look.

Glass film is super easy to apply and only requires a spray bottle of water and a squeegee, so anyone can do it. I recommend the Reeded Glass Film with 25mm Flutes at Pulfrost.

This styling hack will help your bathroom look its best self in no time. If this feels like a bit too much effort consider hanging a bunch of eucalyptus on it to distract from the surface.

FAQs

How do you dress up a bathroom for Christmas?

There are fewer opportunities for festive touches in the bathroom than in other rooms, but it’s not impossible to create a stylishly dressed, festive-feeling space.

You’ll want to avoid paper decorations that won’t enjoy a humid environment and there’s no need to go over the top, but a few thoughtful pieces can work well. “When it comes to decorating your guest bathroom, subtlety is the key and less is most definitely more!” is Karen’s advice.

If you have a windowsill or shelves in the bathroom, these can be adorned with festive trinkets like tealight houses or mini Christmas tree decorations. Lots of plants thrive in a humid environment, so consider adding a festive plant such as a poinsettia or amaryllis in a beautiful pot. Adding well-kept and flourishing plants is a great way to make a home look expensive on a budget.

“Add a vase full of battery-operated fairy lights to the window sill to create a festive glow,” says Karen.

Rukmini had this to add, "Add simple touches such as velvet bows on wall sconces or door handles, if you have the space add a miniature Christmas tree to the countertop or end of a bathtub, gift some festive face towels that guests can use and take home with them."

The secret to dressing your bathroom for Christmas is to ensure the space is clean, inviting and stylish for your guests. To do this, add tasteful, decorative touches after thoroughly cleaning and organising the space. Provide clean, fresh towels and bathmat and select a fresh and festive fragrance to create a spa-like sanctuary.

If you're struggling with humidity, dampness, mould, and mildew in your bathroom, you're not alone. And you're most certainly not the first person to think about calling in one of the best dehumidifier for a bathroom to get your air clear, dry, and healthy again. It's a great idea, but not without doing some proper research first.

To find the best dehumidifier for a bathroom, you'll need to know the answer to some reasonable questions. For example, one of the biggest dehumidifier mistakes people make is assuming that all dehumidifiers can go in steamy showrooms; because of their IP ratings, only a few are actually safe to use.

Different bathrooms will also need different types of dehumidifiers. More rustic, drafty, unheated bathrooms will need a desiccant dehumidifier, whilst warmer, more constantly humid rooms will want a refrigerant model (there's more on the differences between desicant and refrigerant dehumidifiers over here).

I've spoken with experts to give you more details on everything you need to know about the best dehumidifiers for bathrooms, including the size you'll need as well as some advice on how to reduce humidity in the house. Your home will be back to clean and fresh before you know it.

What is the best dehumidifier for a bathroom?

Let's get straight to it. The best dehumidifiers for a bathroom need to quickly and efficiently reduce high humidity levels without taking up much space. Of course, there are other factors that will play into your choices, such as the noise levels, energy efficiency, and special mould and mildew features, but I'll get into those further down.

I've tested plenty of the best dehumidifiers on the market in my steamy, damp shower room to narrow down the models that you need to consider when shopping. After speaking with the experts, I've pulled together six suggestions, but I always find it helps to know what you're reading about, including how a dehumidifier works:

Things to look for in a bathroom dehumidifier

When it comes to choosing the best dehumidifier for a bathroom, there are a few factors that you need to consider that differ from if you were buying one for another area of your home. Based on the things you need to know before buying a dehumidifier these are the considerations for bathrooms:

• Type: your dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air using a cold surface (refrigerant) or through absorption (desiccant). Refrigerant models are great in hot bathrooms, whilst a desiccant will be more efficient in cooler bathrooms that have more of a lingering dampness.
• Size and portability: look for models that are easy to move around and tuck onto a counter or into a corner so they don't dominate your space. We have expert advice on how to choose the size of your dehumidifier, if you want help.
• Water tank capacity and drainage: you'll want your dehumidifier to have a water tank that can hold at least 1 litre or a continuous drainage hole. These need to be easy to empty.

• Moisture extraction rate: this ties in to the tank capacity, but you'll want your dehumidifier to take at least 5-10 litres of water out of the air. If your bathroom has more serious issues, you can look for a more powerful unit.
• Energy efficiency: lots of people as me how much it costs to run the dehumidifier and you'll want yours to be as energy-efficient as possible. A simple way to check this is by looking for energy certifications and eco-friendly modes.
• Price: I always love a good dehumidifier deal, but you might not need one if you've found a model that's cheap and efficient too. I've included suggestions above that are a steal, even at full price.
• Noise: noise levels vary for dehumidifiers, but you don’t want to listen to anything too loud while you’re trying to relax in the bath. Look for dehumidifiers that have a decibel rating under 40, this is especially important if you’re looking for the best dehumidifier for the bedroom too.
• Auto-humidity: bathrooms never stay in the same humidity because you’re in and out and doing different things. So, look for one with an automatic humidity setting. That way, it will kick in when it rises past a set level and stop running when it brings that humidity back down.

FAQs

Is it safe to use a dehumidifier in a bathroom?

Using a non-electrical dehumidifier in a bathroom is completely safe. These tend to use gel or beads to collect the water and it is the perfect way to prevent condensation on windows, especially in a bathroom. It's also ideal for preventing mould in wardrobes with ease.

Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco, a leading dehumidifier manufacturer, advises, “We don’t advise using a (electrical) dehumidifier in the bathroom because it isn’t IP rated, but positioning a dehumidifier as close to the bathroom as possible with the door open still can help to reduce moisture quickly.”

Electrical dehumidifiers also have cords and plugs not designed to be used in wet environments. Constant exposure to moisture can cause the corn insulation to fray or crack, which could increase the risk of electrical shock. Not to mention, draping cords are a trip hazard.

What kind of dehumidifier do I need for a bathroom?

It is advisable to avoid using electrical dehumidifiers within the action room itself. The potential safety hazards associated with their use in these damp environments far outweigh the benefits of moisture removal.

If you do wish to use an electric dehumidifier, then always situate it outside the bathroom itself, perhaps on the landing area just outside. You will still reap the benefits, and as a bonus, it will work to remove excess moisture from the surrounding areas, too as well as perform other functions like being able to use a dehumidifier to dry your clothes.

How do I choose the right dehumidifier for a bathroom>

You first need to determine the right size. If your bathroom is small, opt for a non-electrical version using silica gel or beads to soak up the moisture. These dehumidifiers are super versatile as they’re small, compact, and can be placed anywhere.

If your bathroom is a little larger or you want to ensure the rest of your home stays within normal humidity levels, then opt for an electrical version. Be sure to purchase a dehumidifier that is the right size for the area.

To do this, measure the square footage of the area and cross-check against the manufacturer's specifications. You can then place the dehumidifier in a central position and leave it to work its magic. Just be sure to leave the bathroom door open when you’ve finished to release the moisture for the dehumidifier to remove.

What is the best way to dehumidify a bathroom?

The best way to dehumidify a bathroom is with a moisture-absorbing dehumidifier, not an electrical one. Because as we've already touched on electric devices are never recommended in bathrooms unless they meet certified IP Ratings.

But don't fear that these don't work as well, because they really do. As our w&h lifestyle editor, Tamara Kelly explains: "I have a converted period property with a small bathroom with no extraction fan in place, so naturally humidity does cause problems.

"I always have the window open, whatever the season, to allow for ventilation but of course, it's not as effective as a fan. But to combat the problem I have the UniBond Moisture Absorber and it is incredible to see just how much water it captures throughout the week."

"I also have the best plants to help with condensation and humidity – including a snake plant that thrives in the warm, wet environment and helps to absorb some of the excess moisture."

Is it worth getting a dehumidifier for the bathroom?

As the one room that is filled with hot humid air daily is it most definitely worth getting a dehumidifier, but as we have stressed before it's only worth getting the right type.

As Chris Michael, managing director at leading dehumidifier manufacturer, Meaco explains: “We don’t advise using an electrical dehumidifier in the bathroom because it isn’t IP rated." But many non-electric alternatives use beads or cartridges to absorb the excess water and fill a tank, in a very similar way to the electrical appliance.

If you already have an electrical dehumidifier in the house you can also try positioning it as close to the bathroom door as possible and leaving it open to help to reduce moisture quickly. But of course, this lack of privacy won't suit all households. So if in doubt get a non-electrical dehumidifier instead.

While some bathrooms have adequate ventilation to stop the moisture from causing dampness, mould, and condensation in your bathroom, sometimes they’re just not enough to stop the problem. Likewise, opening up a window is all good until winter kicks in and you’re shivering in the shower. Therefore it's also a good idea to have a solution in place, such as one of the recommended dehumidifiers above.

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finally completing a thorough bathroom declutter, making the space even more relaxing and calm.

It might be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but your bathroom can easily fill with stuff, which can make it feel cramped and untidy – not what you want from a space that should be relaxing. 

Just like decluttering your home, having a tidy bathroom can reap many benefits because we demand a lot of this compact space so it's important to make it efficient and calming to be in. 

And while a bathroom cleanup is about organising a small space, decluttering a bathroom has its unique challenges – not least what to do with all those bottles and excess towels. A plan to declutter with precision is key for preventing this compact space from feeling overwhelmed. We asked the experts for a little help and some valuable advice to make the whole process easier, quicker, and more effective.

How to declutter a bathroom: 11 professional tips

If you know you have a lot to organise, you needn't feel daunted by the thought of decluttering. We've chatted with organisation experts to find out how to clean and declutter your bathroom easily. After all the cluttered look certainly isn't on this year's list of bathroom trends.

With that in mind, here are their top tips and tricks to tackle your bathroom decluttering fast and effectively.

1. Assess the situation

When decluttering your bathroom, start by taking everything out, so you can see exactly what you’ve got – the same process if you were organising kitchen cabinets or organising a pantry.

"Bring it all out into the bedroom space on a sheet, in case of spillages," suggests Jasmine Sleigh of professional decluttering service Change Your Space. Then you can clean the bathroom, and decide what deserves to go back in. 

If you’re finding the number of supplies a little overwhelming, Jasmine has a top tip: "Group types of toiletries together, so you can see all the shampoo supplies in one place, for example." 

This is a good way of identifying over-stock, working out if you can prioritise using up the last of some bottles, or whether you can be ruthless with unused toiletries. 

2. Purge, purge, purge

Once you can see everything you have, it’s time to purge. This is a great method to use when decluttering your wardrobe too, think of your unused towels like those tops you never wear.

First of all, decide what you use daily and put it to one side, explains Jane Lee, professional organiser, and declutterer at Jane Lee Interiors. Then, start to examine the rest of your supplies. 

"Are there towels that always live at the bottom of the pile? Make-up that’s out of date or never used? Numerous hair brushes when you use the same one or two?" Make piles for items that should be thrown out, donated, or recycled.

"Be brutal and realistic," says Craig Hoareau, Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) member and managing director of A Tidy Mind London. "You will not be using those hotel sample bottles you collected on your travels and they certainly do not belong in your limited bathroom storage space."

Also, take a look at partially used supplies and ask yourself whether you’re ever really going to use them. "It’s hard to stomach just throwing them out," says Craig, "but at the same time, don’t treat your home like a landfill". Either you finish using them, give them away to friends, post them on a free sharing app or websites such as Facebook Marketplace or Olio or they go in the bin, he says.

3. Deal with medicines

It’s easy to accumulate medicines you no longer need, especially if you’ve been living in the same house for a while, so don’t neglect these as part of your bathroom declutter. 

“You may have been on different medicines in the past and forgot to throw them out just in case, and they’ve made their way to the back of the medicine cabinet, pushing all the clutter forward,” says Tor Rydder, organizing expert and founder of Organizing.TV. “Go through your cupboards and dispose of anything that is expired or isn’t needed anymore.” Don’t forget that prescription medicines can be taken to the pharmacy for safe disposal. 

While you’re at it, you might want to rethink whether you need medicines in your bathroom at all. “Many people keep first aid supplies or medicines in the bathroom, but they could also be stored in the kitchen,” notes productivity coach Juliet Landau-Pope, who looks for better solutions to help organise your life in general.

4. Consider duplicates

If you’re a bulk buyer, bathroom supplies can easily pile up, causing more clutter in your space. Before you can even start utilising bathroom storage ideas, you'll need to question whether you need all these items.

“Consider whether you have the room to store excess items – if you don’t, it may not be worth it,” says Kate Ibbotson, founder of A Tidy Mind. ”Consider keeping only what you need in the bathroom and storing excess items in another room.”

Victoria Nicholson of The Spark Joy Collective agrees, “Unless you live somewhere remote, there’s no need to stockpile toiletries. Shops pay for storage space so you don’t have to.” Also, remember that ditching the clutter now will make your life easier in the future. “The less you have in your bathroom – the easier it is to clean,” says Victoria.

5. Clean up, quickly

Once you’ve removed everything you’ll want to carry out a quick bathroom cleaning routine before you start putting things back. 

Mimi Bogelund of The Spark Joy Collective has a quick tip for getting things sparkling: “Let cleaning products do the work for you and start with spraying the sink, bath, shower, and toilet,” she says. “Leave for five minutes, then scrub, rinse, and if you need to, dry with a clean microfiber cloth.”

Also take a look at your cleaning products as part of your bathroom declutter: “Cleaning products and how they smell can either make you dread cleaning or at least not mind doing it,” says Mimi. “It made all the difference when I found a fragrance I like.” Like scent-scaping your home the preferred fragrance will help to make your house smell good as well as leave it sparkling clean.

6. Get the right storage

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to bathroom storage, but there’s likely space within your bathroom that you’re not utilising – a common bathroom design mistake to make.

"Think about the vertical space and whether you can wall mount shelves or cupboards to store toiletries,” says Katherine Blackler, founder of SortMySpace. "Shallow cupboards are often the best to display just one or two rows of bottles clearly on each shelf. But if you already have fitted cupboards and they’re deeper, using boxes like Muji’s PP Vanity Case stackable range to create categories will make life easier."

What to do with all those bottles or products you use daily? "We love to use trays on countertops," says the chief stylist and floristry manager at Alexander James Interiors. "It makes surfaces easier to clean and can add a stylish, practical element to any room."

Another option for your daily items is a bin or caddy you can pull out on the counter for use and then store away, says Mary Jo Contello, of Organized by MJ. "Alternatively, a great item for small bathrooms without storage is an over-the-door storage system or a cart on wheels."

7. Don't forget the door

You might have some extra space on or around your door that could help you if you’re short on storage. "Adding hanging storage to the back of a bathroom door can allow you even more storage space in an area that's often overlooked," says Poppy Duffree, founder and director of Organised Interiors. 

"There’s often usable space above the bathroom door to mount an additional shelf to store spare toilet rolls, any extra bulk buy containers, or less frequently used products," adds Katherine. Hooks are another great way to utilise dead space on the back of your bathroom door.

8. Organise the inside

Shoving everything in a drawer or cupboard isn’t going to help you on your way to a zen, calm, and decluttered bathroom. So you may want to reorganise the inside of your storage, as well. 

"Attach a magnetic strip to the inside of your bathroom cupboards," advises Lily Cameron, cleaning supervisor at Fantastic Services. "It’ll save you a lot of space and provide you with a place to store your tweezers, bobby pins, nail clippers, and nail filers. Placing your metal grooming supplies on it won’t only declutter the bathroom space but also give you better access to them."

Drawers can also be tidied up with some simple drawer dividers, the same as you would use to help organise kitchen drawers. "Use wooden or acrylic drawer dividers for different product groupings to create a home for items," says Craig.

9. Learn the art of folding

Have you considered that the way you fold could be adding to the clutter in your bathroom? Lucy Ackroyd, head of design at Christy believes that folding and storing towels neatly can have a big impact on your space. 

"If you have shelf space available, fold your towels into rectangles and stack them neatly with the folds facing outwards to create a spa-like look," Lucy suggests. "If you don’t have storage space in your bathroom, wicker baskets are a perfect solution. Not only are they super affordable, but they’re also aesthetically pleasing – a great way to add a touch of nature to a room." 

"The best way to store towels in baskets is by folding them into thirds and then rolling them up. To be extra organised, and if you like everything in its place, you can buy specific baskets for different-sized towels. A small basket next to your sink, for example, would be the perfect place to store your facecloths."

10. Label everything

Once you’ve got everything where you want it, labelling it correctly can help you stay clutter-free. You can use this method when organising your kitchen too, it helps with keeping track of your ingredients and their sell-by dates.

"Labelling not only makes it easier to find things but also makes it easier to know where they go back," says Craig. 

Labels can also help keep things tidy if you’ve got multiple people using the bathroom, too. "There will be no excuse for things not being put back where they belong," says Craig.

11. Adopt a 'one in one out' policy

To keep on top of the clutter, Tor suggests a one-in, one-out policy for any room in the home that needs to be decluttered. "This policy is simple," he says, "when you buy something that you already own (a new shirt, new towels, new utensils, and so on) throw out the old one." 

It's these simple daily habits that can keep your house clean and tidy long after you've carried out a bathroom decluttering process.

In terms of the bathroom specifically, think about how many towels you need for your bathroom, and donate any excess, he says. Old towels can often be donated to animal rescue charities.

FAQs

 Where should toiletries be placed in a bathroom?

• Put the most frequently used toiletries in an easy-to-reach place
• Consider using trays or separate caddies for morning and evening skincare products
• Place toiletries in baskets, trays or caddies to make them easier to lift and clean under
• Keep spare items together so you know what you've got

How do I organise my bathroom with a lot of stuff?

• Use boxes with lids to cut out visual clutter
• Be ruthless in considering what you need to keep
• Keep any spares in another room or out of reach, but labelled
• Label everything so you know what you have
• Place any almost used-up items in your bag, to use while you're out and about

How should you organise a small cluttered bathroom?

• Consider adding storage solutions
• Use drawer dividers to keep drawers tidy
• Roll your towels so they can be easily accessed
• Only keep items you use every day in your bathroom
• If you share a bathroom, buy toiletries you can all use instead of having multiple

How do I get the most out of my small bathroom space?

When it comes to making a small room look bigger, decluttering is a fantastic first step. Not only will it free up much-needed space but it will make the whole room look larger too. There are however other steps you can take.

Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker & Stonehouse says, "In a small bathroom, every inch counts. Opt for multi-functional furniture, such as vanity units with built-in storage or recessed shelving to make use of wall space. Hooks, magnetic strips, and tiered organisers can help keep surfaces clear while maintaining accessibility."

She also recommends choosing a light, neutral colour scheme and incorporating mirrors as this will help create the illusion of more space.

What should I remove first when decluttering?

Once you've motivated yourself to declutter, you'll have to figure out where to start. This can be the most daunting part of the process, and more than enough to put you off the thing altogether.

Lena says, "Start with expired or unused toiletries, these tend to accumulate unnoticed. Next, assess duplicate items and consolidate them where possible. Anything that doesn’t serve a daily or practical purpose, such as bulky packaging or decorative clutter, should be reassessed."

"A minimalist approach will make your bathroom feel more spacious and serene. Think about any items that can be stored outside of the bathroom, such as towels or spare toiletries. Ottoman boxes are a great solution to simplistic storage, which goes unnoticed in the home," she adds.

Using the best professional decluttering methods will not only save you time but also a lot of effort. It can be frustrating to find yourself mid-decluttering, surrounded by mess and not knowing what the next step should be.