Modern bathroom ideas are a must if you're keen on contemporary interiors. After all, no-one wants a dated bathroom design. And, even though avocado bathroom suites are seemingly back in vogue, how can you make sure they look up to date rather than out of the skip?
We've collated 13 modern bathroom ideas to help guide you in your journey towards a wonderful washroom. Be it an ode to minimalism, a toe dipped into the extravagant waters of maximalism or a simple, clean and fresh design, we have ideas to suit bathrooms of all shapes, styles and budgets.
The difficulty will come not in deciding if modern bathroom ideas are for you, but in choosing which one you're going to dive right into.
1. Choose large format dark tiles
Choosing your bathroom tiling ideas is one of the most important parts of your bathroom creation. Second to your sanitaryware choice, tiles can have the most impact on how the room looks. But what advice should you follow when picking tiles for modern bathroom ideas?
"In a modern bathroom, tiles do more than protect surfaces. In fact, they shape the entire atmosphere of the room," agrees Grazzie Wilson, creative director at Ca'Pietra.
"To achieve a sleek, contemporary look, choose large-format tiles with minimal grout lines to create a seamless, uninterrupted surface. Porcelain is a popular choice for its durability and refined finish, while stone-effect tiles bring natural character without the maintenance.
"Pairing matt textures with soft veining can add just enough interest without overwhelming the space," suggests Grazzie. "In this scheme, we’ve used our Treviso wall tile alongside the Etna floor tile to create a calm, edgy space that feels both modern and immersive.
"The soft grey veining of Treviso adds subtle movement to the walls, while Etna’s darker tone and marble-inspired finish anchor the space and draw the eye toward the central feature – a large, modern freestanding bath. The combination is clean but characterful, and proves that simplicity, when well executed, can be the most impactful design choice."
Grazzie has worked in the interiors industry for more than a decade. At Ca’ Pietra, one of the UK’s leading stone and tile brands, she heads up creative, overseeing product collections as well as the company’s distinctive brand, look and feel. Her stylist's eye and passion for the technical side of tiling is unparalleled.
2. Keep your plumbing and drainage minimal
While choosing the right aesthetic finishes for your walls, floors and furniture is integral to creating the bathroom design ideas you prefer, creating a successful modern bathroom idea also means considering more essential elements such as drainage and plumbing.
In this bathroom, there's no doubt that the pedestal sink is the star of the show, but it is perfectly complemented by a walk in shower that has a wet room feel – all thanks to the inclusion of a Unidrain floor drain. This takes the form of a minimalist drainage channel that sits neatly against the wall and can be customised to match with the flooring.
Wall mounted taps and slimline bathroom shelf ideas all contribute to the final clean and contemporary bathroom scheme.
Choose these bathroom accessories for a modern finish
This black ladder shelf is simple yet stylish and includes a handy drawer for storage
This simple towel rail comes in modern black or chrome to suit your bathroom
Keep your mirror surface clear wit this modern anti-fog mirror with light
3. Add vibrant pops of colour
Although there's no questioning that minimalistic bathroom ideas often tend to lean towards a more simpler colour palette, with cream, white, grey and black all featuring heavily, sometimes, a pop of colour works too.
In fact, being more adventurous with bathroom colour ideas was one of the bathroom trends predicted to feature heavily this year, and this modern bathroom idea is a great example of how it looks when it's done well.
Fresh turquoise and coral orange pair perfectly with classic white and grey marble veined tiles, while the addition of rose gold metallic accents ensures classic meets contemporary to create the perfect partnership.
Try this Milano Otto Modern High Rise Mono Basin Mixer Tap in Brushed Copper from the Big Bathroom Shop if you're looking for a similar tap.
4. Choose an unconventional sink
When it comes to choosing the best type of bathroom sink for your modern bathroom idea, why not consider choosing one that's far removed from more traditional bathroom sink ideas.
The use of this grey trough shaped sink enhances this bathroom idea that's complete with a wet room style walk in shower and floor to ceiling tiles. Simple, clean and utilitarian in style, the sink helps transforms this modern bathroom idea into something even greater.
5. Source cutting edge products
Although it can be easy to assume modern bathroom ideas are all about smart tech and bathroom innovations, making sure your bathroom is cutting edge also means considering your choice of materials.
"In modern bathroom design, innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about materials that push boundaries in both performance and aesthetics," says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.
"Using cutting-edge materials, such as Woodio, as featured in this modern bathroom idea, allows designers and homeowners to move beyond traditional finishes like ceramic or stone, creating spaces that feel more tactile, more sustainable, and more tailored to how we live now.
"Woodio is made from a fully waterproof wood composite, bringing warmth and sustainability into a space that’s traditionally cold and hard-edged," expands Louise.
"Materials like Woodio often offer benefits like lighter weight, greater resilience, and more expressive colour or texture without having to all compromising on function. It’s about rethinking what a bathroom can be: not just practical, but progressive, with surfaces and products that support a better way of living," says Louise.
"Exclusive to West One Bathrooms, the collection spans everything from baths and basins to wall panels and accessories, all crafted from hand-dyed wood chips and resin," she adds.
"With a carbon footprint up to 50% lower than ceramic alternatives, it’s also a smart solution for clients looking to balance bold, contemporary design with genuine eco credentials," says Louise. "The surface is soft to the touch, scratch and stain-resistant, and comes in 14 beautiful, nature-inspired shades, proving that sustainable can also be seriously stylish in a modern bathroom."
Louise is Head of Design at West One Bathrooms, having worked in the industry for over 18 years. At West One Bathrooms, one of the UK’s premium and luxury bathroom retailers, she heads up the design and creative teams, overseeing all the bathroom projects, as well as sourcing the latest products. Her passion for bathroom design is unparallel.
6. Embrace wellness with a sauna
With a growing desire to incorporate wellbeing into everyday design, including a sauna in your modern bathroom ideas not only benefits your home's design credentials, but also your own personal health.
If you're researching new bathrooms as part of a self build, or even renovating a bathroom, why not try to squeeze in a small sauna as part of your plans? Locating one next to or within the bathroom is ideal, particularly if you want to combine cold showers with saunas for the best health results.
"The key drivers of these trends include the growing prioritisation of health and wellness and an increased desire for sustainable, timeless materials.," says Ross Stewart, senior sales manager for Neolith UK.
"Consumers are looking for spaces that feel like personal retreats, driving interest in materials with natural textures, timeless beauty, and the ability to withstand moisture and frequent cleaning."
And while wood is a common choice in saunas, there's a more modern trend emerging for stone, says Ross.
"At the luxury end of the market, 'stone drenching' is becoming more prevalent. Consumers are opting to cover not only their shower enclosures, but their floors and ceilings and built in steam room/sauna seats with the same stone effect throughout. The resulting look is sleek and luxurious, whilst also providing a sense of calm. There is a desire for relaxation in today’s fast paced world, and this paired with the wellness movement which has gained significant traction in recent years."
Ross has a wealth of knowledge on bathrooms and surface materials gained from his role at Neolith, market leaders in the production of sintered stone.
7. Choose sculptural sanitaryware
Looking at hotel bathroom ideas for inspiration is often a great starting point when choosing your modern bathroom ideas, as they often feature fixtures and fittings that are sculptural in design, adding a standout element to this practical space.
It's also something experts are seeing more of when it comes to contemporary bathroom design.
“The bathing space continues to evolve, with trends leaning heavily towards wellness-inspired designs and the use of luxurious, sustainable materials. Styles are transitioning to freestanding baths as focal points, creating spa-like sanctuaries within homes. Hotel-inspired luxury, with seamless finishes and natural textures, will also inspire bathing set ups," confirms Ross Stewart.
The added benefit of taking the lead from hotel bathrooms? They often feature products that are luxurious, but designed with easy cleaning in mind.
"Bathroom designs increasingly require surfaces that minimise maintenance without compromising on style," says Ross. "Neolith’s sintered stone, with its water-resistant and easy-to-clean qualities, meets these demands, offering homeowners a sustainable, high-performance choice that elevates the bathroom experience. The challenge lies in solutions that feel luxurious yet practical."
This Milano Overton Freestanding Slipper Bath from the Big Bathroom Shop has a similar arched back design and comes in a variety of sizes if you're looking for a modern bath.
8. Pick contemporary bathroom lighting
Making sure you know how to plan your bathroom lighting is an important part of your bathroom design, whether you're opting for modern bathroom ideas or prefer vintage bathroom ideas for your washroom.
Either way, making sure your light fittings reflect your chosen aesthetic is important so that the finished look is cohesive from top to bottom.
In this bathroom, a simple wand like bathroom wall light provides task lighting above the sink, while a more striking pendant light is used above the bath to illuminate the room. When choosing any bathroom lighting, make sure it has the correct IP ratings for different bathroom zones in order to comply with building regulations.
9. Make modern heating choices
Heating a bathroom can take various forms and will usual comprise either underfloor heating or radiators. However, choosing the best bathroom radiators for your modern bathroom idea is about considering both style and sustainability.
“An energy-efficient radiator or towel rail is a great choice for modern bathrooms. Some of the latest designs have up to 80% less water in the system, which in turn means less energy is needed to heat it," says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre.
"There are also some great options designed to work with low temperature systems, such as heat pumps. These radiators allow the heat pump to work at its most efficient level, maintaining comfort without overworking the system. Pairing the right radiators with your heat pump is key to maximizing energy savings and ensuring consistent, efficient warmth,” explains Nick.
“In terms of your heating for a nature-inspired modern bathroom idea, something like a brushed brass, matt black or brushed nickel finish would work really well,” he suggests. “These tones feel more grounded and earthy compared to high-shine chrome and blend seamlessly with natural materials like wood or stone. Alternatively, you could consider a vertical panel radiator in a shade such as clay, stone, sage green or off-white. These colours echo natural elements and create a clean, soothing look.”
Nick Duggan, founder of The Radiator Centre has 20 years of experience in central heating, leading the team at one of the UK's largest independent suppliers of radiators.
10. Combine wall panelling with dark tones
A trend that shows no signs of abating in the world of interiors is wall panelling ideas, and the bathroom is no exception to the visual value of adding relief and texture to your walls.
It can also be a great way of adding character to downstairs toilet ideas if you don't want to consider it in your main bathroom. Be guided by this modern bathroom idea and use dark vertical strip panelling on one feature wall, and pair it with dark grey sanitaryware and the best bathroom paint for a finish that's sleek, stylish and contemporary.
11. Pair a freestanding bath with bold blue
Although wet rooms are a popular choice for modern bathroom ideas, there's no denying the appeal of a freestanding bath if you have space.
"In any modern bathroom, a freestanding bath is more than a design statement, it is a focal point that defines the space," says Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager at BC Designs.
"As bathrooms become more sanctuary-like, the bath is no longer pushed to the edge of the room but given the prominence it deserves. A freestanding design instantly adds sculptural impact, encourages better flow, and makes the room feel considered rather than simply fitted out. In modern settings, we tend to lean towards sleek oval or subtly asymmetric shapes that soften the space while keeping the overall silhouette clean and contemporary. It’s about creating contrast – hard surfaces with soft curves – and a bath does that effortlessly.
"At BC Designs, our Cian material allows us to push the boundaries of bath design without compromising on performance," she adds. "Fully solid and seamless, it’s warm to the touch, resistant to scratches and stains, and can be crafted into sleek, modern forms that traditional materials simply can’t achieve. The smooth matt finish is incredibly tactile and available in a choice of colour finishes, making it perfect for clients who want their bath to feel as luxurious as it looks.”
Keeley Sutcliffe is Brand Manager for award-winning British bathroom designers, BC Designs. Over the last 22 years, the company has expanded their range of freestanding baths to include both compact and spacious designs in luxury materials.
12. Give a modern ensuite a drench of colour
Drenching your rooms in matching or complementing shades was one of the main paint trends predicted at the start of the year, and it's a theme that continues to hold fast across interiors.
Modern bathroom ideas need not be excluded from this concept – even though there's less paint often used in the room. Instead opt for tiles, sanitaryware and flooring that are from the same colour family. In this idea, terrazzo style flooring, blue fluted tiles and a bold blue double bathroom combine together for a fantastic contemporary finish.
Double up your mirrors and bathroom wall lights and opt for bold black taps to complete the look.
13. Keep it classic for a longer shelf life
Worried about choosing a modern bathroom idea that won't stand the test of time? Leigh Price, co-director of Real Tiles & Bathrooms shares his top tips.
"Bold and brave colours and patterns have skyrocketed in popularity over recent years, but when it comes to renovating a bathroom with longevity in mind, I would suggest steering away from daring tones.
"My top piece of advice, when planning a renovation that you wish to stand the test of time, would be to colour drench with a large-format neutral-toned tile," says Leigh. "Opting for one tile throughout your bathroom creates a seamless canvas for temporary accessories (such as a statement mirror, or even colourful furniture) that can be easily switched out as and when necessary."
And, although it has become common to see black bathroom taps paired with modern sanitaryware, if you're keen to stick to more traditional finishes, that's possible too confirms Leigh.
"When it comes to choosing timeless brassware, a clean chrome can’t be underestimated, and has proven to remain as a popular choice right through the years. Nowadays, brassware brands offer comprehensive ranges to cater for every interior taste, whether it be traditional or modern, so there are plenty of options to choose from."
Leigh Price, Co-founder of Real Tiles & Bathrooms has been in the construction industry for 35 years, and has worked in the tiling and bathroom industry for the past 16 years. His favourite aspect of running the business is guiding a client through the design process for their project, and consequently seeing it come to fruition.
The other advantage of modern bathroom ideas that's often overlooked? Their simple, seamless style can also make them more suitable for accessible homes, or for houses that need to work across the generations, says Ross Stewart.
"The other emergence we see in bathroom design as a while is a need for inclusive design, as more generations within a family are currently living under the same roof, in multi-generational homes, thus increasing the requirements a bathroom needs to meet," he explains.
"Using sintered stone floors and bathroom countertops means bathrooms can be customised to accommodate varying heights for the likes of wheelchair users, and installed on walls and floors to create a wet room area which minimises trip and slip hazards.”
For more modern bathroom ideas, check out our round up of wet room ideas and follow the advice in wet room or walk-in-shower to establish which will best suit you and your family's needs.
