The Once-Trendy Bathroom Design Choice That's Getting The Boot In 2025

Back in the heyday of cool neutrals, matte black fixtures became a unique decorative touch in almost any kitchen or bathroom. Over the next couple of years, the trend spread far and wide. And, ironically, that may actually be a part of the reason that black fixtures have fallen from their proverbial pedestal. Not only has the trend become somewhat bromidic, it's also been exposed as less than ideal from a functional standpoint. Which means that for some decorators and designers, it is no longer a question. Matte black finishings are going out of style.

Lauded as sleek, modern, and unique, black faucets, shower heads — even sinks and bathtubs — filled design magazines and social media feeds for years. Though, as 2025 design trends make a dramatic swing toward the multifarious, matte black fixtures are beginning to look cold and dated. The heavily masculine undertone that was so well-suited for industrial and modern farmhouse styles looks hard and heavy in the softer, sweeter, more playful environments of the new year. So, if you're considering restyling your bathroom, you may want to skip the matte black and go for a more traditional (and versatile) option. Although, if you've already got matte black fixtures, you can play with your lighting options, add in greenery, and work with thoughtful color choices and accessories to soften the look.

There is still a place for the often angular, ebony-colored fixtures in certain design aesthetics. Though, even in those situations, careful consideration is still required. While matte black fixtures were once thought to be easier to clean, that logic has become stained with the reality of daily use. Literally. Water spots, dripped toothpaste, soap residue, and other gunk that is unavoidable in a bathroom is highlighted by the high-contrast backdrop of black fixtures. Limescale buildup poses similar problems, but unlike traditional metals, you can't solve the problem by polishing a matte black fixture. Perhaps worse still is the reality that, unless your fixtures are top quality, the finish can flake off over time. That's true of traditional finishes too, but chips and scratches that reveal a bit of the grey metal underneath are more obvious in a black finish than in, say, a pewter one.

These are a few of the reasons why forward-looking decorators and designers are actually looking back when it comes to choosing the metal finishes in bathrooms. More traditional metals like brushed nickel, brass, gold, and even chrome are seeing a resurgence in design. Homeowners are finding them easier to keep clean, in addition to bringing a somewhat warmer and softer feel to our bathrooms — a shift which aligns beautifully with 2025 styling trends. Obviously, updating your bathroom's aesthetic does not require you to change out the fixtures. In fact, you can use lighting, accessories, and a more eclectic style to warm up your washroom.

One of the troubles that emerged with black-heavy bathroom spaces is that they could easily drift toward feeling like a cold, dark, void. So, whether your whole bathroom has a look you'd like to lighten, or you are just wanting to soften the stark intensity of your matte black fixtures, bringing in some additional light can help significantly. Add in some warmth with lamps, or use mirrors to move the available light around the room.

Another great option to bring some playfulness and conviviality to your bathroom is by channeling your inner biophiliac. Humid bathrooms are an ideal environment for a variety of different cultivars, and there are a wide array of moisture-loving houseplants perfect for your bathroom. Add in some hanging vines or a potted palm to incorporate a little more life into an otherwise sterile-feeling space.

You could also liven up your bathroom by changing out a few of the accessories. 2025's personality-infused design aesthetic warmly welcomes an eclectic vibe. So, instead of struggling with how to pick the perfect plumbing fixtures all over again, consider changing out the toothbrush holder, towel ring, or cabinet pulls to a softer finish like brass or pewter. Mixing up the metals will help to tone down the intensity of your matte black fixtures and elevate the style of your bathroom without a heavy price tag.