Bathroom Decor Items That Will Look Severely Outdated In 2025

Modern, functional bathrooms add value to your home. Even if you aren't looking to resell, having a space that works well and looks great goes a long way toward the enjoyment of your place. While the bare bones of your bathroom might still be just fine, small decor swaps can quickly bring the room into the styles popular in the new year, even if you don't have a big budget or the world's greatest DIY skills. In this House Digest exclusive, we spoke with top designers, contractors, and home sale brokers to discover the bathroom decor items that will look severely outdated in 2025 (and beyond). 

These experts have their finger on the pulse of what's in and what's out. But, most importantly, they haven't labeled things as good or bad just because they're becoming less popular. Each suggestion is backed by years of industry experience; there's a good reason for each one. Plus, their recommended swaps will make your bathroom look better, feel better, and work better. It will be easier to keep clean and feel fresher — all without breaking the bank, or renovating "just because."

In the past, a matching bath set was a coveted aesthetic. Yet our designers hint that in 2025 and beyond, decorating like this will seem kitschy and not cute at all. "The problem with too much uniformity in bathroom decor is that it can make the space feel overly staged," Lior Kahana, operations manager and designer at 123 Remodeling, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview. "If everything from the toilet brush to the soap dispenser matches, it feels more like a hotel giveaway set than a curated home." You don't want your space to feel like you went out and bought everything at once, even if you did.

Instead, the key for a fresh look in 2025 is to make it seem like someone actually lives in the home. This move pairs perfectly with more eclectic styles, but if maximalism isn't your thing, don't worry — you can absolutely pull off this look while still keeping the effect calming and streamlined. In fact, one of the tricks to mastering the minimalist trend without making things boring is to layer in different textures and avoid overly "matchy" items that come in a set. So whether you're embarking on the cluttercore design trend, keeping things minimal, into bright hues, or prefer subtle neutrals, be sure to mix and match colors, textures and compositions. "I recommend mixing textures and materials to create a more natural look," Kahana continues. A great example of this would be something like "a ceramic soap dish and a brass toothbrush holder." This toothbrush holder from InterDesign could pair well with this soap dish from mDesign. If you don't want to mix materials, Kahana suggests working with a complementary color scheme, instead. Even different shades of the same hue layered on top of each other work better as a team than everything matching exactly.

Using art in the bathroom is a fun way to add a touch of personality; however, trends for bathroom wall decor are well on their way out the door. "Posters with words are also already outdated or even sometimes seem inappropriate," Evelina Juzėnaitė, Principal Interior Designer at Planner 5D, tells House Digest exclusively. "It's better to replace them with abstract prints, minimalist photos, or with sculptural decor."

Word art has been overdone, suggests Juzėnaitė, and now it feels outdated. However, if you still want to incorporate some more modern, trendy word art into your bathroom decor, there are ways to do so. Try shopping for something more unique by having a look at typography art that catches your eye on marketplaces like Etsy, for example. It's also easy to customize art when you buy it from places like these, so have fun with the font and color scheme that suits your bathroom best. Having a piece custom-made with your children's names or a quote from your favorite book is an especially personal touch.

When you're designing your first home, it can be hard to let go of things from your roommate days — especially if you are trying to save money. But, you can still have an on-trend space without breaking the bank. "People often buy a hanging rack to go over the showerhead or a plastic caddy as a temporary space-saving solution. But these temporary solutions often become permanent," Kahana says. While they might function well enough, they scream "unfinished" from a decor perspective, and Kahana warns that they tend to attract clutter and grime, which is never a good look.

If you have the budget for a bathroom remodel, consider upgrading the shower with bespoke storage. "A built-in shower niche is the best solution here. It keeps all your essentials within reach without adding visual clutter," Kahana advises. However, a renovation isn't possible for everyone, yet there is still a great solution: swap the plastic for glass or metal. These materials are a touch sturdier and look more polished than flimsy plastic. "For renters, a minimalist teak shower bench is a great option. It doubles as storage and adds warmth to the space," Kahana adds for those who don't yet own. This waterproof option from EcoDecors is a fan-favorite, as it has a weight limit of up to 300 pounds, making it functional as a seat as well.  

If you don't have a green thumb, you might be tempted to avoid real plants in your bathroom, but in 2025 this isn't the move. Our experts argue that fake plants don't add to the space, but instead actively take away from it. Kahana warns that over time, imitation ivy and plastic leaves generally fade and gather dust, adding, "They can make the whole bathroom look outdated and neglected." In Kahana's opinion, imitation plants also simply lack the vibrancy that real foliage can bring to a bathroom. Instead of a lush oasis, fake plants tend to make a space look more like a 2000s office building — a look that has been out of style for years.

Since bathrooms are moist environments anyway, they tend to be a great place for real plants, even for homeowners who aren't the best at caring for them. "Pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies are all good low-maintenance options for bathrooms with natural light," Kahana says, understanding that everyone needs a good place to start. If you don't have a lot of light in your bathroom, Kahana suggests you incorporate "dried botanicals like eucalyptus and pampas grass. It instantly elevates the space with minimal upkeep." Remember, even though the plants are in the bathroom, they still need to be watered – but not every day. Fortunately, figuring out how often indoor plants should be watered isn't rocket science, especially to tough, non-fussy species. A good rule of thumb is to stick your actual thumb into the soil. If it feels wet, skip watering; if it's dry, add a little.

Our experts cannot be more clear: Plastic is out for 2025. "Anything plastic is anything but fantastic in the bathrooms of 2025," Daniela Gottschalk, interior designer at Tinzeltown, quips to House Digest in an exclusive interview. "The plastic toilet brush ... gross, the plastic shower curtain with chalk stains on it ... gosh, no." She goes on to say that even toothbrush cups shouldn't be plastic, as they look more like yogurt cups than anything. Of course, Gottschalk acknowledges that you still need all of these items in your space. Just consider a different material for a more elevated and yet still functional experience.

Luckily, she breaks down the swaps into a few easy categories. For any sort of brush, be it tooth or toilet, she recommends brass or marble containers. These are easy to clean, and due to their chic appearance, can often double as decor on their own, reducing the need for more clutter in the space. For the shower curtain, use "a more textile shower curtain that, in the worst case, could hang in the living room." If you are worried about mildew buildup, simply take the curtain down and wash it whenever you swap out your towels to keep things fresh. You can also use a shower curtain liner, like this one from The Company Store. For a trendy look, install this beige boho curtain from MitoVilla over your bathtub or shower. "And don't forget the little bins for all your hygienic waste, which are also available in a lot more versions than a plastic bin that looks like it came from a Dutch breakfast table from 1975," Gottschalk finishes.

Cute bath mats can really tie a space together, but our experts are also concerned about functionality, not just how something looks. Prior to 2025, many might have suggested the coziness of a bath mat that feels more like a blanket, but following this trend will instantly date your home — and make keeping your bathroom clean that much harder. "A plush bath mat feels great underfoot, but they don't always hold up well. The synthetic fibers trap moisture and create a breeding ground for mildew," Kahana warns. "In many cases, they also start to look tired and worn out after just a few washes."

If you want to get more bang for your buck, and not have a mat that sheds like an animal, Kahana recommends a woven bath mat instead. Making your bathroom look more high-end with bath mats is a simple trick that can really elevate the space. "It brings texture and personality to the space and it's going to last a lot longer," he says. "I'd recommend flat-weave cotton or Turkish rugs as they tend to handle moisture better than standard bath mats." Yet these aren't the only perks to choosing tightly-woven styles, as bathrooms tend to be high-use spaces that need a lot of cleaning. "They also wash beautifully," he adds. Try something like this machine-washable Jean Pierre bathroom mat from Amazon if you're ready for a change.

If you have a newer home, the bathroom probably still has a lot of the cookie-cutter amenities that the builders installed when they originally fitted it out. While these are functional, sure, our experts warn that in 2025 and beyond, they will look severely outdated. In the bathroom, a big place where this problem shows up is around the vanity. "In many bathrooms, you'll find builder-grade vanity lights and harsh LED panels that do nothing for the atmosphere," Kahana warns. "You often get bright, bluish-white lighting that casts unflattering shadows. It makes the space feel like a commercial restroom." Plus, overly harsh light can actually make it harder to see when getting ready, and is pretty unflattering.

Luckily, lighting is an easy thing to swap out, even if you don't have much DIY experience. "A dimmable LED mirror is a practical and stylish upgrade," he begins. This bold option from LOAAO is one example. With LED mirrors, the overall light tends to be bright but softer, and casts fewer shadows, making it easier to see clearly when applying makeup or shaving. It also doesn't have that harsh glow that airport bathrooms tend to have because, as Kahana points out, you can easily customize the illumination. Of course, an LED mirror isn't going to be able to illuminate your entire bathroom. "I'd also recommend wall sconces to add warmth and character to the space," Kahana continues. "In terms of overhead lighting, a sculptural pendant or recessed lighting is a great way to make the bathroom feel more high-end and inviting." If you have art in your bathroom, you can also opt to install some picture lights. Finally, installing dimmer switches can allow you to easily customize the brightness and adjust the mood.

Every bathroom needs a mirror, but how you style that mirror determines whether you have a modern, functional space or something that's stuck in the past. "Traditional mirrors have been the big boys on bathroom walls for years, but they are likely to start to look outdated as more unique and modern styles emerge by the day," Zach Shepard, real estate professional, property investor, and principal at Braddock Investment Group Inc., tells House Digest exclusively. A traditional mirror might be one large piece of framed glass that takes up most of the wall, or even two smaller ones, in a predictable shape like a rectangle or oval. There is nothing curious or bold about them.

Swapping out a mirror isn't as expensive as redoing your entire bathroom, but it's a big enough visual anchor to the space that a new one can make a huge impact. Shephard's tips for how to decorate with mirrors in the bathroom are simple. "Ideally, it would be better, rather than opting for the common mirror design, to instead get something more modern and unique like the backlit mirror and statement mirror which boasts a fascinating shape or frame." Something like this irregular and asymmetrical mirror from Trahome, or even this golden mirror from the Kelly Millar Store, could add a stylish touch. Don't feel like buying a new mirror? If you happen to have a mirror with no frame (perhaps the most boring of all the options builders typically install) and are on a budget, there are some easy ways to upgrade a frameless bathroom mirror, such as adding a border with wood trim. If you have a mirror with a bland, flat frame, you could add some detailing through extra trim or mosaic tiling. And if you want to release your inner designer with dopamine decorating, spray painting the frame in a bold hue could add some fun, unexpected flair. 

Patterns are a fun way to add personality to a space, but only if they are done correctly. Anything that feels too random or tacky, like computer-generated cowboy hats, goldfish, or the periodic table printed onto plastic shower curtains should probably be left in the past. "Although patterned shower curtains have always been popular for reviving dull bathrooms, the rising popularity of solid-colored ones will dramatically eliminate them," Shepard says, driving the point home.

This isn't to say that more traditional or subtle options don't still have their place. For example, something soft like gingham or a charming, fine stripe on a linen curtain with a shower liner are not only still in style, but actually very popular at the moment — and will continue to be as they are classics. You can also still play with large-format patterns and shapes. For example, this blush pink scalloped shower curtain from Ortigia is a bold, solid color, but has scalloped edges to keep things interesting. Alternatively, this striped option from Awellife is a subtle way for those who like patterns, but want to stay away from anything too intense, to incorporate them into their space.

Towel storage is a foundational part of any bathroom, and how you store towels can determine whether things look outdated or not. "Traditional towel bars and rings will not keep up looking modern," Shepard says. "The traditional ones have been decorating bathrooms for many years, but their use is not multi-functional, and they are very likely to become dull or get corroded over time."

Bars typically hold larger bath towels, while rings on either side of the sink are for hand towels — both need to go. "My suggestion would be [to replace them] with modern towel hooks or racks," he continues. "Not only do these provide a bathroom with a contemporary look but also, they make extra room for towels to be hung in." Instead of just fitting one or two towels on a rack, hooks allow for multiple towels to be hung all in a row — and still get plenty of airflow to dry. If you want to keep things contemporary, look for hooks with a modern, streamlined profile, such as these Gerzwy Bathroom Matte Black Hooks. Finished options like brushed gold or bronze can also elevate the look, for instance, these Newrain Bathroom Towel Hooks could help bring your bathroom out of the past and add an updated touch. Wall-mounted towel racks for rolled towels, like this one from the Roeveca Store on Amazon, can also offer a contemporary way to store fresh spare towels.