Metallic tiles, a 2023 bathroom trend

bathroom trends of 2023

The average person spends about 30 minutes in the bathroom each day, amounting to more than 182 hours per year. A detailed graphic by  Daily Infographic reveals that men, on an average, spend about 855.8 days of their lives in the bathroom, and women about 770.8 days. To make the setting more than just utilitarian, check out these top bathroom trends of 2023.

Good lighting in the bathroom means more comfort. Analyse the space, splitting it into zones such as the vanity, the shower, the toilet, and the bathtub. The vanity needs task lighting and can translate into spotlights or LEDs in vertical rows down the side of mirrors. Mirrored, backlit cabinets work well on the walls as do pretty pendants above the bath. “Varied ambience can be created in functional space by using a variety of lighting options such as chandeliers, sconces, and recessed lighting. Dimmer switches help in controlling the lights to create an array of moods,” says Ekant Singh, founder of Page 2813, a furniture design company.

The main reason for making a choice when it comes to bathroom flooring is water. There’s no way to get around it, which means the materials used need to be chosen smartly. Apart from tiles, the use of natural stones like marble, granite, travertine, limestone, and slate is also being seen. Singh says hardwood flooring is a great option, “but it requires care so that it doesn’t warp and get damaged from moisture. An alternative to this is engineered hardwood that are moisture-resistant”. He adds that in colder regions heated floors are also trending as a luxurious feature, and can be installed with electric or hydronic systems.

Mirrors have got a facelift with the addition of lighting. A backlit mirror, available in different shapes, sizes, and styles, offers complete illumination and highlights the entire face with clear, even light. “These chic mirrors look good, and make you feel like a star,” says Rohan Datta, a Kolkata-based interior designer, who heads the firm InStyle. He adds that most use LED lighting, which uses lesser electricity and last for thousands of hours. “This translates into energy savings, cost efficiency, and a reduction in your carbon footprint,” he adds.

These can elevate the look and feel of a bathroom in the same manner that shiny stainless steel appliances upgrade an old kitchen. Hardware and fixtures play an important role, and can be transformed by using metal — steel, gold, silver, copper, or brass. Be it faucets and showerheads or cabinet pulls and artwork, metals work everywhere. “Metal tiles are also trending and can be used in the shower stall, for the backsplash, or behind the mirror. Soft metallics are in as are shiny ones, depending on what works for your space. You can also mix metals,” Datta suggests.

When it comes to unwinding, nothing works better than a soak in a bubble-filled tub. Many homeowners are remodelling to amp up bathroom space and fit in a bathtub, be it free-standing, built-in, back-to-wall, or corner versions. The choices are many: simple, streamlined, and straight lines, or organic, smooth and gentle curves. Materials such as acrylic, fibreglass, or cast iron are often used and create a luxurious look. “Many include features like built-in heating and jets for a spa-like experience,” Singh says.

Morning ablutions and makeup in the a.m. Shower/soak in the p.m. Your bathroom changes functions with you, which is why this room — probably among the smallest in the home — also needs its share of storage. Getting a place to stash your home wear, towels, napkins, makeup, and toiletries works well for you. “The best type of storage is either cupboards or drawers, or a combination of both. Apart from that, add an under-sink cabinet for cleaning supplies. Use the vertical dimension to install baskets, tiered organisers, or open shelving so you can grab whatever you need,” Datta says.