Trends 2026: colour returns, green takes root

Trends 2026 in the bathroom in detail

The ceramics and bathroom equipment fair Cersaie in Bologna, Italy, annually showcases the direction of wall and floor tiles. We add to the new trends from 2026 the directions from 2025, which are now entering the offerings of manufacturers and Slovak bathrooms. Here’s what they mean in practice and where to place them in the bathroom.

Trend	Where in the bathroom	What to combine with
Warm neutral colours, one colour everywhere	walls, floor, and furniture in one shade	cream, beige, sand, warm white
Green	walls, accent wall, furniture	wood, white, stone, brass fittings
Mediterranean stone and travertine	floor and walls, large format	oak, linen textiles, bronze or matte black fittings
Marble with a pronounced vein	one wall as a picture – behind the bathtub or sink	calm floor and other walls in one colour
Relief and play of light	wall behind the sink, niche, shower wall	side light that highlights shadows
Narrow strips and small formats	shower wall, kitchen strip, accent	hand-crafted glaze, vertical installation
Terrazzo and mosaic	floor, shower floor, sink countertop	monochrome walls in the tone of fragments
Matte and gloss side by side	matte floor, glossy wall from the same series	the same shade in two surfaces
Large slabs	floor, walls and worktops	minimum joints, drain in the shower

Warm neutral colours and one colour everywhere

Dominant tones are white, cream, beige and sandy. There is an increasing approach that designers call colour drenching: one shade on the walls, floor and furniture. The bathroom then feels calm and larger. Warm colours returning include terracotta, rust and wet earth, while cool tones include sage, olive and petrol green. Pantone's colour of the year 2026 is soft white Cloud Dancer, which pairs well with warm neutral materials.

Stone from the Mediterranean and marble with a pronounced vein

Travertine remains a star, complemented by weathered and textured stones that look as if shaped by the sea. Manufacturers today can replicate pores, layering and fine surface irregularities so accurately that the difference is only noticeable upon touch. Marble imitations are bolder: thick veins, translucent onyxes and dramatic patterns on large slabs. It is typical to use it on one wall, which acts as a picture. Collections can be found in styles travertine and marble.

Relief, narrow strips and a handcrafted feel

Tiles with a 3D surface – ribbed, wavy, grooved – create shadows and change throughout the day depending on the light. They are suitable for the wall behind the sink or in a niche. Modules for cladding rounded walls are also increasing. Alongside large slabs, narrow rectangular tiles, known as kit-kat and mini strips, often with a handcrafted glaze or crackle glaze effect, are making a comeback. They are laid vertically and add a craft character to the bathroom. When considering relief and small formats, think about maintenance: in the shower, more joints and texture take longer to clean, so place them on walls away from direct water flow.

Terrazzo, mosaic and surface combinations

Terrazzo is taking on a contemporary form with larger stone fragments and subtle colours. Mosaic is used as an accent, for example on the shower floor, where it also increases slip resistance. Instead of one surface for the entire bathroom, manufacturers recommend combining: a matte slip-resistant floor and a glossy wall from the same collection. Many series, such as those from Ecoceramic, have both surfaces. Collections can also be found in the style of terrazzo. More about terrazzo in the article Terrazzo in the bathroom, and about surfaces in the article Matte or glossy tiles.

How to try a trend without a big investment

• Accent wall: striking marble, green or relief on just one wall – the rest of the bathroom timeless.
• Niche or wall behind the sink: a small area where a trendy tile can later be replaced without demolishing the entire bathroom.
• Furniture and fittings: the colour of the cabinet, framed mirror or fittings in a different colour will change the look faster than tiles.
• Textiles and accessories: towels, mats and dispensers in a trendy colour can be changed at any time.

Trend by bathroom size

• Small bathroom and prefab block of flats: warm light tones in one colour, large slabs with few joints and one accent wall or niche. Dark green and striking marble should only be placed on a smaller area. More in the article Small bathrooms.
• Attic bathroom: the slope already looks striking, so use a light tile on it. Place relief or colour on the flat wall behind the sink, see Attic bathroom.
• Large bathroom: can accommodate travertine on the entire floor, a marble wall behind a freestanding bath and a darker colour on all walls.

What is timeless and what is trendy

Take trends as inspiration, not obligation. A bathroom lasts 15 to 20 years, so choose the basic areas – floor and most walls – timelessly: light neutral tones, stone, wood, large format. Add a trendy element as an accent that can be replaced. You can try how a trend would look in your bathroom with the 3D bathroom planner, find inspiration in Bathroom inspirations and the current offer at vkupelni.sk.

Sources: Cersaie fair in Bologna (2025 and 2026), Pantone – colour of the year 2026 Cloud Dancer, catalogues from tile and floor manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tile colours are in fashion in 2026?

Warm neutral tones are the most popular: cream, beige, sand, and warm white. As accents, terracotta, sage, and olive green are making a comeback.

Is travertine still in style?

Yes. Travertine and textured Mediterranean stones are among the main trends according to the Cersaie 2025 fair.

What is colour drenching in the bathroom?

One shade on the walls, floor, and furniture. The bathroom feels calm and larger, most often in warm neutral tones.

Where to place relief tiles?

On the wall behind the sink, in a niche, or on the shower wall away from direct water flow. The relief stands out best in side light.

How to incorporate trends into your bathroom so it doesn't age quickly?

Choose timeless basic surfaces and apply trends to just one wall, in a niche or in furniture and accessories that can be replaced.

What is the colour of the year 2026?

Pantone has declared Cloud Dancer, a soft white, as the colour of the year 2026, which pairs well with warm neutral materials.