See the Bathroom Features Homeowners Want

1. Fewer Make Major Changes

In a sign that some homeowners may be strategizing their remodeling projects to reduce costs, several types of major bath upgrades have declined in popularity between 2023 and 2024. Increasing the shower size dropped 10 percentage points, from 51% to 41%. Changing the layout declined 5 points, from 43% to 38%. And modifying walls fell 4 points, from 41% to 37%. In contrast, modifying the ceiling and modifying the flooring increased by 2 points each.

Homeowners are continuing to prioritize the upgrading of systems in their bathroom renovations (61% in 2024, a slight dip from 62% the previous year). The most commonly added systems are ventilation fans (59%), radiant heating (13%) and tankless water heaters (8%).

2. Many Types of Bathroom Features Get Upgraded

Homeowners update many features during a bathroom renovation. Faucets lead the list at 86%. Flooring follows closely (82%), and lighting fixtures (81%) and wall finishes (80%) are also popular.

Vanity cabinets are the most frequently upgraded type of
cabinetry (71%). Medicine cabinets (29%) and nonvanity cabinets (25%) are also often upgraded. Meanwhile, 8% of renovating homeowners update a makeup counter, and 4% update electronics.

Stylish matte black faucets and fixtures and a steely gray floating vanity coordinate with tones found in the floor and wall tiles in this Austin, Texas, bathroom by AHS Group.

11 Big-Picture Bathroom Remodeling Trends

3. Alcove and Low-Curb Showers Vie for Top Spot

Low-curb and alcove showers (also called a shower-tub combo) continue to lead the shower styles chosen during renovation. Low-curb showers are in the top spot, chosen by 45% of homeowners, an increase of 2 percentage points from 2023. Alcove showers are close behind at 44%, also up 2 percentage points year over year.

Curbless showers remain popular, though the share of renovating homeowners choosing them has dipped (21% in 2024 versus 24% in 2023). Corner showers also have declined, dropping 5 percentage points year over year, to 16%.

4. Majority Enlarge Showers After Tub Removal

During a bathroom renovation, nearly one-third of homeowners (32%) upgrade their bathtub, while 27% remove the tub entirely. Among those who remove a bathtub, 79% take advantage of the extra space to enlarge their shower area. About 18% of these homeowners significantly increase the shower size (by more than 50%), while 20% opt for a shower that’s only slightly bigger (less than 25% larger) than the existing one.

After removing a bathtub, 6% of homeowners enlarge their cabinetry, though that share is down 4 points year over year. Meanwhile, 5% choose to enlarge or relocate their vanity or sink after removing a tub. Interestingly, 27% of homeowners report having no bathtub before their renovation.

A roomy low-curb shower makes the most of this Denver bathroom by Black Pines Builders. Brass details and a wood vanity complement the striking blue tile.

5 Big-Picture Design Trends Popular Right Now

5. Stock Vanities Gain Ground, but Custom Options Lead

The majority of renovating homeowners (57%) still opt for a
custom or semicustom vanity, though the share has decreased
5 percentage points year over year. Stock vanities, which are typically less expensive than custom options, are on the rise, selected by 31% of homeowners (up 5 points), while 7% opt for a ready-to-assemble option.

The most popular features of upgraded vanities are soft-close
drawers (78%) and soft-close doors (75%), followed by built-in
electrical outlets (29%) and built-in drawer organizers (22%).

When it comes to vanity width, a majority of homeowners (51%) choose a vanity that’s 48 inches or less, a notable jump of 10 percentage points year over year. The share of homeowners choosing a vanity wider than 72 inches dropped 6 points, to 12%, during the same period. Again, this aligns with homeowners likely making budget-conscious choices. Smaller stock vanities are often less expensive than larger custom vanities.

6. Solo Mirrors Take the Spotlight

During bathroom renovations, a majority of homeowners (59%) upgrade their mirrors. Among those doing so, most (59%) install a single mirror. Installing two mirrors is popular among 37% of renovating homeowners, while 5% choose three or more mirrors.

LED lighting tops the list of upgraded mirror features (21%). Antifog systems are a close second (20%). Some homeowners choose hidden outlets (6%) or a shadow-elimination system (2%) as part of their new or upgraded mirrors.

7. Brightening Bathrooms in Many Ways

Recessed lights are the top lighting choice in renovated bathrooms, chosen by 44% of homeowners. Sconces follow (36%), and ceiling lights (32%) and wall lights (31%) also are popular. The shares of renovating homeowners choosing shower lights (27%) and fixtures with a fan (24%) highlight the desire for both style and functionality in bath lighting. More targeted options include lighted mirrors (19%) and undercabinet lights (5%).