Bathroom design evolves constantly, and 2020 brought significant shifts in how homeowners approach their primary bathroom renovations. Data from the Houzz 2020 Bathroom Trends Study reveals that homeowners are increasingly focused on creating functional, beautiful spaces that reflect modern tastes. From the dominance of white finishes to the growing preference for expansive showers over traditional bathtubs, the trends shaping today’s bathrooms offer valuable insights for anyone planning a bathroom remodeling project. Understanding these patterns helps homeowners make informed decisions that balance aesthetics with practicality.
The Rise of White Finishes and Neutral Palettes
White continues to dominate bathroom surfaces across multiple categories, according to the Houzz study. Countertops lead the way with 51 percent of homeowners choosing white surfaces, followed closely by shower walls at 45 percent. This preference for white creates a clean, timeless aesthetic that appeals to a broad range of homeowners and maintains strong resale value.
Countertop and Vanity Trends
The data shows white countertops are far ahead of other options, but vanities tell a more varied story. While white vanities lead at 34 percent, wood vanities hold a strong second place at 26 percent. This contrast suggests homeowners want the brightness of white surfaces while incorporating natural warmth through wood cabinetry. The combination of white countertops with wood vanities creates visual interest without sacrificing the clean look that makes bathrooms feel spacious.
Wall Color Preferences
Non-shower walls show a narrower margin between white and the second most popular option. White appears in 32 percent of projects, while gray follows at 28 percent. This near-tie indicates that homeowners are experimenting with subtle color while still favoring neutral foundations. Accent walls also lean toward white, though homeowners occasionally introduce bolder colors as statement features in smaller bathrooms or powder rooms.
Shower Wall Materials
White shower walls at 45 percent reflect the desire for a clean, spa-like aesthetic in the shower enclosure. Large-format white tiles and solid surface panels make grout lines minimal and cleaning easier. The remaining 55 percent of homeowners choose alternatives such as gray, beige, or natural stone tones, often matching their selections to overall bathroom color schemes.
| Surface Area | Most Popular Color | Percentage | Second Most Popular | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countertops | White | 51% | Other neutrals | 26% |
| Shower Walls | White | 45% | Gray | 22% |
| Vanities | White | 34% | Wood | 26% |
| Non-shower Walls | White | 32% | Gray | 28% |
| Accent Walls | White | 30% | Blue | 18% |
Why White Works So Well in Bathrooms
White surfaces offer practical benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. White countertops and tiles make daily cleaning easier because dirt, soap scum, and water spots show clearly rather than hiding beneath busy patterns. Homeowners can spot and address buildup immediately, maintaining hygienic conditions. White also reflects natural and artificial light effectively, making bathrooms feel brighter and more spacious without additional lighting fixtures. For smaller bathrooms where square footage is limited, white surfaces create the illusion of openness that darker colors cannot achieve. The versatility of white allows homeowners to change accent colors and accessories over time without needing to replace major surfaces, extending the design life of the renovation for years beyond installation.
Shower Upgrades Take Center Stage
The 2020 data reveals a clear shift toward shower-focused bathroom designs. Showers increased in size for 54 percent of homeowners, while 83 percent upgraded their showers in some form. The median spend on shower upgrades reached $14,000, the highest among all bathroom renovation categories. This investment reflects the growing priority homeowners place on shower experiences.
Why Showers Are Growing
Several factors drive the trend toward larger, more elaborate showers:
- Accessibility and aging in place: Walk-in showers with zero thresholds accommodate all mobility levels and eliminate the step-over challenge of traditional tubs
- Spa-like experiences: Rainfall showerheads, body sprays, and steam generators transform daily showers into luxurious rituals
- Low-maintenance cleaning: Large-format tiles and solid surface panels reduce grout lines and simplify upkeep
- Visual spaciousness: Frameless glass enclosures make bathrooms feel larger and more open
- Resale appeal: Modern walk-in showers attract buyers who prioritize contemporary design
Shower Features Worth Considering
Homeowners upgrading their showers are investing in features that enhance both function and comfort. Modern shower systems now include integrated thermostatic valves that maintain consistent water temperature, handheld sprayers for flexibility, and built-in niches for storage. Linear drains provide a clean look and accommodate large-format tile without the slope challenges of traditional center drains. Bench seating, whether tiled or prefabricated, adds comfort and practicality for tasks like shaving or simply relaxing under warm water.
The $14,000 Shower Investment
The median shower upgrade cost of $14,000 reflects both the scope of work and the quality of materials involved. This investment typically covers demolition of existing fixtures, plumbing rerouting, waterproofing, tile or solid surface installation, glass enclosure, and new fixtures. Homeowners who allocate this budget expect durable, long-lasting results. Proper waterproofing and selecting the right tile for wet areas become critical decisions that affect both performance and appearance over the life of the renovation.
The Changing Role of Bathtubs
Bathtub inclusion in primary bathrooms has flattened significantly. Nearly half of all bathroom renovation projects in 2020 did not include a bathtub, either because homeowners removed existing tubs or designed spaces without them from the start. Around 45 percent of projects retained bathtubs, suggesting a divided market between homeowners who value soaking tubs and those who prioritize shower space.
Who Still Chooses Bathtubs
- Families with young children: Parents need functional tubs for bathing infants and toddlers
- Resale-conscious homeowners: Some markets still expect at least one bathtub in the home for family buyers
- Luxury seekers: Freestanding soaking tubs remain popular as statement pieces in master bathrooms
- Wellness-focused individuals: Long baths provide therapeutic benefits for relaxation and muscle recovery
- Dual-income households: Some homeowners choose to keep both a shower and a tub for different daily routines
Bathtub Materials and Styles
For homeowners who choose to include bathtubs, material selection plays a significant role in both aesthetics and performance. Acrylic tubs remain the most popular choice due to their affordability, warmth retention, and ease of cleaning. Cast iron tubs offer superior heat retention and durability but require reinforced flooring due to their weight. Stone resin composite tubs provide a natural stone look without the extreme weight, making them suitable for upper-floor installations. Copper tubs, while less common, develop a natural patina over time and serve as dramatic focal points. Each material option affects installation cost, maintenance requirements, and long-term satisfaction.
For homeowners who do include bathtubs, freestanding bathtubs have emerged as the preferred choice. These sculptural fixtures serve as focal points in the bathroom, available in materials from acrylic to cast iron to natural stone. Their standalone placement allows flexibility in bathroom layouts and creates a designer look that built-in tubs cannot match.
Space Reallocation Strategies
When homeowners remove bathtubs, the freed floor space typically gets reallocated to larger showers, additional storage, or expanded vanity areas. This reallocation responds to how homeowners actually use their bathrooms. Daily showering routines dominate morning schedules, while bathtubs often sit unused for months between uses. Removing an underutilized tub and replacing it with practical features maximizes the value of every square foot.
Fixtures, Sinks, and the Complete Bathroom Package
Beyond major structural changes, 2020 bathroom trends show homeowners upgrading fixtures and fittings across the board. Faucets were upgraded in 87 percent of primary bathroom renovations, tying with lighting as the most commonly replaced feature category. Wall finishes, flooring, and showers each saw upgrades in 83 percent of projects.
Double Sink Popularity
For the 76 percent of homeowners who revamped their bathroom sinks, 68 percent chose a double-sink setup. This figure remains consistent with the previous two years, confirming that dual vanities are now standard expectations rather than luxury extras in primary bathrooms. Double sinks eliminate morning congestion and provide separate storage zones for each user. The trend holds even in smaller bathrooms where homeowners must carefully plan layout to accommodate two basins.
Faucet Selection Matters
Faucet upgrades appear in nearly nine out of ten bathroom renovations, making them the most consistent feature update. Homeowners increasingly choose widespread faucets with separate handles for a cleaner look, though center-set and single-hole options remain popular in smaller spaces. Popular finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, and champagne bronze, each offering distinct aesthetic contributions to the overall bathroom design. Touchless and motion-sensor faucets have also gained traction as homeowners prioritize hygiene and convenience.
Working With Professionals
The Houzz study found that 82 percent of homeowners used professionals for their primary bathroom renovations. General contractors handled 43 percent of projects, making them the most commonly hired professionals. Bathroom remodelers were chosen 20 percent of the time, while dedicated bathroom designers were utilized by 12 percent of homeowners. Working with qualified professionals ensures proper waterproofing, code compliance, and structural integrity. Homeowners who hire professionals typically achieve higher satisfaction with final results and encounter fewer mid-project surprises than those attempting DIY renovations on complex bathroom projects.
Additional Upgrades to Consider
- Lighting: Layered lighting with dimmers for ambient, task, and accent illumination transforms bathroom ambiance
- Flooring: Large-format porcelain tiles and luxury vinyl planks offer durability with modern styling
- Storage: Built-in shelving, linen towers, and medicine cabinets with integrated outlets keep countertops clear
- Ventilation: Quiet, high-CFM fans with humidity sensors prevent moisture damage and improve comfort
- Heated surfaces: Radiant floor heating and heated towel racks add luxury and reduce chill
Budget Allocation for a Primary Bathroom
The median national spending on primary bathroom renovations held steady at $8,000 in 2020, matching the 2019 figure. However, bathrooms larger than 100 square feet typically cost $7,000 more than smaller spaces, reflecting the additional materials and labor required for larger footprints. Homeowners should expect to spend more on shower upgrades, which command the highest median investment at $14,000, followed by custom cabinetry and premium countertops. Allocating budget based on actual usage patterns ensures the most satisfying returns on renovation investments.