With 2021 now more than halfway over, we decided to review this year’s top bathtub trends. To get an idea of which of these trends might continue into 2022, we also looked at some interior design data and predictions.
Freestanding Tubs are a Must-Have Bathroom Feature in 2021
Freestanding bathtubs continue to grow in popularity in 2021. According to Apartment Therapy, freestanding tubs are a top bathroom feature in 2021 for self-care and relaxation. That’s because freestanding tubs are aesthetically pleasing, with sleek, clean lines that provide tranquil beauty. They also function as some of the best soaking tubs on the market and have been steadily growing in popularity with designers and homeowners in America over the past decade.
For luxury bathrooms, luxury features like a separate curbless shower paired with an extra-deep soaking tub or spa tub - like a freestanding whirlpool tub or Japanese-style Ofuro tub - are currently on-trend. According to the 2020 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, premium bathtub features that home remodelers in the United States were willing to pay more for in 2020 include silent whirlpool, standard whirlpool, space for two, and built-in lighting.
Acrylic Tubs - Voted Most Popular
Acrylic is the most popular material for upgraded bathtubs - 55% of the U.S. homeowners surveyed in 2020 by Houzz chose an acrylic tub over other materials like fiberglass, cast iron, or porcelain. Easy-to-clean and durable, acrylic is a cost-effective choice for freestanding soaking tubs - making acrylic soaking tubs a top bathtub trend in 2021 and beyond.
The #1 Most Popular Bathtub Style: Freestanding Flat Bottom Tubs
For contemporary and transitional bathrooms, elegant flat bottom tubs are a popular style right now that helps save space - making them the perfect choice for smaller bathrooms.
According to Houzz:
“Among the 35% of homeowners who added or replaced a bathtub during a master bathroom renovation, the clear favorite is a freestanding flatbottom tub. This style was chosen by 53% of renovators this year, up from 50% in 2019. Deck-mounted tubs are even less popular in 2020 than in 2019. Deeper soaking tubs are the most popular choice (69%).”
Frequently utilized in modern, contemporary, and transitional bathroom designs, freestanding acrylic flat bottom tubs are space-saving, stylish soaking tubs. Ideal for small bathrooms, these bathtubs are easy-to-install and usually take up less room than a traditional drop-in tub, alcove tub, or deck-mounted tub. One of our favorite space-saving flat-bottom tub styles for 2021 is the Barclay Phillipe 55” Acrylic Freestanding Tub.
The Asymmetrical Tub is a Modern Bathroom Essential
According to the latest bathroom trends survey from Houzz, modern was the most popular bathroom style in 2020. Expect this trend to continue throughout 2021.
One of the best modern tub styles is a freestanding asymmetrical soaking tub which adds an artistic focal point and clean, simple lines to your modern bathroom design. House and Home agrees that the asymmetrical bathtub is a top 2021 bathroom trend. One of our customers’ favorite modern asymmetrical tubs is the A&E Bath and Shower London 67” Freestanding Tub.
Metallic Accents like Copper, Gold, and Brass are Trending
Metallic accents are making a comeback in 2021. Luxury bathrooms incorporate natural materials like hardwoods and marble. They frequently feature metallic accents as well.
An organic copper tub is an attractive feature that helps incorporate this trend into your bathroom remodel.
While many remodelers prefer to mix metals in their designs, classic gold and brass fixtures are suddenly everywhereagain in 2021 - try pairing with a clawfoot tub to add a contemporary update to a vintage look.
2022 Bathtub Trends - Our Predictions
Data from Google Trends indicates that U.S. Google searches for modern bathroom far surpassed similar searches for contemporary bathroom, transitional bathroomor modern farmhouse bathroomthroughout 2021.
U.K. plumbing supplies company, PlumbNation, recently released an analysis of global bathroom trends. Based on worldwide Google search volume and the frequency of Instagram posts related to modern style bathroom, this trend was 32.39% more popular between June 2020-May 2021 then in the previous year. Related trends like white modern bathrooms, mid century bathroom, minimalist bathrooms, and modern country bathroom have also significantly increased in popularity over the past year.
We think this data is a strong sign that the popularity of modern style bathrooms and modern style bathtubs will endure well into 2022.
Sherwin-Williams predicts that warm neutrals and bold metallics will dominate interior design color schemes in 2022. Warm metallic accents like copper, gold, brass, and bronze will likely remain popular in the year to come - expect brass tub faucets and gold tub fillers as well as rustic copper tubs to be utilized in bathroom designs throughout 2022.
According to PlumbNation’s research team, interest in black freestanding bathtubs has increased globally by over 79% - indicating it may be a bathtub trend to watch for in 2022. While black tubs have been slowly rising in popularity over the past few years, black is a foundational color in modern design color schemes - which perhaps helps explain why black freestanding tubs are currently trending with consumers worldwide.
The notable increase in interest in spa bathrooms and sanctuary bathrooms and zen bathroom, reported by PlumbNation, indicates that relaxing soaking tubs will remain an essential bathroom feature in 2022. Expect extra-deep soaking tubs and air jetted or whirlpool jetted tubs with premium features like built-in chromatherapy lighting and sound systems to remain popular with homeowners seeking luxury and relaxation at home.
Wondering which bathtub will work best in your home? Contact our customer service team for assistance!
