Smart Bathroom Trends 2026: How to Create a Spa-Like Space at Home

Bathrooms are becoming more than practical rooms. In 2026, homeowners are looking for calm, comfort and technology that makes everyday routines feel easier and more luxurious. The strongest smart bathroom trends for 2026 combine spa-inspired interiors, accessible layouts and discreet features that blend into the design.

Recent UK home-design search data supports this shift. Houzz reports growing interest in accessible bathrooms, walk-in showers and wet rooms, while earlier research also found increased demand for indulgent, spa-like bathroom features. The direction is clear: people want bathrooms that are relaxing, attractive and designed to work well for years.

From ambient lighting to a professionally installed waterproof bathroom TV, here are the ideas shaping modern British bathrooms.

1. Spa-inspired bathrooms are becoming the new standard

The “home spa” look remains one of the biggest bathroom trends of 2026. Instead of creating a cold, purely functional room, homeowners are using warm neutral colours, natural textures and softer lighting to make the bathroom feel restorative.

Stone-effect tiles, pale oak furniture, brushed metal fittings and neatly concealed storage all work well. The aim is not to fill the room with expensive extras. It is to reduce visual clutter and choose a few features that improve comfort every day.

A deep bath, rainfall shower, heated floor or waterproof TV can turn an ordinary evening routine into time to properly switch off. For smaller bathrooms, the same feeling can be achieved with warm lighting, coordinated finishes and one well-chosen focal point.

2. Smart technology is becoming more discreet

The best smart bathroom ideas no longer make a room look overly technical. Controls, screens and speakers are increasingly integrated into mirrors, walls and fitted furniture.

Popular options include:

• App-controlled underfloor heating
• Digital showers with saved temperature settings
• Illuminated mirrors
• Demisting mirror pads
• Motion-sensitive lighting
• Built-in Bluetooth audio
• Waterproof smart televisions

This discreet approach helps technology remain useful without dominating the design. A bathroom mirror TV is a good example: when switched on, it provides entertainment and smart features; when switched off, selected designs can sit neatly within a polished glass or mirror-style surface.

3. Waterproof bathroom TVs are becoming part of the design

A standard television is not made for a humid bathroom. Steam, condensation and splashes can damage ordinary electronics and create a serious safety risk. A purpose-built waterproof bathroom TV is designed specifically for this environment and can be recessed or wall-mounted for a clean finish.

Placement should be considered during the early design stage. Think about the main viewing position, reflections from windows, screen height and where the wiring can be safely concealed. A screen opposite a freestanding bath may create a strong focal point, while a flush-mounted mirror TV can suit a more minimal room.

Smart functionality also matters. Access to streaming services means the screen can be used for films, television, music and online content, making it a practical addition rather than a feature reserved for special occasions.

4. Wet rooms and accessible layouts continue to grow

Accessible design is no longer treated as a separate style. Level-access showers, wider openings and uncluttered layouts can look premium while making a bathroom easier to use at every stage of life.

Houzz’s 2026 UK Emerging Trends Report found searches for “accessible bathrooms” had increased fivefold. Searches for “showers with seats” were up 84%, “walk-in showers” 37% and “wet rooms” 19%. Its 2025 bathroom study also found that 58% of renovating homeowners increased the size of their main bathroom shower.

These layouts pair naturally with integrated technology. Wall-mounted controls, a waterproof TV and built-in audio can be positioned for convenient use without taking up floor space. Planning everything together also produces a cleaner result than adding separate devices later.

5. Warm materials are replacing cold, clinical finishes

The all-white bathroom is giving way to warmer, more natural schemes. Soft beige, limestone, warm wood, muted blue and earthy green create a calmer atmosphere and help a modern bathroom feel more welcoming.

Texture is important too. Fluted timber, large-format stone-effect porcelain and brushed nickel fittings add interest without making the room look busy. A black-glass waterproof TV can provide a crisp contrast, or a mirror-finish model can blend more subtly into the surrounding wall.

When choosing materials, always consider the practical side. Surfaces near water should be suitable for wet environments, easy to clean and installed with the correct sealing and ventilation.

6. Flexible lighting supports different routines

One bright ceiling light rarely creates a relaxing bathroom. Layered lighting allows the room to change throughout the day.

Task lighting around a mirror is useful in the morning. Concealed LED lighting beneath furniture or inside a wall niche can create a softer mood for an evening bath. Dimmable fittings provide further control, while warm-white colour temperatures generally suit spa-style designs better than harsh, cool light.

Plan lighting and screen positions together to reduce glare on a mirror TV or waterproof screen. A specialist can advise on suitable bathroom-rated products and safe positioning.

What should you look for in a waterproof bathroom TV?

Before choosing a bathroom TV, consider more than screen size. Check that the model is purpose-designed for bathroom use and suitable for its proposed location.

Useful questions include:

1. Is the television designed and rated for use in wet or humid environments?
2. Can it be recessed for a flush finish?
3. Does the screen size suit the viewing distance?
4. Are smart streaming features included?
5. Is the remote control suitable for bathroom use?
6. How will power, aerial and data connections be concealed?
7. What warranty and technical support are provided?
8. Who will complete the electrical installation?

Product specifications and installation instructions should always be checked for the exact model. Do not assume that a television is bathroom-safe simply because it is described as splash-resistant.

Safety and professional installation

Electrical work in a room containing a bath or shower requires careful planning. Bathroom zones and the distance from water affect which electrical equipment can be used and where it may be installed.

In England, fixed electrical installation work is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations. Certain work in the area surrounding a bath or shower is notifiable, and the installation should be inspected and tested in accordance with the relevant requirements. Electrical Safety First also advises that the IP rating of equipment must be appropriate for its location.

For that reason, a waterproof TV should be installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions by a suitably qualified electrician. The electrician can assess the proposed position, bathroom zone, electrical protection, ventilation and cable route. This is not a suitable DIY project.

Regulations and notification arrangements can vary across the UK, so obtain advice relevant to your property and location before work begins.

Is a smart bathroom worth it?

A smart bathroom is worth considering when the technology supports the way you use the room. The most successful designs do not add features for novelty. They make the space warmer, calmer, safer or more enjoyable.

For one household, that might mean a digital shower and simple motion lighting. For another, it could be a full spa bathroom with underfloor heating, integrated audio and a waterproof smart TV.

Plan the room around long-term usability, choose products intended for wet environments and use experienced installers. Done properly, smart technology can feel like a natural part of the bathroom rather than an afterthought.

Create your own spa-like bathroom

The leading bathroom trends of 2026 are all connected by one idea: the bathroom should be a comfortable space in which people genuinely want to spend time. Natural finishes, accessible layouts and discreet technology can work together to create a room that feels luxurious without losing practicality.

If you are considering an integrated screen, explore the latest waterproof and mirror TV options from Bath TV. Choose the right size and finish for your space, then arrange professional installation for a safe, polished result.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a normal TV in a bathroom?

A standard television is not designed for bathroom humidity, condensation or splashing. Use a purpose-built bathroom television that is suitable for the intended location and arrange professional installation.

What is a bathroom mirror TV?

A bathroom mirror TV combines a display with a polished glass or mirror-style finish. Depending on the model, the screen becomes visible when switched on and blends more discreetly into the bathroom when off.

Where is the best place to install a waterproof TV?

The best position depends on the bathroom layout, viewing angle, potential glare, manufacturer guidance and electrical bathroom zones. Decide on placement with the supplier and a qualified electrician before tiling or final wall finishes are completed.

Does a waterproof TV still need professional installation?

Yes. A waterproof product still needs to be installed in a suitable location with the correct electrical protection and wiring. Always follow the model-specific instructions and use a suitably qualified electrician.

What smart features are useful in a bathroom?

Streaming apps, simple controls, good audio, demisting mirrors, digital shower settings and flexible lighting can all be useful. Choose features that improve your normal routine rather than adding technology you are unlikely to use.