Bathtubs Take a Backseat as Spa-Like Bathrooms Dominate 2026 Trends, Zillow Reports

According to Zillow's latest home trends report, the traditional bathtub is seeing a decline in popularity, making way for a surge in spa-inspired bathrooms. This shift reflects a growing consumer desire to integrate self-care and wellness into their homes, transforming bathrooms into personal retreats. The trend indicates a move towards more functional, luxurious, and accessible bathroom designs.

Key Takeaways

• Spa-inspired bathrooms are appearing 22% more often in listings.
• Mentions of wellness features in bathrooms rose by 33%.
• "Wet rooms," a more open-plan bathroom concept, are gaining traction.
• Bathtubs are evolving into luxury features rather than standard necessities.

The Rise of Spa-Inspired Bathrooms

Zillow's 2026 Home Trends Report highlights a significant increase in "spa-inspired bathrooms," with these features appearing 22% more frequently in home listings. This trend is further underscored by a 33% rise in mentions of "wellness features." This indicates a broader societal shift towards prioritizing self-care and relaxation within the home environment, with the bathroom emerging as a key area for this transformation.

Understanding Wet Rooms

One of the prominent trends contributing to the spa-like bathroom aesthetic is the "wet room." Unlike traditional bathrooms with distinct shower and tub areas, a wet room is designed as a single, open-plan space where the entire area can function as a shower. This design, historically popular in countries like Sweden, offers a more airy and uncluttered feel. While a bathtub might still be present in a corner, the emphasis is on an integrated, luxurious shower experience. This design can also be more practical for cleaning and accessibility.

Why Bathtubs Are Evolving

The decline in bathtub popularity isn't an outright extinction but rather an evolution. For many, the daily routine favors the efficiency of a quick shower, especially in homes where space is limited. New construction and renovations are increasingly opting for spacious, walk-in showers. However, bathtubs are not disappearing entirely; they are being redefined as luxury features. Freestanding tubs, often positioned as aesthetic focal points, and tubs with advanced features like whirlpools or digital controls are becoming more common in high-end bathrooms. These are viewed as elements that enhance relaxation and create a "retreat" feel.

Shifting Demographics and Accessibility

Several factors are driving this trend. Aging homeowners seeking to "age in place" often prefer step-free, walk-in showers for safety and accessibility, eliminating the physical barrier of a traditional tub. Millennials are also contributing, valuing space and time savings offered by shower-only bathrooms, particularly in urban settings. Conversely, families with young children and pet owners may still find bathtubs practical for their specific needs. For those considering renovations, replacing outdated tub-shower combinations with modern walk-in showers can create a sense of spaciousness and a more contemporary feel. While a bathtub can still be a selling point, especially in family-oriented markets, its necessity is diminishing in favor of versatile, wellness-focused bathroom designs.

Sources

• This Is the Bathroom Trend Every Buyer Wants in 2026, Apartment Therapy.
• As Bathtubs Vanish From Homes, Here's What's Replacing Them, Apartment Therapy.
• This Is the Bathroom Trend Every Buyer Wants in 2025, Apartment Therapy.