New Paragraph

Bathroom Trends That Look Gorgeous But Are a Nightmare to Clean



Bathroom Trends That Look Gorgeous But Are a Nightmare to Clean

by Carol Stevenson

When it comes to designing a bathroom, Pinterest and Instagram are full of dreamy, magazine-worthy ideas. But as any seasoned homeowner will tell you, not every trend that looks beautiful online holds up in everyday life.


After researching top sources like Better Homes & Gardens, Houzz, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association—and talking to real homeowners—Carrie from Penny Modern has rounded up five bathroom trends that many people regret after installing.


Plus, stick around until the end, where she'll also share three bathroom upgrades that are worth your time and money:


Play

Table of contents

Disclosure: Redesign may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

1. Ribbed and Fluted Tiles: Stunning but Nearly Impossible to Clean

Carrie recalls when a close friend chose ribbed tile as a statement wall behind her bathroom vanity. Initially, the results were breathtaking—fluted, textured tiles added dimension and a high-end look. But just a few weeks later, frustration set in. Dust, hair, soap scum, and hairspray settled into the grooves, turning the wall into a cleaning nightmare.


The same issues arise with mosaic tiles that have lots of grout lines. While they look designer-approved, the reality is harsh: buildup gets trapped in every ridge and requires intense scrubbing—sometimes with a toothbrush—to stay clean. Ribbed tiles in showers are even more problematic, thanks to trapped mildew and soap scum.


Carrie’s Tip: Opt for large-format tiles with minimal grout lines or sealed porcelain tiles with subtle textures. If you're drawn to the fluted look, use it in accessories—like soap dispensers or vases—rather than fixed surfaces.



Image credit: Amazon



Image credit: Amazon

Dumawall+ Waterproof Wall Tiles, Easy-to-Install, Tongue & Groove SystemBuy on Amazon

See more options


2. Rainfall Shower Heads: Spa-Like in Theory, Awkward in Practice

Rainfall shower heads are a favorite for creating a spa atmosphere. But as Carrie explains, the luxury look often clashes with daily function. A couple she knows had a ceiling-mounted rainfall head installed, only to regret it weeks later.


The water came straight down in a constant stream, soaking hair whether intended or not. Shaving became awkward, requiring acrobatics to avoid the water. Cleaning the shower was also more difficult, since the fixed overhead stream couldn’t be directed.


Carrie’s Tip: If a rainfall head is a must-have, pair it with a handheld or wall-mounted head for flexibility. Alternatively, mount the rainfall head on an adjustable arm to give it directional control.


Image credit: Amazon

Luxurious All Metal Rain Shower Head with Handheld Spray ComboBuy on Amazon

See more options


3. Touchless Faucets: Sleek, Until They Don’t Work

One of Carrie’s subscribers emailed her with the subject line, "Touchless Faucet Regret." The modern design promised hygiene and style, but the reality was less than magical. The faucet's sensor frequently failed, prompting theatrical hand-waving to trigger water flow—frustrating for adults and unusable for kids.


Battery-powered and maintenance-prone, touchless faucets are marketed as luxury upgrades but often underdeliver in residential settings.


Carrie’s Tip: Choose a sleek manual faucet for that modern look without the hassle. Leave touchless features to commercial bathrooms where they’re more practical and expected.


Image credit: Amazon


Image credit: Amazon


Black Waterfall Bathroom FaucetBuy on Amazon

See more options

4. Open Shelving: Beautiful but Impractical for Real Life

Carrie’s mother-in-law wanted that minimalist, spa-like aesthetic with open shelves. Think rolled white towels, apothecary jars, and hanging greenery. It looked great—at first.


Six weeks later, Carrie visited and found the shelves cluttered with toilet paper rolls, curling irons, brushes, and a dying plant. The once curated look had devolved into visual chaos.


Carrie’s Tip: Stick with closed cabinetry to hide everyday clutter. Add inexpensive organizers inside drawers and cabinets to maximize storage. If you love the look of open shelving, reserve it for high-mounted, decorative-only displays.


Image credit: Amazon



Image credit: Amazon


Image credit: Amazon

5. Wall-Mounted Toilets: Sleek Design, Steep Repairs

A neighbor proudly installed a wall-mounted toilet—sleek, modern, even equipped with LED nightlights. She called it the “Tesla of toilets.” But months later, a hidden leak inside the wall caused soggy drywall and a $2,300 repair bill.


The concealed tank design makes access difficult and repairs costly. Extra wall reinforcement may also be needed, and replacement parts are often specialized.


Carrie’s Tip: For a modern upgrade without the headache, choose a floor-mounted toilet with a sleek silhouette or smart features like a built-in bidet. These offer style and function without hiding critical components behind drywall.



Image credit: Amazon


Image credit: Amazon

Bathroom Upgrades That Are Worth It

Not all upgrades are pitfalls. Carrie recommends these three investments that truly pay off:


1. Lighted Exhaust Fan Upgrade

Instead of replacing an old, grimy bathroom fan, Carrie suggests an easy-to-install upgrade kit that includes a built-in light. Found at home improvement stores, these are budget-friendly and boost both ventilation and illumination.


2. Vanity Sconce Lighting

Swap out harsh overhead lights for sconces on either side of your mirror. This lighting is softer, more flattering, and adds a designer touch. You may need an electrician to move wiring, but the ambiance is worth it.


3. Under-Cabinet Storage Solutions

Invest in drawer organizers and tiered under-sink storage to reduce counter clutter and make your bathroom feel larger and more serene. Carrie links many of her favorites in her Amazon store for easy shopping.