The Radiator Centre Reveals the Top Bathroom Trends for 2026

With wellness, material richness and smart heating driving consumer choices, radiators and towel rails are emerging as key elements in creating calm, curated spaces. Nick Duggan, MD of The Radiator Centre, shares his trend predictions for the year ahead.  

Elevated Wellness with Warmth

Wellness remains a guiding theme for bathrooms in 2026. More than ever, homeowners want spaces that soothe and nurture, so large luxurious baths, rainfall showers, natural materials and lighting that softens rather than glares, are all on consumers wish lists. A beautifully designed bathroom radiator or a heated towel rail further supports the theme, becoming more than a practical accessory. Single bar towel rails ensure warm towels and robes are close to hand after a bath or shower, helping to turn the everyday into something special and becoming part of the ritual of relaxation.

Material Richness & Texture

The surfaces of bathrooms are predicted to get richer in character with micro cement, hand painted tiles, natural stone with visible texture and brushed finishes all forecasted to gain popularity. To create the look in your own home, think carefully about your material choices, for example there are lots of options other than a standard steel towel rail.

Stone radiators and towel rails provide a satisfying radiant heat as well as useful towel drying spaces. Aluminium is also proving popular and is currently the material of choice for those looking for an innovative alternative to the average towel rail. Furthermore, the use of wooden towel bars, hooks and shelves can be used to add a deeper sense of natural warmth.

Colour, Emotion & Atmosphere

The all white bathroom era is quietly giving way to more emotive palettes and layered colour. Earthy beiges, warm caramel tones, deep greens, terracotta and jewel inspired blues are rising as the go-to colours. As well as freestanding baths and vanities in a rainbow of colours, consumers are also choosing to match their heated towel rails to subtly reinforce the mood.

Fluidity, Curves & Calm Lines

The trend for 2026 is leaning into softer shapes and a more relaxed silhouette. Vanities featuring rounded corners, freestanding baths with smooth curves and gentle arches in shower screens are all expected to be a hit. With this trend in mind, the rectangular ladder rail or bathroom radiator is being replaced with innovative designs incorporating softer edges and corners, and hooks, instead of bars. Look to take advantage of the impressive range of colours and finishes out there to form a more integrated, but practical solution to drying towels.

Smart Integration & Intentional Design

For 2026, technology and comfort are on target to be more connected than ever. We're seeing smart comfort systems controlling ambient lighting and temperature, working alongside interiors that encourage a slower, more mindful pace of life. When it comes to heating, the focus is on towel rails and radiators that blend naturally into the space and offer better efficiency and sleek controls.

There is a growing range of energy-efficient radiator designs to choose from, making it easier than ever to find something to suit your space. Many models feature practical extras like hooks and bars for your towels, and as they use less water, they require less energy to heat up. There’s also a new generation of bathroom radiators developed to work specifically with heat pump systems, helping ensure consumers make the most of potential energy savings.

What’s Waning for 2026

With these forward looking trends, we’re also seeing what’s starting to fade. Ultra bright white plastic fittings, overly glossy chrome that clashes with more thoughtful materials, and heavy matching bathroom suites that feel too uniform are gradually falling out of favour. Instead, the preference is for richness, variety, texture and design aware finishes.