Do you want an entirely new bathroom without the designer price tag? Good news! Ex-display bathrooms are about repurposing almost-new spaces.

These products and suites, used lightly in showroom settings, are sold by retailers for much lower than their original price. That means you can get a luxury tub, shower, or an entirely new bathroom for a fraction of the cost!

However, when it comes to choosing a style, it’s easy to go with the simplest designs. But why settle for ordinary when you can achieve a high-end, custom look at an affordable price? Whether you’re after sleek modern lines or a more traditional look, ex-display bathrooms offer a wide range of styles. If you want to know more about the top 7 trends in ex-display bathrooms, follow along for some cash saving interior design ideas.

1. Eco-friendly additions

All modern ex-display bathrooms should have eco-friendly fixtures. Sustainability is fundamental to the ex-display market, where showroom products are sold for lower costs to prevent waste. It only makes sense to carry this environmental torch into your bathroom’s design!

• By choosing eco-friendly materials like recycled tiles, water-saving fixtures, or sustainably sourced wood, you can create a space that’s not only stylish but also mindful of the planet.

• Dual flush toilets are an easy upgrade that offers a small flush for liquid waste and a larger flush for solids. In the same category, water-saving EcoSmart technology showers can help lower household water consumption.

• You could even reduce your carbon footprint with heated towel rails, complete with thermostatic controls. These products afford much more control over your bathroom without sacrificing functionality.

2. Spa-inspired bathrooms

Bring a wellness-focused experience into your home with a spa-inspired bathroom.

More and more, ex-display bathrooms are like the luxurious styles often seen in day spas and massage parlors. These suites draw heavily on relaxation-promoting elements.

• Key features include freestanding bathtubs, rain showers, and natural materials like wood and stone. Freestanding tubs are a hallmark of this trend and are often used as an indulgent centerpiece.

• When paired with floor-to-ceiling windows or skylights, you can create a rejuvenation bathroom right at home!

• And you’ll love other ‘high-end’ features like earthy stones, textured tiles, and reclaimed wood.

• Lighting also plays a crucial role, with dimmable options or soft, natural lighting enhancing a serene atmosphere.

• And Incorporating plants or greenery can further create a connection to nature, adding to the soothing ambiance.

3. Bold Tiling

Bold tiles are set to be one of the biggest bathroom trends of 2024. Tiled flooring has many functional benefits, being water-resistant, durable, and compatible with underfloor heating.

However, it’s also a great way for homeowners to infuse more of their personality into a bathroom.

• Rich jewel tones such as deep blues, greens, and terracotta are making a strong return, because they provide a more dramatic contrast to neutral fixtures.

Tip: If you’re working with a tight budget, tiles can be used as part of a feature wall. Create unique geometric patterns or use tiles with 3D textures. Textured tiles not only enhance your bathroom’s aesthetics but also make the space feel more dynamic. This approach allows you to experiment with color and form while maintaining a budget-friendly renovation that feels luxurious and modern.

4. Natural/Organic Materials

Circling back to organic materials, these elements are sought-after for their ability to create warmth in neutral bathrooms. Wood is an especially popular choice for vanities, shelving, and accents.

Materials like timber can help soften the often-stark feel of ceramic tiles and cold metals, a technique used by wellness resorts.

• The raw, textured surface of stone brings an equally tactile quality to bathrooms, whether in the form of basins or tiles.

• Other organic textures, like rattan and bamboo, can be incorporated into the bathroom in cost-effective ways, like woven baskets or bamboo towel racks.

• Bamboo is a fantastic sustainable choice due to its fast-growing nature and durability.

You can also introduce bamboo through accessories like soap dishes, toothbrush holders, or even bamboo flooring or wall panels for a more immersive natural feel. There’s no right or wrong way to ground your bathroom in nature!

5. Curved/soft-edged furniture

Soft-edged furniture can bring a certain gentleness to bathrooms, where traditional, straight-edged designs often dominate.

• Oval basins create fluidity when installed alongside curved shower screens and gently rounded mirrors.

• If you’re looking for an ex-display freestanding bath, why not choose an egg-shaped tub or a slipper bath?

These fixtures can also make the space safer, especially in smaller bathrooms. Rounded edges minimize the risk of bumps and bruises, which are all too common in compact spaces with unavoidable corners. They’re pleasing aesthetically, and take up less space, which is perfect for smaller size bathrooms.

6. Smart Technology Integration

Smart technology isn’t designed solely for leisure areas. While you may have clever devices dotted around your home, many people forget to use them in their bathrooms!

• Transform the way you interact with water with touchless taps. In addition to the modern look they give, these devices use motion sensors (or app-based controls) to reduce water waste and improve hygiene.

• For the ultimate shower experience, set precise water temperatures with a smart shower. Or swap out your tired vanity for a smart mirror with built-in lighting and antifog features.

7. Statement Wall Paneling

Bring life into your bathroom with statement wall paneling.

• Feature walls are a great way to get creative on a budget: homeowners can use wood effects, acrylic, or waterproof MDF for a high-end look that doesn’t require extensive renovations.

• You should also think about texture. Panels with three-dimensional designs or geometric patterns can introduce layers of visual interest that tiles alone may not achieve.

Whether used to highlight a specific area or to elevate an entire room, statement paneling adds architectural interest and a sense of luxury to any interior.

As you embark on transforming your bathroom with ex-display treasures, remember that this journey is about more than just saving money; it’s about creating a space that reflects your unique style and values.

With so many innovative options at your fingertips, you can create a bathroom that combines luxury and sustainability, all while keeping your budget intact.

Embrace the possibilities and let your imagination guide you to a bathroom that feels custom-designed for you, where every detail brings joy and comfort to your everyday routine.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.