Bathroom design is evolving in 2026 toward spaces that feel both calming and expressive, blending serene foundations with rich accents and nature-inspired hues. Whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a refresh around a new frameless shower door from Aston Bath, choosing the right color palette can dramatically elevate your space. Here’s what designers and color authorities are forecasting for 2026 and how you can bring these trends into your bathroom.
Pantone’s Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer - Calm, Serene, and Versatile
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer, a soft, airy off-white that evokes tranquility and clarity. This is the first time Pantone has selected a shade of white, reflecting a desire for simplicity and peace in interior spaces. When used in bathrooms, Cloud Dancer creates a luminous backdrop that enhances natural light, making smaller spaces feel deeper and more open.
In practice, Cloud Dancer pairs beautifully with clean-lined frameless glass shower doors and enclosures from Aston Bath, reinforcing the minimalist, spa-like atmosphere that many homeowners are seeking in 2026.
Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year: Universal Khaki - Warm, Timeless, and Balanced
Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki, represents another trending direction: grounded neutrals that support a sense of comfort and calm. These soft, earthy hues work especially well in bathrooms that emphasize natural materials like wood, stone, or matte fixtures.
Many designers also point to broader “organic neutrals” and earth-based tones such as sand, terracotta, and muted greens, driven by a desire for sustainable, nature-inspired interiors. These colors bring warmth and serenity to bathroom spaces while balancing more dramatic accents.
WGSN’s Color of the Year: Transformative Teal - Fluid, Restorative, Bold
While calm neutrals dominate the foundation of 2026 design palettes, deeper, dramatic hues are gaining traction alongside them. The world’s leading consumer trend forecaster, WGSN, forecasts highlighted Transformative Teal, a fusion of deep blue and aquatic green, a color that adds personality without overwhelming when used strategically on accent walls, cabinetry, or in decor.
This deeper shade strikingly contrasts with neutral backdrops. For example, a dark teal accent wall behind a frameless glass shower enclosure can create a rich, luxurious focal point without disrupting the overall serenity of the space.
Muted Pastels & Soft Blues for Spa-Like Calm
Another palette trend for 2026 centers on gentle, muted tones such as soft blues, lavender pastels, smooth buttercream, and dusty pink that evoke a spa-like feel. Designers see these hues as ideal for bathrooms because they enhance calm and reflect light, contributing to an open, peaceful environment.
Soft blue-green tones, in particular, work beautifully with clear or frosted frameless glass from Aston Bath, reinforcing the sensory harmony that many homeowners desire in personal retreats.
Earthy, Natural Combinations: Connecting Interior & Nature
2026 color forecasts consistently emphasize palettes rooted in nature with earth tones: greens, warm browns, and terracotta shades that echo organic materials and the desire for a sustainable environment. These hues are especially relevant for bathrooms that use stone, wood accents, or brushed metal finishes.
For instance, a sage green wall or an olive-toned vanity combined with natural stone flooring and a frameless Aston shower door can create a cohesive space that feels grounded, fresh, and restorative.
Bringing It All Together in Your Bathroom Renovation
Here are a few tips to apply 2026’s color trends to your space:
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Start with a neutral foundation.
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Use Cloud Dancer or warm neutrals like Universal Khaki on walls and ceilings to create a bright, restful base.
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Add depth with rich, moody accents.
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Introduce jewel tones (teal, deep plum) in tile, cabinetry, or décor elements to add character without overwhelming.
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Embrace spa-like serenity.
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Soft blues and muted pastels make excellent choices for bathrooms focused on relaxation.
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Anchor with earthy accents.
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Natural greens or terracotta hues can help tie your design to organic materials and textures.
These palettes work with a variety of Aston Bath products, whether you’re pairing a luxury-height frameless shower door with a warm neutral scheme or framing a bold accent wall with a sleek, clear glass enclosure. The key is balance: calm foundations enriched by intentional bursts of color.
The color trends of 2026 are all about creating spaces that feel both expressive and balanced, blending calm neutrals with rich accents, natural inspirations, and emotional depth. As you plan your bathroom renovation, consider choosing a versatile base tone and layering in trend-forward hues to reflect your personal style while staying aligned with design innovation. With thoughtful color choices and the clarity of Aston’s frameless glass doors, your bathroom can become a stylish, serene haven that stands the test of time.
