5 Timeless Bathroom Decor Ideas That Will Never Go Out of Style

Subway Tile and Penny Tile

Looking for a tile trend that will stick? Let history be your guide. Century-old tile patterns are unlikely to go out of fashion in the next five years. Subway tile debuted in the New York City subway in 1904, and has been a mainstay in bathroom and kitchens ever since. The ubiquitous 3-by-6-inch rectangular tiles are always on-trend and make a bathroom look clean and bright.

Another tile pattern that's been around for more than a century: penny tiles. First made of unglazed white porcelain in the early 1900s, these small circular tiles have been a popular choice for bathroom floors for decades. To maintain a timeless style, opt for penny tiles in neutral colors and classic materials.

White Paint

Okay, we'll admit that for those of us who aren't minimalists, sticking to a white or off-white palette in the bathroom sounds a little boring. But if your goal is to avoid repainting in two years, neutral paint never goes out of style.

If you're not afraid to pick up a paintbrush, go ahead and brush on a trendy hue. Fortunately, paint is the easiest and most affordable way to change your bathroom's design. So when blush pink eventually falls out of style, you can easily swap it for the latest color-of-the-year. Keep in mind that, while lighter hues are easy to paint over, darker shades (like navy or charcoal) will likely require primer and multiple coats of paint to cover up.

Bathtubs (Including the Classic Clawfoot)

If you haven't taken a bath in years, it may be tempting to ditch the bulky tub in favor of a modern walk-in shower for your next remodel. But if you want a bathroom with timeless style and the highest possible resale value, consider keeping a tub in at least one bathroom, since homebuyers with kids (or plans to have kids) likely prefer a one.

For fans of vintage or farmhouse style, a classic clawfoot tub never goes out of style, and adding an overhead shower to the clawfoot tub is a common update. While shower curtains may not look as luxurious as a glass shower door, they can easily be switched out as styles change.

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Luxe Marble

The bathroom countertop is often the first feature to reveal the room's age. While natural stone (like marble) is generally more expensive than laminate; this luxe, durable material never goes out of style.

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Hardware With History

For bathroom hardware that stands the test of time, choose options that complement your home's style and personal aesthetic, rather than the trendy hardware of the moment. For example, brass or bronze works well in a Victorian-style home, while brass or iron coordinates with Colonial Revival homes. Consider the type of hardware is traditionally used in your home's style, and then search for updated versions of it.

On the flip side, if you plan to update your bathroom regularly, buying stylish yet inexpensive hardware you can swap out every few years is a relatively affordable way to keep your bathroom on-trend.