Your bathroom can make or break a home sale, and outdated design choices have a way of sending potential buyers straight to the competition. Even if your kitchen sparkles and your living room looks like it belongs in a magazine, a bathroom stuck in the past can overshadow everything else about your property.
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
Understanding which bathroom features buyers find unattractive can save you from costly mistakes and help you make informed decisions about updates that actually matter. From garish color schemes that assault the senses to practical nightmares like carpeted floors, certain design elements consistently turn off today’s homebuyers. Whether you’re dealing with oversized bathtubs that dominate the space, yellowed grout that tells tales of decades past, or brass fixtures that have lost their luster, recognizing these outdated features is the first step toward creating a bathroom that enhances rather than detracts from your home’s value.
Please note the imagery in this article, in an effort to provide highly specific examples, was created with the assistance of AI.
18. Ceramic toilets with awkwardly large tanks. No THANK YOU!
Your bathroom isn’t a museum for oversized plumbing fixtures. Those bulky ceramic tanks from the 1980s and 1990s dominate small bathrooms like uninvited guests who refuse to leave.
Modern buyers expect sleek, space-efficient designs. Tankless toilets hide their tank when installed, creating a cleaner aesthetic that doesn’t scream “my bathroom hasn’t been updated since Madonna’s first album.”
These mammoth tanks also waste precious square footage. In today’s market, every inch counts, especially in powder rooms and guest bathrooms where space is already limited.
The worst offenders are those beige or harvest gold ceramic behemoths that match absolutely nothing in contemporary design. They’re like wearing bell-bottoms to a job interview—technically functional but completely wrong for the moment.
Consider upgrading to wall-hung or back-to-wall toilets for a modern appearance. Your potential buyers will thank you for not making them calculate renovation costs while touring your home.
Smart buyers recognize outdated fixtures as immediate project expenses. Don’t let your toilet tank become their mental red flag.
17. Yellowed grout lines that tell tales of decades past
Nothing screams “time capsule bathroom” quite like grout lines that have shifted from crisp white to that telltale yellow of yesteryear. You might as well hang a sign that says “circa 1995” on your bathroom door.
Yellowing grout occurs for several reasons, but the primary culprits are age, moisture, and cleaning product buildup. Your once-pristine white grout becomes a historical record of every shower, every cleaning session, and every humid summer.
Mold from excessive moisture is another common villain in this story. When potential buyers see those golden-brown lines creeping across your tile work, they’re mentally calculating replacement costs.
The good news? You don’t always need to rip everything out. Professional cleaning and sealing techniques can often restore grout to its former glory.
However, if your grout has reached that permanent yellow stage where no amount of scrubbing helps, it’s time to bite the bullet. Fresh, clean grout lines make any bathroom look decades younger and significantly more appealing to discerning buyers.
16. Low-quality laminate countertops that stain and chip easily
Nothing screams “rental property” quite like cheap laminate countertops that look like they’ve been through a blender. These budget disasters chip at the slightest impact and stain faster than a white shirt at a spaghetti dinner.
The telltale signs are hard to miss. Edges that peel up like old wallpaper, surface scratches that catch every crumb, and that lovely burn mark from where someone set down a hot pan.
While modern laminate countertops offer improved durability and appearance, the bottom-tier versions still dominate many bathrooms. These flimsy surfaces make your space look dated and poorly maintained.
Buyers notice these details immediately. They see chipped corners and permanent stains as red flags about overall home maintenance.
The good news? You don’t need to install marble to fix this problem. Today’s laminate options can mimic natural stone without breaking the bank.
Quality laminate countertops are relatively DIY-friendly with straightforward installation. Just avoid the bargain-basement versions that made laminate infamous in the first place.
15. Tub/shower combos so small you can barely turn around
Cramped tub-shower combos are like trying to bathe in a phone booth. You’ll find yourself doing an awkward dance just to reach the soap.
These tiny torture chambers force you to choose between washing your hair and keeping your elbows. Most buyers take one look and wonder if contortionist skills come with the house.
The standard 30-inch wide combo might have seemed adequate in 1975, but today’s buyers expect space to actually move. Your knees shouldn’t touch the tub wall when you’re standing upright.
Modern families want functional bathroom spaces that accommodate real human proportions. A combo where you can’t bend over without hitting three surfaces simultaneously sends buyers running.
Even small bathroom solutions can feel spacious with proper planning. The key is ensuring adequate width and depth for basic movement.
Your microscopic combo might fit the space, but it won’t fit buyer expectations. They’ll imagine daily struggles with simple tasks like shaving or washing children.
Consider expanding the footprint or switching to a properly sized shower stall. Your future buyers will thank you for giving them room to breathe.
14. Tacky wallpaper that’s peeling by the time you walk in
Nothing screams “fixer-upper nightmare” quite like wallpaper that’s literally waving hello as you enter the bathroom. Those curling edges and bubbling seams tell a story of moisture, poor installation, and years of neglect.
Bathrooms are wallpaper’s worst enemy. The constant humidity and temperature changes create the perfect storm for adhesive failure. What might have looked charming in 1987 now resembles a crime scene of design disasters.
Peeling wallpaper is nearly always caused by poor adhesive application, with seams and edges being the most vulnerable areas. Your bathroom’s steamy environment accelerates this process dramatically.
Buyers take one look at those dangling strips and immediately start calculating removal costs. They’re not seeing your bathroom’s potential – they’re seeing dollar signs flying out the window.
The patterns don’t help either. Those busy florals or geometric nightmares that seemed trendy decades ago now look like visual chaos. Combined with the peeling effect, it’s a double dose of decorating don’ts.
Smart sellers know that fixing peeling wallpaper or removing it entirely is essential before listing. Fresh paint creates a clean slate that lets buyers envision their own style.
13. Bathroom sinks with pedestal bases that lose valuable storage
Pedestal sinks might look elegant in magazine photos, but they’re a storage nightmare in real life. You’ll quickly discover there’s nowhere to hide your toiletries, cleaning supplies, or extra towels.
Pedestal sinks create visual space by eliminating bulky vanity cabinets, but this comes at a serious cost. Your bathroom essentials end up scattered across countertops or stuffed into inadequate medicine cabinets.
Modern buyers want function over form, especially in smaller bathrooms. They’re looking for vanities with drawers, shelves, and hidden storage compartments that keep clutter out of sight.
The pedestal base takes up floor space without offering any practical benefit. You can’t even store a trash can or cleaning bucket underneath without it looking awkward.
Smart buyers will notice this storage shortfall immediately during home tours. They’ll start mentally calculating the cost of ripping out your “stylish” pedestal sink and installing a proper vanity with storage.
Your bathroom needs to work for daily life, not just look pretty. Pedestal sinks are a classic example of choosing style over substance, and today’s buyers see right through it.
12. Lime green or other garish color choices that assault the eyes
That lime green powder room seemed like such a bold choice in 2003. Now it makes potential buyers feel like they’ve stepped inside a highlighter marker.
Certain color combinations can be harder on the eyes than others, causing strain and fatigue. Your bathroom should be a sanctuary, not a sensory overload experience.
Design expert Hilary Farr warned that garish lime green needed an upgrade immediately. If it makes a TV designer cringe, imagine what it does to house hunters.
Electric blues, shocking pinks, and neon oranges fall into this same category. These colors might work in a nightclub, but they’re death knells for bathroom appeal.
More harmonious color schemes that are gentle on the eyes ensure a pleasant visual experience. Think soft neutrals, muted blues, or warm grays instead.
Your bathroom walls shouldn’t require sunglasses to view comfortably. Save the neon for your teenager’s bedroom walls.
11. Outdated brass or gold fixtures that have long lost their shine
Nothing screams “1980s time capsule” quite like tarnished brass fixtures that have seen better decades. Your bathroom faucets, towel bars, and light fixtures might have been the height of luxury when Reagan was president, but now they’re just tired.
Modern gold fixtures are experiencing a resurgence, but there’s a world of difference between today’s sleek finishes and yesterday’s brassy mistakes. The old stuff looks dull, scratched, and frankly cheap.
Your potential buyers will notice these relics immediately. They’ll start mentally calculating replacement costs before they’ve even checked the water pressure.
Trends suggest gold fixtures might feel dated again in 5-7 years, but that’s still better than clinging to fixtures that already look ancient. The key is choosing quality pieces that complement your overall design scheme.
If you can’t afford replacements, consider painting over brass fixtures with specialized enamel paint. It’s a budget-friendly way to modernize without breaking the bank.
10. Cluttered bathroom spaces that feel more like a storage closet
Your bathroom shouldn’t double as a warehouse for every toiletry you’ve ever purchased. When buyers walk into a space that looks like a pharmacy exploded, they’re already mentally calculating cleanup costs.
Overdecorating and ignoring wall space creates visual chaos that screams “no storage solutions here.” You might think displaying every product shows preparedness, but it actually signals poor planning.
Countertops buried under bottles, towels, and mysterious containers make your bathroom feel cramped regardless of its actual size. Smart buyers know that clutter usually masks deeper organizational problems.
Storage space is at a premium in bathrooms, so thoughtful solutions like customized vanities with drawer inserts and integrated storage become selling points. Your current jumbled mess of products balanced on toilet tanks isn’t fooling anyone.
The goal is creating a clean, spa-like environment that buyers can envision themselves using. When your bathroom looks more like a convenience store stockroom, you’re essentially asking buyers to overlook the chaos and imagine the potential—a request that rarely works in your favor.
9. Vintage vinyl flooring that belongs in grandma’s old guest house
That avocado green or burnt orange vinyl flooring might trigger fond memories of childhood visits. But it’s also triggering buyers to run straight to the next listing.
Vintage vinyl floors from the ’70s were once the height of modern sophistication. Today, they scream “time capsule” in all the wrong ways.
The problem isn’t just the dated colors and patterns. These old vinyl floors often show their age with curling edges, discoloration, and that unmistakable plasticky sheen that announces “budget renovation circa 1982.”
Buyers walking into your bathroom don’t want to feel like they’re stepping into a museum exhibit. They want to envision their own morning routines in a fresh, updated space.
While retro flooring ideas can work when done thoughtfully, your original harvest gold vinyl isn’t making a comeback. It’s making buyers wonder what other “vintage” surprises await behind your walls.
Modern luxury vinyl planks or ceramic tiles offer durability without the nostalgia overload. Save the retro charm for accent pieces, not the foundation of your bathroom.
8. Strange, loud tile patterns that give buyers immediate tile shock
Bold geometric patterns and eye-catching designs might seem trendy now, but they’re putting off potential buyers according to real estate experts. Your zebra-striped shower wall may speak to your wild side, but it’s probably screaming “renovation required” to house hunters.
Busy patterns create visual chaos that makes spaces feel smaller and dated. What feels cutting-edge today often looks like yesterday’s mistake tomorrow.
Some tile patterns stand the test of time, offering classic charm with modern versatility. Your bathroom’s disco ball mosaic feature wall doesn’t fall into this category.
Buyers want to envision their own style in your space. Loud patterns make that impossible because they’re too busy wondering how much it’ll cost to rip everything out.
If you’re planning to sell within a few years, stick with subtler patterns or neutral hues that won’t assault buyers’ retinas. Save the artistic tile experiments for spaces you’ll never need to sell.
7. Wooden ceilings in bathrooms—be prepared for humidity headaches
You might think wooden ceilings add rustic charm to your bathroom, but they’re actually a maintenance nightmare waiting to happen. Wood is highly susceptible to moisture, making it prone to warping, swelling, and rotting.
Your beautiful cedar planks will start buckling faster than you can say “steam shower.” Bathroom ceilings are subjected to high levels of moisture and humidity, which can cause damage if not properly protected.
Even if you choose moisture-resistant woods like cedar, teak, or redwood, you’ll need constant vigilance. The wood requires proper sealing, vapor barriers, and excellent ventilation to survive.
Most buyers see wooden bathroom ceilings as a red flag. They’re imagining the inevitable mold, rot, and expensive repairs lurking behind those Instagram-worthy planks.
Your contractor might promise that modern sealants solve everything, but physics doesn’t care about Pinterest boards. Water always finds a way, and your wooden ceiling will eventually surrender to the humidity.
6. Curbless showers that look sleek but end up a slippery mess
You’ll fall in love with those Instagram-worthy curbless showers with their seamless, minimalist appearance. They promise spa-like luxury and make your bathroom look twice as large.
But here’s the wet reality: these beauties can become skating rinks faster than you can say “lawsuit waiting to happen.” Without proper slope calculation, water pools everywhere except where it should go.
Your gorgeous tile floors become treacherous when wet. That smooth transition you paid extra for? It’s also a smooth trip to the emergency room for unsuspecting guests.
Poor drainage design turns your oasis into a watery disaster, and trust me, you don’t want water creeping across your bathroom floor every time someone showers.
The biggest issue? Most contractors don’t understand the precise engineering required. You need perfect slopes, proper waterproofing, and strategic drain placement.
When done wrong, you’re left with a beautiful mess that screams “amateur hour” to potential buyers. They’ll see standing water and imagine expensive repairs, not relaxing spa days.
5. Oversized tile that looks more like a chessboard from the ’90s
Your bathroom shouldn’t remind visitors of their childhood game nights. Those giant black and white squares that dominated the ’90s scream dated design louder than a dial-up modem.
Large format checkerboard tiles were everywhere back then, but they’ve aged about as gracefully as frosted tips. The stark contrast creates a dizzying effect that makes your bathroom feel like a optical illusion gone wrong.
Modern buyers expect sophisticated tile choices that complement their lifestyle. When they see oversized checkerboard patterns, they’re already calculating renovation costs in their heads.
The problem isn’t just the pattern—it’s the scale. Those massive squares break up the visual flow and make even spacious bathrooms feel choppy and disconnected.
Today’s large format tiles focus on creating seamless, spa-like experiences. They use subtle textures and natural tones that actually enhance your space rather than dominate it.
If you’re stuck with chessboard tiles, consider it a red flag that your bathroom needs a complete style refresh. Your future buyers will thank you for trading the game board for something more timeless.
4. Clunky, ornate vanities that scream outdated Victorian mishap
Your bathroom vanity shouldn’t look like it escaped from a haunted mansion’s powder room. Those heavily carved, ornate pieces with excessive flourishes and dark finishes are major red flags for buyers.
While ornate vanities stand as embodiments of classical elegance, they’ve crossed into outdated territory. Interior designers now consider ornate vanities among outdated bathroom trends to avoid in renovations.
These bulky pieces dominate your bathroom space in all the wrong ways. They make even spacious bathrooms feel cramped and dated.
The problem isn’t elegance itself—it’s the over-the-top execution. Think twisted columns, excessive molding, and finishes that belong in a Victorian museum rather than your home.
Modern buyers want clean lines and functional storage. Your ornate vanity with its carved cherubs and dark mahogany finish sends them running faster than you can say “price reduction.”
If you’re attached to traditional styling, choose pieces with subtle details and lighter finishes. Save the full Victorian drama for your period costume collection.
3. Carpeted bathroom floors—because soggy socks are nobody’s friend
Walking into a bathroom with wall-to-wall carpeting feels like stepping back into 1975. Your potential buyers will wonder what other questionable decisions lurk behind those avocado-green walls.
Carpet in bathrooms creates multiple problems that go beyond aesthetics. Moisture becomes trapped in fibers, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
That musty smell hits you the moment you open the door. No amount of air freshener can mask the odor of perpetually damp carpet padding underneath.
Cleaning becomes a nightmare when accidents happen. You cannot simply mop up spills like you would with tile or vinyl flooring.
Most homeowners prefer tiled bathrooms for good reason. Hard surfaces handle moisture better and maintain hygiene standards buyers expect.
Your bathroom carpet might feel cozy under bare feet, but it sends the wrong message. Buyers see maintenance headaches and potential health hazards instead of comfort.
Replace that shag with ceramic tile, luxury vinyl, or natural stone. Your future buyers will thank you for sparing them from soggy-sock syndrome.
2. All-white palettes that make the room feel sterile and uninspired
Your all-white bathroom might seem like a safe choice, but it often backfires spectacularly. Pure white walls, white fixtures, and white tiles create a space that feels more like a hospital room than a relaxing retreat.
White bathrooms can feel plain and uninspired when every surface screams the same bland message. You’ve essentially created a sterile void that buyers walk into and immediately want to escape.
The problem isn’t white itself—it’s the monotonous application. When you paint everything the same shade of builder-grade white, you eliminate visual interest and depth.
Your bathroom becomes a forgettable box that buyers won’t remember five minutes after leaving. They’ll associate the space with coldness rather than comfort.
Smart buyers recognize that all-white spaces require careful design consideration to avoid looking sterile. Your basic white-on-white approach signals lazy design choices.
The lack of warmth or personality makes buyers question what other shortcuts you’ve taken throughout the home. They’ll wonder if you’ve applied the same uninspired approach to other rooms.
1. Overly large bathtubs that swallow space like a black hole
Your bathroom’s oversized bathtub might have seemed luxurious when you installed it, but now it’s becoming a dated eyesore. Oversized bathtubs are officially out for 2025, as homeowners embrace more practical design choices.
These space-hogging giants create an awkward imbalance in your bathroom’s proportions. They make even generous bathrooms feel cramped and leave little room for other essential fixtures.
Modern buyers prefer functionality over flash. American homes are getting smaller, and with less square footage comes fewer unnecessary luxuries like over-the-top bathtubs. Some buyers even prefer no bathtub at all rather than dealing with a behemoth that dominates the room.
Interior designers now list oversized bathtubs among outdated bathroom trends that have overstayed their welcome. Your mammoth tub sends the wrong message about your home’s design sensibilities.
Instead, consider freestanding tubs that combine sleek design with a smaller profile. These alternatives provide the luxury experience without overwhelming your space or turning off potential buyers who value smart design over sheer size.
