Buyers make snap judgments from bathroom photos—and a few dated details can age your whole home in an instant. Think bulky tubs, shiny brass, or fussy cabinetry: once considered luxe, they now read cluttered, dark, or hard to maintain. The good news? Small, targeted updates can modernize the space fast and boost appeal without a full gut reno. Below, we break down the common culprits—why they linger, what they signal to today’s buyers, and smart swaps that deliver a clean, current look.
1. Overly Ornate Cabinets
Decorative cabinets were all the rage in the early 2000s. With their intricate carvings and embellishments, these pieces were considered a sign of opulence and good taste. Many homeowners still hold on to them, believing they add a touch of class to their bathrooms.
However, the trend has shifted towards sleek, minimalist designs. Overly ornate cabinets can make a bathroom look cluttered and outdated. Experts recommend replacing them with simpler, more modern options, as highlighted in this Architectural Digest guide.
2. Bulky Bathtubs
Bulky bathtubs, especially those with whirlpool features, were once considered the epitome of luxury. Many people keep them, thinking they add value to their homes, or simply because they enjoy a relaxing soak after a long day.
However, these large tubs take up precious space and are falling out of favor in contemporary bathroom design. Today’s homebuyers prefer sleek, freestanding tubs or spacious showers, as detailed in this Realtor.com piece.
3. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, with their distinctive bumpy texture, were once a popular choice due to their ability to hide imperfections and provide some degree of soundproofing. Many homeowners overlook this feature, considering it a harmless if not particularly attractive, aspect of their bathroom.
However, popcorn ceilings are now seen as a relic of the past, potentially dating your home and reducing its value. They can also contain asbestos, posing health risks. The trend is now towards smooth, painted ceilings, as outlined in this Bob Vila guide.
4. Carpeted Floors
Once upon a time, carpeting was a common bathroom feature, loved for its cozy feel underfoot. Many people still retain their carpeted bathrooms, believing they add warmth and comfort.
However, carpeting in bathrooms is now seen as unhygienic and outdated. Water and humidity can lead to mold and mildew, creating potential health hazards. Today, the preference is for tile or heated floors, as stated in this Flooring Inc report.
5. Hollywood Lighting
Hollywood lighting, characterized by a strip of bare bulbs typically above a mirror, was once a staple in many bathrooms. Homeowners often overlook this feature because it provides ample light and seems to add a touch of glamour.
However, this style of lighting is now considered harsh and outdated. Modern bathroom lighting trends favor recessed lights, pendant lamps, or even chandeliers, as noted in this HGTV guide.
6. Colored Fixtures
In the 70s and 80s, colored fixtures like pink toilets and avocado bathtubs were the height of fashion. Some homeowners retain these fixtures, considering them charmingly retro.
Unfortunately, today’s homebuyers often view colored fixtures as a glaring sign of an outdated bathroom. The preference now is for white or neutral-toned fixtures, as explained in this Realtor.com article.
7. Ceramic Tile Countertops
Ceramic tile countertops, with their distinctive grouted lines, were once a popular choice for bathrooms. Many homeowners still hold on to them, believing they add a touch of whimsy or character.
However, these countertops are now seen as dated and difficult to clean. The trend is now towards solid surface countertops, like quartz or granite, as outlined in this Better Homes & Gardens guide.
8. Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders, typically applied at the top of the wall, were once a common decorative feature. Homeowners often keep them, thinking they add a touch of personality and charm.
However, wallpaper borders are now seen as a relic from the 90s. Modern bathroom design favors clean, painted walls or full-wall wallpaper, as detailed in this Apartment Therapy piece.
9. Medicine Cabinets
Medicine cabinets, with their mirrored doors and built-in shelves, were once a bathroom staple. Many people still have them, seeing them as a practical storage solution.
However, these cabinets can make a bathroom look outdated. The trend is now towards open shelving or sleek, modern vanities, as explained in this Architectural Digest article.
10. Brass Fixtures
Brass fixtures, with their distinctive golden hue, were once a popular choice for taps, handles, and towel rails. Many homeowners keep them, believing they add a touch of opulence.
However, shiny brass fixtures can read dated in many spaces. The preference today often leans toward brushed nickel or matte black, as noted in this Good Housekeeping piece.