Which bathroom innovations and smart bathroom ideas can help future proof your washroom? Here's what the experts recommend

Taking the plunge into bathroom design? If so, you may be considering bathroom innovations or smart bathroom ideas as a way of future-proofing the end results. But are these options all about fancy tech, or are there other ways of considering a smarter approach?

Perhaps you're building a home you hope will last you into retirement and need some accessible fixtures and fittings? Maybe you've already upgraded your home's tech features and your bathroom innovations need to match, or for you, smart bathroom ideas means a focus on sustainable materials.

Whatever your smart bathroom requirements, we've rounded up some expert smart bathroom ideas and advice to help you bring your bathroom plans to life.

Bathroom innovations and smart bathroom ideas should include longevity

With bathroom trends already predicting a rise in bathroom technology in 2025, it comes as no surprise that more and more bathroom innovations are being offered to homeowners.

But, while tech can be a valuable addition to your bathroom design ideas, with the average lifespan of a bathroom ranging from 7 - 10 years, anyone who's owned a piece of tech knows that a lot of things can change during this time.

That's why smart bathroom ideas need to have longevity and add value to your overall bathroom experience, not just include a list of bathroom innovations and gadgets that may become redundant as technology changes.

“Looking ahead," says Charlotte Tilby, Head of Marketing at Woodstock Trading Co, "we anticipate continued innovation in bathroom furniture design, with an emphasis on sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics.

"Integrated technology, such as smart mirrors with customisable lighting and temperature controls, may become more prevalent, enhancing the spa-like experience at home," she adds.

"Additionally, materials with eco-friendly credentials and modular designs that maximise space efficiency are likely to gain traction as consumers prioritise sustainability and versatility in their living spaces,” says Charlotte.

Charlotte Tilby

As Head of Marketing for Woodstock Co., the parent company for Calyso and Veldeau bathroom brands, Charlotte has her finger on the pulse for the latest design solutions for any bathroom space. Championing both the company's brands gives her a wealth of knowledge on new and innovative products hitting the bathroom market.

How to choose the best bathroom innovations and ideas

With new bathroom costs in mind, just which bathroom innovations and smart bathroom ideas are worth investing in?

It seems that many of the newest bathroom products focus on saving homeowners time and money – both precious commodities. The latest products on the market not only look great, but they are also really practical and mindful of the strong desire most of us have these days to save energy and water.

Many of the newest launches in the bathroom sphere also focus on making life easier – for example cutting down on cleaning. That said, there is always space for a little luxury when it comes to the bathroom – it should feel like somewhere to relax and unwind, not just behave like a functional space.

However, while it's easy to assess a bathroom innovation or smart bathroom idea on your current needs, of equal importance is considering how the products will add value in the future, particularly if you are looking at ways to design a lifetime home.

"With the UK having a rapidly ageing population, an often undervalued feature of installing accessibility features into bathrooms is that by doing so, consumers are future proofing their home against unknown changes or obstacles that may arise," say Garry Kirkbright and Nigel Dawson, Senior Designers at More Ability.

"By installing stylish accessibility measures now, such as non-slip flooring, raised height sanitaryware and a level access shower, you will prolong the life span of your bathroom adaption and potentially help avoid having to move homes entirely later on should your accessibility needs change – saving significant costs and avoiding stresses further down the line," they add.

Worried an accessible bathroom won't be stylish? Garry and Nigel say otherwise.

"Now, the features of an accessible bathroom, whether that be non-slip flooring, raised height sanitary ware or level access shower trays rather than steps, are also common features found within contemporary luxury bathrooms," they explain.

"On top of this, bathroom accessories and bathroom finishing touches to support accessibility are now being produced with a more luxurious design, such as corian shower benches."

A concept backed up by Lewis Neathey, product management leader at Grohe UK who notes that we may already be incorporating smart bathroom ideas without even realising it.

"With step free access, wet rooms are already a popular option when it comes to modern bathroom ideas and yet are smart and innovative. "A great alternative to baths and shower enclosures, they work particularly well in family bathroom ideas, ensuring everyone can use the shower independently both now, and in the future."

Lewis Neathey

Lewis Neathey heads up the product team at well-known manufacturer, GROHE, covering both bathroom and kitchen products. Lewis has been at GROHE for seven years, beginning his career within the marketing team, before transiting to sales and product category development.

Smart bathroom lighting innovations

Whether it's bathroom mirrors with lighting or mood enhancing colour changing shower lights, most people will associate smart bathroom ideas with some element of new or innovative lighting technology.

And, as bathroom lighting ideas aren't restricted to just ceilings, it's often combined with other design elements within the bathroom. As an example, Charlotte Tilbury explains how the company recently introduced three new LED mirror ranges with extra features.

"Each mirror comes equipped with energy-efficient demister pads, ensuring a fog-free experience, as well as adaptive lighting options," explains Charlotte, "allowing for effortless adjustment of LED brightness and temperature to create the perfect ambience, blending functionality with style."

Other ways of choosing bathroom innovations based on lighting can include focusing on the best way to enhance your bathroom storage ideas.

"You can also consider adding internal drawer lights with motion sensors for added convenience and sophistication, illuminating your neatly organised products upon drawer opening," suggests Charlotte.

"Mirrored vanity cabinets are also an excellent choice, offering both storage and functionality," she adds, noting how some of their cabinets include a shaver socket and two USB sockets for charging devices in situ. For more ideas find out where to buy bathroom mirrors with lights.

Shop these smart bathroom lighting ideas

Bathroom innovations in showers and taps

When considering showers as part of your smart bathroom ideas, there are a number of different ways in which your shower can be turned from a simple washing device into something far smarter.

"Shower fittings with additional safety features, such as thermostatic showers which can balance temperature fluctuations within fractions of a second, as well as technology which ensures the outer surface of the mixer stays cool to the touch are great bathroom innovations," says Lewis Neathey. "They are also the best way to ensure that the entire family can shower safety and independently.

"Another product specification to consider," says Lewis, "could be to opt for a shower system that offers technology that allows you to set a fixed limit for your water temperature, preventing the risk of any burns or scalding water."

And of course, any bathroom innovation in today's energy conscious world needs to involve ways of saving water and reducing heating bills.

"Another area in which homeowners can consider the future is to opt for an eco-conscious shower set-up," agrees Lewis. "Showers are often seen as the main contributor to water wastage in the bathroom and a key area where homeowners are looking to improve their water consumption. Many manufacturers now offer systems that support in reducing waterflow.

"Grohe technology helps to save up to 50% of water used without limiting product performance," explains Lewis. "The flow limiters or air infused sprays on the shower head, mix air with the water droplets to reduce the amount of water used. Using less water results in less energy used to heat the water, resulting in both improved water and energy efficiency."

Taps can use technology to control water flow and temperature

It isn't just kitchens that have seen developments in terms of taps – bathrooms have got in on the act too.

In terms of design, bathroom taps have come in leaps and bounds, from monobloc taps that look more like little sculptures, to those that send out mini waterfalls through their trough-like spouts.

However, their technology has also advanced and many now have water and energy-saving features, as well as promoting safety.

GROHE's Plus Single-Lever Mixer M-Size available from Amazon, with LED temperature display contains a range of user-friendly technology. The upper surface of the acrylic spout features an LED temperature display, which shows the exact water temperature as it flows. The tap also employs infra-red sensors to switch smoothly between a sustainable standard spray (5.7l/min) and even greater water-saving with the spray function (4l/min). Just wave your hand in front of the lit icon on the spout to activate.

The large size of this tap means it is easy to use, plus the GROHE AquaGuide lets you adjust the spray angle of the spout with ease. Finally, cleaning the tap is simple thanks to the SpeedClean aerator which can be wiped free of limescale using just your finger.

Bathroom innovations also include surfaces and sanitaryware

As well as hi-tech bathroom innovations, smart bathroom ideas extend to the surfaces you use in your bathroom and the sanitaryware you install. Here are some popular options if you're looking to create a space that's one step ahead.

1. Mould-resistant surfaces

Mould in bathrooms can be a real headache for many homeowners, whether they find it gathering in the sealant around the bath or sink or appearing in shower enclosures or ceilings.

Bathroom manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to address the problem and one such way is through the introduction of new surfaces that can be used for items such as bathroom furniture or even sanitaryware.

A good example is HIMACS' Solid Surfaces, which can be seen here in this bathroom, designed by the firm Bruno Vanbesien Architects.

The large bathtub has been integrated into a special structure consisting of an external wooden covering and an area with a flat surface created from HIMACS Solid Surface in the shade Babylon Beige S102. This also appears across the entire length of the bathroom worktop, with two integrated sinks – also in HIMACS – and the lower units in oak.

The seamless, non-porous surface prevents germs, mould and bacteria. This, together with its resistance to impacts, scratches and even powerful cleaning products, makes it durable and easy to maintain.

2. Toilets with added benefits

There are many different types of toilet to consider when configuring your new bathroom, but the latest launches are designed to carry out additional functions in addition to the more obvious.

'Shower toilets', also known as 'bidet toilets' are really catching on and while talking about bodily hygiene might not be something everyone feels particularly comfortable with, this is one bathroom fitting that is well worth your consideration.

These toilets were developed with the aim of allowing homeowners to cut down on toilet paper usage, to enhance a feeling of cleanliness and therefore wellbeing, to reduce the amount of time spent cleaning the bathroom, to look great and keep the bathroom fresh and pleasant.

Duravit's SensoWash, available from Victorian Plumbing, is a range of high-quality shower-toilets that not only look sleek and streamlined but which also come with a whole host of handy functions, including 'rearwash' and 'ladywash', a heated seat, a warm air dryer, night light, odour extraction and a descaling function to name but a few. It even features a bacterial-growth-inhibiting glaze.

3. New use of traditional materials

While marble and its use in the bathroom is certainly not a modern innovation, the way it is being used these days definitely is.

"While marble has been used since ancient times, in today’s world it can be hugely expensive and not that practical for modern living" says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. "That’s why we have seen a raft of marble-inspired and marble-replicated products. One room in the house where the use of marble has gained most popularity is the bathroom."

In recognition of this, BC Designs launched a marble finish to its Cian® range of baths. Made using handcrafted techniques, each marble bath is completely unique with homeowners being able to choose any colour vein and with slight alterations to the marbling effect, making it a great statement piece for those seeking freestanding bath ideas.

The marble baths have been designed to be durable, stain and scratch resistant, plus the natural mineral compounds in Cian® means it remains warm to touch and retains heat much longer.

4. Sustainable bathroom wall coverings 

Wall panels have been used in bathrooms in place of tiles for some time now but the newest developments have made them even more attractive, so if you have been weighing up the differences between shower panels vs tiles, this next innovation could help tip the scales.

Not only are wall panels usually far less fiddly and time-consuming to fix than traditional tiles, they require no grout (and subsequently no grout lines to keep clean) either.

There are also sustainability benefits to be had. Multipanel's products are all manufactured in the UK using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC® C128180) certified materials and are 100% recyclable – plus the company also recycles 99% of their post-production waste.

Shown here is one of their Tile Collection products in Antique Rose, a cool-toned, pale pink which can be purchased in either a plain panel, or large metro or herringbone style-effect.

Bathroom innovations that add clever tech

Those who like to linger in the bathroom and turn their bathing or showering rituals into something a little indulgent will of course seek bathroom innovations that use tech to enhance their experience.

As such, bathroom manufacturers are incorporating all kinds of technology into fixtures and fittings. From baths with built-in television screens to lights with speakers, there is no reason why you can't be entertained at the same time as carrying out the more practical tasks.

As an example, Zuma pairs premium speakers with LED lights inside a fitting that can be installed flush into your ceiling. Not only can the Zuma app offer ambient lighting control, with a whole host of tuneable intensity and colour options, as well as the option to add circadian light that tracks the sun throughout the day, you can also take advantage of the speaker to stream music, podcasts and audiobooks. With their IP65 rating, it also means they are safe for use in bathroom zones.

Smart bathroom ventilation and heating

Great bathroom ventilation is vital and always has been but it seems to be something more on people's minds these days than ever. However, as well as maintaining the best bathroom extractor fans to make sure it works as hard as it can, products also exist that take some of the guess work away.

The Vent-Axia PureAir Sense fan available from Wickes for example, is not only super quiet but it also features 'Odour Sense Technology' which means when the sensor detects a strong odour, the fan speed increases and quickly extracts the odour turning poor air to pure air. In addition, it features an intelligent, fully automatic humidity sensor to control moisture and can be controlled remotely via the Vent-Axia Connect App.

Smart heating should feature in bathroom innovations

When it comes to heating your bathroom, there are a number of options to consider. For dry towels all year round, consider opting for a dual fuel towel rail such as this Tundra Brass Towel Rail from Better Bathrooms. Giving you the option to switch to electric only during the summer months means you can remove any excess moisture from your bathroom even when the central heating is off, thus avoiding issues with damp and mould.

Bathroom renovation projects should also look to installing electric underfloor heating systems – a smart way to keep everyone's toes toasty without the need for major plumbing works to connect up your central heating.

For ultimate control, it's also worth considering wireless thermostats and ensuring you have a timer function in place to avoid wasting heat when the room simply isn't going to be in use.

Keen to bring smart ideas and innovations to more of your home design projects? Check out the main areas where smart kitchen ideas can benefit your culinary space and consider if smart lighting is a must have feature in your house extension ideas.