Bathroom trends 2026: What do we bring home from Cersaie?
Cersaie in Bologna is the world’s leading stage for ceramic tiles and bathroom design. It sets the tone for the trends that will shape bathrooms in the years to come. Purus’ export team, present at the fair, has summed up the key impressions.
- Glossy colours take the spotlight
Glossy finishes, both in bold and muted shades, featured prominently among many of Cersaie’s exhibitors – from shiny blue bathtubs to pastel-toned basins. Colours are being used both as accents and in complete solutions, often to create a more personal and playful atmosphere in the bathroom. Will you go for a colourful vanity, Art Deco-inspired accessories – or perhaps all of the above?
- Soft shapes and large formats
Rounded and oval forms are replacing the long-dominant thin walls and minimalist lines. The trend was evident in furniture, sanitaryware and bathtubs, as well as in arched openings instead of sharp-edged doorways. Surfaces are becoming softer to the touch, with three-dimensional effects. Large-format tiles reduce the number of joints, creating easy-to-clean surfaces with an exclusive look.
- Hybrid materials and nature-inspired textures
A strong newcomer at the fair was the combination of ceramics with composite materials, designed to withstand wear while adding a new tactile quality. Mineral- and wood-inspired surfaces with pronounced veining evoke marble and stone, but with a softer feel. Ribbed textures on basins, bathtubs and furniture also remain a strong trend.
- Sustainability and resource efficiency
Systems where individual parts can be replaced instead of entire installations, and the use of recycled and recyclable materials were recurring themes. A strong focus was placed on smart solutions that reduce both water and energy consumption, particularly in taps and flushing technology. More who have demonstrably accomplished what many previously only talked about.
- Smart technology meets silent luxury
New technical solutions that make life easier for installers while improving the user experience are a true win-win. One of the most talked-about innovations was the so-called tornado flush or vortex flushing system, also showcased at ISH earlier this year. Not only is it more powerful and water-efficient, it is also considerably quieter and more discreet in appearance than traditional toilets.
Conclusion
Cersaie 2025 revealed a bathroom world that is more colourful, offers greater material variety and is more technologically advanced than before. For us in the Nordics, the next step is to interpret these international influences through our own traditions of simplicity, longevity and quality – but the insights from Bologna clearly show that the bathroom is becoming both more personal and more resource-efficient than ever.
