Bathroom Trends 2026: What's Popular in Montréal

The bathroom is one of the rooms Quebec homeowners renovate most often. In 2026, trends are moving toward natural materials, deeper colours, and fixtures that look good and work well. The good news: most of these pieces turn up as open box or clearance items at Wanayra.

Deep colours replace pure white

Bright white dominated Montréal bathrooms for years. In 2026, it gives way to richer shades:

• Sage green and forest green: popular for a vanity or an accent wall
• Navy and midnight blue: elegant and often chosen for primary bathrooms
• Terracotta and ochre: Mediterranean warmth, often used for tiles or accessories
• Slate grey: deeper than the cement grey of 2015–2020

White is still there, but now plays a contrasting role: a white vanity on slate tiles, or a white mirror on a sage green wall. See our bathroom vanities in coloured finishes.

The floating vanity: a lasting trend

The wall-mounted floating vanity is no longer reserved for designer bathrooms. Why people choose it:

• A sense of space: the visible floor under the vanity makes a small bathroom look bigger
• Easier cleaning: no joint between the base and the floor
• Custom height: install it at the height that suits you
• A clean, contemporary look, Scandinavian or Japanese depending on the finish

One caution: a floating vanity needs solid blocking in the wall or anchors rated for the load. In an apartment or condo, check the wall structure before you buy.

Walk-in shower vs bathtub: what do Montrealers choose?

The walk-in shower (a curbless shower without a raised base) has replaced the bathtub in many new Montréal builds, especially in condos.

The bathtub is coming back in another form: the freestanding tub, set as a centrepiece and a symbol of relaxation. It doesn't replace the shower; it's added to it in large bathrooms (about 80 sq ft and up).

For small condo bathrooms (40 to 55 sq ft), the walk-in shower is usually the most practical choice.

Large-format tiles and material effects

12 x 24 in (30 x 60 cm) and 24 x 48 in (60 x 120 cm) tiles lead the market. The reasons:

• Fewer grout lines: less maintenance and less risk of mould
• A continuous look: the floor or wall appears larger
• Popular effects: polished concrete, veined white marble, natural stone such as slate, and wood-look tile over heated floors

On walls, 4 x 12 in vertical subway tile is still a classic, now in a satin finish and in colours (green, blue, black) rather than glossy white. Browse clearance tiles and wallpaper.

Matte black faucets: affordable luxury

Matte black faucets have moved from high-end to mainstream and now come at every price point, including open box at Wanayra in Montréal.

Why they appeal: they pair as well with white as with wood, concrete or marble, and limescale shows less than on chrome. Also rising: brushed brass (satin gold), oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel for a warmer look, while standard chrome is fading.

See our clearance faucets.

LED lighting and smart mirrors

Mirrors with built-in LED lighting are among the most popular bathroom upgrades. The reasons:

• Even light for makeup and shaving, without ceiling shadows
• Lower energy use: LEDs use far less power than halogen bulbs
• Practical features: built-in defogger, dimmer, sometimes adjustable colour temperature

An LED mirror pairs well with a minimalist vanity. In small condo bathrooms, it often replaces the medicine cabinet while giving more light. See our mirror collection.

How to get these trends with open box in Montréal

Design trends aren't only for big budgets, especially if you buy open box or clearance:

• Coloured vanities (green, blue): trend colours often reach clearance first, because distributors replace them faster than classics
• Matte black faucets: often available open box for much less than the retail price
• Large-format tiles: discontinued lots of 24 x 48 tiles often go on clearance
• LED mirrors: a good open box buy, because you can check that the lighting works before you pay

Browse our bathroom vanities, bathroom furniture and clearance items to find these pieces.

FAQ: bathroom trends 2026

Do coloured bathrooms go out of style quickly?

Deep, muted colours (sage green, navy, slate grey) tend to last longer than bright colours. Designers treat them as sophisticated neutrals rather than passing fads.

Is the bathtub really out of fashion?

No, but its role has changed. In small bathrooms (under about 60 sq ft), it's often replaced by a walk-in shower for practical reasons. In large bathrooms, the freestanding tub is making a strong comeback.

Should you follow trends or stay classic?

For a major renovation in a home you plan to sell, classic neutrals (white, grey, beige) are the safer choice. For a secondary bathroom, or if you plan to stay for years, choose what you like.

Do 2026 trends cost more?

Not necessarily. Matte black faucets often cost less than luxury gold finishes. Large-format tiles can cost the same per square foot as small tiles, with fewer grout lines to install. And coloured open box vanities are often cheaper than standard white ones.