Washroom trends in 2026: What facilities managers need to know
- Insights
Washroom design is evolving quickly, and in 2026, expectations around performance, hygiene, sustainability and user experience are higher than ever. For facilities managers, washrooms are critical environments that influence wellbeing, operational efficiency and the overall perception of a building.
From faster installation methods and touchless technology to ethically sourced materials and more considered use of colour, today’s washroom trends reflect a shift towards smarter, more adaptable solutions. This guide explores the key washroom trends shaping 2026, highlighting what facilities managers need to know to future-proof their spaces, meet user needs and deliver washrooms that perform long after installation.
As we advance further into the world of washrooms and evolving technology, other areas of washroom design are advancing too, including installation. Easing the installation process benefits all involved in the washroom specification process.
Our Vepps pre-plumbed panelling system ensures efficiency, flexibility and is cost effective over the whole project lifecycle. The combination of the integrated metal frame system, the wide choice of sanitaryware that comes factory fitted and tested, with the strength of the aluminium frame, all contributing towards a smooth installation that is 50% faster than traditional plain panel methods.
Vepps is a bespoke solution, allowing you to tailor the material, size, colour, and sanitaryware to suit your specific commercial washroom requirements. Its versatility is further enhanced by a wide range of materials, making Vepps suitable for both wet and dry environments. It is also available in multiple designs to meet the demands of healthcare projects.
Technology is constantly evolving to push for higher hygiene standards and public conveniences. Incorporating a hand-washing system that accommodates heavy traffic flow and allows users to complete all vanity uses in one place, completely contactless, is the future of commercial washrooms.
Our Mirror Box Units come with a motion-activated sensor system eliminating the need for touch. The layouts and accessories are bespoke to suit your washroom needs, offering contactless water outlets, automatic liquid soap and hand sanitiser dispensers, motion-activated hand dryers and universal paper towel dispensers.
Alongside the improved cleanliness, Mirror Box Units portray a sleek, clean design. All the vanity features are concealed safely within the unit to keep surfaces clear for easy cleaning and maintenance. The motion-activated LED lights provide an energy saving solution to washroom lighting and create a minimalist feel which elevates the transformation of your washroom.
Washrooms are among the highest-traffic spaces in educational facilities, with hundreds of students using them throughout the day. Constant supervision cannot always be guaranteed, which makes safety and hygiene vital considerations when specifying. School washroom design for architects should focus on creating clean, durable, and safe washroom environments that support student wellbeing and perform reliably under daily use.
Our Education washtroughs are designed to accommodate children throughout all stages of education, from primary schools through to universities. Door heights and partitions are customisable, giving you complete design control to specify your washroom project requirements.
Safety is the primary requirement when specifying educational washrooms, and our education washtroughs fully enclose all plumbing, keeping children safe and preventing unwanted vandalism. They are also designed to withstand high traffic use, thanks to the desirable qualities of Solid Surface, each washtrough’s non-porous surface is heat, scratch and stain resistant, making it the perfect choice for education environments.
Find out more about our Education washtroughs
Ethically sourced materials are increasingly becoming the standard within architecture. Efforts to reduce environmental impact while minimising waste are now key indicators of a responsible supplier or specifier. Sustainability and ethical sourcing go hand in hand and play an important role in design decisions.
The latest addition to our material library, is our ethically sourced bamboo, now available to specify in our much-loved Infinite cubicle range. Specifying bamboo helps create a washroom that is environmentally responsible and built to last, thanks to its ethical background and natural durability.
Read more about our new bamboo material
Natural wood textures have been a staple in domestic washroom design for decades but as of recent the commercial sector has blended the natural hues of wood within their designs to create a warm and welcoming environment for its users.
Our ethically sourced wood veneers combine sustainability with style, offering a durable way to enhance your interiors. Available in a variety of wood types and unique grains, they allow you to incorporate the textures of real wood into your washroom without compromising on the durability of the product. They are a true staple in elevating any commercial washroom space.
Find out more about real wood veneer
Architects are taking a step away from light, minimalist spaces and taking a step towards creating a space that prioritises user wellbeing. Incorporating the hues of nature by using earthy, natural tones enhances the user experience, helping people feel relaxed and comfortable. Tonal greens and neutral beiges transform a washroom from a practical space into a considered experience.
With 34 laminate colours to choose from, make a colour palette unique to your washroom project requirements and utilise our moodboard design service to see your colour choices come to life. Our Solid Surface finishes are also available in a variety of stone-inspired textures, adding depth and character, while real wood veneers complete the palette with a warm, natural finish.
Businesses are increasingly recognising that washrooms are more than just functional spaces, they are among the most intimate areas of a building and reflect the quality and care of the rest of the facility.
In premium environments such as high-end hotels, spas, and lounges, rich, dark tones create an immersive experience that conveys luxury. Deep blues and burgundies add depth and warmth, while pairing them with simple black or white provides balance and contrast. Our laminate colours ‘Noir’ and ‘Indigo’ are perfect for achieving a considered, high-end finish in your commercial washroom.
As we move into 2026, wellness continues to influence the design of healthcare environments. These spaces are stepping away from traditional clinical colours and instead choosing warmer, more comforting tones that help create calm, welcoming settings. This shift supports patient and staff wellbeing, making healthcare settings feel less institutional and more thoughtfully designed. A recent study (from Moorhouse Coating) found an 8 – 15% improvement in patient satisfaction and a significant reduction in anxiety medication requested in a hospital where the colours were picked with intention.
Vepps Healthcare supports this wellness-led approach with a wide range of solutions designed for demanding healthcare settings. The range allows clinics and healthcare spaces to select finishes that align with modern wellness trends while maintaining the durability, hygiene, and performance required in high-use environments.
Our dedicated Specification Managers have a deep understanding of commercial washroom design trends and can provide useful suggestions for your project and budget requirements. For advice and guidance on specifying a solution for your commercial washroom project our knowledgeable team is here to help.
In the meantime, you can visit our Technical Library to access brochures, CAD blocks, datasheets and more to help you plan your project.
Get in touch with a member of the team to discuss your ongoing or future washroom projects by calling 01474 353333, emailing marketing@venesta.co.uk to by completing this form.
Complete this quick form to sign up to our newsletter. You’ll receive regular updates and industry insights straight to your inbox.
Stay up to date with all things Venesta, including team updates, product launches, events and competitions, by following us on LinkedIn, Pinterest and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our informative videos first.
