Designers Say Grout Lines Are Out in Bathroom Renovations

Larger tiles and fewer grout lines are the latest bathroom design trend.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to the 2026 Bath Trends Report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 89% of homeowners want to minimize or remove the grout lines on their bathroom floor. Designers agree that if your bathroom has grout lines, it's time for an update. The easiest way to achieve this look is by using oversized tiles, which create a more "serene, almost seamless" appearance. Reducing grout also means less maintenance, which is appealing to busy homeowners. Additionally, less grout means fewer chemicals in the home. This design shift is not just practical, but stylish as well, with designers noting that grout-heavy bathrooms can feel outdated.

Why it matters

This trend highlights homeowners' desire for low-maintenance, easy-to-clean bathrooms that minimize time-consuming chores like scrubbing grout. It also reflects a move towards more modern, spa-like bathroom designs that feel serene and organic. As people's lives get busier, this design shift caters to their need for simplified, stress-free living spaces.

The details

Designers recommend using large format tiles, such as 24-inch by 24-inch, 18-inch by 36-inch, or even 13-inch by 30-inch tiles, to minimize grout lines. They also suggest looking for materials like full slab porcelain or quartz for showers, which eliminate almost all seams and reduce the risk of mildew. This seamless look can be applied not just to bathroom floors, but walls as well, and can even work well in kitchens.

  • The 2026 Bath Trends Report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association found that 89% of homeowners want to minimize or remove grout lines in their bathrooms.

The players

Caroline Kopp

An interior designer in Westport, Connecticut.

Julie Beuerlein

The founder of JKB Home Design in Southern California.

Nureed Saeed

An interior designer and president of NKBA's Northern California chapter.

Dijana Savic-Jambert

A designer at MAREDI Design in Chicago.

Rosanna Bassford

A designer in California.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Grout is the part of the bathroom that generates the most angst and dissatisfaction!”

— Caroline Kopp, Interior Designer

“Less grout means less maintenance, which feels right for how people live today.”

— Julie Beuerlein, Founder, JKB Home Design

“People's lives seem to be getting busier than ever. In bathroom design, that translates to smaller grout lines and large format tiles to limit the amount of grout that is exposed and prevent the homeowner from having to clean more.”

— Nureed Saeed, Interior Designer, President of NKBA's Northern California Chapter

“An added advantage is that with less grout comes less unwanted and unnecessary chemicals in your home.”

— Dijana Savic-Jambert, Designer, MAREDI Design

“I have also often recommended using full slab porcelain or quartz in showers because it eliminates almost all seams, which significantly reduces the chance of mildew.”

— Rosanna Bassford, Designer

The takeaway

This bathroom design trend reflects homeowners' desire for low-maintenance, easy-to-clean spaces that minimize time-consuming chores. By opting for larger tiles and fewer grout lines, homeowners can create a more modern, spa-like feel in their bathrooms while also reducing the amount of cleaning and upkeep required.