Bathroom renovations are gaining momentum, with 55% of consumers refreshing these spaces in 2025, up from 52% in 2024. This growth is being driven in part by the rise of…
UK
Home Retailing
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UK Bathroom Furniture Market Report 2025
"The rise of multi-bathroom homes boosts sales potential, but brands must inspire fresh interest to keep 16-34s and high-income earners engaged."
Bathroom renovations are gaining momentum, with 55% of consumers refreshing these spaces in 2025, up from 52% in 2024. This growth is being driven in part by the rise of multi-bathroom households and homes with separate toilet spaces, reflecting a strong consumer demand for greater privacy and convenience. These evolving layouts provide more reasons for homeowners to invest in bathroom upgrades.
16-34 year olds and high-income households (£50,000+) show the lowest intention to invest in bathroom upgrades over the next 12 months, despite being the most active renovators in the last 12 months. Brands may see reduced immediate demand from these lucrative demographics unless new motivations to invest are identified. High-tech features like voice-activated faucets can reignite their interest, as both groups share a strong interest in smart technology.
Today’s consumers are seeking bathroom spaces where they can unwind and indulge in moments of relaxation and indulgence. With 43% expressing interest in smart fittings, brands have an exciting opportunity to transform everyday bathroom routines into tailored, spa-like experiences.
This report looks at the following areas:
Smaller improvements are the most popular bathroom upgrades, but a noticeable rise in higher-cost projects signals renewed interest in ambitious bathroom enhancements
The bathroom market contracted in 2024 but is expected to grow in 2025. Victorian Plumbing is the largest bathroom retailer, while IKEA is the most popular destination for bathroom shopping
More than four in 10 bathroom projects are influenced by professional and personal recommendations, highlighting a significant opportunity for brands to leverage referral schemes
Improving the appearance drives most consumers to undertake bathroom projects, but with over a third focused on staying within budget, affordability is key
71% of consumers want their bathroom to reflect their unique style, marking a decisive move away from generic designs toward bespoke solutions
Market Definitions
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions. This Report focuses on bathroom retailing in the UK, looking at spending by both end users or small professional installers on behalf of end users on:
Bathroom fixtures
Bathroom fittings
Bathroom furniture
Bathroom accessories
The report also covers DIY retailers, bathroom specialists and online specialist retailers, as well as other general retailers.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Opportunities for the bathroom market
Bathroom showroom experience
Smart bathrooms
Sustainable bathroom solutions
Market dynamics and outlook
Market size & forecast
Market predictions the bathroom market
Bathrooms and bathroom accessories market to grow 9.6% between 2025-30
Economic pressures; demographic shifts; and wellbeing
What consumers want and why
Growing trend of multi-bathroom homes and separate toilets
Graph 1: number of bathrooms, including shower rooms, wet rooms and cloakrooms, in households, 2025
Affordable upgrades and more expensive refits have increased year-on-year
Graph 2: bathroom projects undertaken in the last three years, 2024-25
Vast majority purchase bathroom fittings from store-based retailers with IKEA the most popular (28%)
Graph 3: most popular retailers for buying bathroom fittings, 2025
43% turn to professionals, friends and family for bathroom inspiration
Graph 4: source of inspiration for bathroom projects, 2025
Enhancing the appearance is the main focus when planning a bathroom project
Graph 5: consumer priorities when planning a bathroom project, NET, 2025
73% rely on professionals to assist with their bathroom projects
Graph 6: consumer behaviours and attitudes towards bathrooms, 2025
Retailer activity
Victorian Plumbing the UK’s largest bathroom retailer
First of its kind multifunction showerhead that transforms soap into a warm foam
Relaxation and professional installation
MARKET DYNAMICS
Market size
UK bathroom market declined 3.1% in 2024, but is expected to grow in 2025
Graph 7: estimated market size for bathroom and bathroom accessories, 2021-25
Renewed consumer interest in enhancing bathrooms
Inflationary pressures
Market forecast
Impact of US trade disruption for the bathroom market
Forecast – a note on US trade disruption
Bathrooms and bathroom accessories market to grow 9.6% between 2025-30
Graph 8: market size and forecast for bathrooms and bathroom accessories, (£ bn), 2019-30
Bathroom spaces centred around wellness
Multi-bathroom trend will spur spending opportunities and drive future market growth
Increased demand for smart bathroom products
Market segmentation
82% of bathroom spending dedicated to fittings and furniture
Graph 9: estimated bathroom fittings, furniture and accessories spending, 2021-25
Market drivers
Cost of living concerns driving smaller bathroom upgrades
Graph 10: CPI, Household Furniture, 2023-25
Higher energy prices impacting 47% of consumers
Graph 11: percentage of consumers who have been affected by increases in gas/electricity prices over the last two months, by household income, May 2025
Most consumers are relatively upbeat about their future financial situation
Graph 12: consumer financial confidence over the next year or so, by household income, May 2025
Multi-generation living spaces and ageing population
Graph 13: population projections, 2025-45
Bathrooms can play a key role in supporting wellness
Graph 14: attitudes towards localism and consumer priorities, April 2025
WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY
Presence of bathrooms
Shift to multi-bathroom homes means more opportunities to sell bathroom products
Graph 15: number of bathrooms, including shower rooms, wet rooms and cloakrooms, in households, 2020-25
Several factors driving demand for multiple bathrooms
Extra bathrooms a standard feature for some households
‘Bathroom divorce’ trend highlights a demand for personalised and private bathroom spaces
Introduce products explicitly designed for the bathroom divorce trend
Growing trend away from the traditional combined bathroom and toilet setup
Graph 16: number of households with a separate toilet, 2020-25
Toilet space branding opportunities
Refits and installations
Smaller, budget-friendly bathroom upgrades more popular than large-scale projects
Increase in bathroom improvement projects undertaken in the past 12 months
Graph 17: bathroom improvement projects undertaken in the last three years, 2024 and 2025
Affordable upgrades and more expensive refits have increased year-on-year
Free-standing accessories the most popular bathroom upgrades across all income groups
Graph 18: most recent/costliest bathroom improvement project undertaken, by household income, 2025
Opportunities for brands to capitalise on partial bathroom refits among lower-income earners
Bundles, DIY bathroom kits and flexible payment options
TileMaster DIY Bathroom Retiling Kit
Elevate bathroom renovations with concierge-style services
Luxury Bathroom Concierge Suite
Where they shop
Store-based retailers the most popular bathroom shopping destinations
Shoppers of all generations overwhelmingly choose store-based retailers for bathroom fittings
Graph 19: most popular type of retailer for buying bathroom fittings – NET, 2025
Golden opportunity for showrooms to create an unforgettable customer experience
Game-changing experiences that can elevate the bathroom showroom environment
Kohler’s Experience Centres is a prime example of tactile engagement done right
Opportunities for online-only brands to integrate tactile experiences into their strategies
ShowerSense Pop-Up Experience
IKEA the top destination for bathroom fittings
Graph 20: most popular retailers for buying bathroom fittings, 2025
IKEA the top choice for both low- and high-income bathroom shoppers
Graph 21: most popular retailers for buying bathroom fittings, by household income, 2025
B&Q is the most popular DIY specialist for purchasing bathroom fittings
Ripples embracing experiential retailing
Sources of inspiration
Social media drives inspiration for younger shoppers
Professional, friend and family word-of-mouth significantly influences bathroom design choices
Graph 22: source of inspiration for bathroom projects, 2025
43% of bathroom purchasing decisions driven by professional and personal recommendations
Social media is a compelling source for bathroom inspiration
Bathfluencers
A feature-rich website offers bathroom brands valuable opportunities to engage customers and drive sales
Easy Bathrooms virtual store tour
Priorities when planning a bathroom project
Aesthetics the primary motivating factor behind bathroom makeovers
Improving the appearance drives 43% consumers to undertake bathroom projects
Graph 23: priorities when planning a bathroom project, % of respondents, NET, 2025
Affluent consumers lead the push for stylish bathrooms
Graph 24: percentage of consumers who prioritise improving the appearance when planning a project for your bathroom, shower room or separate toilet/cloakroom, by household income, NET, 2025
Captivate consumers with visually stunning bathrooms
Energy- and water-saving fixtures hold strong appeal for low-income earners
Graph 25: percentage of consumers who prioritise saving energy when planning a project for your bathroom, shower room or separate toilet/cloakroom, by household income, NET, 2025
Graph 26: percentage of consumers who prioritise saving water when planning a project for your bathroom, shower room or separate toilet/cloakroom, by household income, NET, 2025
Strong potential for smart energy-saving and water-saving bathroom fixtures
Eco-friendly smart bathroom products that help consumers save money
Leverage added value to encourage homeowners to trade up
Graph 27: percentage of consumers who prioritise adding value to their home when planning a project for your bathroom, shower room or separate toilet/cloakroom, by housing situation, NET, 2025
A sanctuary for relaxation and self-care
Creative marketing ideas for promoting relaxing bathrooms
Wellness influencers, ‘Relaxation Kits’ and eco-friendly relaxation
Wellness innovations for enhancing everyday bathroom routines
Serenity Rituals: Aromatherapy Shower Pods
Future-proofing bathrooms a higher priority for multi-generational families
Graph 28: percentage of consumers who prioritise meeting the changing needs of their family (eg older members moving in, growing kids) when planning a project for their bathroom, by housing situation and any children, NET, 2025
How bathroom brands can meet the needs of evolving family dynamics
More than a third of consumers prioritise cost management, underscoring the need for affordable options
Graph 29: percentage of consumers who prioritise staying within budget when planning a project for their bathroom, shower room or separate toilet/cloakroom, by household income, NET, 2025
Own-brand bathroom and shower products gaining popularity as consumers adapt to tighter budgets
A budgeting app for bathroom renovation projects could really help consumers stay within their budget
RenovateRight: Bathroom DIY Budget Planner
23% of 16-34 year olds opt for sustainable products for their bathroom projects
Build leadership with affordable eco-friendly options
Opportunities for bathroom brands to foster greater adoption of sustainable products
Eco-friendly and recycled bathroom fixtures and fittings
Behaviours and attitudes towards bathrooms
More than seven in 10 consumers rely on professionals to assist with their bathroom renovations
73% will hire professionals for their next bathroom project
Graph 30: consumer behaviours and attitudes towards bathrooms, 2025
More than seven in 10 plan to use professionals for their next bathroom project
Graph 31: percentage of consumers more likely to use professionals to carry out their next bathroom project than carry out the work themselves, by age and household income, 2025
Opportunities for retail-tradespeople partnerships
Cost-conscious and eager to engage in hands-on bathroom projects
DIY bathroom upgrades
Graph 32: percentage of consumers who are confident making minor DIY upgrades to their bathroom themselves (eg painting, change taps), by age, 2025
Graph 33: percentage of consumers more likely to prioritise smaller upgrades (eg replace a shower screen) than larger upgrades (eg complete refit) in their next bathroom project, by age, 2025
DIY bathroom project opportunities for brands
Consumers want bathrooms that mirror their personal style
Graph 34: percentage of consumers who like their bathroom to reflect their personal style, by household income, 2025
Bespoke services and customisable options can help brands stand out in a crowded market
Refurbished bathroom products are no longer viewed as second-tier options but as smart, sustainable and stylish choices
Graph 35: percentage of consumers who think refurbished bathroom fittings are a good way to save money on bathroom projects, by age group and household income, 2025
Leverage sustainability and guarantees as a selling point for refurbished bathroom fittings
Opportunity to provide tailored refurbished bathroom fittings
One-of-a-kind items are a major draw for refurbished products
Older consumers (55+) and lower-income earners (under £15,500) show the strongest intention to spend on their bathrooms
Graph 36: percentage of consumers who will prioritise spending on other areas of their home over their bathroom(s) in the next 12 months, by age and household income, 2025
Inspiring next-level engagement among 16-34 year olds and affluent consumers
Interest in AR/VR bathroom tools is especially strong among 16-34 year olds
Graph 37: percentage of consumers interested in using Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality tools to help them visualise their next bathroom project (eg a tool that creates a virtual 3D model of your bathroom to preview new designs), by age, 2025
Opportunities brands can leverage to make AR/VR bathroom tools indispensable for consumers across demographics
Social sharing features can make AR/VR bathroom tools more engaging
Graph 38: percentage of consumers interested in installing fittings with smart technology (eg app-controlled shower, voice-activated faucet), by age group, 2025
Smart-enabled tailored bathroom experiences
Highlight convenience and energy efficiency smart features
Integration of health-focused technology is a compelling opportunity in this sector
Hospitality-inspired open-plan bathroom trend
Graph 39: percentage of consumers interested in an open-plan bathroom (eg bathroom that is integrated into a bedroom without walls/doors), by description of current home, 2025
RETAILER ACTIVITY
Comparing the leading retailers of bathroom furniture and accessories in the UK
Dual demand for accessible DIY solutions and expert specialist offerings
Standout growth rates in customer numbers and spending at Plumbworld
Graph 40: leading specialists and non-specialist retailers of bathroom furniture and accessories, growth in spend and customer numbers, 2024/25
Competitive strategies
Victorian Plumbing pulls the plug on Victoria Plum
Wickes increase bathroom product offerings by 1,000 in 2024
The Range acquire Homebase assets
Victorian Plumbing the UK’s largest bathroom retailer
Kingfisher brands target high footfall areas
Wickes and Easy Bathrooms store expansion
Oxford Street store marks a milestone in IKEA’s strategy to increase accessibility
Easy Bathrooms is the UK’s biggest store-based bathroom specialist
Launch activity and innovation
One-of-a-kind multisensory shower experience
‘Holistic’ bathtub takes the bathing experience to a new level
A shower that tans you!
Wellness-focused bathroom fixtures and fittings
Smart toilets bring a new level of convenience and personalisation
Water-saving features that reduce environmental impact
Inclusive products can create bathroom spaces that work for everyone
Advertising and marketing activity
Advertising expenditure on bathroom furniture falls 36% in 2024
Graph 41: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising expenditure on bathroom furniture, 2021-25*
Victorian Plumbing campaign embraces DIY spirit
Professional expertise and installation
Spa-like comfort
A significant opportunity for brands to consider Podcasts in their digital marketing strategy
APPENDIX
Supplementary data – leading retailers
Victorian Plumbing the top advertising spender
33% of bathroom furniture advertising spend is TV
Graph 42: proportional distribution of above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising spend on bathroom furniture, by media type, 2023-24
Market forecast data and methodology
Market forecast and prediction intervals (value)
Forecast methodology
Report scope and definitions
Market definition
Abbreviations and terms
Consumer research methodology
Nielsen Ad Intel coverage
Snoop SpendMapper methodology
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