If you're looking to make your bathroom feel more modern and take an annoying chore off your list, we've got good news: Designers say grout lines are out. According to the 2026 Bath Trends Report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 89 percent of homeowners want to minimize or remove the grout lines on their bathroom floor. Designers agree, with many noting that if you have this bathroom feature, it's time to update your space.
The easiest way to minimize grout lines in your bathroom is to opt for oversized tiles, which also create a more "serene, almost seamless look," according to one design pro. Keep reading for more details on why grout lines are out and a few creative ideas to inspire your bathroom makeover.
What designers say
"This should not come as a surprise," says Caroline Kopp, an interior designer in Westport, Connecticut. "Grout is the part of the bathroom that generates the most angst and dissatisfaction!" She's right: Keeping your grout in tip-top shape generally requires a lot time and energy. "Less grout means less maintenance, which feels right for how people live today," adds Julie Beuerlein, founder of JKB Home Design in Southern California.
If you ask Nureed Saeed, interior designer and president of NKBA's Northern California chapter, homeowners are craving low-maintenance, easy-to-clean spaces to take one thing off their never-ending to-do lists. "People’s lives seem to be getting busier than ever," Saeed explains. "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."
Elbow grease aside, Dijana Savic-Jambert of MAREDI Design claims grout isn't exactly the healthiest addition to your home. "An added advantage is that with less grout comes less unwanted and unnecessary chemicals in your home," the Chicago designer explains. "Though we always like to prioritize better or healthier grout options, the standard options are pretty toxic overall."
Minimizing grout might be a practical move, but let's be honest: This shift has plenty of design perks, too. Grout-heavy bathrooms can feel delightfully retro; however, they often feel old and outdated. "Oversize tile creates a serene, almost seamless look totally in contrast to the busy subway tile of yore," Kopp says. "It is much more of an organic, modern, spa-like feel, and does not draw attention to the grout because there are far fewer tiles."
She adds that, thanks to the rise of full marble slab showers and materials like tadelac, there are plenty of ways to reduce the appearance of grout—and to do so stylishly. For starters, size matters. Come 2026, expect to see less subway and penny tiles and more supersized slabs. California designer Rosanna Bassford recommends selecting large format tiles of 24 inches by 24 inches, 18 inches by 36 inches, or something greater. Meanwhile, Kopp reveals she's adding 13 inch by 30 inch tiles in her bathroom for "a more modern, updated feel."
Proportion might be the key to this trend, but don't overlook materials. Bassford encourages homeowners to look for large slabs that are conducive with the bathroom's varying temperatures and humidity levels. "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,'" she says. "I have personal experience with it as well and it makes it a breeze to clean."
And why stop at your bathroom floors? This look can be equally impressive on your bathroom walls—and Beuerlein says less grout also "looks effortless and works beautifully" in a kitchen. Practical and stylish? Consider us sold.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
