The bathroom used to be the plainest room in the house. Today it is where a lot of the smartest home technology shows up, from faucets that turn on without a touch to floors that warm up before you wake. Here are the ideas worth considering if you want a more modern bathroom, with what each one does and what to watch for.
Touchless faucets
A motion-sensor faucet turns on when your hands approach, which keeps the handle clean and cuts down on water waste because it shuts off on its own. Check how the unit is powered (batteries or a plug-in adapter) and whether you can set the temperature. See our best bathroom faucet reviews for options.
Electric radiant floor heating
Thin heating mats under tile take the chill off a bathroom floor, and a programmable thermostat means the floor is warm when you get up. They work best installed under new tile during a remodel. Read our radiant floor heating reviews before you plan the project.
Digital and thermostatic shower controls
A thermostatic valve holds your chosen water temperature even when someone flushes a toilet or runs a tap elsewhere in the house. Digital controls go further, letting you save presets for temperature and outlets and start the water from a phone or wall panel. They need power and some wiring, so plan for them early. Compare models in our guides to digital shower controls and shower valves, and see our shower systems guide if you want a complete setup.
Motion-activated lighting
Low-level lights that switch on when you walk in at night mean you never have to hit a bright switch at 3 a.m. They are cheap to add as plug-in night lights or under-vanity strips, and they also help prevent falls.
Smart toilets and bidet seats
High-end toilets and bidet seats offer heated seats, warm-water cleansing, air drying, automatic lids and night lights. A bidet seat that fits an existing toilet is a much cheaper way to get most of these features than replacing the whole toilet. You do need a power outlet near the toilet.
Speaker shower heads
A Bluetooth speaker built into the shower head or mounted on the wall lets you stream music or podcasts without worrying about water damage. Battery life and sound quality vary a lot, so read owner feedback before you buy. Start with our speaker shower head reviews and our guide to Bluetooth shower speakers.
Heated towel warmers
A warm towel after a shower is a small luxury that is easy to get used to. Plug-in and hardwired wall-mounted warmers are both common, and many have timers so they only run when you need them. Our towel warmer reviews cover the main types.
Lighted and defogging mirrors
LED mirrors give even light for shaving and makeup, and many include a defogger pad so the glass stays clear after a hot shower. If you are updating your vanity area, look at our lighted vanity mirror reviews and bath vanity reviews.
Statement tubs
If you have the space, a freestanding or walk-in tub makes the bathroom feel like a spa. Compare freestanding tubs and walk-in tubs, and do not forget to pick a matching freestanding tub faucet.
If you only upgrade three things
Not every idea above is worth the money in every home. If your budget is limited, these three give the biggest everyday difference for the least hassle:
- A thermostatic or digital shower valve. Stable water temperature improves every single shower.
- A quiet, properly sized exhaust fan. It protects paint, drywall and tile from moisture and keeps mold away.
- Warm flooring or a towel warmer. You will notice these on cold mornings far more than you notice a gadget you use once a month.
Everything else is a nice extra. Add it when it fits your budget and the way you use the room.
Before you buy any of it
- Power. Many smart features need an outlet or a hardwired circuit. Bathroom outlets must be GFCI protected, so ask an electrician when in doubt.
- Plumbing. Digital valves and recirculating pumps may need changes behind the wall. Plan them before the tile goes up.
- Support. Pick brands with a clear warranty and available replacement parts, since electronics age faster than tile.
- Ventilation. Every bathroom upgrade works better with a good fan. See our exhaust fan reviews.
