Alright, let’s be real. Some bathroom design trends just don’t age well. And one of the biggest offenders? Deco trim.
You know what I’m talking about—those little glass tile borders or mosaic strips running through the middle of a shower wall. Back in the early 2000s and 2010s, that was the thing to do. But now? It instantly dates your bathroom.
Like I said on the podcast: “Just stay away from it… because you’re going to automatically make your bathroom look like it was from 2010.”
So why is deco trim outdated? And what should you do instead? Let’s break it down.
What Is Deco Trim?
Deco trim—also called decorative tile trim—is basically an accent strip. You’d see it running horizontally in showers or backsplashes, usually as:
- Glass tile borders
- Mosaic strips
- Contrasting tiles as a “highlight” line
It was the go-to move for adding “style” back in the day. Problem is, the look hasn’t aged well.
⏳ The Problem With Deco Trim
✅ It was overused in the 2010s
✅ It doesn’t blend with today’s clean, minimal style
✅ It can actually make your remodel look cheaper
✅ It visually chops up your shower, making it feel smaller
✅ It’s hard to match with modern fixtures and finishes
And like I always tell my clients, “Deco trim is out. Nobody’s doing it anymore.”
Why Modern Bathrooms Skip Deco Trim
Today’s best designs are all about:
✔ Clean lines – uninterrupted tile looks sleek and timeless
✔ Large-format tiles – fewer grout lines = a more seamless look
✔ Full-wall features – designers make an entire wall the focal point
✔ Solid surface showers – no random decorative lines needed
Modern bathrooms are about simplicity, cohesion, and timeless appeal. Deco trim just doesn’t fit into that anymore.
What To Do Instead of Deco Trim
So how do you add style without dating your remodel? Here’s what works now:
✅ 1. Use Texture, Not Borders
Play with matte vs. gloss finishes or subtle textured tiles like wavy or ribbed designs.
✅ 2. Create a Full Feature Wall
Instead of a skinny strip, make your whole back wall a bold tile.
Example: clean white walls + a dramatic marble-look back wall.
✅ 3. Add Niches for Visual Interest
Built-in niches with a contrasting tile look stylish and functional—without that dated strip.
✅ 4. Keep It Timeless
Neutral, solid colors and natural stone looks never go out of style.
Timeless Bathroom Design Ideas
Here’s what looks fresh now (and will still look great years from now):
Black fixtures with crisp white solid surface walls
Large-format porcelain tiles with minimal grout lines
Warm wood-look tile for texture without feeling busy
Solid surface showers—clean, no grout lines, easy to maintain
Quotes From the EZ Bath Team
“That’s such a dated look… it instantly makes your home feel like it’s from 2010.”
“Nobody’s doing deco trim anymore—it’s gone. We’re designing cleaner, smarter bathrooms now.”
“The best designs today are simple, elegant, and functional. Deco trim just complicates that.”
Why Timeless Design Matters
When you invest in a remodel, you want it to:
✅ Look fresh for decades—not just a year or two
✅ Increase your home’s value (not scare off future buyers)
✅ Feel modern without falling into “trendy today, dated tomorrow” traps
Avoiding things like deco trim is the easiest way to keep your bathroom looking high-end for the long haul.
The Takeaway: Deco Trim = OUT
If you’re planning a remodel, skip the deco trim. It’s one of the fastest ways to make a brand-new bathroom look… well, not so new.
Instead, go for clean, cohesive designs that stand the test of time.
“Deco trims are out. Nobody’s doing them anymore.”
✨ Ready to Remodel Smarter?
At EZ Bath, we focus on modern, timeless bathroom remodels—no outdated trends, just clean, beautiful designs done right the first time.
Whether you want a tub-to-shower conversion, a walk-in tub, or a full bathroom renovation, we’ll help you create a space that looks amazing today and years from now.
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