New Research Reveals the Bathroom Products Brits Are Dreaming Of Buying This Christmas

New Research Reveals the Bathroom Products Brits Are Dreaming Of Buying This Christmas

11th Dec 2024

Festive bathroom scene with glass window, christmas tree and freestanding bathtub

When it comes to festive wish lists, it's not just about what's under the tree – many Brits are also thinking about how to upgrade their bathrooms this Christmas.

To uncover what's topping the nation's wish lists, we analysed three months of Google Trends data (September to December 2024) covering Black Friday and the run-up to Christmas, tracking the percentage increase in searches for bathroom products.

We’ve also spoken with Brian Toward, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Wholesale Domestic, for his bathroom upgrade tips and inspiration.

Contents

Our findings: The top 10 bathroom products

Statistics about the most wanted bathroom products this Christmas

Here are the top 10 most-searched-for bathroom products Brits are asking Santa for this Christmas:

1. Shower doors (+600%)

Green metro tiled bathroom with shower enclosure, sink and mirror

Shower doors are stealing the spotlight as the most-searched-for bathroom product in the run-up to Christmas, with searches soaring by an impressive 600% between September and December.

With family and friends staying over during the festive season, it’s no surprise people want their showers looking their best for guests.

Beyond just making a great impression, a new shower door can bring a modern look and practical benefits to the bathroom. Whether it’s simply swapping out an outdated door or upgrading to a sleek, easy-to-clean sliding design, it’s clear that shiny new shower doors are topping wish lists this Christmas.

To create your perfect shower, read our shower enclosure buying guide.

2. Small freestanding bathtub (+300%)

Modern bathroom with freestanding bath and brass taps

Small freestanding bathtubs are having a moment, with searches up 300% in the run-up to Christmas.

It makes sense – when the weather’s freezing and the nights are darker, there’s nothing better than running the perfect hot bath to warm up.

These freestanding tubs add a bit of luxury without taking up lots of space, making them ideal even for small bathrooms.

3. Bathroom mirror cabinets with lights (+300%)

Illuminated mirror cabinets are lighting up wish lists this Christmas, with searches climbing 300%.

With the evenings getting darker earlier, having a mirrored cabinet with built-in lighting can make those winter mornings a little easier. They're handy for things like applying makeup or shaving.

Plus, they give you the benefits of a mirror and storage in one, helping keep your bathroom organised without taking up extra space.

4. Heated bathtub (+250%)

Searches for heated bathtubs are up by 250%. However, while the idea of a tub that keeps your bathwater warm sounds amazing, it's not something that's widely available on the market.

But there are still ways to make your bath feel warmer for longer, and Brian has a few tips: "Steel baths retain heat better than other materials, however they can be very heavy and can develop chips and scratches more easily. Acrylic baths are a great alternative, as they are warm to the touch so can naturally retain heat."

"You can also warm up the tub by running hot water in it before filling it up for your soak. Simply add a couple of inches of hot water, leave it in for a few minutes, drain the water, and then run your bath. It's essentially like warming your cup before making a cup of tea! It heats the surface of the bath, so when you fill it, the hot water doesn't cool down as quickly."

If you're after a truly luxurious experience, whirlpool baths are a great choice. While they don't keep the water warm like a heated tub might, the massaging jets and spa-like feel more than make up for it. It's the perfect way to unwind, especially during the colder months!

5. Close coupled toilet (+250%)

Another bathroom product we're wishing for this Christmas is a close-coupled toilet. They're compact, modern, and easy to clean – ideal for keeping your bathroom in top shape for guests!

Plus, their simple design means they fit seamlessly into any space, making them a practical upgrade ahead of the Christmas rush.

Discover which toilet is right for you with our toilet buying guide.

6. Bathroom wall panels (+250%)

Grey bathroom with wall panels

Bathroom wall panels are seeing a 250% surge in searches as Christmas approaches – they're a great way to refresh your space quickly before the festive season.

With their interlocking system, there's no need for grout, making them a practical, easier-to-install alternative to traditional tiles. No grout also makes them much easier to maintain between those big deep cleans.

To learn more about how to spruce up your walls, read our bathroom tiles and wall panels buying guide.

7. Brass toilet roll holder (+200%)

Clearly, we all know that the smaller details really make a difference in the bathroom, with brass toilet roll holder searches up by 200%.

Brass is having a moment right now, and for good reason. It’s a material that feels both modern and timeless, adding warmth and elegance to any bathroom. And something as simple as a brass toilet roll holder can tie the whole look together.

8. Rainforest shower head (+200%)

Marble tiled bathroom with black shower, wall divider and sink unit

Imagine stepping into a shower that feels like standing under gentle rain. That’s the magic of a rainforest shower head – also known as a rain-effect shower head – and it’s no wonder searches for them are up by 200% this Christmas.

These shower heads are all about creating a relaxing, spa-like experience in your own home.

With a wide surface area, they deliver an even flow of water that mimics natural rainfall – perfect for unwinding after a long day or warming up on a chilly winter morning.

9. Heated toilet seat (+200%)

Cold weather has us all thinking about ways to stay warm, and heated toilet seats are climbing up Christmas wish lists this year. There’s nothing worse than braving a cold bathroom first thing in the morning, and a heated seat takes the chill off in an instant.

Not only do they add a little luxury to your daily routine, but many smart models come with extra features like self-cleaning functions and drying technology.

10. Bathroom extractor fan (+200%)

With searches for bathroom extractor fans up by 200%, it seems many of us are prioritising practicality as well as comfort this Christmas.

These fans are essential for keeping your bathroom fresh and free from excess moisture, especially during the colder months when condensation builds up more easily.

Why bathrooms matter more than ever

Brian shares his thoughts on these trends: "It's clear from the data that people really value their bathrooms, especially as we head into the colder months. But these upgrades are more than just trends – they’re investments in wellbeing.

"What's really interesting is how much focus there is on features that mix luxury and practicality. Things like rainforest shower heads and freestanding tubs show that people want to create a calming, spa-like experience at home. While the interest in shower doors and extractor fans shows that functionality is just as important."

Brian adds: "This Christmas, many homeowners are clearly looking to treat themselves – or perhaps hoping Santa will do it for them!"