We polled 10,000 followers about every bathroom remodel decision. Their answers surprised us — plus lots of practical bathroom design insight.
A few days ago, Robert and I began making some tough calls for our master bathroom renovation. If you’ve been following along, you know this is the bathroom currently torn apart after roughly 100 gallons of water leaked from the attic.
Because the space is small—roughly half the size of the master bath in our previous house—we’ve faced several layout dilemmas. One major idea was to convert the current shower into a water closet so the toilet would be separate, and move the shower into the main bathroom area. That would create a larger shower but require sacrificing double sinks for one, and would mean reworking the plumbing.
To help decide, I ran a series of quick polls in Instagram Stories. Over 10,000 people voted, and their responses changed a lot of what we thought we wanted. Below I’ve summarized the results and included the best reader insights. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, these collective opinions may help you weigh the trade-offs.
Bathroom Design Debates — The Results and Advice
Lisa Staton Design | Cari Berg Interior Design
1. Double Sinks vs Toilet Closet
The Vote: 60% Double Sinks — 40% Toilet Closet
WINNER: Double Sinks
Reader Insight:
“My husband and I don’t mind a toilet in the main bathroom, but I CANNOT share a sink when we’re getting ready—big deal breaker.” — Ellen
“Seeing a toilet front and center in a beautiful bathroom is a turnoff. I prefer it hidden so two people can use the space comfortably.” — Jennifer
Ultimately, many voters prioritized separate sink space over a concealed toilet, especially for couples who need simultaneous morning routines.
Micasa Revista | Mandarina Studio
2. Tub/Shower Combo vs Shower Only
The Vote: 39% Tub/Shower Combo — 61% Shower Only
WINNER: Shower Only
Reader Insight:
“I think every house should have at least one tub, especially with kids, but it doesn’t need to be in the main master bath.” — Joy
“Tub/shower combos are a pain to keep clean. Showers require less maintenance and are more practical for daily life.” — Alex
Respondents leaned toward showers for ease and modern living, while acknowledging tubs still have a place in family homes.
Jennifer Muirhead Interiors | Made by Carli
3. Large Shower vs Double Sinks
The Vote: 39% Large Shower — 61% Double Sinks
WINNER: Double Sinks
Reader Insight:
“We installed a huge shower and I regret it—showers feel cold and the space is wasted. I’d rather have more sink counter.” — Jackie
“I’d share a sink if it meant a really nice shower. Large showers can help resale.” — Melissa
This was one of the closest practical debates: luxury shower vs. everyday convenience of double sinks. Most voters prioritized functionality for daily life over a spa-like shower footprint.
Katie Martinez Design | Casey Keasler
4. Closed Shower Room vs Glass/Open Shower
The Vote: 52% Closed Shower Room — 48% Glass/Open Shower
WINNER: Closed Shower Room
Reader Insight:
“Cleaning large glass doors is awful—constant streaks.” — Tammy
“Open showers can let water run everywhere and feel cold and clinical. I prefer an enclosed shower that traps warmth and steam.” — Lisa
Preferences were split but leaned slightly toward enclosed showers for comfort and easier maintenance.
1st Dibs | Rosa Beltran Design
5. Large Shower vs Linen Cabinet
The Vote: 45% Large Shower — 55% Linen Cabinet
WINNER: Linen Cabinet
Reader Insight:
“More storage in a bathroom is always worth it.” — Leah
“Large showers feel like wasted space. Prioritize storage.” — Allie
Storage edged out the desire for a bigger shower. Many people said they’d rather have practical cabinet space than a larger shower footprint.
Jean Stoffer Design | Atlanta Homes
6. Scallop Backsplash vs Sink Ledge Backsplash
The Vote: 27% Scallop Backsplash — 73% Sink Ledge
WINNER: Sink Ledge
Reader Insight:
“A ledge can become a clutter magnet, but it’s practical. The scallop is gorgeous, though.” — Megan & Krista
The practical sink ledge won by a wide margin as voters favored function over a decorative but potentially cluttered detail.
Architectural Digest
7. Airy Bathroom vs Moody Bathroom
The Vote: 92% Airy — 8% Moody
WINNER: Airy Bathroom
Reader Insight:
“White feels peaceful and spa-like.” — Emily
“Dark finishes show dust and require more upkeep.” — Annie
An overwhelmingly strong preference for light, airy baths emerged. Voters said neutral, bright palettes feel calming and timeless.
Sloane Studio Interiors | Marie Flanigan Interiors
8. Rug vs No Rug
The Vote: 66% Rug — 34% No Rug
WINNER: Rug
Reader Insight:
“Rugs add warmth underfoot while you’re getting ready, but be cautious—some people consider them a slipping hazard.” — Vanessa & Audrey
Rugs proved popular for comfort, though several readers warned about safety and revealed a preference for heated floors as an alternative.
Kate Marker Interiors
9. Sconce Vanity Lights vs Pendant Vanity Lights
The Vote: 58% Sconce Lights — 42% Pendant Lights
WINNER: Sconce Lights
Reader Insight:
“Side lighting avoids shadows while applying makeup—sconces are practical.” — Miranda
Many voters favored sconces for flattering, balanced lighting, though pendants have appeal for a modern or playful look.
Jenni Kayne | My Domaine
10. Brass Fixtures vs Black Fixtures
The Vote: 46% Brass — 54% Black
WINNER: Black Fixtures
Reader Insight:
“Black can show hard-water spots, so consider your local water quality.” — Lisa
Fixtures came down to personal style: black for a modern farmhouse look, brass for warmth. Several readers suggested mixing finishes can work too.
HGTV | Country Living Magazine
11. Built-In Linen Cabinet vs Freestanding Vintage Cabinet
The Vote: 53% Built-In — 47% Freestanding Vintage
WINNER: Built-In
Reader Insight:
“Vintage pieces are beautiful, but humidity and mustiness can be an issue for towels.” — Tracy
Built-ins were slightly favored for durability and moisture resistance, though many appreciated the charm of vintage furniture.
Interior Blooms Design Co. | Amber Interiors
12. Color vs Neutral
The Vote: 35% Color — 65% Neutral
WINNER: Neutral
Reader Insight:
“Neutral choices are more timeless and less likely to feel dated.” — Kirsten
Most people preferred a neutral foundation with the option to add accents or change textiles later to inject color as desired.
Apartment Therapy | Architectural Digest
13. One Large Mirror vs Double Mirrors
The Vote: 42% One Large Mirror — 58% Double Mirrors
WINNER: Double Mirrors
Reader Insight:
“Double mirrors feel more custom and balanced for dual sinks.” — Various readers
Double mirrors won by a small margin, often preferred in shared vanities for symmetry and individualized lighting.
House Beautiful | The Lifestyled Co
14. Patterned Tile Floor vs Simple Tile Floor
The Vote: 41% Patterned Tile — 59% Simple Tile
WINNER: Simple Tile
Reader Insight:
“Simple, larger tiles reduce grout lines and feel more timeless.” — Alisha
Voters largely recommended simple tiles for longevity and easier upkeep, though patterned tile can help conceal dirt and add personality.
Studio McGee
15. Wall Tile vs Wall Millwork
The Vote: 58% Wall Tile — 42% Wall Millwork
WINNER: Wall Tile
Reader Insight:
“Tile stays looking fresh and is easier to clean in wet areas.” — Megan
Tile was favored in bathrooms for moisture resistance and longevity, while millwork can offer warmth at lower cost if well sealed.
Chris Loves Julia | Studio McGee
16. Wood Vanity vs Painted Vanity
The Vote: 39% Wood Vanity — 61% Painted Vanity
WINNER: Painted Vanity
Reader Insight:
“Wood vanities that look like furniture are trending, but painted finishes are versatile and popular.” — Sarah
Painted vanities edged out wood for broad appeal and color flexibility, though many readers love the furniture-like warmth of wood.
If you’ve lived through a bathroom remodel, we’d love to hear what choices you made and what you’d do differently. Once the structural decisions are set, selecting finishes is the fun part—and those choices are easier when you know what trade-offs matter most to your household.
I learned a lot from this poll and hope these insights help you plan a practical, beautiful bathroom that fits your daily life.
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