Why smart bathrooms will be 2021's biggest trend

In the last few years smart technology has made its way into pretty much every room in the house, from smart TVs and voice controlled speakers to ovens that can follow recipes and fridges that can order your food shop... Smart bathrooms however seem to have been slightly neglected in this whole endeavour, that is, until now.

Bathroom specialists over at Victorian Plumbing are predicting that 2021 will be the year our bathrooms get a whole lot smarter and will become just as connected as the rest of our homes. And this is set to soar in popularity next year because not only do we want more hygienic spaces, but we also want beautiful streamlined spaces and experiences to make our everyday living at home as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be.

So what exactly would a smart bathroom be able to do? Start running your bath while on your commute home? Turn on the underfloor heating while you are still in bed? Talk to your toilet to make it flush? Yep, apparently, these are all possibilities and if they don’t already exist, bathroom companies are looking into how they can make smart bathrooms, one of the best bathroom ideas yet. Here are just a few of the smart gadgets and technology that will be available (if not already) to update your bathroom in 2021.

1. Chic chromotherapy shower systems 

Since 2015, Google searches for Chromotherapy have doubled as more people look for alternative ways to feel better, both physically and mentally. Chromotherapy uses colour and light to promote healing and wellness, for example orange light is said to relax and even improve muscle tension. 

Specialist Chromotherapy shower systems are a way to incorporate colour therapy into your bathroom. They are controlled using a remote or a smartphone, meaning you can blend different colour palettes whilst you shower for a personalised experience. Some Chromotherapy shower systems arrive with pre-set colour palettes so you can select the one that suits you. 

2. Motion sensor smart mirrors

Steam-free mirrors have been around for a while now but some bathroom companies have gone even further with these bathroom gadgets now in the mix. There are mirrors that are also Bluetooth speakers that you can control for your phone and beauty mirrors are starting to incorporate skin analysis technology. From wrinkles to red spots, these mirrors can provide your with information about your skin type and how to improve it – how handy!

3. Japanese intelligent toilets

Japanese toilets and Japanese-style toilet seats take bathroom technology to a whole new level. They’re packed with fancy smart functions to make sure each visit to the bathroom is as luxurious as can be. The Grohe Sensia Arena Shower Toilet may not be voice controlled but you can control its settings, either from a remote control or a smartphone app, meaning that every visit to the loo by each member of the family can be personalised. Plus, its lid automatically opens as you approach and closes once you are done. And... a sensor-activated nightlight gives a soft glow to help you find your way at night.

4. Smarter and stylish showers 

Smart showers and shower taps, like the Grohe SmartControl shower system allow for a completely personalised showering experience. You can store your own preferred spray settings and volume of water so each member of the family can get their ideal shower going at the touch of a button. 

Taking this concept a step further is the SmarTap smart shower system which is voice-controlled if you connect it to an Amazon Alexa, or you can control the settings through your smart phone. 

5. Automatic soap dispensers

It’s hardly a surprise that no-touch gadgets have experienced a surge in popularity this year, the pandemic year. Between March and August, there was a 640% increase in searches for automatic soap dispensers. But as well as being a handy addition to your home in a pandemic, they are also more eco-friendly too. You don't have to buy loads of small plastic bottle of soap, just refill your larger dispenser when you run out.  

For loads more smart bathroom updates and ideas head over to Victorian Plumbing.