Why Is Everyone Suddenly Seeing Double in Their Bathrooms?

23.09.2024 - 13:14 / bhg.com / Sharon Greenthal

JULIE SOEFER

Fans of HGTV’s House Hunters know that since the 1990s, the ubiquitous “double vanity” has been one of the top requests for home seekers—almost as popular as open-floor plans. When they began appearing as part of primary suites in newly-built houses, they were no longer considered a luxury but a priority. For couples who both worked outside the home, the practicality of having two spaces to get ready in the morning made sense, and the extra space for stashing personal care items kept cluttered countertops to a minimum. 

Once these twice-as-nice prep spots became the norm, it wasn’t long until features started to double up in bathrooms of homes everywhere. With double vanities came double mirrors, and the opportunity to make a design statement upgraded them from utility items to decorative touches. Traditional bathrooms used frames to create an artistic feel, while modern ones added more light to the space with sleek, backlit looks.

More recently, double showers have turned into an essential for some homebuyers. Like double vanities, the double shower allows couples to get ready at the same time without worrying about slowing down their partner’s morning routine. These larger-than-usual showers are a natural fit for the vast bathrooms seen in newer homes with abundant square footage, where wet rooms and lounge space turn primary baths into spa retreats. Like double vanities, ample two-person showers mean plenty of room for tons of bath products, from shampoo to salt scrubs.

So, what’s next for double primary baths? Well, for the most luxurious (and separate) space of all, consider dual toilets—not toilets in the same space but separate water closets where each person has complete and total privacy.

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