Bathroom market to grow 12% in the next four years

The UK bathroom market is set to grow by 12% between 2017 and 2021, according to a new report.

The Bathroom Market Report – UK 2017-2021 Analysis from AMA Research found that the UK bathroom market grew in value by 3% in 2017.

AMA Research claimed that the pace of growth had lessened over the past 12 months compared with the past two to three years, and said it expected modest growth throughout 2018 and 2019.

The rate of growth was impacted by lower levels of consumer and business confidence, which affected demand for bathroom products, AMA Research claimed.

The report identified baths and sanitaryware as the largest sector of the bathroom products market, followed by bathroom accessories, taps and mixers, bathroom furniture and whirlpool/spa systems.

The demand for quality bathroom products with additional features was expected to remain significant and will be supported by a greater level of replacement purchases as consumers upgrade to higher value solutions.

The growing trend for minimalist, wall-hung and counter-top designs was also tipped to impact volume demand for sanitaryware.

This trend will also support the growth for fabricated solutions, installation frames and concealed plastic cisterns. Taps and mixers will increasingly be used as a means of differentiation, particularly with higher-quality finishes and contemporary styling.

Popular products to emerge from the survey were space-saving solutions as well as wall-hung sanitaryware, slimline washbasins and short-projection furniture.

In the baths sector, compact shower baths, small freestanding baths and space-saving back-to-wall D-shaped/skirted baths continued to gain share.

There was an increasing demand in bathroom furniture for ‘invisible’ storage solutions, while the market for bathroom accessories looked likely to remain positive, as consumers buy accessories as an easy, cost-effective way to update and personalise their bathrooms.

Demand for inclusive bathroom products, it said, would continue to grow, such as walk-in or low-level baths for easy access, wall-hung sanitaryware for easier manoeuvrability, thermostatic and lever-operated tapware controls, and shower toilets.

“The wide variation in UK bathroom size will continue to provide opportunities for product development to suit the various types of bathrooms, such as en suite, cloakroom installations etc,” said Hayley Thornley, research manager at AMA Research. “Modern, digital and advanced technology, such as digital taps and sensors to control temperature and flow, motion-sensing LED mirrors and Bluetooth entertainment systems, will become more widely used in the bathroom, as consumers and businesses become increasingly aware of their benefits. Consumers are demanding quality products that will last and use the internet to search for the best deals available.”

  • Main image: Ideal Standard Concept Air freestanding bath
Home > News > Bathroom market to grow 12% in the next four years