European bathroom show ISH returned to form, with busy aisles, exciting new products and ideas to set design imagination alight

The biennial bathroom, heating, air conditioning and ventilation show ISH, with its world-leading brands, is a must-visit event for bathroom designers and specifiers. And this year was no exception.

Only the second outing since the end of the pandemic, the exhibition had returned to form,  overshadowing its “comeback” event in 2023.

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Hottest new products and freshest bathroom ideas from ISH 2025

This year saw a growth in exhibitors, with multi-million pound investment into stands rewarded by busy exhibition halls.

Show organiser Messe Frankfurt reported 2,183 exhibitors from 54 countries participated in 2025, and said it attracted 163,157 visitors over five days, an uptick of 6%,

It saw trade professionals from across Europe and even further afield, with visitors from countries including Germany, Italy, China, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Poland, Austria and Turkey.

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt Wolfgang Marzin commented: “The atmosphere at ISH 2025 was outstanding – the halls were buzzing, and the conversations were in-depth and forward-looking.

“The industry is ready and willing to shape the future. ISH has reaffirmed its status as the world’s leading trade fair: 72% international exhibitors and 163,157 visitors speak for themselves.”

This year, themed “Solutions for a Sustainable future”, showcased technology, materiality and resource efficiency. All this was wrapped up in aesthetics that sealed the status of the bathroom as a living space.

Pastel, earthy, terracotta and neutral tones, alongside bold and textured ceramics, joined rich wood and illuminated furniture to warm the bathroom space.

These were joined by warm coloured metallics, and warm shower tray and baths surfaces, topped by stylish water delivery – from showers to shower toilets.

We’ve curated our KBN hot takes for future bathroom design in UK homes.

1. EARTH TONES

Pastels joined an array of earth tones across basins and WCs, bringing warmth to the bathroom space. In fact, Grohe allowed visitors to choose a Colour of the Year for its brassware from four tones – with Concrete hailed as the winner. It is set to be introduced as a limited edition at the end of 2025.

Bette

Enamelled titanium steel bathroom brand Bette introduced Salvia a nature-inspired glossy sage green hue, which was presented a DesignPlus Award.

It was showcased on its “flattest ever” shower tray – BetteUltra space, BetteSuno freestanding bath and counter-top basins.

The hue joins the company’s existing 30 Key Colours available on all the Bette enamelled shower trays baths and washbasins.

Bette also offers 40 Bespoke colours, including shimmering effects.

Duravit

Under its motto of  “Upgrade your everyday”, luxury bathroom brand Duravit introduced the Balcoon collection by Patricia Urquiola.

The collection includes a choice of coloured and textured basins, including Clay Terra Matte, with ribbed furniture in a single colour or terrazzo.

There is also a variety of brassware, so designers can create a customised look.

it was joined by a bath created by Christian Werner, to join the Vitrium collection, as well as the latest evolution of the ME by Starck toilet, which features a quiet DuraFlush and antibacterial DuraShield ceramic glaze for the first time.

Toto

On its 1500sqm stand,  Japanese bathroom brand Toto presented its sanityware, brassware and accessories in the Forum for the second year.

In a first for the company, it expanded its range of colours and surface textures, from a display of neutral WCs to a floral wall of a variety of coloured basins.

These were joined by organic shaped washbasins, TA vessels, made from Linearceram and available in monotone matte black or matte white, with a velvet-like finish.

2. LIVING SPACE STORAGE

Adding to fluting, this year’s ISH saw rich woods, fabric fronts and illuminated details which elevated storage far beyond the traditional bathroom aesthetic and showcased the continuing popularity of customisation.

Laufen

Swiss bathroom brand Laufen reflected the continuing trend for fluted furniture fronts for depth and texture to bathroom design, with Juna.

Available in a choice of colours, it is also available in wood- inspired Wild Oak.

It was joined by the Arun furniture collection, with wooden storage featuring 6mm stone tops available in four marble-inspired finishes, creating a luxury appeal.

Villeroy & Boch

A hero launch of premium brand Villeory & Boch stand was the Skyla bathroom collection.

Based upon the washbasin from 550mm to 1200mm, the DesignPlus Award-winning Skyla features furniture in a choice of eight colours (and was shown on its stand in a wooden finish).

Available with one or two drawer versions, designers can also select an optional open plan compartment.

Skyla comes with a choice of Chrome and Black brassware and WC with TwistFlush [e3] vortex flush in three colours in square and round shapes.

3. WATER EXPERIENCE

Enhanced water experience but not at the expense of the resource, was a key highlight of ISH 2025. Think fountain-like taps integrated into basins, beauty-inspired showering and heated bathing.

Grohe

One of the standout attractions on Grohe‘s stand was Grohe Purefoam, created to envelops the user’s body in a soft, warm foam.

Introducing a new dimension of multisensory showering, it marked the company’s expansion into the European beauty and wellness market.

At the same time, Grohe also showcased its Rapido Heat Recovery shower system which harnesses waste heat from used water to preheat incoming cold water, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the showering experience.

Kaldewei

On its stand which showcased its sustainability credentials, with cradle to cradle certification, enamelled steel brand Kaldewei unveiled the  Nuio Duo bathtub with infrared heat, music and light.

As part of the Zen Edition, it features the Kaldewei Heat Wave, which combines adjustable infrared radiant heat with an ergonomic tub shape to support the body.

It also showcased a heated shower tray with an illuminated and colour changing shower waste.

Hansgrohe Group

On a stand measuring 2,000sqm in the Festhalle, the Hansgrohe Group showcased premium, as well as sustainable methods of delivering water.

Hero product launches included the Raindance Alive and Avalegra AquaUnit for Hansgrohe, a washbasin with integrated fountain tap, both of which scooped two of three iF Gold Awards in the sanitary category.

While Axor saw the addition of the ShowerSphere collection created by Antonio Citterio.

In its Sustainable Living area of its stand, Hansgrohe Group presented HydroLoop – which has won the Achitellier Award.

It collects waste water from showers, bathtubs and washing machines, as well as condensation from HVAC and tumble dryers, cleans and disinfects it.

4. SMART AND SILENT WCS

It seems the toilet technology secret is out – and was a real talking point on many manufacturer stands. Whether the launches included a smart, shower toilet, improved flush performance or simply quieter models, there’s much more to WCs.

Roca

Bathroom brand Roca previewed the Avant shower toilet with the cistern built into its bowl at HIX in London, last year, but launched the model at ISH.

Available in electric and non-electric versions, it also comes in a choice of wall-hung or floor standing, with a vortex flush for splash free and quiet operation.

Roca also introduced the InWash Vorea with washing and drying features that can be controlled and customised from a smartphone.

Remote operation allows users to adjust seat heating, set lighting and receive notifications, alerts and water consumption insights.

VitrA

Alongside its Grid portfolio which combined washbasins, fittings, and furniture with illuminated detailing, allowing designers to mix and match, VitrA introduced a family of WCs.

Unveiled at the show were V-Care smart toilets, designed to blend aesthetic style with comfort.

Featuring Sonic Flush technology, VitrA reports the WCs are splash free, boast twice as much cleaning power and are seven times quieter than a standard WC.

Equal attention was paid to ease of fit with V-Fit, a newly developed installation set for concealed cisterns, with self-locking gears and anti-loosening nut prevention.

5. FUTURE TECH, TODAY

Laufen

ISH highlighted sustainability as a driving force in design innovation, with premium manufacturer Laufen showcasing its Volta basin, created using an electric tunnel kiln.

Alongside reducing carbon emissions through the process, designer Yves Béhar has created the organic basin to have embedded efficiency properties.

Created to mirrors the swirling motion of flowing water, the Volta basin has been designed to enhance water flow while improving self- cleaning properties.