6 gym washroom refurbishment ideas for the New Year

You know what they say, ‘new year, new me,’ which is why most gyms see a rush of new members in January.

And with January just around the corner, gym owners and health club managers need to be rethinking every aspect of the member experience and how they can attract and secure new sign-ups.

The often-overlooked gym washrooms can be a huge influencing factor when choosing a space to workout. Because clean, stylish and functional washrooms don’t just support hygiene and comfort; they reflect how much you value your members.

A thoughtful refurbishment can transform tired facilities into memorable spaces that enhance your gym’s reputation. Here are our top ideas for elevating your gym washrooms in 2026. 

1. Prioritise hygiene through touch-free technology

Between the high foot traffic, moisture and perspiration, gym bathrooms and changing rooms are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

This should make hygiene your top priority when refurbishing your washroom facilities. Through touch-free technology, you can make these spaces more hygienic whilst instantly modernising them. ​

You should consider installing touch-free taps, soap dispensers, hand dryers, locks and flush systems that minimise contact and reduce the spread of germs. Sensor-activated lighting and automatic doors are some other great upgrades that will improve cleanliness and user convenience. 

These touch-free fixtures not only promote the health and safety of your members but also improve perception. They will notice when your space feels modern and well cared for. And if all that wasn’t enough, these features make daily cleaning much easier for your staff, saving time and ensuring consistency. 

​2. Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials

Following on from the last point about cleaning, high-traffic areas like gym washrooms demand robust materials that stand up to constant use and are easier to clean.

Choosing materials like solid grade laminate (SGL) cubicles and wall panels helps to resist scratches, impact and humidity while being easy to maintain.

Anti-bacterial treatments on these surfaces are another smart choice, especially in toilet and shower areas. These coatings actively reduce bacteria build-up, boosting hygiene while extending the lifespan of your washroom surfaces. 

It’s these durable finishes that ensure your refurbishment investment lasts and continues to impress guests for years to come.

3. Balance open and private spaces

A common challenge when designing new gym washrooms is getting the balance between openness and privacy. Too many small cubicles can make a space feel cramped, while an overly open plan can reduce privacy and user comfort.

The ideal layout should incorporate open locker and vanity zones with clearly defined private areas for toilets, changing and showers. Strategically placed partitions and frosted glass can help maintain privacy without sacrificing light and airflow.

You might also want to consider integrating family or accessible washrooms to cater to diverse member needs. Inclusivity is increasingly expected in modern facilities and is not something you should ignore in 2026. 

4. Smart lighting and ventilation

Good lighting does more than just improve visibility; it elevates mood and ensures the safety of your members. So install bright, energy-efficient LED lighting throughout your gym washrooms, especially around mirrors and vanity areas.

For a more sophisticated ambience, you could also add accent lighting or dimmer switches where appropriate.

Equally important is proper ventilation. Moisture build-up can lead to odours, mould and slippery floors, which are damaging to user comfort and safety. Effective ventilation systems keep the air fresh, reduce dampness and extend the life of your fixtures and finishes.

5. Incorporate branding and stylish aesthetics

Washrooms should not be purely functional spaces; they should be part of your brand’s physical experience. To make these spaces more stylish, incorporate colours, materials and finishes that reflect your gym’s identity.

Whether you choose calming neutrals to evoke a spa-like ambience or you prefer bold colours for a high-energy feel, a cohesive design helps reinforce your brand message across the entire gym.

You might also consider adding branded signage, wall art or subtle graphic elements that motivate your members even when using the washrooms. Thoughtful aesthetics make the space more inviting and enjoyable to use, turning what might have been an afterthought into a standout feature. 

6. Add value with extras your members will love

Going beyond the basics can set your gym apart and help you increase sign-ups. Think about additional features like charging stations near vanity areas for members to charge up their phones or fitness watches.

You could add water stations or hydration points in changing areas to support post-workout routines and comfortable benches, hooks, shelves and cubbies that give users space to organise and store their belongings.

Small touches, like accessible hair dryers, mirrors with integrated lighting, or even cushioned changing benches, show members you’ve thought about every detail of their visit.

​Start the New Year with a refreshing upgrade

Refurbishing your gym washrooms in 2026 is more than a simple cosmetic upgrade; it’s an investment in member satisfaction, hygiene and long-term performance from your facilities.

Whether you’re planning a full overhaul or some more targeted improvements, focusing on functionality, hygiene and aesthetics will help you create washrooms that your members appreciate and remember.

​Ready to begin your gym washroom refurbishment project? The expert team at Cr8tive Washrooms can help you design and install stylish, durable and functional washrooms in the New Year. Get in touch today to get started.