I officially have the remodeling bug! It did not take long for me to get the itch to finally update our master bathroom. For me, the most obvious place to start was the tile.
My inspiration seeking soul was so happy to find so many beautiful options, so today I am sharing the most inspiring tile designs I came across.
1. Timeless and Versatile
Let’s talk about subway tile, shall we? That classic white style is a total superstar for a reason, and we all know it! But you don’t have to stop there; there are so many ways to put your own creative spin on the design.
You can find a whole world of incredible colors and materials out there to match whatever vibe you are going for. I’m also completely obsessed with seeing subway tiles laid out in fresh, unexpected ways.
When you place them vertically or at an angle, it introduces such a cool pattern that feels totally different from the usual arrangement. You could also capture that timeless white aesthetic but change things up by using hexagonal or square tiles.
And we have to talk about grout! It’s an absolute game changer for this look. Whatever tile color you end up choosing, picking a grout that creates a strong contrast adds such an amazing layer of dimension to the finished design. It’s just perfect!
2. Infuse Your Personality with Creative Patterns
You get so much more creative freedom with bathroom tile than with almost any other wall or floor treatment, maybe even more than wallpaper! I always get so many ideas from looking at historical buildings, even if a vintage style isn’t what you’re after. People have been making beautiful decorative mosaics for thousands of years, after all.
You can create some of the most captivating patterns using just two different colors of tile. I adore using geometric tile designs to help define the bathroom’s layout or even just to add a contrasting border around the space.
Remember, your pattern doesn’t need to be incredibly high-contrast. At times, subtle shifts in color are everything you need to make a design truly stunning. Using individual tiles to build patterns isn’t the only way to go, either.
There are countless gorgeous ceramic or cement tiles that come with colorful patterns already printed on them. This approach makes achieving a stylish design a bit more straightforward, but you will want to make sure your installer is great with details so each tile aligns flawlessly with the next!
3. Dark Sophisticated Ambiance
I’ll be honest, I used to be a little timid about using dark tiles in my home. It is true that deep shades can make a very small bathroom feel a bit smaller if you aren’t careful. But when you use dark tiles thoughtfully, it can give the room so much incredible depth and personality.
You truly don’t need to be nervous about bringing dark colors into a bathroom project. Using tones like navy, charcoal, or a dramatic black on certain surfaces makes all the lighter elements in the room pop even more.
That contrast is just delicious! And your choice of grout can totally shift the atmosphere. I’m obsessed with how white grout looks against black tiles. A matte black grout gives a completely different mood, but it’s equally beautiful!
If you are still a bit hesitant to go fully dark, you could always play with a patterned design. I think a penny tile in a few different shades of charcoal is a simple and gorgeous way to try this trend.
4. Inspiring Gray Tile Ideas
Gray is one of those wonderfully dependable colors for home decor. It never feels too intense or too washed out. And similar to other neutral tones, it complements almost anything. Stone is a fairly clear choice when you are selecting gray bathroom tile.
So many kinds of stone feature stunning gray shades and patterns. The organic variations you get in these tiles are perfect for preventing an all-gray design from looking too flat.
If you are open to adding some traditional texture to your wall or shower ideas, you should definitely check out Zellige tiles. This classic clay tile has the most beautiful light gray shade that is really one of a kind.
Even if you opt for ceramic or porcelain tiles, I recommend approaching your color scheme with some flexibility. Incorporating several different shades of gray into your tiling is a brilliant way to add visual interest to the room.
5. Bring Nature Indoors
The texture of natural stone is one of my absolute favorite qualities. You can certainly get polished stone tiles for the bathroom floor, because who really wants to walk on rough stone with bare feet! But I think this material really shines when you let it keep its natural finish.
I’m a big fan of using uniform stone tiles to create a look that feels a bit like brickwork. Or, you can fit together uncut stones for a vibe that reminds me of a cliffside. Pebble tile is a fantastic and easy way to get that rustic river rock feeling on your shower floor or its walls.
These textures are particularly stunning inside a shower. When you combine stone wall tiles with a waterfall shower head, it feels just like bathing outdoors in nature.
Since stone tile has so much beautiful variety on its own, it’s often best used for an accent wall or a backsplash. Tiling every wall in natural stone might make the bathroom feel a little too busy.
6. Embrace Modern Design
There is absolutely nothing wrong with embracing the latest trends, especially when it’s for your own home. While contemporary bathroom tiles may not be for everybody, they will definitely leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
For a bathroom tile idea that feels undeniably contemporary, go big. This applies to the tiles on your floor as well as your walls. Tiles that mimic organic materials are super popular right now. In my opinion, natural stone tiles are a look that will always be in style.
You will also see lots of gorgeous examples of wood grain tiles in modern bathroom design. There is so much incredible variety in contemporary bathrooms.
Consider using a few different tile styles within your bathroom to give the space more dimension. To make your bathroom tiles the true hero of the room, you could even install some built in lighting as part of the design.
7. Embrace Subtle Elegance
Can anything be more elegant than marble? I really don’t think so! Using extra large tiles is an amazing way to feature all the gorgeous natural lines and color variations in the stone. I should mention, those larger, uncut slabs can be more of an investment compared to smaller tiles.
We all tend to imagine that classic pearly white marble, which is certainly the most widespread choice and so timeless. But you can also get it in lovely shades of gray, green, charcoal, and even pink!
I’m in love with the idea of combining two different types of marble to play with patterns and introduce some beautiful contrast. Marble is absolutely breathtaking, without a doubt. It just requires a bit of extra care to maintain its perfect look and avoid any scratches or water marks.
If you are hoping for something with less maintenance, there are so many other choices. Plenty of other natural stones can give you a similar look without all the work, and you can always opt for a beautiful faux marble tile as well!
8. Add Texture and Depth
Tile will always have a little bit of texture where the individual pieces meet the grout lines. But these days, textured tiles are a major trend in bathroom design. You probably would not want to install textured tiles on the floor, but they can make a plain bathroom wall feel literally three dimensional.
If you opt to use textured tiles in your bathroom, I feel it is best to stick with a very simple color scheme. Trying to layer a busy pattern over the tile’s own texture would create too much visual noise and sort of misses the point of using them to begin with.
This is exactly why textured tiles are such a great fit for a room that is otherwise fairly monochromatic.
9. Stylish Backsplash Tiles
When we start talking about backsplash tile trends, our thoughts typically jump right to kitchens. But I think creating a tile backsplash over your bathroom vanity is a fantastic way to add some color and personality to the room.
You could extend the wall tile all the way to the ceiling or just keep the backsplash to a couple of inches. And the smaller the backsplash area, the bolder you can get with your tile selection!
If you are like me and enjoy getting creative with your decor, you don’t have to stick with a conventional tile arrangement. Using geometric tiles can create such a cool background for a contemporary bathroom sink and faucet.
10. Elevate Your Wall Tiles
With an accent wall, you have the freedom to be really big and dramatic with your tile choices in a way you probably wouldn’t for the entire bathroom. I always think deciding where to place the accent wall is the trickiest part.
The wall at the back of your bathroom, the one you see that’s farthest from the entrance, is often a perfect spot. It’s a popular misconception that an accent wall needs to be completely different from all the other decor.
But in reality, a subtle accent wall can create just as much of an impact.
Don’t limit yourself to just color when you are planning your tile accent wall. Consider bringing in some fun patterns and textures that contrast with the other walls.
And of course, there is no rule that says you must cover the entire wall. For example, using accent tiles from floor to ceiling is an ideal way to define your shower area and make it distinct from the rest of the room.
11. Embrace Clean and Classic Vibes
If you are looking for a tile idea for a smaller bathroom, you honestly can’t miss with white. Not only does this color palette make the room feel more spacious, but it is also so crisp and elegant.
I adore white natural stone because it frequently has subtle color shifts that are barely noticeable. But when you apply it to your bathroom floor or for a full backsplash, those organic details really bring the design to life.
For a contemporary tile aesthetic, I am completely in love with hexagonal tiles. You can put this pattern anywhere! As long as the grout coordinates with the tiles, the unique shape is surprisingly understated. You can pick whatever size tile you feel is the best fit for the room.
One of my very favorite ways to use this trend is by leaving the natural geometric edge of the tiles exposed. A combination of all white tile and grout also looks so good in a bathroom that has darker design elements.
Even a small amount of white tile on the walls or floor can break up the room and prevent it from feeling too heavy.
12. Inspiring Floor Tile Ideas
The bathroom is one of those unique rooms where tile is found on more than just the flooring. But I think it would be a huge missed opportunity to overlook your bathroom floor tile and all of its incredible design potential.
Using patterned tile on the floor is one of the simplest ways to elevate the look of your entire bathroom. A classic black and white combination is consistently one of the most popular choices.
If you aren’t a fan of bold patterns, you can experiment with unique tile shapes and a contrasting grout color instead. I also believe it’s a great idea to avoid putting the exact same tile on both your floor and walls.
It is better to choose a shower wall tile that complements your floor in its color, texture, or pattern. For a look that will truly be a conversation starter, you could mix ceramic tile with hardwood flooring.
Placing a contrasting tile around your tub or shower protects the natural wood from any water damage while making your bathroom look absolutely dreamy. I particularly love hexagonal tiles for this because they create such an organic, intentional vibe.
