Bathroom tiling inspiration


55 Bathroom Tile Ideas - Bath Tile Backsplash and Floor Designs

Heidi Caillier Design

The most exciting part of designing a bathroom is choosing which beautiful materials and colors you're going to spotlight. And that's where tiles come in. They're basically the bathroom MVP. If you're planning a bathroom renovation, you may be married to the idea of all-white and marble-everything, but hear us out before you commit. There's a place for bold, patterned tile in your life, and we think that's inside your shower. Or on your bathroom wall. Or maybe even your tub? You get the idea. And if you really want to stick with a white, light, and airy look or something more sleek and moody, we've got plenty of designer inspiration on this list of bathroom tile ideas for you, too.

🏡You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them.

ERIC PIASECKI

1 of 55

Combine Different Shapes

Designer Kureck Jones knows how to have fun, especially when it comes to tile. The bubblegum pink subway tiles on the wall and the diamond, almost leaf-like motif on the floors of this bathroom are bursting with energy. The brass industrial-style fixtures and lighting add just enough contrast and the pop of pale purple paint is the cherry on top.

SHOP pink tiles

Kingston Lafferty Design

2 of 55

Go High-Contrast

Classic Mediterranean tiles give this modern bathroom by Kingston Lafferty Design a bit of old-world charm and just enough color. The hand-painted washbasins blend right in while the black accents modernize the space.

SHOP handpainted tiles

Heidi Caillier Design

3 of 55

Make the Shower Pop

If you opt for plain and simple floor tiles, go bold in the shower (or the other way around). Here, Heidi Cailier made a statement with a unique yet classic tile design on the floor and a more subtle pattern on the walls and floors outside the shower stall.

SHOP black and white tiles

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

4 of 55

Shrink the Checkerboard

Shrink down the classic black and white checkboard tile pattern for a contemporary spin on the timeless design, as Tamsin Johnson Interiors did here. We're loving the mint green retro toilet paired with the pink marble accents as well as the dot motif sconces for a touch of contrast.

SHOP Checkerboard Tiles

Romanek Design Studio

5 of 55

Mix Up Checkerboard Colors

Robert McKinley Design Studio opted for a unique marigold and off-white checkboard pattern in this shower. It pairs beautifully with the fold fixtures, but it's that modern black pendant that really takes things to the next level.

SHOP yellow grid tiles

Romanek Design Studio

6 of 55

Reflect Your Surroundings

This light-filled bathroom by Romanek Design Studio reflects the beauty of the surrounding environment, from the wood-paneled sloped ceiling to the green zellige tiles. Aside from being calming and stylish, the wall-to-wall green tile floor means that basically everything in the room will hold up well when wet.

SHOP green zellige tiles

Emily Followill

7 of 55

Mix Sweet and Sassy Styles

The sweet patterned floor tiles and off-white painted shiplap walls bring a warm, neutral touch to this glam bathroom designed by Meredith McBrearty.

SHOP beige patterned tiles

David Tsay

8 of 55

Don't Forget About Storage

The pattern—and a trio of niches—set off a jewel-like mirror in this tiled shower by Justina Blakeney. Keep storage top of mind but also have fun experimenting with pattern, color, and shape.

SHOP blue hexagonal tiles

Robert McKinley Studio

9 of 55

Alternate Directions

Robert McKinley Design alternated the direction and tone of the tiles to create a more dynamic and textured look in a small bathroom. Terra cotta tiles would look lovely and natural in this pattern, too.

SHOP terra cotta rectangular tiles

Heidi Caillier Design

10 of 55

Cast A Hex

If you want to switch things up without getting too over-the-top, opt for a unique tile shape. Heidi Caillier opted for muted gray-brown hexagonal floor tiles and added color with an antique floral motif runner.

SHOP hexagonal tiles

Nils Schlebusch

11 of 55

Think Outside the Box

Studio DB used marble hexagonal tiles to protect the hardwood floors in this open concept master bathroom. And while they serve a functional purpose, the partial coverage and angular shapes also make a unique and modern style statement.

SHOP marble tiles

Haris Kenjar

12 of 55

Fake It

If you don't want to retile your bathroom floors but love the checkboard vibe, just repaint them to mimic tiles! That's what Landed Interiors & Home did in this bathroom.

Shop peel-and-stick tiles

Cameron Rupert Interiors

13 of 55

Consider Use Case

The night sky-inspired floor tiles lay the perfect foundation for this whimsical children's bathroom designed by Cameron Rupert Interiors. With contrasting prints, playful motifs, and pops of red, it's a space both kids and adults can love.

SHOP star motif tiles

Audrey Hall

14 of 55

Transport Yourself

Exposed wood beams, unique craftsman-style windows, and, a farmhouse island make this bathroom feel like something out of a fairy tale. The stone floor tiles set the foundation for a cozy Snow White-like cottage atmosphere.

SHOP stone tiles

Haris Kenjar

15 of 55

Make a Wacky Pattern

Fun graphic floor tiles bring playfulness to the deep red paint color in this small bathroom designed by Andy Beers of Ore Studios. The spacious drawers under the floating vanity also help keep things tidy, a must in a tiny bathroom.

SHOP graphic tiles

Kevin Scott

16 of 55

Modernize the Subway Look

Small white square zellige tiles are a fresh take on the classic subway tile look, as proven by Studio Diaa in this small bathroom. The only surface not covered in understated tiles is the ceiling, which features a Crystalite skylight that makes the shower feel like it's in the open air.

SHOP white zellige tiles

Heidi Caillier Design

17 of 55

Use Tiles to Tie Colors Together

All the varying tiles in this bathroom by Heidi Cailler Design speak to the colors in the curtains and fixtures. Classic subway tile on the walls and clinging the interior arch make this bathroom feel more spacious and open, but the abstract floor tiles help ground the room in the style.

SHOP abstract tiles

Anna Spiro Design

18 of 55

Use It As a Starting Place

Though the striking freestanding marble tub with Victorian, old-school fixtures is the clear focal point of this bathroom by Anna Spiro Design, the tile floors set the foundation for the entire space (plus, their worn finish and playful design make it feel more approachable and historic).

SHOP colorful mosaic tiles

Romanek Design Studio

19 of 55

Make It Sexy

Bathroom design reaches peak sexiness in this one by Romanek Design Studio. The smokey mirrored tiles adorning the partition make it feel larger and exude an airy of mystery and intrigue. The silver zellige tiles enhance this mood even further.

SHOP mirror tiles

2Lg Studio

20 of 55

Mock a Material

Who needs hardwood floors in the bathroom when you can have mock-wood tile floors? They're super easy to clean and they add a modern, cheeky edge. In this bathroom designed by 2LG Studio, the black tub frame complements the sharp black lines in the tiles nicely.

SHOP faux wood tiles

Gail Davis Design

21 of 55

Complement the Paint Color

This hidden vanity in a Gail Davis–designed bathroom is such a fun surprise. The orange mirror picks up on the warmth of the curtains and wallpaper accents while the striped penny tile floor complements the navy paint.

SHOP blue penny tiles

Leanne Ford Interiors

22 of 55

Take it to the Top

The white hexagonal ceiling tiles meet the stained wood shiplap to visually separate the shower and the sink area in this forward-thinking bathroom designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.

SHOP simple white tiles

LAURE JOLIET

23 of 55

Match Your Tiles

Featuring more shades of marigold than we knew existed, these zellige tiles bring so much personality to this bathroom designed by ETC.etera for Firehouse Hotel. Match your backsplash to your tiled floors and shower walls, for a similarly high-impact and cohesive aesthetic.

SHOP yellow zellige tiles

Ishka Designs

24 of 55

Vary Tile Styles

When designing a minimalist and modern bathroom, stick to things like neutral tones. But keep things interesting and varied by layering tiles of different materials for different sections in the space, as Ishka Designs did in this luxe, nature-inspired bathroom.

SHOP ribbed tiles

2LG Studios

25 of 55

Make It Monochrome

Monochrome always looks cool and this 2LG Studios bathroom is no exception. Plus, sticking to a one-tone color scheme makes the entire design process a lot easier. We also love how they made the awkward corner into something awesome with a custom vanity and mirror.

SHOP pink mosaic tiles

Stephen Karlisch

26 of 55

Add Movement

Dallas-based designer Jean Liu added tons of movement and textural intrigue with a statement wall of tiles. Since the tiles feature an intricate pattern, the grayscale color scheme maintains a sense of calm—a must for a bathroom.

SHOP dimensional tiles

Heidi Callier Design

27 of 55

Create Texture

Between the orange penny tiles on wall, marble tiles on the floor, and bronze statement sconce, there's so much amazing texture in this Heidi Cailier–designed bathroom. The olive cabinets and brass accents round out the color story perfectly.

SHOP marble tiles

Regan Baker Design

28 of 55

Make a Statement Wall

This master bathroom designed by Regan Baker Design is a showstopper, thanks to the entrancing statement wall. It's rich in both color and pattern, which helps give more depth to the otherwise bright white surfaces. The plant wall brings some life while the area rug adds warmth.

SHOP blue patterned tiles

Sara Ligorria Tramp

29 of 55

Mix With Marble

The green marble shower and tub is the obvious winner in this Emily Henderson–designed bathroom, but the zellige tiles on the ground are the unsung heroes. The natural, handmade feel of the tiles speaks to the natural stone whereas classic subway tiles or a patterned mosaic might throw off the organic appeal.

SHOP mini zellige tiles

Felix Forest

30 of 55

Go Grayscale

If you prefer minimalist color palettes but still appreciate a little personality shining through, take a cue from this modern bathroom designed by Arent & Pyke. The grayscale tiles create a mesmerizing graphic pattern without feeling visually chaotic.

SHOP angular tiles

32 Beautiful Bathroom Tile Design Ideas

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/12/21

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

One of the most exciting parts of a bathroom renovation is picking the tile. Whether you opt for a classic subway that will never go out of style or try something more unique (such as a mosaic tile), or you want to make an impact with large-scale bathroom tile, the options are endless. The tile in your bathroom can change the whole look and feel of your space, so it's important to pick wisely.

If you are renovating a bathroom, here 32 beautiful tile ideas to inspire you.

Inspiration and fresh ideas for small bathroom renovations

Whether you're an interior designer yourself or just looking for inspiration and fresh renovation ideas, we'd like to share with you this year's hottest bathroom tile trends.


So, when it comes to interior design, the most important message of 2021 is to be true to yourself and your preferences.

With today's wide selection, from modernized subway tiles and wood look tiles to handmade tiles and the comeback terrazzo effect tiles, there is something for everyone to renovate their bathroom.

Modern subway tiles


Subway textured Carrara Dots Etched Marble Subway (Carrara marble effect in gray and polka dots) will enliven the look of your bathroom or shower area. You can lay this anti-slip moisture-resistant tile in the classic way, or in a herringbone or chevron pattern - the main thing is that you get the desired result.

According to the latest trends of this year, the most popular is the "metro" tile in a modern interpretation. Whether it's a handcrafted style tile (zellige style), a frosted tile that mimics misted glass, or a marble effect tile with a polka dot pattern to add depth and texture (see photo above). Subway tiles in their fresh take will give your bathroom a simple yet modern look.

If you still prefer traditional subway tiles, you can liven up the interior with an interesting installation pattern (for example, herringbone), and to enhance the effect, add a mosaic insert on the subway tiled wall (as in the photo below) .


Wood effect tiles


A contemporary bathroom with Roman Flower Wooden Beige in wood beige with a floral pattern looks bright and fresh.

By opting for wood look porcelain stoneware tiles, in addition to the natural beauty of wood, you will get the strength characteristics of porcelain stoneware. Tiles made from this material will help you embody the Scandinavian style that is popular this year or the style of a country house.

Gems Bianco large-format wood look porcelain stoneware tiles are perfect for bathroom decoration. Such a tile will look harmoniously with an exclusive decor. Thanks to its muted hue, it can also create a warm, welcoming atmosphere of a modern country house.

Tiles with a wood texture look very cozy and will especially please nature lovers. It can be used both inside the house and for lining the shower in the yard, but unlike wood, it is not subject to the negative effects of moisture.

Floral bathroom design

Also in the interior design of the bathroom, botanical motifs and generally organic style are no less relevant. In order to bring the beauty of nature into the room, you can use various decorative elements, for example, a plant in a pot or wallpaper with a floral pattern. But for the bathroom, of course, tiles with botanical prints are better suited.

These two stunning tiles combine sophisticated Japanese style with the strength of porcelain stoneware. Both light cherry blossom tiles (pictured above) and black plank tiles with blossoming branches (pictured below) bring botanical garden charm to the bathroom.

If you like wallpaper with a floral pattern, but would like to protect the finish from moisture, tile gives you that option. The stunning floral mosaic tiles in Carrara and Bardillo marbles are the perfect expression of the botanical bathroom trend.


Neutral tiles

Who said neutral bathroom décor is boring? Mosaic tiles in the form of triangles, despite the discreet beige hue, look alive due to the three-dimensional texture. It is perfect for a shower area or an accent wall in the bathroom.

If you like to freshen up the look of your interior often, then the trend of using neutral-colored tiles for bathroom decoration may well suit you. Instead of knocking down old tiles and putting in new ones every year, opt for tiles in a neutral hue (such as beige, gray, or white). Find tiles in the shade, shape, size and texture that best suits you. It can be, for example, natural stone tiles or white marble.

Create a versatile backdrop for your space, allowing you to easily update the look of your bathroom with colorful accessories. You can do this as often as you wish.

Pink bathroom interior

Pink color is gaining popularity again. The pink palette in the interior will help create a gentle and cozy atmosphere. Pink tiles are perfect for decorating a women's bathroom. Check out La Riviera Rose glazed tiles in a classic square shape.


Geometric bathroom tiles


Two varieties of marble, Bardillo and Carrara, coexist beautifully in this magnificent diamond-shaped pattern, resulting in an interesting combination of white and gray shades. A wonderful embodiment of the trend for the use of geometric shapes in the interior!

And in this interior, Melange Blue porcelain stoneware tiles are used to finish the shower area, in which the geometric pattern is combined with the texture of wood.

Tiles with various geometric patterns offer endless design options.

Check out Gray Deco Fan Glass Mosaic, hexagonal (or octagonal) marble mosaic tiles (such as Thassos White Hexagon Marble Mosaic Tile), and tiles that mimic volume overlay of square figures (Square Weave Equator & Thassos Mosaic).

Tiles of this kind will create a visually interesting interior that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Gold standard tiles

The beauty of gold is timeless and the trend of using gold finishes always remains relevant. Gold tiles and matching sanitary ware bathroom accessories will fit perfectly into many styles: gold finish will look wonderful in modern country houses, houses decorated in the style of various historical eras, and simply in status housing. Pay particular attention to the gold tiles in various shapes and textures.

Pictured is the stunning Gold Bouquet Marble with a botanical pattern in gold. The ever-requested floral design in rich gold hue will give your bathroom a high-end look.

Trenddesign Book, the popular online marketplace for interior designers, names the gold bathroom trend as one of the hottest this year! Glamorous gold accents combined with marble wall and floor finishes will never let you down.

Gold Glass Penny Round Mosaic, which is reminiscent of gold coins, will help create a luxurious glamorous atmosphere in the bathroom.

Wonderful marble effect tiles

Since we mentioned marble, let's take a closer look at this trend. There are many ways to introduce this beautiful material into the interior of the bathroom: it can be classic tiles (or “metro” tiles) with different types of marble, marble mosaic, etc.

Calacatta Gold Honed Marble, for example, is an excellent finishing material for creating a luxurious shower area, while Wooden Beige Polished Marble with a wood-like texture can be used to decorate a bathroom in a rustic style or in the style of a modern country house.

Due to its natural beauty, marble remains one of the most popular bathroom finishing materials. The marble mosaic shown in the photo in the form of three-dimensional hexagons is perfectly combined with a wooden cabinet and modern sinks. You can also go the traditional route, opting for Carrara marble subway tiles for the walls and black and white tiles for the floor.

Small Bathroom Tiles

The tiny pieces of marble that make up Luxor Bianco Carrara & Thassos White Micro Mosaic tile will freshen up the look of indoor and outdoor shower areas.

What could be better than a small mosaic, because it can be used to make any pattern you want! Using mosaic tiles (like Bloom Micro Mosaic) you can create a beautiful flooring that is not only durable and resistant to moisture, but thanks to the many grout lines, not so slippery.

Bold colors and tile patterns

Another trend this year is bright decoration - bold colors, contrasting patterns, etc. Tiles do not have to be large format. For example, thanks to its shiny surface, glossy tiles can already make a strong statement and transform the interior.

You can keep a minimalist bathroom but make it more expressive with a striking tile color. For example, the Mallorca Black ceramic tile shown in the photo, thanks to its black tone, glazed surface and slight irregularities, helps to create a stylish look.

For an accent wall in the bathroom, you can choose tiles with the right combination of color and pattern. This White & Green Bricks Carrara & Glass Mosaic panel combines Carrara marble with emerald green glass to form an eclectic brick pattern. Pay attention to how interesting this mosaic panel looks together with a harmoniously matched mirror and dressing table.

Terrazzo effect tiles

Terrazzo effect tiles are back in fashion, and their range has become even wider. Thanks to its characteristic appearance, it always looks interesting and enlivens the interior. It remains only to choose the tiles of the desired format with the desired combination of colors and the appropriate size of the elements.

You will agree that this terrazzo-effect tile chosen for bathroom decoration looks very funny. If you are in the rental business, this look is sure to catch the eye of a potential tenant.

Unique tile surface

Tiles can be laid in perfectly even rows, but each tile does not have to be perfect… With tiles that vary slightly in finish, shade or pattern, a stunning and unique surface can be created.

With their imperfect, handcrafted appearance, the Zellige tiles will help create an unpretentious yet visually interesting bathroom interior.

The warm and inviting atmosphere of this bathroom is achieved through the use of La Riviera Lavanda Blue glazed ceramic tiles with slight irregularities and slightly different shades from tile to tile. It goes well with a stone sink and rustic accents. Such an interior will look great in a country house or in an exquisite city mansion.

If you prefer the look of natural materials, look for example Marquina Square Marble Mosaic with natural contrasting marble pattern, Penny Rounds (penny type) – each mosaic element has an individual look. Tiles of this kind in your bathroom will always look relevant.

The natural variety of pattern on the surface of marble has attracted people for centuries. Wavy Hex Calacatta Gold & Thassos, with its creative shape and natural vein pattern, paired with a wooden vanity unit and potted plants, creates an organic bathroom design.

You can already see samples of the collections at the stand in our company showroom KERAMOGRANIT.RU
Attentive to your needs, sellers who are well aware of the huge assortment of the salon will be happy to provide you with qualified advice and full support for the order.

SALON ADDRESS: MOSCOW, STR. NOVOGIREEVSKAYA, DOM. 10, BODY 1. PHONE: +7 495 988 26 05

8 creative ideas for using tiles in the bathroom


Tiles have long been the main material for bathroom decoration. And even though now even paint and wallpaper are actively stepping on her heels, not to mention more durable options, it’s still incredibly difficult to imagine a bathroom without tiles. Novate.ru tells how it can be used to decorate the interior and make it more original.
How about experimenting with shape, color, layout, or even grouting? Here are some ideas for inspiration.


Idea 1: A niche as an accent


Tiles of a different color are often used to decorate a niche

In bathrooms, niches most often play the role of shelves for storage. If the recesses in the wall were not provided for by the layout, they can be built on purpose, choosing the most optimal place. For example, in the shower area, next to the bathtub, above the toilet installation, near the sink, and so on.

To make a niche look interesting and become a beautiful accent in the interior, highlight it with tiles. It can be a variant with a pattern or just a different color. The main thing is that it harmoniously fits into the interior. Experiment with the shape and number of niches. A narrow recess in the entire wall will look very beautiful and stylish. Given that you will have to arrange bottles, bottles and jars of different sizes on the shelves, make sure that there is enough distance between the shelves.

Speaking of shelves. Best of all, wood-like specimens will look in a niche. Only you need to use not natural material, but porcelain stoneware that imitates wood, as it is more resistant to moisture. Don't forget spotlights for the shelves. A small and simple trick, but with its help you immediately get a convenient and stylish design element.

Idea 2: Diagonal or herringbone layout


Diagonal layout and herringbone look original

To make the bathroom look really interesting, pick up tiles of an unusual shape in a beautiful, deep color, and make a diagonal layout. In this case, the wall will definitely attract attention and admiring glances. In addition to the fact that the diagonal layout looks non-standard, it also visually increases the space. This technique, by the way, works not only in the case of laying on the wall, but also on the floor.

Note: Diagonal nesting may result in excess material consumption due to undercutting. Therefore, if you have a limited budget and the main goal is to save on repairs, choose a different tile laying option.

Idea 3: Laying rectangular tiles vertically


Rectangular tiles are most often laid horizontally

In most cases, rectangular tiles are installed horizontally in a staggered way, as a result of which they visually become similar to brickwork. We offer to give preference to a non-standard solution, and lay the tiles vertically.
This visual trick will make the ceiling appear much higher than it really is. In addition, the vertical layout will become an additional accent, because the tiled area will differ not only in shade, but also in the way of laying.

Idea 4: Lettering


Any word can be written on the floor using tiles. / Photo: ivd.ru

Using a mosaic, you can put a motivating phrase or word on the wall or on the floor. The decision is quite bold, because if you want to change the inscription or erase it, then it is unlikely to be done in a short time. Therefore, having decided on this technique, approach the choice of a quote very responsibly. And, of course, do not forget to make a calculation in advance - you must be sure that the small tile will fall as it should and the phrase will not only catch your eye, but also fit into the interior.

Idea 5: Optical Illusion


Hexagonal tiles should transition from wall to floor

Using hexagon tiles is not a new idea. Thanks to its original appearance, it has become very popular among interior designers, and some even managed to get bored. If we talk about non-banal solutions, then you can use such a tile to design an optical effect. For example, use it as a finishing material for both tiles and floors. On the wall, the material should be combined with paint, and on the floor - with wood. As a result of such a tricky technique, the boundaries will blur and the walls will smoothly flow onto the floor. And paint and wood are needed just in order not to completely get confused in the boundaries and not experience discomfort while in the bathroom. Here is such an unusual optical effect.

Idea 6: Shaped edge


The hexagon tile does not have to be laid all the way

Once again, the hexagon tile becomes the main character of our decorative technique, only this time a different trick is used. As in the previous paragraph, we suggest combining tiles with paint - a strong, durable and water-resistant material is ideal for decorating "wet" areas, in particular, the shower and the wall above the sink.
It is the area above the sink that attracts attention - the tile was left with curly edges, instead of cutting it into a banal even rectangle. This solution looks fresh, original and expressive, even though the color of the finishing materials is not bright, but basic.

Idea 7: Color grout


Color grout adds brightness and hue

Designers have been using this technique in their projects for more than a year, but still it cannot be called relevant and popular. Especially rare is the combination of colored grout with bright tiles. For example, you can take a glossy green finishing material and harmoniously combine it with pink grout. Perhaps it will look somewhat provocative, but you are unlikely to find such a design move anywhere else. The interior of the bathroom can be supplemented with various gold-colored details, such as a mirror frame, lamps, faucets. They will add a touch of luxury and pomposity.

Idea 8: Tiles + lining


Clapboard looks great on the walls, adding comfort

Yes, you heard right. Clapboard is really not associated with something expensive and pretentious, and it is generally unrealistic to imagine it in the bathroom, because wood in wet areas is a rather controversial decision. However, you can find a way out of any situation and turn everything around so that any material harmoniously fits into the interior of the bathroom.

So, in order to break the stereotypes, we will need to combine wooden panels, similar to lining, with marbled tiles or other natural stone.


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