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Tub surround tile ideas


Creative Bathtub Tile Ideas And Inspiration — TruBuild Construction

TruBuild Construction

TruBuild Construction

Creative Bathtub Tile Ideas And Inspiration

If you’re looking for creative design inspiration to give you bathtub tile ideas, you have come to the right place!

Planning a bathroom remodel has so many moving parts, and choosing tile can be one of the most fun to do! Tiling a bathtub surround can really set the tone for the look of a bathroom.

Tile around the tub has the ability to create a bold statement, a clean contemporary feel, or really anything that you can dream up for your bathroom design!

With so many possibilities for tile designs, it might be hard to know where to start if you’re planning on your own.

That’s why we created put this together - to give you bathtub surround tile ideas and inspiration as you work to design a functional and beautiful space!

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4 Things To Consider When Designing A Bathtub Surround Tile Layout:

When you begin coming up with you bathtub surround tile design, you will want to consider a few factors that will tie into the over all look of the space.

Each of these factors impacts the look and function of your bathtub in one way or another, so it is worth weighing your options carefully.

Below I provided images showing examples of each option that should be decided as you create a tile design for your surround. I hope this will help you be able to better visualize how your own space could look!

1. Height Of The Tub Surround Tile -

You will want to consider what height the tile surround will go in the shower.

Typically we see people choose one of two options: “standard height”, or to the ceiling.

“Standard height” would mean tiling up to 6 feet, as measured from the floor. This is usually below the height where the shower head is located.

When working with clients, our preference is to tile all the way up to the ceiling. This is because it protects the wall and makes it easier to clean. It also can make a room look larger by having the tile go all the way up with no break.

It is worth mentioning, some people also choose to tile their ceiling, although this isn’t something we see as standard in most bathrooms. The exception would be if the ceiling is low or at an angle that will likely get wet.

2. Where The Tile Surround Will Stop -

Your next decision would be where to stop the tile surround on the edge.

Generally, we see people choose one of two options.

  1. Stop the tile at the edge of the shower.

  2. Go past the edge of the tub a few inches and then tile all the way to the floor.

This is up to your preference for look and function. Tile that comes past the edge of the tub a few inches can be preferred if you’re worried about water splashing out and getting onto the surrounding walls, although it only protects a small area.

3. The Grout Color -

Next it is important to consider if you want to have grout that will blend in with the color of the tile, or if you want the grout to be a contrasting color.

When considering which is right for you, it helps to think about what you want to focus on when looking at the tub surround.

Often contrasting grout colors will draw attention to the shape of each individual tile, and offer a bit more rustic or industrial flare to the space.

A grout color that blends with the tile offers a cleaner, more classic look and the attention is more focused on the tile as a whole and not on the grout lines.

4. Options For Storage To Add To Bathtub Tile Surround:

When you’re planning your tub surround you don’t want to forget the storage! With all the shampoo, soap, razors, and other essentials that get stored around a bathtub, you’ll want to make selecting this option a priority.

Here are the two main built-in storage options available for your bathtub surround:

Corner tile shelves are often made from stone, ceramic, or metal. They are installed by being tiled into the corners of the surround at varying heights.

There can be one or more depending on the amount of storage you need. This style offers some flexibility on the height of the bottles that might be stored on them since you have full control over the spacing.

This often is the most simple and cost-effective option for adding storage to a tiled bathtub surround.

Shampoo and soap niches must be built into the tub surround while it is being prepped for tile. They can be made from stone that is already finished and ready to install, or they can be made to have tile installed over them when the surround walls are tiled.

Ready-made niches can be purchased in a variety of sizes, and generally are made to fit between studs in a wall. If you have your heart set on something more unique, custom size and shape niches can also be built in place but will require more skill and cost.

Niches are a great, high-end look when it comes to storage, but they also can come with more complications. The location where it will be installed will need to be free from any plumbing, HVAC, or electrical wires in order to have room for the niche to be placed into the wall. The spacing of the studs that it will be mounted between can also sometimes make it more tricky to get it centered in a particular location unless you are willing to reframe portions of the wall.

These are important things to keep in mind, especially if you will not know what is in your walls surrounding the bathtub until they are already opened up.

If you decide to go with a shower niche, you will then need to choose the location whether it be the back wall, or one of the side walls.

First you’ll want to consider if the larger back wall is on an exterior wall of your home. If it is, then you most likely won’t be able to have your niche there, as there needs to be room for insulation in your exterior walls.

If it is not on an outside wall, then it can be a great option as there are lots of different possibilities for where and how many niches you can fit along that larger space.

A side wall can also be a great choice if you prefer not to have your stored items visible when inside the niche.

Almost always, the side wall where the shower head is located will not work, as it has plumbing running in it which means there would not be room for the niche to fit.

The wall opposite the shower head is a popular option for many clients we work with, and it allows for one or more niches depending on the size and style you choose.

Once you have figured out your niche location, you’ll want to decide how decorative you want your niche to be.

Niches can be tiled to match the rest of the tile in the shower, or can be contrasting with a different pattern or tile used inside.

Many of our clients use a niche as an opportunity to select an accent tile. Doing this can be a way to use a fun pattern tile that they love but wouldn’t want to use in a larger area because it might be overwhelming for their taste. Another reason would be that it is a more expensive tile than the budget would allow for allover use, but would be within range when only a foot or two is needed for inside the niche.

On the other hand, some people we have worked with prefer the niche to blend with the rest of the tile. This may be to have a more simple, clean look overall, or because they argue that the niche does not need to be decorative since there will be shampoo bottles and other items inside that would block the tile from view.

There are no right or wrong decisions when it comes to this, it really is all about preference and finding a design you love!

Some Of Our Favorite Bathtub Tile Surround Ideas Right Now:

We love a beautiful pattern and this combination of crisp White Subway Tile is the perfect complement to the Blue And White Pattern Concrete Tile.

The blue tile is fun and the pop of color is just what any bathroom needs to add personality and a fresh take on a classic style.

Black and white is a classic combination!

We adore a bold Black Subway Tile and a modern zigzag Black And White Pattern Tile together.

Whether the subway tile runs horizontally or vertically, this pair adds drama to this bathtub.

For a contemporary take on a classic style, we love this Wood-Look Chevron Tile with blue and gray tones that is combined with a trendy Oversize Gray Subway Tile.

The tile is updated while still having texture and not being too sterile. This is definitely a look that turns heads!

For a new take on a soft, classic design we paired this White Subway Tile with a beautiful Gray And White Patterned Tile.

Even when used in a larger space, the pattern isn’t too overwhelming because of the more muted colors.

This can work really well in any style or age of home and make it feel fresh!

It is possible to use both geometric angles and natural stone together as is beautifully shown with this lovely rich Green Picket Tile and the soft look of veining in this Large Format Marble Tile.

The contrast between the two creates a modern look with a touch of classic elegance that feels powerful and luxurious at the same time.

This could even work well with a faux marble porcelain tile for those wanting a low maintenance option.

Conclusion

Taking the time to consider all the details of how you want your tiled bathtub surround to look and function will pay off in a big way once you have the finished product! We hope that seeing some of these styles and designs helps you find inspiration. It is really fun to be able to design a custom tile surround look that shows your personality and makes you happy every time you use the space!

Now we want to hear from you - Are you planning a bathroom remodel or to tile your tub surround? What kind of tile and colors are you most drawn to for your own space? Let us know in the comments below!

Tagged: DIY, diy, Remodeling tips, remodeling tips, tub tile, HR

10 Ideas for Bathtub Surrounds

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 06/12/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

 A bathtub surround is a vertical surface material that protects the walls just above a bathtub or bathtub/shower unit. Surrounds can be constructed in many styles, ranging from a single row of ceramic tile that serves as a kind of backsplash around the tub, to fully covered walls that encase the three sides of a bathtub or shower alcove. In some bathrooms, the surround can include virtually all wall surfaces. 

Although typically made of ceramic tile, other materials can also be used for bathtub surrounds, including sheets of acrylic or polyester, or sheets of solid-surface material. 

9 unusual design ideas — INMYROOM

Tips

We talk about the most interesting solutions in bathroom decoration — if you are looking for original ideas, take note!

What could be more familiar than bathroom tiles? This is the most practical and reliable material for a wet room, and it is difficult to find a replacement for it. But typical options like "boar" are already pretty tired.

We have selected cool bathroom interiors with unusual tiles and non-standard solutions. We tell.

Tiles only in the “wet” area

The main reason why tiles are used in the bathroom is that they do not let water through and do not deteriorate from moisture. This means that it can be used strictly for its intended purpose - where water enters: in the shower room, near the bathtub and above the sink.

The rest of the walls can be decorated as you like: paint or wallpaper. But in the pursuit of originality, do not forget about practicality: choose moisture-resistant materials so that they last a long time.

Pay attention to how unusual the interior looks, where only a small part of the wall is tiled. This decision further emphasizes the contrast of shades: rich, deep blue is adjacent to snow-white ceramics.

And in this bathroom of a country house, they decided to leave the cobbled walls and lay tiles only where it is really necessary. Marbled porcelain stoneware and painted wood create a fun combination: a kind of “bohemian” farmhouse.

Embossed tiles

Relief or 3D tiles are rapidly gaining popularity. No wonder, because it looks really original. And volumetric tiles are not just an interesting solution, but also one of the trends: the latest trends in the design world proclaim the priority of texture over ornament.

In this bathroom, only one of the walls was tiled with embossed tiles, while for the others, ordinary tiles from different collections were selected. The result is a laconic and stylish interior.

Unusual "boar"

The beloved "boar" is good for many reasons: timeless classic, neutral background for bold designs, simple choice.

But when there is too much good, it starts to get boring. In the case of tiles, the solution is very simple: you like the "boar", but tired of the monotony - pay attention to the color version and the original way of laying.

Non-standard tile shape

But those who are tired of classic tiles will definitely like non-standard tiles: in the form of honeycombs, fish scales or even a geometric version with a complex layout.

Design: Maxim Novinkov

Design: Rimma Semyonova

Combination of tiles from different collections

Decorating the entire bathroom with the same tiles is like putting on a tracksuit — quickly, conveniently, but without imagination.

Try different tiles to match. This is not difficult, given that now almost all manufacturers offer ready-made solutions. And the interior will definitely become more interesting and modern.

Design: Julia Chernova

Design: Design Filosofia

Tiles with imitation of natural materials

Modern tile production technologies make it possible to exactly repeat the texture and pattern of natural materials. Sometimes a tile cannot be distinguished from real stone or wood, not only in appearance, but also in touch.

Tiles with imitation of wood, marble, onyx, concrete allow you to create a stylish interior that will be relevant for many years, because natural materials are not subject to fashion.

Design: Irina Fakhrutdinova

Bright finish

If you want an unusual interior, make it bright! Saturated shades will add character to the room and set the mood. The main thing is not to overdo it with multicolor: three or four colors are enough. A large number of shades is difficult to combine, and the interior can turn out to be clumsy.

Just look how fun and playful bathrooms can be made with color!

Colored grout

Ordinary unpretentious tiles can be interestingly played up and presented in a new way by complementing it with contrasting grout. This idea will appeal to those who love simple but unbanal interiors.

See how well the grout and the companion tile are combined here: the color seems to flow from one to the other, creating a harmonious composition.

Terrazzo

Here's another trend on our list. Multi-colored pieces of glass, marble and stone filled with cement are very popular this year and are increasingly found in interiors.

This material was invented a long time ago in Venice, and then it was a way to dispose of fragments of building materials. Now terrazzo is experiencing a rebirth as a purely decorative material.

In this interior, the designers have chosen a stunning color combination: concrete gray with pink splashes and the same pink main tile.

100+ photos of bathroom tiles: the best design projects

The bathroom becomes not only a functional, but also a beautiful, fashionable room in a modern apartment. This is a place to relax and unwind after a busy day at work. That is why the design of the bathroom should be unobtrusive, harmonious, cozy. As a rule, tiles or porcelain stoneware are used to finish a modern bathroom. And the choice of this finishing material depends on what your bathroom will end up with.

If you don't know what style to decorate your bathroom, what tiles to choose for this, how to think over a combination of colors, then read this article. In it, we will look at the latest bathroom design trends, current color and stylistic solutions, popular finishing materials 2020-2021.

Contents:

Bathroom decor tiles: latest trends and design novelties 2020 - 2021

Recently, minimalist urban and stylish light Scandinavian design has been rapidly gaining popularity. These two trends in interior design have won the hearts of many owners of modern homes. The loft is gradually moving from cafe interiors to our homes, and the discreet Scandinavian style imposed by IKEA catalogs is increasingly being chosen by designers to decorate modern kitchens and bathrooms. Both directions are distinguished by their conciseness and practicality.

Popular styles

If you have a small bathroom, then it is better to resort to decorating it in a light Scandinavian style. To do this, you will need either a white tile or a very light one. The floor can be decorated in black and white colors. To do this, choose a mosaic, a hexagonal tile or a beautiful tile with an interesting black and white ornament. Often, in the design of a Scandinavian-style bathroom, they use rectangular white tiles that imitate brickwork, and, in dry areas, they do not put it on the entire wall, but end it in the middle of the wall, decorating the end with a beautiful border. The rest of the wall can be painted light blue, purple, grey, turquoise or whatever color you like.

Scandinavian white tiled bathroom

If you have a large bathroom, you can design it in an urban style. As a rule, the creation of such an interior requires walls that imitate "bare" concrete, but you can finish with textured tiles in dark shades, but it is better to use natural stone or porcelain stoneware slabs. Recently, matte tiles of a fairly large size with the texture of natural stone or wood are gaining popularity. Examples, photos of a bathroom with dark-colored tiles are presented below.

Dark urban bathroom interiors

Modern shapes and designs of ceramic tiles

Tile is still the favorite material for bathroom decoration. Only the shape, color, ornaments and texture of the tiles change. Recently, a rectangular 60 x 30 cm tile has been used to decorate the bathroom. Natural stone and porcelain stoneware are also in fashion, which has a different shape, but the slab itself is quite large. Such materials are good for decorating large and spacious rooms. The latest trend in bathroom design is the use of marble slabs, see examples of such interiors in the photo.

Marble tiles are in vogue

Bathroom decor in warm colors

If you have a small bathroom, it is better to give preference to light or white tiles of a small size or even use small mosaics for decoration. Now a small tile imitating brick has become fashionable. Also in trend is glass mosaic, it is used to decorate the area near the sink or shower wall. If you're designing a Scandinavian-style or Art Deco-inspired bathroom/toilet, the floor can be laid out with stylish pixel tiles with geometric black and white patterns. At first glance, it is somewhat reminiscent of a mosaic, but this tile design looks much more interesting. You can find pixel tiles in the catalogs of online stores selling Italian ceramics.

Founding with a bathroom that imitates brick masonry

The interior of the bathroom with mosaic

Fashionable novelty - the designers are not only in terms and are in constant search for new ideas and forms. Therefore, now, when developing a bathroom design, tiles of non-standard shapes and colors are increasingly being used. They are also experimenting with options for laying ceramic tiles. It is laid out with a herringbone, narrow rectangular plates, different forms of tiles and mosaics are combined in one interior. Hexagon-shaped tiles are back in fashion again.

Photo of the interior of a bathroom with tiles: a new look at the classic hexagonal tile

Facing moist zones with glass mosaics

Interesting tiles for the bathroom

9000 9000 9000 rooms

In 2020-2021, designs with an application for naturalness and naturalness will remain popular. “Natural” finishing materials such as wood, stone, clay, etc. will be in fashion. Therefore, for the design of modern bathrooms, matte tiles in beige, brown, gray shades with the texture of wood or stone will be used. If funds allow, you can finish the bathroom with natural stone, while laying out the floor and walls with tiles in the same color scheme. Monochromatic designs are very popular right now.

Wall and ceiling tiling with natural stone or porcelain tiles in one color

Black and white bathrooms look just as stylish. For large baths, it is important to use tiles of various shapes and colors to create a visual separation between the wet and dry areas in the bathroom.

Black and white bathroom

Italian tile catalogs are increasingly featuring Scandinavian-style ornamental tiles. By choosing a similar colored tile, you can very easily create an interesting and at the same time uncomplicated interior. Just divide the space into zones, lay out one part of the wall with colored tiles with ornaments, and the rest of the wall with classic white tiles. An example of such a tile design in the bathroom, see the photo.

Scandinavian style tile

Which bathroom tile to choose?

As already mentioned above, when choosing tiles and finishing materials in general, one should start from the size of the room. It will be easier to tile the walls of a small bathroom with small tiles, and decorating a large room will be less laborious if you opt for large rectangular or square tiles.

Stylish bathroom design

The color of the tiles will depend on the overall concept that will be used in the design and decoration of the room. If we talk about the combination of furniture color and tile shade, then it is better to choose either very similar tones, or, on the contrary, very contrasting ones.

Choice of bathroom tiles: color solutions

The most fashionable color this season will undoubtedly be gray. But do not think that the interior with gray tiles will be boring. Using a rich variety of shades and textures of this finishing material, you can create an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation in a gray bathroom. Given the trend of using natural materials, stone tiles will be very relevant this year. Here is an example of a bathroom tile design photo showing how the nobility of stone combined with minimalism and other natural materials creates a truly stylish and modern atmosphere.

Stylish gray tiles in the bathroom

Often, to create a harmonious atmosphere, ceramic tiles are chosen to duplicate the texture of bathroom furniture, i.e. if the furniture has glossy facades, then the tiles should be glossy, and if you plan to buy furniture made of natural wood, then the tiles should repeat its texture.

Life hack: how to lay tiles yourself?

If you have decided to make repairs and design your own bathroom, then you can be helped by video tutorials that are devoted to laying tiles for the bathroom and little bathroom design tricks.

Educational video: Founding of the bathroom with tiles

TECHING VIDEO: how to make a hole in the tile

Beautiful tile for the bathroom: photos with ideas of design

9000 a bathroom in which everything is carefully planned, you can do it yourself. Get inspired by a collection of photos with an interesting design of bathroom tiles and come up with your own interior solutions.

Learn more