36 bathroom tile ideas to add impact and transform your space

We're all looking for the perfect bathroom ideas to ensure we can relax and unwind in style, but that doesn't mean we have to stick to boring white across the board. 

In fact, bathroom tile ideas can give us the freedom to create a space that is full of colour, pattern and personality, as well as the break up the room into different zones. 

Diane Hyde, Marketing Manager at Craven Dunnill (opens in new tab) says, 'Tiles are beautiful pieces of art on their own and have the power to utterly transform a room. If you’re looking to experiment with bold colours and decors and inspired layouts and patterns, the bathroom is the perfect space to make a distinctive design statement that is uniquely individual.' 

'Bringing texture up onto the walls through tiles adds tactility and allows light to beautifully reflect off the glazes, bringing vitality to a space. Whether you’re looking to go bright and bold or simple and classic, tile offerings come in a whole range of elegant designs to suit all types of homes.'

Thea Babington-Stitt

Design enthusiast Thea loves writing about all aspects of interior design, and is a font of knowledge when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. As well as her own design know-how and keen eye for a great idea, Thea interviewed key industry experts including Damla Turgut from Otto Tiles, Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs and Diane Hyde, Marketing Manager at Craven Dunnill for this article. 

Bathroom tile ideas

Whether you're starting your bathroom from scratch, renovating an existing space, or simply looking for an easy update, one of these bathroom tile ideas is sure to work for you.

1. Pair simple subway tiles with luxe marble

The pairing of a simple dark green subway tile, with the more luxurious material of marble, makes for a winning look in a bathroom. Positioning the subway tiles in a zig-zag formation, a contemporary tile layout pattern, adds interest and using a white grout links them to the cool shade of the marble.

Louisa Swannell, Head of Creative Design at Walls & Floors (opens in new tab) explains one of the trends they are currently seeing in their clients bathrooms. 'Cool jewel hues such as teal and blue, in varying forms of subway-style tiles, are often paired with luxurious marble notes to create a boutique hotel aesthetic. The wide choice now available offers a variety of finishes including chic matt finish bricks and even more traditional zellige styles. The beauty of subway styles is they can be reinvented across different interior trends due to the versatility in laying patterns allowing them to stay as an iconic bathroom feature for 2023 and beyond.'

2. Opt for rectangular shapes in a shower

If you're looking for shower tile ideas, think about mixing up the shapes of your tiles from square or classic metro. 

Diane Hyde at Craven Dunnill says, 'The current trend for small rectangular tiles laid vertically or in a brick effect can be particularly striking and very effective in a shower enclosure. Patterned tiles and decors are also perfect for creating a statement shower enclosure that makes any bathroom stand out. While I wouldn't recommend textured tiles or natural stone in this space, slip resistant tiles are a perfect alternative to a shower tray or wet room.'

3. Lean towards large-scale tiles

While smaller-scale tiles are great for creating pattern and adding personality to your bathroom, large-scale tiles are your go-to for making a space seem larger.

Colin Lincoln-Evans, Buyer at Tile Mountain (opens in new tab) explains, 'There’s a rise in the popularity for large format tiles being installed in bathrooms regardless of the room’s size.  These tiles create real impact, and due to the fewer number of grout lines necessary for their installation, they create an air of space and a seamless aesthetic especially when the same tiles are used on both walls and floors.”  

Here the homeowner has used opted for large-scale tiles for their bathroom floor tile idea, which really works well paired with the smaller hexagon tiles used on the wall. 

4. Plump for Pink

When looking at different colour bathroom tile ideas, it's good to know what's currently popular to aid your own choice for your bathroom. Grey bathroom ideas have been popular for some time but adding in a little more warmth might be the way to go this year.

Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore (opens in new tab) says, 'We are seeing a real surge in demand for pink tiles, in particular lighter blush pinks.'

'Terracotta is also enjoying a massive comeback when it comes to floor tiles, perhaps as it is warm and comforting. Marble-effect tiles remain huge, but we’ll see slightly different takes to make them stand out from the crowd, including veining in distinctive colours.'

5. Turn to terrazzo

Terrazzo is a trend that pops up in all areas of interiors, so it's no surprise that it would be a popular choice for bathrooms too. While some may feel its print is a little overwhelming, you can opt to use it sparingly (or not!) so it's a fairly versatile pattern.

Ruth Foster, Interior Designer at Victoria Plum (opens in new tab) explains, 'For 2023, we predict terrazzo tile designs will be one of the most popular styles coming to bathroom tiles.'

'With its signature speckled stone look, terrazzo tiles add a depth of sophistication to bathrooms. When paired with a neutral colour palette and bathroom plant ideas, this can create a washroom with a natural and timeless theme.'

6. Take tiles up and above

You don't have to play it safe in a bathroom just because it's a practical room, in fact actually when it comes to bathroom tile ideas, you can get as creative as you like! Whether you use small or large tiles and just how you use them, is totally up to you so throw out the rule book and be brave!

Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs (opens in new tab) explains, 'There is no hard and fast rule as to whether small or large tiles are more popular in bathroom design. Instead, homeowners are choosing tiles they love and are being very creative in the use of them, including using different sizes and styles within the same space.'

Here the homeowner has opted for simple, pale terracotta tiles, and has covered not just the walls with them, but the ceiling too, a brilliant example of modern bathroom tile ideas. Adding in some detailed tiles to act as a break between the two spaces creates a show stopping feature. 

7. Play with scale

A great way to add interest with tiles in even the smallest of bathrooms is to mix and match with scale. Take whatever shape of tile you're using on the floor and then find the identical shape in a smaller scale to act as a splashback behind the sinks.

Make sure that you choose two tiles with quite distinct size differences for the biggest impact. You can switch up colours, too, but keep it cohesive by keeping the two areas in the same general sector of the colour wheel.

8. Create colourful impact

Colour drenching is the go-to term right now for painting rooms. Take inspiration from this style by using colourful tiles to cover almost every (or go for it and do every!) surface in the bathroom. Don't go too small with your individual tiles, as a multitude of tiny tiles in addition to a bright colour can feel overwhelming.

If you don't want to cover absolutely everywhere, keep a section of the wall bare to paint in a complementary shade.

9. Attract the eye

Let's face it, there are a lot of areas in a bathroom which just aren't that exciting, but you need to have them out of necessity. Use tiles to direct the eye to one particular area of the room. This will be the main place guests will look at if you're showing them around and, on a day to day basis, it's where your eye will most naturally be drawn.

The area behind a vanity unit is the most natural space for this, mirrored surfaces tend to be a focal point anyway. Choose a patterned tile to make sure the gaze knows directly where to go.

10. Experiment with laying patterns

Even the most simple tiles can offer up a world of possibilities if you're willing to think outside the box when laying them in patterns. If you love cool, geometrics, rather than buying tiles pre-made in those shapes, why not play around with other tiles and see what you can create.

This is a wonderful way to get a unique and striking look. For inspiration, many tile companies can show you innovative ways of mixing and matching tiles together to create beautiful patterns.

11. Zone the space with floor tiles

In a larger bathroom, you can actually use floor tiles to visually zone the space. Perhaps you have one style around the bathing area and another running from the shower to the sink. This is a great way to break up otherwise bland floor space when working out how to plan a bathroom.

There's a multitude of ways to use tiles in this way. You could use one colour in two different shapes for a subtle approach, or two distinct tiling patterns for a more dramatic look. Contrasting grout will help draw the visual boundary even further.

12. Mix and match styles

There's a time and a place for subtlety, and it's up to you when that is. Since you don't spend all day in a bathroom, why not use this opportunity to have a little fun and experiment in a way you might not in a space like a living room or a kitchen. Mix and match your favourite colours, shapes and patterns to give the room personality.

There are no rules if you're taking this route – just whatever will bring you joy when you step in through that door each morning.

13. Extend floor tiles up the wall

Beautifully simple floor tiles often get, for lack of a better phrase, swept under the rug. Make more of an impression with these classic additions by taking the same tiles right up onto the walls and built-in storage units.

Avoid taking the tiles all the wall up the wall, especially if they're in a neutral tone, as it will make the room feel cold and uninviting. Paint the upper two thirds of the wall, or choose one of the bathroom wallpaper ideas.

14. Create pattern with veining

Pattern isn't just what we find printed on tiles, you can take it straight from nature. Marbles and other stones have wonderful veining or other natural marking which create stylishly organic free flowing shapes.

While marble bathroom ideas already a form of pattern, up the ante a little more by choosing two contrasting colours of marble, like black and white, so that the veining mirrors each other.

15. Decorate insets

If you want to add a little extra subtle interest to your bathroom tiling, or just want a quick update to your space, decorate wall insets. Just as painting the cavities of shelving units is becoming a popular trick, by tiling the back of a nook in a different patten, you create an unexpected interest.

Since these unsets are usually fairly small, to stop this from feeling jarring, stick to tiles in the same colour palette as the rest of your walls, then go wild with the shapes and laying patterns.

16. Create an ombre effect

Try this imaginative bathroom tile idea to create a sunset-effect. Mixing soft apricots and sunny yellows, blush pinks and berry tone tiles is a creative way to add colour and warmth to the space in style.

Founder of Otto Tiles & Design (opens in new tab) Damla Turgut shares her insight behind the design, 'I love sunsets, who doesn’t, and the sunsets in my home country of Turkey are my favourite.I wanted to recreate the mix of vibrant colours and show how they blend together using tiles. Creating a stunning ombre effect, the idea is simple yet striking.'

17. Style a sink splashback

As you would do in the kitchen, use your bathroom tiles as a sink splashback. A small square of tiles behind the sink area is enough to add a decorative element to enhance a bathroom scheme.

The look can be as subtle or as bold as you desire. More than just looking good the tiles also help to protect walls, from the splashes of everyday sink use.

18. Tile over imperfections

There's nothing worse than creating the perfect bathroom scheme only for exposed ugly pipes to let the look down. Where possible box pipework in to hide it out of sight (just ensure you can still access pipework for any maintenance).

A stylish way to disguise this clever concealment even further is by tiling the boxing in with the same tiles as used throughout the rest of the bathroom. This makes it feel like just any other wall – nothing to see here but a stylish tile!

19. Tile the bath

An effective bath panel idea to conceal the surround is to incorporate it into your tiling scheme. 'Bath panel tiling is exactly what it says on the tin; it is adding tiles to the side of your bath,' explains Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs (opens in new tab).

'Whether in the same or contrasting style as the rest of your bathroom. The process involves using specialist tile backing board which won't warp and requires a bit more effort than using standard bath panels, but it is often worth the extra effort.'

20. Take on the trends

Bathroom trends are a great place to start when considering your tiling, as they can help kickstart your inspiration for the space. There are a plethora of cool new trends already hitting the ground running for the year ahead, but once which isn't going anywhere soon is this Insta-famous design.

These wonderfully inventive tiles can be rotated to make up to three entirely different designs. We particularly like this blush rose tile when paired with matt black furniture, white sanitary ware and grey accessories.

21. Define zones with wall tiles

Let your tiles determine the different zones within a bathroom layout. Use a tiled wall signify the sink area, like here where the stylish black herringbone tiles create a feature wall from floor to ceiling to house the sink and all the elements to accompany it – taps and mirrors.

This works well as a small bathroom idea because it helps to create a sense of space, giving each zone more presence.

22. Match floors and walls with patchwork

If you decide to go with statement floor tiles you may wish to keep the rest of your tiling scheme plain, so as not to overpower the space. But to balance the look you can create a feature wall of matching patterned tiles to unify the designs, without using them all over.

In this bold bathroom the assorted colourful floor tiles are featured as a decorative panel within the shower enclosure, where the three-wide stripe is framed by plain white tiles.

23. Unite the elements

Bathrooms are a multifunctional space, where we tend to our everyday beauty regimes. The room is naturally zoned – the sink for washing hands and brushing teeth; the shower for our daily cleansing and the bath for an indulgent soak.

Using a decorative feature such as tiles to decorate these areas independently helps to unite them. This smart bathroom uses statement black square tiles to create a splashback for the sink, an enclosure for the shower and a decorative surround for the bath – giving equal purpose to each.

24. Fashion a feature wall

Use tiles in the same way as a statement wallpaper in a living room or bedroom, by creating a feature wall. Choose a more colourful or decorative tile to decorate just one wall to help to create a focal point. To keep the look balanced, tile your feature wall on the same wall as the sanitaryware.

25. Make it monochrome

Monochrome is a popular colour combination for bathrooms, largely because it's so versatile and easy to live with. The best tile idea for monochrome bathrooms is to use bright white for walls and statement black tiles for flooring.

This look is especially good for small bathrooms, where the scheme injects plenty of personality without overwhelming the space. Try mixing different tiles shapes and sizes to add further design kudos.

26. Be bold with pattern

Be brave with pattern when tiling the floor first and foremost, because you can keep the rest of the room pared back to accommodate the presence of pattern. If you're feeling really brave why not continue the same pattern into the shower cubicle to really add the wow factor.

27. Create interest with contrasting tiles

Can't decide on one tile? Mix things up to add interest and texture to different surfaces. Use a different but coordinating tile for different purposes throughout the space.

Fun, hexagon tiles add a fresh and modern feel to any bathroom. Allow a larger hexagon tile to take centre stage by using this on a focal wall. When mixing tiles try sticking to a neutral colour palette such as white, pale grey and soft neutrals to prevent them from jarring.

28. Tile up to window height

If you want to immerse the room in colour but don't want to make it feel overwhelming, simply take the tiling up to a mid-level height. In this traditional country-style bathroom sage green tiles inject enough colour without saturating the space.

The mid height trick works especially well when the floor features a busy floor tile. When using colour tiles on the bottom half we suggest sticking to a neutral paint shade for the top half of the wall, as not to draw too much attention away from the tiles below.

29. Form a pattern by mixing colours

Using the same tile in two different colours allows you the freedom to create your own pattern by mixing and matching. Create borders, alternate different sized stripes or work vertically, the choice is yours. Read how to grout wall tiles or regrout tiles – a step-by-step guide for decorating your own bathrooms.

30. Keep it simple with white tiles throughout

If you're looking for a timeless look, tile all the walls in white to keep it clean and simple. Industrial style bathrooms are on trend for 2021 and a key part of the industrial look is stark white tiles and metal fittings. Contrast simple metro tiles with a bold black fixtures and fittings and a concrete look sink to add depth to the scheme.

31. Embrace a bold accent colour

Use tiles to welcome a vibrant splash of colour to an otherwise all-white bathroom. Take the tone of the tile as inspiration to paint the woodwork in a matching shade – as seen here in this blue bathroom. A sea of aqua accessories help to tie in the splashes of blue.

32. Choose a characterful geometric tiled floor

Geometric floor tiles add a contemporary and colourful element to this predominantly white bathroom scheme. They give the room a dynamic edge and the bold design makes the room look wider. The wall tiles are kept simple in white to allow the floor tile to be the hero.

33. Say it with chevrons

For a truly contemporary look, explore alternative methods of tiling in unusual contrasting colours. Drop linear rows of tiles in favour of a chevron style to give your bathroom a unique and quirky appearance. If you don't want to do a whole room, try a panel of blush pink, teal green and black tiles - the perfect chic backdrop for a large steel bath and ladder towel rail.

34. Tile to the top

Why stop at dado height? Floor-to-ceiling tiling can turn a functional bathroom space into something far more appealing. Choose a colour all the family can live with and that will stand the test of time.

The pale green metro tiles in this bathroom are calming and a natural complement to wooden cabinetry. When tiling whole walls stick to a pale grout to prevent the space closing in.

35. Add invigorating accents

Tiles don’t have to be the main feature of a bathroom. Use them to introduce a touch of interest or a splash of colour. A bright white modern bathroom can run the risk of appearing too clinical, so fit a splashback of green mosaic tiles to introduce a shot of welcome colour that softens the overall look. Pick out the green in accessories too to create a cohesive feel.

Don’t make the most common tiling mistakes that can prove costly. as we show you how to avoid them.

36. Bring in the texture

As well as adding colour and pattern to a bathroom, tiles can also provide texture. Look for rough-finish designs in natural shades. These are perfect for creating a chic, spa-like feel in a neutral bathroom that might otherwise be too bland or clinical.

Enhance the impact of textured tiles by limiting their use to specific areas, such as around a bath or shower.

What is the most popular tile for bathrooms in 2023?

Key bathroom tile trends are emerging as homeowners search to inject personality to their homes. So what to look for? Firstly the trend for alternative shapes is growing in popularity as tiles break away from standard field of rectangular shapes.

From mermaid-style scales to honeycomb and bamboo many of the most popular alternative shapes are inspired by nature. 

Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra (opens in new tab) agrees. 'We love the idea of an area tiled with something that feels like the outdoors, such as the Jungle tiles by Clarissa Hulse (opens in new tab), and with a scented trailing plant like jasmine tumbling over the edge of your shower area to scent the area accordingly, you've got yourself the perfect spa-like set up'.

Louisa Swannell, Head of Creative Design Walls & Floors adds, 'The timeless opulence of Carrara Marble is elegant and more popular than ever before due to the affordability of porcelain alternatives. This upscale trend continues to grow and evolve across different colour combinations, namely gold and deep blue tones, and also in a variety of sizes from traditional 25x40cm options to large format 120x120cm styles providing key solutions for both large and small bathroom spaces.'

Designer Laura Popek from Ripples (opens in new tab) in Wokingham offers,  'Onyx tiles are a huge trend in bathrooms right now. They're a modern twist on more traditional marble tiles and are perfect for creating a luxurious look with unique vein patterns and interesting rainbow colouring.'

Which colour tiles are best for a bathroom?

The most popular colour bathroom tile still remains white. Thanks to its timeless, inoffensive and clean looking aesthetic it lends itself to many different decor styles. This classic bathroom colour is a staple for bathrooms of all sizes, helping to make small spaces feel bigger and creating a blank canvas for larger bathrooms.

However, this year there are some new big trends coming through for bathroom colourways. The first is green. Inspired by nature, this will add a calming and restorative feel to the space. 

Abbas Youssefi, at Porcelain Superstore agrees. 'When it comes to the wall, green tiles are HUGE, especially richer tones such as emerald green and deeper bottle greens.'

Ruth Webber, Creative Director at Bert & May (opens in new tab) says, 'In terms of colours, there is definitely a lean towards earthier and organic colourways.' 

Grazzie Wilson at Ca'Pietra is also seeing this trend. 'There’s never just one colour trend to follow – far from it. Pantone tells us vivid magenta is the one to want for 2023. Other sources cite primary colours are the ones you’ll want to splash onto your walls. But the one colour on which the design world unites? Brown. Warm, earthy browns specifically – those that will make your shoulders drop, that help your mind unwind and that cocoon you like a chocolate advert (or better still, chocolate bar) does.'

Finally, Ruth Foster at Victoria Plum adds, 'There will be several colour tile trends emerging in 2023. The waters have been tested with simple and neutral marbles, but bolder marbles with the wow factor are becoming more accessible. In 2023, I expect to see marbles in colours such as jade green, deep black and onyx-inspired pinks.'

What are the best tiles to use in a bathroom?

Many different tile materials work really well in a bathroom setting. LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) are very popular as they are at a lower price point than traditional tiles, but are warm underfoot and deal well with moisture. Ceramic and porcelains are still very common, although you do need to coat them properly to avoid chipping from occurring.

Other natural stones can be used to, but make sure you find either a non-porous type, or get a proper sealant involved. Glass tiles have a lovely appearance, but can be slippy, so are best used on splashbacks

Are large or small tiles best for a bathroom?

Grazzie advises large tiles as the way to go. 'Larger tiles are certainly having a real moment in bathrooms, think mesmerising coloured porcelain like the jade green marble effect in our California and Marble Luxe collections. Super low maintenance and they open up a small space effortlessly.'

Laura agrees. 'Clients are more and more interested in larger format tiles as they can create real drama in the room and the fewer grout lines you have, the easier your bathroom is to maintain and keep clean. Large format tiles look particularly stunning when bookmatched as they draw the eye in and create a focal point within the room.'

Abbas thinks you can choose either for your bathroom update. 'There really isn’t a right or wrong when it comes to tile size in a bathroom. However, while larger tiles will increase a bathroom’s sense of scale, smaller tiles can most definitely hold their own. Smaller tiles are a great way to add detail and interest in what can be a functional space. However, it’s not just about size, you can also experiment with the layout too to add emphasis to your space.'

But Ruth is leaning towards small. 'Small scale tiles are currently proving popular for use within a bathroom. Sizes around the 20x20/10 x10 cm mark alway gives a considered layered look.'