20 Bathroom Tile Ideas Designers Love (Floors, Walls & Showers)

Tile sets the personality of a bathroom more than anything else. It's also one of the most permanent choices you'll make, so it pays to choose well. These bathroom tile ideas cover every style and budget, with practical tips on patterns, grout and layouts.

Statement Wall Tiles

1. Zellige Tiles

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Handmade Moroccan zellige has an irregular glaze that catches the light beautifully.

2. Fish Scale Tiles

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The scalloped shape adds movement and a coastal feel.

3. Vertical Stacked Tiles

Stack rectangles vertically to make ceilings look higher.

4. Fluted Tiles

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Ribbed tiles add texture without colour.

Floor Tile Ideas

5. Checkerboard Floors

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A timeless pattern in black and white or soft colours.

6. Terrazzo

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Speckled terrazzo is playful and durable.

7. Hexagon Floors

Small hex tiles in white or marble feel classic.

8. Encaustic Patterned Tiles

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Patterned cement tiles add Mediterranean charm.

Shower Tile Ideas

9. Marble Slab Shower

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Large slabs mean fewer grout lines and pure luxury.

10. Mosaic Shower Floor

Small tiles grip better underfoot and fit drains.

11. Two-Tone Shower

Contrasting colours on walls and niche.

12. Herringbone Pattern

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A herringbone layout looks bespoke.

Read next25 Small Washroom Ideas That Make Tiny Bathrooms Feel Bigger

Practical Tips

13. Large-Format for Small Rooms

Fewer lines make the room feel larger.

14. Contrast Grout

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Dark grout on white tile looks graphic and hides grime.

15. Half-Height Tiling

Tile to dado height and paint above for a classic look.

16. Tile the Ceiling in Showers

A fully tiled shower feels like a spa.

17. Match Floor and Wall

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The same tile everywhere feels calm and seamless.

18. Non-Slip Floors

Choose matte or textured tiles for floors.

19. Budget-Friendly Subway Tile

Classic, cheap and endlessly flexible.

20. Accent Niche

Use a hero tile only in the shower niche.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tile is best for a small bathroom?

Large-format tiles or vertical rectangles in light colours make small bathrooms feel bigger.

What is the most timeless bathroom tile?

White subway tile, marble, checkerboard floors and small hexagons have stayed popular for over a century.

Should bathroom floor and wall tiles match?

They don't have to. Matching feels calm and seamless; contrasting adds interest. Keep to one hero tile for balance.

Final Thoughts

Choose one hero tile, keep the supporting tiles simple and think carefully about grout colour. Pin these bathroom tile ideas for your renovation.