50 Bathroom Tile Ideas

If you are on the lookout for some ideas on how you can transform the look of your bathroom with tiles then you have arrived at the right place. Tiles are a practical choice and there are a wide variety of ways in which they can be incorporated within a bathroom design. You have many different tiles and colours to select from throughout this range.

1. Mosaic Shower Floor

Mosaics are a great choice for floors in shower rooms, particularly the area which surrounds the drain because these tiles are attached to flexible mesh sheets which can be applied with ease to sloping surfaces. This will not only provide a decorative feature but also works from a practical perspective as the increased quantity of grout lines creates a high level of slip resistance. You can be quite creative when it comes to choosing your mosaic shower area floor as you can either continue the general bathroom theme or opt for something completely different for a trendy contrast.

2. Sink Surround Feature

This can be a cost effective alternative to tiling the entire wall. A simple mosaic surround or backsplash can provide a standout feature and at the same time it will also protect the wall from water splashes. This simple technique can be still be in-keeping with your bathroom style as you could use the same tiles around your sink as you do in your shower area for a consistent décor. Glossy tiles including glass and ceramic varieties are often the best choice as they can be wiped dry with ease.

3. Feature Wall

When you hear the term ‘feature wall’ you may instantly think of living rooms and bedrooms but they are actually becoming increasingly popular within contemporary bathroom layouts. If you have a decent sized wall space in your bathroom then we highly recommend that you should make the most of it with a stunning feature wall. Whether its bright colours which produce a standout appeal or the more understated look of rustic natural stone, there are plenty of options available. A full length wall feature behind a free-standing bath will certainly create a dramatic feel and genuine wow factor.

4. Niche Wall

A niche, or recess, wall is a space which is built in to the bathroom wall itself, therefore providing a decorative feature and perfect area for storage. They are often positioned above bathtubs and in shower areas where shower gel, shampoo and other items can be stored. A popular technique is to use a contrasting style and colour to the overall design, for example mosaics and textured tiles are well suited to these areas. Tile trim is often used at the edge of the niche wall or alternatively tiles with a chamfered edge are preferred.

5. Mosaic Rounded Bathtub

Rounded bathtubs are a great choice for modern interiors and are usually positioned in the corner of a bathroom. Mosaics are a preferred choice for rounded bathtubs as the flexible mesh sheets can be applied with ease to the curved surface. This look is perfect for both contemporary and traditional bathroom interiors. Rounded bathrooms sometimes incorporate a Jacuzzi system for added relaxation. High gloss mosaics can be cleaned and wiped dry with ease, making them a practical choice. You have a range of options when it comes to choosing bathroom mosaics including sparkly quartz and veined marble.

6. Tiled Access Panel

A tiled access door is a discreet way of providing easy access to pipework and other appliances without having to alter the overall design of your bathroom. A hinged access door can be tiled over and opened with ease whenever work is required. They are predominately used on the front of baths so that homeowners and plumbers can gain access to the pipework. An access panel is generally created with ceramic tiles which are both low maintenance and lightweight. Metro brick and natural stone effect tile varieties can be put to great use in these situations.

7. Border Wall

A simple yet highly effective way of introducing a stylish appearance in your bathroom is by opting for a border wall feature. You can either choose specific border tiles or improvise with mosaics. A border could match the colour and style of your overall design or alternatively provide a trendy contrast. A vertical tiled border can look stunning in a shower area or alternatively a traditional horizontal border can be chosen for an entire bathroom wall. Instead of just one border you could even use two border designs at the top and bottom of the wall for additional style.

8. Border Floor

A border floor design is a great idea if you’re looking to provide your bathroom with an eye-catching feature. Decorative patterned tiles or mosaics are often preferred for a border floor design. Border floor tile decors were often a feature in the famous bath houses during Ancient Roman times and are still well suited to contemporary bathroom layouts. The floor border could even be matched by a wall border in the same style for a consistent look. Border floor designs are not only selected for standard bathrooms but also wet rooms and en suites.

9. Chequered Black and White Floor

It is no surprise that a chequered black and white bathroom floor remains such a popular design option. The timeless look created by the distinctive contrast of this classic colour combination is enough to transform any bathroom interior. The chequered pattern produces a ‘busy’ appearance and it is therefore best to accompany it with a plain wall design. Traditional white sink and bathtub applications are generally the best option to complement a black and white chequered floor design. You don’t have to just opt for plain styles either as sparkly or marble effect black and white tiles offer a real wow factor.

10. Partition Wall

A partition wall in a bathroom will act as a divide between two particular areas, which in this case will most likely be a toilet space and bathtub/shower section. Whether you have an existing partition wall in your bathroom or you’re looking to add one, you could ensure it provides a standout feature and really complements your bathroom style. Tiles which are often chosen for bathroom partition walls include glass mosaics, metro brick, marble and hexagonal varieties. Stone effect porcelain tiles including those with a slate or granite appearance are highly recommended.

11. Sunken Bathtub

A bathtub which has been fitted within the floor of the bathroom itself or on a raised platform can look truly spectacular. It is a great way to make the most of the available space even in smaller bathrooms. A decorative tiled feature can be the ideal way to provide your sunken bathtub with a really amazing look. There are a wide variety of options available including mosaics which can cover the interior of the bath itself or natural stone like travertine which looks superb as a sunken bathtub surround.

12. Metro Brick

You’ve probably seen Metro Brick tiles in shops, restaurants and possibly even friends’ homes. This versatile product has a classic brick appearance and can be arranged in a variety of ways in order to create the desired look. In addition to a traditional running bond (brick-style) layout you could alternatively opt for a herringbone design. Metro brick tiles have a glossy surface which ensures they can be dried with ease – during the cleaning process - when they are applied in shower areas or as a bathtub surround. These tiles are perfect for creating a retro feature.

13. Herringbone Pattern

A herringbone pattern can be achieved with the use of rectangular tiles including popular brick and wood effect varieties. This pattern can be used on either a wall or floor and produces an extremely decorative feature. This arrangement provides an eye-catching look and can include just a solitary colour or a multitude of different colours for a more extravagant décor. Alternatively, you could use a combination of two colours which will really emphasise the herringbone pattern. This design creates a ‘busy’ look and can be accompanied by plain styles and colours for a stylish contrast in modern bathrooms.

14. Slate Tile Feature

Slate will provide any bathroom layout with a distinctive character. The riven texture produces a unique look. You can either choose traditional grey slate or for something a little bit different, multi slate has a standout appeal. Slate works superbly as a shower area wall design or trendy floor layout. A stunning slate bathroom design can be complemented by brown wooden fittings or standard white and chrome features. For an alternative to genuine natural stone, slate effect porcelain tiles are also available in colours like black and grey.

15. Tiled Skirting

A skirting tile feature in your bathroom is a great way of providing additional style and can also be created with off-cuts of floor tiles and is therefore a cost effective option. Tiled skirting also works from a practical perspective as it can protect the underlying wall substrate from water splashes. In terms of the overall look, you could contrast the tile skirting with a different coloured wall design. Ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles are all a popular choice for bathroom tiled skirting. You can acquire specific skirting tiles, which are known as cove tiles.

16. Terracotta

Terracotta tiles are a really excellent choice for bathroom interiors. They match superbly with copper features for a classically rustic bathroom décor. For retro quality you could complement terracotta tiles with a freestanding bathtub. Terracotta is a highly versatile bathroom option, working superbly on floors, as skirting and also as a backsplash wall. You could also mix it up a bit by using terracotta tiles on the floor with a metro brick wall design which will provide a retro appeal. The red of terracotta can be contrasted extremely well with cream and white colours.

17. Wood Style

Wood tiles have a timeless appeal and it is no surprise to see them in so many modern bathrooms. Wood effect porcelain tiles will produce a natural look in bathrooms and combine well with modern applications. Wood tiles can be incorporated within shabby-chic style bathroom layouts to stunning effect. A popular technique is to combine a wood effect floor design with a brick wall feature. Wood effect porcelain tiles are low maintenance and also have the required strength and durability to withstand high levels of foot traffic. To accentuate the natural appearance, rectangular wood effect porcelain is usually arranged in a running bond pattern.

18. Half Tiled Wall

In contrast to tiling an entire wall, a half tiled wall can provide a stylish and cost effective covering. You can use a contrasting coloured waterproof paint for the top half of the wall for a stylish appearance. Tiling the bottom half of the wall will not only add style to your bathroom but this is the area which is most likely to suffer from water damage and tiles therefore provide a protective covering to the underlying substrate. Popular options for half tiled bathroom walls include marble effect, sparkly quartz and wood effect porcelain.

19. Sparkly

Sparkly tiles including quartz and granite varieties will provide your bathroom with an emphatic appearance. These tiles can be used on either a wall or floor to really bring interiors to life. Whether you opt for an all-round sparkle or choose glittery tiles for a specific part of your bathroom, this is an extremely versatile option. In addition to standard format sparkly tiles, you could choose a quartz border design to complement plain porcelain or ceramic tiles. Bathroom ceiling spotlights will emphasise a sparkly bathroom design even further. Sparkly tiles are ideal for shower areas and bathtub backsplash areas.

20. Decorative Pillars

Certain bathroom designs include rounded or square pillars. You can make the most of these features by covering them in stylish tiles. Veined marble and intricate mosaics are both excellent choices for bathroom pillars. In order to create a really standout appearance you could ensure that the pillar design contrasts to the overall bathroom décor. Mosaic tiles including marble varieties are particularly well suited to Roman style bathrooms. You could even match the pillar feature with the same designs on other applications in the bathroom like the bathtub or shower area.

21. Textural Contrasts

Incorporating different textured surfaces within the same bathroom interior can be a great way of creating a stylish contrast. Textured wall surfaces including wave patterns provide walls with a standout feature and can be contrasted with smooth, polished floor tiles. Textures like rock effect and splitface can also produce a stylish look and provide your bathroom interior with a unique element. Stone cladding can also be used as a wall feature in modern bathrooms as a way of introducing a different texture to that particular area.

22. Glass

Glass is an ideal option for contemporary bathroom designs. Glass mosaics provide shower areas with a decorative look and can also be used as a trendy border. Another advantage of glass mosaics is the fact they have a sleek and smooth surface which can be cleaned and wiped dry with ease. When it comes to choosing the perfect glass tiles for your bathroom design, you have a range of options available. From multi-coloured glass varieties to mosaics in classic black, white and grey colours, choose the colour and style which best suits your overall décor.

23. Iridescent

Iridescent tiles display a luminous quality and change colour when light shine upon the surface. These tiles therefore create a truly unique appearance and are ideal for providing your bathroom with a genuine wow factor. Iridescent glass tiles are perfect for shower room walls, bath surrounds and border designs. Iridescent tiles are great for backsplash designs above sinks and baths. The look of iridescent tiles can be enhanced further by ceiling spotlights. These tiles are chosen for trendy wet room and en suite interiors.

24. Marble Feature

A natural marble feature can really transform the look of your bathroom design. As a feature wall behind a freestanding bath, marble is a truly excellent choice. Marble works superbly as part of a traditional bathroom design. Classic white marble with grey veins has a timeless appeal which combines extremely well with gold coloured taps and handles for a luxurious finish. As an alternative to genuine natural stone tiles you could opt for marble effect porcelain tiles. You could match a marble bathroom feature with neutral colours like cream, grey and ivory for an elegant décor.

25. Stone Cladding

Create a stunning feature in your bathroom with stone cladding. These tiles are perfect for feature walls above baths and also within shower areas. They can be complemented by contemporary white bath panels and chrome taps and handles. A cladding feature works superbly as a sink surround, offering both a stylish and protective covering. This cladding can provide a rustic quality which produces a distinctive character in contemporary bathrooms. You can choose the stone cladding colour which best suits your chosen layout with grey, ochre and ivory varieties available.

26. Raised Floor

Incorporating a raised bathroom floor within your design can help to accentuate a feature like a bathtub or shower area. Your bathroom may already have a raised floor so if you are looking for inspiration on how to transform it with a trendy style then you have arrived at the perfect place. A stone effect design can provide a natural appearance and add genuine character to a raised floor in a bathroom. Slip resistant tiles with a rock surface are a good choice for raised bathroom floors. The step which leads to the raised part of the floor could even have a decorative mosaic feature for additional style.

27. Horizontal stripes

Horizontal stripes on a wall are recommended if you have a small, narrow bathroom or en suite as they can widen the look of a room. You could either used striped tiles or different coloured plain tiles in a horizontal pattern in order to create this look. You could choose a standout contrast of black and white or a more subtle combination of light blue and white. You could choose consistent horizontal stripes or match thicker tiles with thinner varieties for an eye-catching appearance. This is a highly versatile tile pattern which you could use in a specific part of your bathroom or throughout the entire room.

28. Large Format Tiles

Larger tiles in small bathrooms like en suites, wet rooms and downstairs toilets can really help to accentuate the available space. The larger format means there will be fewer grout lines than with smaller tiles, therefore offering a less cluttered, more seamless appearance. Good options for this area included plain cream, white, black or grey porcelain tiles in a 600x600mm or 600x300mm size. The fewer grout lines will also make cleaning easier and decreases the likelihood of the build-up of mould. A popular technique is to use large, durable tiles on floors with smaller tiles and mosaics on walls.

29. Glossy

Glossy tiles are particularly well suited to bathroom wall designs. Light will reflect off polished tiles with a glossy surface to really emphasise the colour and pattern. Glossy tiles can be wiped dry with ease in shower, bath and sink areas. High gloss brick effect ceramics and also glass mosaics on walls can be contrasted with matt floor tiles in modern bathrooms. Glossy tiles in bright colours have a standout appeal and ceiling spotlights can really accentuate this. You have a vast array of options when it comes to choosing glossy tiles for your bathroom design including porcelain and ceramic varieties.

30. Hexagonal Tiles

In addition to rectangular and square shapes, you could choose something a little bit different in the form of hexagonal tiles. A really effective way of using hexagon tiles is to create a design which flows from the wall to the floor. Alternatively, you could just choose hexagon tiles for the wall of your bathroom and complement them with standard square or rectangular tiles on the floor. In terms of the style of your hexagon tiles you have plenty to choose from including high gloss plain black and white varieties and also tiles with a natural stone appearance.

31. Fish Scale Tiles

Create a fish scale pattern on walls with these unique tiles. This produces a stylish look in modern bathrooms, combining well with contemporary fittings. Popular Fish Scale Tile colours include duck egg blue, turquoise and purple. If you don’t want to provide your entire bathroom wall with a fish scale pattern then including it only in a specific area, a shower wall for example, can be an effective way of creating a stylish focal point. These fish scale tiles work superbly well in en suites too when used to add colour and style as a backsplash above a sink.

32. Tile Mural

For a stunning bathroom feature, create a decorative tile mural on your wall or floor. A tile mural can be a picture or pattern which works as a real focal point in your bathroom. You can opt for a specific subject, for example a coastal or rural scene. A mural has a standout appeal and is usually displayed above a bathtub. Bathroom tile murals are also well suited to floors and brightly coloured murals are often contrasted, to superb effect, with white or cream tiles. A tile mural could span the full width of a wall or floor or alternatively just be applied to a specific part of the room.

33. Diamond Design

A diamond design is capable of transforming bathrooms and is perfect for introducing a trendy feature. You can achieve this style with specific diamond shaped tiles or square/rectangular tiles with a diamond pattern. Diamond tiles can even be arranged within a hexagon shape for a genuinely unique appearance. In addition to wall designs and backsplash features, a diamond floor tile decor is also highly effective at creating a wow factor in your bathroom. You can use contrasting colours as part of the same diamond layout for a distinctive feature.

34. Moroccan

The use of Moroccan Tiles is a current trend within the interior design industry. Moroccan tiles display a decorative pattern and have a ‘busy’ look which creates a standout appeal. In modern bathrooms, Moroccan tiles can be matched with contemporary fittings for a stylish appearance. Whether you use Moroccan tiles on both the walls and floors of your bathroom or in a specific area, they can really transform the style of your bathroom. A Moroccan backsplash above a sink or within an entire shower area can be a really effective way of introducing this unique style.

35. Splitface Tile Feature

You don’t have to just concentrate on patterns and colours when it comes to transforming your bathroom design as textures can be equally as important in creating a stylish look. Splitface tiles have a textured surface, often in a brick-like pattern, which creates a distinctive character and offers a unique alternative to standard tiles. A splitface surface is evident on both wood and stone cladding varieties. Interior designers recommend using splitface tiles to create a single feature wall in your bathroom and contrast them with smooth wall surfaces for a genuine textural contrast.

36. Pebble Tiles

Create a trendy feature in your bathroom with pebble tiles. These tiles can transform shower walls and backsplashes above sinks. When using pebble tiles alongside standard tiles you can create a genuine contrast in both texture and appearance. For a natural look you can choose pebble tiles with a cream and brown colour which matches superbly with other neutral shades. These pebble tiles are also well suited to modern wet room interiors. In order to provide your bathroom with a unique character, you can combine pebble tiles with travertine or limestone tiles.

37. Floral Design

A classic floral design has always been in fashion and it is no surprise that it is still used to transform modern bathrooms. Whether you opt for an entire floral wall design or just a few tiles to provide a flower pattern, these tiles are an excellent choice for contemporary designs. There are plenty of options available from standout brightly coloured floral tiles to understated black and white designs. Floral tiles are perfect for a decorative feature which is ideal for providing something a bit different to plain varieties. Floral borders – either as a horizontal or vertical design – are also a popular way of providing your bathroom with additional style.

38. Neutral Bathroom

The use of neutral coloured tiles within a modern bathroom can provide a fresh look and work well with contemporary applications. Beige, cream and ivory tiles are all neutral options which combine superbly with white bath panels, clear glass screens and chrome handles and taps. A neutral bathroom is also the preferred choice for those looking to renovate a property to maximise rental income or increase the sale price when selling. Plain tiles or products with subtle patterns are all excellent for neutral bathrooms and are great at emphasising the available space, offering an uncluttered design.

39. Brick Slip Feature

Brick slips are lightweight brick veneers which can be applied to walls in order to provide a timeless brick design. Although brick slips are more associated with other parts of the home like farmhouse style kitchens, fireplace surrounds and conservatories, they are also certainly worth considering for bathroom designs. A classic red brick feature wall is often the preferred choice in bathrooms although other colours like cream and grey are also highly recommended. Handmade brick slips are used to introduce a rustic element to contemporary bathroom designs.

40. Wood Cladding Panels

Create a natural feature in your bathroom with wood cladding panels. This cladding is well suited to sink surrounds in en suites and downstairs toilets. You can choose the colour and style which helps to complement your chosen layout, with both rustic and sleek modern varieties available. These cladding panels are ideal for introducing a distinctive character and will combine superbly with natural or stone effect floor tiles as part of modern bathroom interiors. The randomised protrusion of these wood cladding panels also offers a textural contrast to tiles with a standard finish.

41. Minimalist Style

Simplicity doesn’t have to be boring or uninteresting and there are plenty of ways in which you can transform your bathroom with a minimalist style. To create an uncluttered space you could use large format tiles to reduce the amount of grout lines. White colours and lighter shades of cream and grey also work superbly as part of minimalist bathroom designs. Clear glass shower screens and streamlined applications including bathroom cupboards, bathtubs and toilets are all a good way of producing a minimalistic look. The introduction of a good light source or plenty of exposure from natural sunlight is also recommended.

42. Ocean Scene

Provide your bathroom with a genuine wow factor by creating a scene which resembles the ocean. You can use tiles which have images of tropical fish, coral reef and the sea bed to produce a stunning feature in your bathroom. These tiles can be used as a feature wall behind a bathtub and can even be matched with the same design on the floor. To contrast the blue of the ocean you can use white tiles to really bring your bathroom to life. An ocean scene is not only well suited to standard bathrooms but also en suites and wet rooms.

43. Loft Conversion

Many people decide to convert their loft to provide additional space for a bathroom or a bedroom with an en suite. A loft conversion has a sloping inward wall and there are a number of suitable tile options available. Glass Mosaics and Metro Brick Tiles will not only provide a stylish appearance but have a sleek surface which is easy to clean and maintain. You could contrast wall and floor tiles or alternatively opt for a consistent design with the same product on both. In addition to standard bathrooms and en suites, wet rooms are well suited to loft conversions as they are a good utilisation of the available space.

44. Turquoise Bathroom Tiles

Turquoise is a colour which is well suited to modern bathrooms. Turquoise colours can be matched with white bathroom tiles for a contemporary appearance. These tiles are used to create a stylish feature wall design in shower areas and combine with a range of applications and fittings. Turquoise is such a fresh and invigorating colour and it can transform any bathroom layout. Turquoise tiles are available in a range of styles including mosaic and brick effect. You don’t have to decorate an entire wall in turquoise tiles to create a stunning effect, a half wall design and contrasting painted white wall can really accentuate this unique colour.

45. Pink Bathroom Tiles

For a really unique appearance in your bathroom, pink tiles are an excellent option. Pink bathtub, toilet and sink applications were once a popular choice in the 1980’s but it is currently more on trend to match pink bathroom tiles with white fittings. You don’t have to cover the entire wall and floor space in pink but a small feature can go a long way in providing a genuine wow factor. You could even opt for a half pink tiled wall and match it with a half plain white painted wall. Pink tiles are also chosen for shower cubicles and backsplash designs above sinks.

46. Mosaic Wall

As we have already mentioned, you can use mosaics in a variety of ways as part of bathroom designs including as shower area floors and as a border design on walls. If you really like the look of mosaics, then why not decide to cover an entire wall in them? A full mosaic wall design will provide your bathroom with a decorative appearance and can be contrasted on a floor by tiles of a different style and colour. Shower wall, bathtub surrounds and sink backsplashes are all areas within the bathroom which can be transformed by a mosaic feature.

47. Matt Floor Tiles

In contrast to glossy and polished tiles, matt tiles have a non-gloss surface. In bathrooms, matt floor tiles are often chosen to not only enhance the style of the room but also provide a practical covering with a high level of slip resistance. You have a range of different options when it comes to choosing matt floor tiles for your bathroom including porcelain and natural stone varieties. There are a variety of formats with rectangular matt tiles being perfect for a running bond pattern and square tiles being ideal for a grid formation.

48. Wave Tiles

Tiles with a textured wave pattern are particularly well suited to bathroom interiors. These tiles can be used as a stylish feature on walls, adding a unique look to shower areas, partition walls and backsplash decors. A wave tiled wall design can be contrasted by smooth floor tiles as part of modern designs. Wave patterned tiles in light colours like white, cream and grey can be accentuated by ceiling spotlights in contemporary bathrooms. Wave Tiles are available in both plain designs and natural stone patterns. Wave tiles are certainly a great idea if you are looking to introduce a unique element to your bathroom layout.

49. Chevron Pattern

Introduce a trendy chevron pattern with bathroom tiles. When arranged in a chevron pattern, tiles create a zig zag effect on a wall or floor. The best products for this particular design are brick style, rectangular varieties. Using two contrasting colours including black and white can create a distinctive appearance. For a more subtle décor you could match white with softer neutral colours like cream and grey. Alternatively, you could use the same coloured tiles with grout lines in a different colour as this will really help to emphasise the chevron pattern.

50. Concrete Effect Bathroom

A concrete style is currently very popular for bathroom layouts and it is no surprise when you see how well it can be incorporated within modern designs. The neutrality of grey combines well with brown fittings and white bathtubs. Concrete effect tiles provide an understated quality and work superbly within contemporary decors. A popular technique is to choose them for minimalist interiors or alternatively contrast them with patterned tiles for a ‘busy’ look. Even in smaller en suites and wet rooms, the simplicity of concrete effect tiles will help to emphasise the available space.