Choosing the right tile for your shower can make all the difference in creating a stylish, inviting space to start your day. With so many options for colors, textures, sizes, and patterns, it may seem daunting to pick shower tiles that are both beautiful and functional. This guide covers some of the most stunning and standout tile designs to inspire your dream shower. Read on for tips, ideas, and examples of how to use tile to make your shower a focal point of your bathroom.
Why Tile is Great for Showers
Tile is one of the best materials for showers for several reasons:
- Water resistant – Tile is impervious to water and moisture, preventing mold, mildew, and damage over time. Ceramic and porcelain tile will not warp or deteriorate with regular water exposure.
- Easy to clean – Tile surfaces are smooth and do not absorb water. Soap scum, minerals, and dirt can be easily wiped away.
- Durable – Tile stands up to constant use, foot traffic, and wear and tear year after year. It does not scratch, stain, or show age.
- Customizable style – With a huge range of tile shapes, colors, textures, and patterns, you can create a shower space that showcases your unique taste.
- Affordable – Tile is a budget-friendly surface material, especially compared to stone and solid surfacing. Easy DIY installation also cuts down on labor costs.
With the right tile choice, you can have a shower that is not only beautiful, but also safe and low-maintenance for years to come.
Mixing Tile Shapes and Patterns
One of the biggest tile trends is mixing different shapes and layout patterns. This creates visual interest and adds depth and dimension to the shower walls and floor. Here are some stunning combinations:
Hexagons and Rectangles
Hexagonal tile on the shower floor or lower wall adds geometry and angles. Pairing these hexagons with rectangular subway tile on the upper walls creates contrast. Offset the rectangles brick-style for even more interest. Use similar colors in glossy and matte finishes for cohesion.
Circles and Squares
Mosaics made up of circular tile combined with larger square tile is a striking duo. Lay out the round mosaics in concentric patterns or bands on the shower floor. Use bigger squares in a matching color on the walls. The interplay between circles and squares makes for a captivating motif.
Herringbone and Marble
The classic herringbone pattern adds lovely visual movement. Combining it with marble tile inserts, marble mosaics, or marble walls is a winning combination. The contrast between the linear pattern and organic veining in marble makes a bold statement. Use for a contemporary yet elegant look.
Geometric and Solid
For an edgy, modern shower design, pair graphic geometric tiles with solid black, white, or gray tile. Think hexagons, diamonds, chevrons, or abstract shapes combined with monochromatic tile. Use sparingly on an accent wall or floor to let the geometric pattern stand out.
Mixing up the tile shapes and layouts makes the shower anything but boring. The contrast adds interest while unifying colors tie the look together seamlessly.
Using Tile Layouts Creatively
Beyond basic horizontal or vertical stacking, tile can be laid out in imaginative patterns. Clever tile layouts can make small showers feel more spacious or large showers more intimate. Here are some eye-catching ways to use tile creatively:
Chevron
The classic zig-zag chevron pattern has great movement and leads the eye up vertically, which can make ceilings appear higher. Use glossy metro tiles or elongated hexagons to make the chevrons. Limit to one wall as an accent or cover the entire shower in chevrons for real wow factor.
Herringbone
This timeless layout arranges rectangular tiles in an interlocking zig-zag pattern. The staggered tiles create a sense of depth and interest. Use herringbone on the entire shower floor or just a small section as an accent. Pair with glass tile or mosaic inserts for added style.
Bands
Stacking horizontal bands of different colored, patterned, or sized tiles breaks up all-over tile in a subtle way. Try alternating bands of rectangles with mosaics, glossy and matte tiles, or bold colors with neutrals. Vertical bands also work for an elongating look.
Decorative Insets
Make tile patterns pop by framing them with a solid tile border or adding insets like circles, stars, or mosaics. For example, create a herringbone backsplash on the wall with marble mosaic insets and a coordinating tile frame. The insets and framing tile complement the pattern.
Graphic Patterns
For serious visual impact, create a custom pattern using tile shape, color, and layout. Geometric patterns like concentric diamonds, overlapping circles, or intersecting lines make for an energetic vibe. You can design a bold allover pattern or use sparingly on one wall or the floor.
With thoughtful layouts, the tile itself becomes the focal point. Playing with pattern and color unlocks limitless possibilities for tile in showers.
Large-Scale Tiles for Dramatic Impact
Gone are the days of only using tiny mosaic tiles in the shower. Larger-format tiles are now all the rage for their dramatic, seamless look. Here are gorgeous ways to use oversized tile for impact:
Wall-Height Subway Tile
Subway tiles have evolved far beyond their vintage roots. Jumbo subway tiles now come in sizes up to 12″ x 24″, covering full walls with fewer grout lines. Use wall-height subway tiles vertically to make ceilings feel taller. Go for dramatic dark hues like black, charcoal, or navy.
Oversized Marble and Stone
Marble, travertine, and other natural stone tiles now come in sizes up to 4′ x 8′. Cover the shower walls or floor with these substantial tiles to mimic the beauty of natural stone slabs. The large tiles have an elegant, spa-like feel. Limit grout lines using the largest tiles that fit the space.
Porcelain Slabs
Porcelain tile technology now allows for enormous tiles with great realism. Porcelain slabs up to 5′ x 10′ replicate looks like concrete, wood, or fabric. Use a single oversized tile for the shower back wall as an art-like focal point. Porcelain easily achieves a wallpaper effect, too.
Hexagons and Diamonds
Large graphic tiles pump up the wow factor exponentially. Oversized geometric shapes like hexagons, diamonds, and chevrons look incredibly bold and modern in dark, glossy hues. Use sparingly on the shower floor or walls and mix with solid tiles for balance.
With fewer grout lines and an uninterrupted expanse of tile, oversized formats make showers feel expansive and sleek. Choose tile colors and patterns that enhance the proportions.
Mixing Modern and Rustic Tiles
The blend of modern and rustic is a top trend that feels fresh yet grounded. Mixing ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles with natural stone tiles strikes the perfect balance. Some chic combinations include:
Concrete + Travertine
The industrial vibe of concrete gray tiles paired with the earthiness of travertine stone is visually captivating. Arrange travertine in horizontal bands, vertical stacks, or as an irregular inlay pattern against smooth concrete tile. The contrast is dynamic.
Black Porcelain + Pebble Mosaic
Sleek black porcelain tile gains warmth coupled with a pebble stone mosaic border or accent wall. The mosaic pebbles bring salt-and-pepper speckles along with texture against the matte black tile. Use pebble mosaics sparingly for color pops.
Chevron + Bluestone
The modern chevron shape looks striking beside the rugged surface of bluestone. Try glossy painted ceramic chevrons on the shower floor against a full wall of chiseled, multilayered bluestone tile. The patterns complement each other beautifully.
White Brick + Rustic Wood
Matte white brick-shaped tile has a sculptural, modern look against real or faux wood planks. The high-contrast pairing of white tile’s clean edges with linear wood grain and knots is alluring. Limit wood tile exposure to shower benches, shelves, or accents.
Combining the best of both worlds, these hybrid styles are ideal for attaining an upscale look that still feels natural and grounded.
Bold, Colorful Tile
White and neutral showers may be the safe default, but bold colors make a dramatic splash. Use vibrant tile choices to create an invigorating, spa-like oasis:
Royal Blue
A dark, inky blue tile color feels energetic and luxe. Blue adds a watery ambiance but warmer than clinical navy. Use royal blue tile on the lower half of walls paired with crisp white upper walls and ceiling. Or make an all-blue statement.
Vibrant Orange
For tropical flavor, vibrant orange tile instantly energizes. Pair with neutrals like white, tan, or gray to keep the look feeling grounded. Use orange tile sparingly on an accent wall, bench, or floor detail.
Deep Greens
Lush green tile hues ranging from sage to emerald green inject nature and vitality into the shower. Accent walls or alcover benches are perfect for showing off green tile designs. Keep plumbing fixtures and accessories in chrome or silver.
Bold Black
A black tile shower makes a stunning, dramatic statement. Use glossy tiles and vary the black finish from matte to high-sheen for light play. All black definitely stands out yet still pairs well with other colors.
Don’t be afraid to think beyond plain white tile. Vibrant shower tile colors energize and uplift for a spa atmosphere right at home. Use color boldly or as accents against neutral backgrounds.
Natural Stone Showers
For luxurious style evocative of an upscale spa, natural stone tile brings the look and feel of high-end directly into the shower. Stones like marble, travertine, and slate make lavish design statements.
Marble
The epitome of elegance, marble shower tile exudes luxury. The white or gray stone has whispy veining in shades like caramel and smoke that add dimension. Keep the space light and bright to highlight marble’s subtle beauty. Limit grout lines with large-format marble tiles.
Travertine
For ancient Roman opulence, travertine brings a refined yet rustic aesthetic. Travertine comes in creamy hues with pitted, chiseled texture. Use extra-large travertine tile and minimal grout lines for seamless visual flow. The stone feels decadent to the touch.
Slate
Slate’s layered, foliated appearance conveys natural ruggedness. Gray, black, and blue-gray slate has variation in color, veining, and texture for moody depth. Use slate tile on shower walls or floors. The stone tile is slip-resistant and durable.
Bluestone
Sedimentary layers make multicolored bluestone shale entrancing. With naturally textured, undulating surfaces, bluestone has mesmerizing linear patterns. Use on shower floors, walls, or cladding over concrete. The stone tile brings organic beauty.
For showers designed to pamper and rejuvenate, genuine stone tile sets the scene for serene luxury and spa-like tranquility.
Fun Shower Floors
While walls usually get all the tile design attention, don’t overlook the shower floor as an opportunity to add character. Stepping into an artistic, patterned floor is a treat.
Moroccan Fish Scale
This intricate mosaic pattern of overlapping circles resembles fish scales or chainmail. Typically, small iridescent glass tiles create the rounds in shades of blue, green and white for shimmer. Use the mosaic across the entire shower floor for hypnotic wow factor.
Penny Round
Vintage penny tile mosaics never go out of style. The interlocking circles in black and white, blue and white, or multicolored create retro flair. Use penny rounds on the shower floor as a focal backdrop to plainer walls.
Geometric Pattern
Two tone geometric mosaics on the floor make the shower pop. Think slender bricks laid diagonally, overlapping squares dancing across the floor, or contrasting triangles and dots combining in mod motifs.
River Rock
Random colored stone pebbles that resemble river rocks are a natural-looking choice for the shower floor. The rounded multicolor stones have texture and flow beautifully. Use large pebble tiles and limit grout for a free-form mosaic effect.
Woven Texture
Woven-look porcelain tile realistically mimics textile patterns, like herringbone and chevrons. The woven texture adds dimension across the floor. Pair with glass, stone, or marble on walls to complement the floor.
Shower floors shouldn’t be an afterthought. Using tile thoughtfully underfoot provides an intricate, artistic foundation for the entire shower.
FAQs
What are the best tiles for shower floors?
For shower floors, porcelain, ceramic, or stone tiles rated for wet areas are best. Textured tiles like honed or flamed finish stone help prevent slipping. Mosaics also work well on floors due to grout lines that allow drainage.
Are large tiles hard to install on shower walls?
Oversized wall tiles require careful installation planning. The wall surface must be leveled and structural supports added to prevent sagging. Use specialized mortar and allow proper curing time. Hire an experienced tile installer for best results.
Should I match floor and wall tiles in the shower?
Matching floor and wall tiles can look monotonous. Contrasting floor and wall tiles add interest through texture, pattern, and color variations. However, don’t mix drastically opposing tile styles. Keep a unified look using tiles that coordinate.
What tile colors make small showers look bigger?
Light, bright tiles visually expand shower spaces. White tiles paired with glass tiles or mosaics let light bounce around the shower. Avoid dark tiles or busy patterns in tight quarters. Vertical subway tiles also give the illusion of height.
How do I clean and maintain a tile shower?
Regularly seal grout lines to prevent staining and mold growth. Use daily shower cleaners formulated for tile and grout or make a natural cleaner from vinegar, baking soda, and water. Buff tiles to a shine and de-grime glass doors for maximum sparkle.
Stunning Shower Tile Takeaways
The tile you choose ultimately sets the vibe for your entire shower design. With endless options for colors, patterns, textures, and layouts, tile presents an opportunity to showcase your personal style. Keep these tips in mind:
- Mixing tile shapes and laying tile creatively adds visual interest.
- Large-format tile slabs make a dramatic, spa-like statement.
- Pairing modern and rustic tiles strikes the perfect balance.
- Colorful tile adds liveliness while natural stone conveys elegance.
- Creative floors can be an artistic foundation for the space.
- Choose tile materials rated for wet areas like porcelain and natural stone.
- Contrast wall and floor tiles for dimensionality.
With thoughtful planning and design, your dream shower oasis awaits! Turn to tile to make your shower an invigorating escape and focal point of relaxation each day.
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