Turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat with these stunning shower tile ideas. From classic to contemporary, discover the perfect look for your space.

Dreaming of a bathroom refresh? A shower tile swap can work wonders! But choosing the right tiles, especially for smaller bathrooms, can be tricky. Some designs might make your space feel cramped. That’s why we’ve gathered some practical and stylish shower tile ideas that create a positive visual impact, even in compact bathrooms.

Design Tip: Opt for porcelain or ceramic tiles in your shower. They’re waterproof, durable, and those with textured surfaces may have anti-slip properties. For the shower floor, choose tiles with a DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) rating of 0.60 or higher for slip resistance.

Now, let’s dive into the inspiring world of shower tile designs:

Wood-Look Tiles: Nature’s Warmth

 

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A post shared by Becki Owens (@beckiowens)

Craving a unique look? Wood-look tiles bring the warmth and charm of natural wood to your shower without the worry of moisture damage. As shown in the post above, the wood-look tiles on the back wall and floor of this bathroom by interior designer Becki Owens (@beckiowens) are a perfect fit for modern or coastal-inspired bathrooms.

Design Tip: As shown here, you can use wood-look tiles as an accent, combining them with classic porcelain.

Bold Black Tiles: Dramatic Elegance

Bold black tiles in the shower area bring a contrast and elegance to this bathspace.
Bold black tiles in the shower area bring a contrast and elegance to this bath space. Photo: Shutterstock

Don’t shy away from dark hues! Black tiles create a striking contrast and add a touch of luxury to smaller spaces.

Design Tip: Use white grout to brighten the space and prevent a cramped feeling. A glossy finish and good lighting will also keep the area feeling airy.

Rectangular Neutral Tiles: Timeless Simplicity

These bright neutral rectangular tiles elongate the shower space.
These bright neutral rectangular tiles elongate the shower space. Photo: Shutterstock

These beige rectangular tiles are a classic choice that can make small bathrooms feel more spacious. In this bathroom, both the floor and shower area are covered with the same tiles, creating a seamless look.

Design Tip: Install the tiles vertically to create the illusion of height. The warm neutral tone adds a subtle contrast against white fixtures and creates a calming atmosphere.

Herringbone Neutral Tiles

This expansive shower by Versatile and Stone (@versatile_and_stone) exudes elegance with its stunning herringbone pattern in calming gray tones. Natural stone tiles create a sense of warmth and luxury, while the seamless glass enclosure and graceful archway enhance the feeling of openness.

Design Tip: The subtle texture and movement of the herringbone pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Neutral Mosaic Tiles: Intricate Beauty

Intricate mosaic tiles in the shower area elevate the look of this bathroom.
Intricate mosaic tiles in the shower area elevate the look of this bathroom. Photo: DreamsTime

Mosaic tiles add a layer of intricate detail and texture, creating a spa-like feel in your shower.

Design Tip: Light-toned mosaic tiles create a soothing contrast against darker elements like wood accents, making the space feel brighter and more inviting.

Reflective Pink Tiles: Playful & Modern

 

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A post shared by Fireclay Tile (@fireclaytile)

These glossy pink tiles by Fireclay Tile (@fireclaytile) inject a playful touch into a minimalist bathroom that features a corner shower that’s boxed-in with glass. The reflective surface bounces light around, making the space feel larger and more vibrant.

Design Tip: Here the pink tile is paired with black and white accents for a modern and stylish look.

Light-Toned Tiles: Clean & Classic

Light-toned tiles in the shower area create a cohesive and calm feel in this bathroom.
Light-toned tiles in the shower area create a cohesive and calm feel in this bathroom. Photo: Shutterstock

Off-white or light-toned tiles are a timeless choice for small bathrooms, creating a sense of openness and cleanliness. The same tiles on both the walls and floor give the room a seamless and expansive look.

Design Tip: A glossy finish adds a touch of glamor and reflects light, preventing the space from feeling dull.

For more small bathroom revamp ideas, read: 8 Budget-Friendly Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas.

Conclusion

These shower tile ideas prove that even small bathrooms can have big style. From classic neutrals to bold colors and intricate patterns, there’s a perfect design to match your taste and transform your bathroom into a dreamy retreat.

Remember, the key is to choose tiles that complement your existing décor and create a sense of spaciousness and serenity.

Which shower tile idea is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

References

  1. How to Choose Shower Tile, Tilebar
  2. What is minimalist interior design style?, Tarkett
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About Don Vandervort
Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years as a remodeler and builder, Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. He appeared for 3 seasons on HGTV’s “The Fix,” served as MSN’s home expert for several years, and is featured as Yelp's home improvement expert. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. Read more about Don Vandervort