Top Bathroom Tile Ideas to Transform Your Space

Transforming your bathroom doesn't always require a complete renovation. Sometimes, simply changing your tiles can breathe new life into the space. 

And whether you're planning a full bathroom overhaul or just want to refresh your existing design, it’s the right tiles that can make all the difference. From timeless classics to bold statements, these bathroom tile ideas will inspire your next project.

Classic White Tiles

White tiles remain a popular choice in bathroom design, and for good reason. They create a clean, bright atmosphere that makes even the smallest bathrooms feel more spacious and airy.

Timeless Appeal

White tiles offer great versatility, working well with almost any colour scheme or bathroom style. They won't go out of fashion, making them a reliable option if you prefer longevity over following the latest trends.

Different Finishes

White doesn't mean boring. You can choose from various finishes like gloss, matte, or textured surfaces to add depth and interest. Gloss tiles bounce light around the room, while matte options give a softer, more contemporary look.

Grout Considerations

When working with white tiles, your grout choice becomes a design feature in itself. White grout creates a seamless look, while dark grout dramatically highlights the tile pattern and tends to be more forgiving with maintenance.

Bold and Dark Tiles

For those brave enough to venture away from lighter shades, dark bathroom tiles offer sophistication and drama that can transform an ordinary bathroom into something extraordinary.

Dramatic Impact

Deep navy, charcoal, or black tiles create a striking backdrop that can turn your bathroom into a luxurious retreat. When paired with metallic fixtures, the contrast is particularly stunning.

Space Considerations

People often say dark colours make spaces feel smaller, but this isn't always true. Good lighting and smart design can make a dark-tiled bathroom feel intimate and cosy rather than cramped.

Maintenance Benefits

One practical advantage of darker tiles is their ability to hide water spots and soap scum between cleanings, making them surprisingly practical for busy households.

Patterned Tiles

Patterned tiles are perfect for adding personality and visual interest to your bathroom. From subtle geometric designs to bold Moroccan-inspired motifs, these tiles pack a decorative punch.

Statement Walls

Consider using patterned tiles for a feature wall behind your bath or vanity. This creates a focal point without overwhelming the space, especially important in smaller bathrooms.

Floor Focus

Patterned floor tiles can anchor your bathroom design and create the illusion of a decorative rug that's completely waterproof and easy to clean.

Mixing Patterns

For the truly adventurous, mixing patterns can create a bespoke look. The key is to maintain a cohesive colour palette and vary the scale of the patterns to prevent visual chaos.

Wood-Look Tiles

The warmth of wood with the practicality of ceramic or porcelain—wood-look tiles offer the best of both worlds for bathroom design.

Natural Warmth

These tiles bring the organic, grounding qualities of wood into your bathroom without the maintenance concerns of real timber in wet areas.

Versatile Styles

From rustic barn wood to sleek contemporary grains, wood-effect tiles come in endless varieties to match any design aesthetic.

Practical Benefits

Unlike real wood, these tiles won't warp, stain, or require sealing, making them ideal for wet environments while still delivering that coveted natural aesthetic.

Subway Tiles

This classic rectangular tile has remained popular for over a century and shows no signs of going out of style.

Beyond Traditional

While the classic white subway tile will always have its place, consider exploring coloured versions or unique laying patterns like herringbone or vertical stacks to give this traditional tile a modern twist.

Grout as Design Element

As with white tiles, your grout choice with subway tiles can dramatically alter the look. Contrasting grout emphasises the pattern, while matching grout creates a more subtle, unified surface.

Size Variations

Modern interpretations of subway tiles come in various dimensions beyond the traditional 3×6 inches, allowing you to scale the look to your space.

Large Format Tiles

For a sleek, contemporary look with minimal grout lines, large format tiles are an excellent choice that's gaining popularity in modern bathroom design.

Spacious Feel

Large tiles create fewer grout lines, resulting in a cleaner, less busy appearance that can make your bathroom feel more spacious.

Easy Cleaning

Less grout means less cleaning, making large format tiles a practical choice for those who prefer low-maintenance solutions.

Installation Considerations

It's worth noting that larger tiles require a perfectly level surface for proper installation, so factor this into your planning and budget.

Mosaic Tiles

Tiny tiles with enormous impact, mosaics allow for incredible creativity and customisation in your bathroom design.

Texture and Dimension

Mosaic tiles naturally create texture through their numerous grout lines and can be used to add visual interest to specific areas like shower niches or vanity splashbacks.

Shower Floor Functionality

Small mosaic tiles are practical for shower floors, as the numerous grout lines provide additional slip resistance while allowing for the gentle slopes needed for proper drainage. Take a look at our blog on minimalist designs for open showers - they pair beautifully with mosaic tile applications.

Design Possibilities

From custom patterns to detailed images, mosaics give you plenty of ways to make your bathroom unique and personal.

Colour Pop

A splash of colour can transform your bathroom from basic to eye-catching, giving you a space that reflects your personality.

Accent Features

Not ready to commit to a fully colourful bathroom? Consider using vibrant tiles for accent features like a single wall or the back of a shower niche.

Complementary Colours

When choosing coloured tiles, look at your fixtures and finishes. Blues and greens work well with chrome, while warmer colours suit brass or copper fittings.

Timeless Colour Choices

If you're concerned about longevity, soft pastels and natural tones tend to age better than very bright or trendy colours.

Vertical Tiles

Changing the orientation of your tiles is a simple yet effective way to create visual interest and the illusion of more space in your bathroom.

Height Enhancement

Vertically placed tiles draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher—a brilliant trick for bathrooms with lower ceilings.

Contemporary Edge

The unexpected orientation instantly gives traditional tiles like subway or metro tiles a more contemporary, design-conscious edge.

Shower Application

Vertical tiles work especially well in shower enclosures, creating a streamlined look that adds a touch of luxury.

Mixed Tile Textures

Combining different tile textures creates depth and visual interest, elevating your bathroom design to a professional level.

Touch and Feel

Mixing glossy tiles with matte or textured options creates both visual interest and different textures that add depth to your bathroom.

Zoning Areas

Different textures can be used to subtly define zones within your bathroom, such as separating the shower area from the rest of the space.

Balancing Act

When mixing textures, maintaining a cohesive colour palette helps ensure the overall design feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bathroom Tiles

With so many options available, selecting the perfect tiles for your bathroom can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical considerations to guide your decision.

Consider Room Size

Small rooms generally benefit from lighter colours and larger tiles to create a sense of space, though there are always creative exceptions to this rule.

Think About Maintenance

Some tiles and grout combinations require more maintenance than others. Be honest about how much cleaning you're willing to do regularly.

Budget Wisely

Allocate your budget strategically. If you're working with limited funds, consider using more expensive statement tiles in small, high-impact areas and complementary budget options elsewhere. 

Sample in Your Space

Always view tile samples in your actual bathroom under its specific lighting conditions before making a final decision.

Final Thoughts

Good bathroom tiles balance looks, practicality and personal style. Whether you choose classic whites or bold patterns, think about what you'll enjoy now and in the future. Take time to look at samples in your actual bathroom before deciding. This extra step helps ensure you'll be happy with your choice for years to come.