Tile can transform a basic bathroom into a gorgeous showstopper. With so many tile options available today in different colors, textures, shapes and patterns, you can really make a statement with your bathroom tile selections. Using tile on the floors, walls or as accents creates visual interest and gives the room a high-end, spa-like feel. If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom or give it an update, choosing eye-catching tile is one of the best ways to dramatically change the look and create a focal point. We’ve gathered 10 gorgeous bathrooms featuring tile that makes a bold statement.
Mixing Different Tiles and Patterns
One of the hottest trends in bathrooms today is mixing different tiles, patterns and designs to create a unique look. Combining different shapes, colors and textures of tile gives the bathroom depth and visual appeal. Here are some stunning bathrooms that mix various statement-making tiles:
Moroccan-Inspired Tile
This bathroom features a Moroccan-inspired look with intricately patterned feature tile on the walls and octagon-shaped tile on the floor. The cobalt blue and white tile patterns complement each other beautifully and give the space exotic flair. Using mosaics, fish-scale tiles, and other mosaic patterns is an eye-catching way to decorate bathroom walls. Paired with floor tile in a contrasting shape, this type of wall tiling makes a bold style statement.
Chevron Floor with Penny Tiles
Chevron-patterned tile laid on the diagonal is very on-trend for bathroom floors, and pairing it with round penny tiles on the walls and shower creates awesome contrast. The playful circular wall tiles offset the sharp lines of the chevron floor wonderfully. Mixing these two tile patterns and shapes in black and white makes a dramatic style statement.
Bold Black and White Geometric
This bathroom gets major drama from the graphic black and white geometric floor tile. Paired with rectangles of black penny tiles on the walls, the bold patterns and contrasting shapes make a visual impact. This is a great example of using only two colors of tile, but in different patterns and scales to create tons of interest.
Vintage Cement Tile
Using encaustic cement tile on the floor, walls and shower floor of this bathroom adds vintage charm. No two tiles are the same, giving it a unique handmade look. Cement tiles can range from Moroccan motifs to more modern geometric, so they add personalized style. Paired with subway wall tile and marble hexagons in the shower, this is a seamless mix of patterns, shapes and textures.
Colorful Tile
While white and neutral bathrooms are popular, using colorful tile is a great way to add personality. Vibrant colors and patterns energize a bathroom and give it a fun, lively feel. Here are some examples of bathrooms using colorful tile to make a statement:
Bold Painted Tiles
Painting over basic white square tiles with bold colors and patterns is an easy DIY way to transform tile. As shown in this bathroom, painting every other tile black makes the zigzag layout pop. Accenting with painted pink tiles ties in color from the pink walls without overwhelming the space. This is a chic way to add dramatic flair to ordinary tiles.
Mediterranean Blue Tiles
Using brilliant cobalt and azure blue tiles gives this bathroom a burst of color and Mediterranean feel. The intricate patterned wall tile anchors the blue color, and is complemented by blue-toned fish mosaic tiles on the floor. White subway tile on the bottom half of the walls balances the blue beautifully. From the tile wainscoting to the window niches, blue is the star in this vibrant bathroom.
Tropical Leaf Tiles
The lively green tropical leaf tiles in this bathroom instantly transport you to the tropics. Using leaf tiles as a border on the walls and as inserts on the floor adds tons of nature-inspired style. Warm wood elements like the vanity and rustic door help ground all the green, while the white subway wall tile keeps the space feeling bright. The green leaf tiles steal the show in this bathroom, defining its jungle vibe.
Retro Butterfly Tiles
A black and white butterfly mosaic tile backsplash adds a fun retro flair to this bathroom’s classic layout. Using butterfly tiles as an accent trend on one wall punches up the look without overdoing it. Black and white butterfly tiles have a playful 1950s vibe that pairs well with vintage or modern bathrooms. This is a unique tile option to add whimsical personality.
Statement Shower Tile
The shower is a great spot to really make tile the focus. Using an eye-catching tile design or patterns on shower walls and floors makes the shower feel like a luxurious spa. Here are some examples of stunning showers featuring tile that steals the show:
River Rock Shower Floor
River rock tiles on the floor of this spacious shower create a relaxing spa vibe. The smooth gray stones feel great underfoot, and the natural texture adds subtle interest. Keeping the river rock tiles minimal lets them make a statement without competing with other elements. The crisp white subway wall tile complements the stones nicely for a soothing palette.
Penny Round Mosaic Shower
Covering an entire shower with penny or dot tiles packs a graphic punch. In this bathroom, taking the blue penny tile from the floor to the walls and ceiling of the spacious shower creates visual drama. It’s an unexpected and modern use of a classic mosaic tile. Letting the same mosaic tile flow seamlessly from the walls, to shower pan, to ceiling makes a cohesive statement.
Marble Hexagon Shower
Marble tiles lend an air of luxury, and using them in an interesting layout like these hexagons elevates the shower. Covering the walls and floor in marble hexagon tile makes it feel like a seamless enclosure. The shape of the tile prevents it from feeling too matchy-matchy. Marble hexagon showers feel ultra modern and clean.
Fish Scale Shower Accent
Using fish scale tiles or any mosaic as an accent strip in the shower adds a pop of pattern. The iridescent glass fish scale tiles in this walk-in shower catch the light beautifully, and accentuate the niche. Fish scale tiles have an organic, almost oceanic look that feels refreshing in a bathroom. This is an easy way to add eye-catching interest in the shower.
Creative Use of Tile Shapes
From hexagons, to domes, to arabesques, using unique tile shapes can create visual drama and patterns. Here are some creative examples of bathrooms utilizing shape to make tile stand out:
Hexagon Floor
Hexagon-shaped tiles create a gorgeous honeycomb pattern when laid together, and make a unique choice for bathroom floors. The six-sided shape fits cleanly together to form a graphic look. Hex tiles come in a variety of colors and materials like porcelain, marble and glass. Pairing a hexagon floor with classic white subway wall tiles balances the layout beautifully, letting the cool hex shape shine.
Penny Round Wall
Covering an entire wall or accent wall in penny round tiles creates rhythm and texture. The organic imperfect circles add bubbly personality, as demonstrated by this bathroom accent wall. Alternating black, white and gray penny rounds creates visual interest. Groupings of circles in tile form feels fresh and modern.
Arabesque Pattern
The intricate shape of arabesque tile makes stunning use as an accent. Here, rows of backlit arabesque tile turn a bathroom niche into a work of art. Arabesque tiles have ornate botanical patterns that feel like they could be in a Turkish spa. Using them sparingly in key spots makes a huge style statement.
Wave Dome Ceiling
Making a ceiling wave with convex dome tiles imparts a feeling of being underwater. The organic doming effect is soothing and meditative. Backlighting the bubble tiles as done in this bathroom makes the ceiling glow like sunlight filtering into the ocean. It’s an unexpected use of tile shape that completely transforms the look and feel of the room.
Final Thoughts on Statement Tile
Choosing a statement tile can elevate a basic bathroom into a showstopper. Using color, pattern, texture or shape in creative ways makes the tile a true focal feature. When remodeling a bathroom or constructing a new one, don’t be afraid to use bold tile to add excitement. Statement tile creates an overall ambiance and design feeling that generic tile simply can’t achieve. With so many tile options available today, the possibilities to make tile a work of art are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions about Statement Tile in Bathrooms
What are some popular tile shapes and patterns for making a statement?
Some popular tile shapes for making a statement include hexagons, fish scale, arabesque, penny round, and unusual domed or ridged shapes. Patterned tiles like chevron, moroccan, geometric, and retro motifs are also great statement choices.
What is the easiest way to use tile to update a bathroom?
The easiest way to update a bathroom with statement tile is to add an accent wall, focal backsplash, or decorative niche using eye-catching tile. This lets you add punch without retiling entire surfaces.
What tile colors work best in bathrooms?
While white and neutral tiles are classic bathroom choices, using colors like blues, greens, blacks, grays, and patterns creates drama. Bold colors work best for smaller accents. Keep large surfaces lighter to retain brightness.
How do you mix and match tiles successfully?
To mix different tiles cohesively, use a mix of textures and patterns, but keep the color palette consistent. Varying scale and laying direction adds interest. Tying floors and walls together with a similar color/material prevents clashing.
Should floor and shower tile match in a bathroom?
Matching the floor and shower tile can make the room feel more spacious and seamless. However, contrasting the two areas can better differentiate the shower. Either approach can work beautifully. Mix floor and wall/shower tiles instead of matching all areas.
What tile patterns are best for small bathrooms?
Small bathrooms appear larger with light, bright tiles in a straightforward brick pattern. Mini mosaics, textured tiles, and bold patterns tend to overwhelm. However, small statement accents of intricate mosaic tile can add personality.
Is it better to use the same tile throughout a bathroom?
Using the exact same tile everywhere can sometimes feel monotonous or matchy-matchy. Mixing up scale, laying direction, ED:shape/pattern creates a designer look. However, cohesive all-over tile allows greater mixing of textures and colors.
Should you put tile all the way to the ceiling in a shower?
Tiling a shower fully to the ceiling makes it feel polished and built-in. It also allows creative tile work across the whole space. However, skipping tile at the top creates visual relief and is often easier for DIY projects. Either look can be fantastic.
What are some tips for maintaining statement bathroom tile?
- Use sealants on porous tiles like cement and natural stone
- Immediately wipe spills and water spots on walls
- Clean with pH neutral cleaners, avoid harsh chemicals
- Check grout for cracking and re-grout when needed
- Use anti-slip mats and rugs on floors
What should you consider before installing statement tile?
Before installing statement tile:
- Determine your style: classic, modern, rustic, etc.
- Choose a cohesive color scheme and palette
- Assess the tile’s durability and slip-resistance for floors
- Decide placement to maximize visual interest
- Prepare the appropriate tile backing/subfloor
- Budget for professional installation of intricate tile
