See 10 fresh, new bathroom tile trends in these gorgeous spaces we found on Instagram.
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10 Bathroom Tile Trends That We Love
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Wood Look
Tile that looks like wood isn’t new, but the current trend leans more Scandinavian than farmhouse. Instead of rustic wood-look floor tile, think minimalist feature walls, clean lines and light wood finishes. The wall in this bathroom by @mosierluxuryhomes uses oversized porcelain tile that create the illusion of rib slat wall paneling.
Photographer: @cateblackphoto
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Green Tiles
We’re seeing color used in bathroom tile more and more. The color leading the way is definitely green, from dark emerald to muted olive to the shimmery sea green in the wall tile in this bathroom by @thecliffs_hockinghills. Green tile works so well in a bathroom because it’s bold and unexpected, yet it comes from nature so it feels soothing and fresh.
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Black Floor
Instead of an all white bathroom, designers are opting for darker floor tile. The black floor tile by @hendricksoninteriors here helps ground the space and gives it dimension. And while shiny black tile might look dated, note the matte finish, large hexagon shape and subtle veining in this tile. Those features give it a fresh and modern look.
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Earthy Neutrals
Cool grays and bright whites once ruled the day in bathroom tile, but the trend is moving to the warmer side of the color wheel. Earthy neutrals like warm ivory, taupe, beige and brown are popping up more and more.
This bathroom by @sebringdesignbuild showcases shades of ivory on the walls and greens and browns on the floor. The overall look is warm and welcoming, yet sleek.
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High Contrast Tiles
We’re seeing higher levels of contrast in bathroom tile, whether in the pattern itself or in side-by-side materials. This bathroom by @audreylouisedesign showcases both methods. Note the black and white patterned floor tile, and the black marble shower wall juxtaposed against the ivory wall.
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Color Blocking
Color blocking tile means using large, solid blocks of different colors together to create a big, bold design. In this bathroom by @haus.of.kerr, the red floor next to the blue-green shower wall creates a stunning look. Color blocking can also help define different areas of the bathroom, as the wall tile here helps separate the open shower from the bath tub area.
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Statement Wall
There are so many beautiful patterns of tile to choose from, why not cover an entire wall with your favorite? A patterned tile statement wall is a way to make the bathroom feel more custom and luxe. You can’t go wrong if you pick the wall next to the bathtub (as seen here in this space by @theeclecticbeetle), in the shower or behind the vanity mirrors.
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New Geometric Tiles
Geometric pattern tile has taken over bathroom décor in recent years. To update the trend, look for softer patterns and muted or neutral colors. The beautiful flooring in this bathroom by @thejunetree is a perfect example of the new geometric style. The handmade cement tile in brown and tan is sleek yet organic (Bauhaus by Zia Tile).
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Terra-cotta
Terra-cotta tile has been used for centuries, and it’s no surprise its beautiful rich red color and hard-wearing properties are making a comeback in bathroom design. The hexagon terra-cotta floor tile in this bathroom by @sarahruthinteriors contributes an earthy element that makes it feel elegant yet lived-in.
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Mini Hex Mosaic
There’s been an upswing in vintage-inspired interiors using rich colors and classic materials. Especially, vintage floor tiles, as they are still sought after owing to their timeless appeal. One example is the resurgence of mosaic pattern floors made with black and white mini hexagon tiles. The style has been around since the 1920s, and from what we can tell it isn’t going anywhere. Check out this gorgeous bathroom with tile supplied by @creativetileimports.
FAQs
What bathroom tile options are most cost-efficient?
“Cost-wise, plain porcelain or ceramic in a 12 x 24-in. format is the safest play,” says luxury remodeling expert Danny Niemela, but he cautions to think about other factors beyond the tile material. “Bigger tile equals fewer cuts, faster installs, and way less grout exposure, which saves more money in both labor and long-term upkeep,” he says.
Does grout color matter for bathroom tiles?
Yes! Grout color determines not only the look of the finished project but also the maintenance. “Dark grout on a light tile is going to highlight every crooked line and uneven spacing, while white grout anywhere near a shower turns gray faster than you think,” says Niemela. “Mid-tone grout is usually the sweet spot, especially something like warm gray or taupe because it hides grime and keeps the lines looking intentional.”
Is bathroom tile installation a DIY project?
Yes, but only for experienced DIYers. “I would not recommend [DIY bathroom tile installation] for a wet area unless you have real tiling experience,” says Niemela. “The surface needs to be perfectly flat, or else your tile corners will lip and snag bare feet. Then there is backer board, waterproofing, thinset mixing, leveling systems, and cutting around valves. Getting it wrong means a $2,000 redo on top of your lost time.”
About the Expert
- Danny Niemela is the Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since 2007, he has led high-end and high-tech kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodels with a sharp focus on craftsmanship and client experience. ArDan Construction has earned back-to-back “Contractor of the Year” awards from National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
