1. Add Visual Texture with Terrazzo

Terrazzo didn’t originate in the 1900s, but it was a popular midcentury flooring choice. Loved for its durability, sustainability and organic look, authentic terrazzo is made by pressing pieces of marble, glass or granite in a cement base to create a strong, decorative material that traditionally graced Rennaisance plazas. Here, Yellow Brick Home uses the Terrazzo Nero Macro tile to add visual texture to this dreamy midcentury-inspired bathroom. With a mix of warm and cool neutrals, this tile (also available in Nero Micro) adds timeless appeal in a retro format.

2. Mix Materials

Another hallmark of midcentury design is the intentional pairing of materials, particularly wood, stone and metal. Layering natural and man-made materials adds depth and dimension. Metal accents represent the progress of modernism, while the inclusion of organic materials keeps the space from appearing too sterile. This midcentury kitchen features the Palermo Noir Stone Hex tile backsplash. The black marble hexagons are accented with bronze, creating dynamic movement across the backsplash that feels both modern and timeless.

3. Choose a Retro Red

Retro interiors embraced warm earth tones, and a burnt orange or deep sienna still evokes nostalgia for our grandma’s midcentury ranch house. This bathroom, designed by @johnmartinestudio, features the Imperial Sienna square and hex mosaics. We love how the rich tone is tempered with the neutral Imperial Sand hex tile and off-white walls, but don’t be afraid to really lean into an earthy palette with red, orange or yellow tile.

4. Feature a Retro Pattern

Nothing exemplifies the midcentury quite like a bold pattern. Whether floral or abstract, the pattern should feature clean lines and geometric shapes to be considered midcentury modern. This funky ’60s-inspired kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, features the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. With its retro coloring and starburst pattern, it gives this retro design flower power.

5. Use Wood-Look Tile

Teak furniture and wood paneling are necessities in midcentury homes, but you can include this warm, organic look in spaces you wouldn’t normally find the natural material with durable porcelain or ceramic wood-look tile. Bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes and even showers can feature the beauty of wood. Here, the Tavola Decor tile, with its raised fluted cross pattern, adds both the look of hardwood and the geometric shapes you find in midcentury modern design.

6. Use Retro-Inspired Ceramics

Artistically speckled midcentury ceramics come to life in the form of sleek subway tiles with the Stoneware collection by Fired Earth. The soft earthy coloring and clean lines of these tiles—available in Rainwashed, Blue Mist, Indigo Spruce, Linen Brick and Powder White (shown)—transform any space with elevated retro charm. This chic living room demonstrates how you can blend midcentury decor with contemporary design elements. The Stoneware Powder White fireplace surround blends seamlessly with the white woodwork, for an elegantly timeless space.

7. Create Pattern

Midcentury modern design offers a lot of flexibility in color and form. If you can’t decide on a single earthy hue to showcase, use several to create an original pattern. Featuring all five colorways of the midcentury-inspired Fired Earth Stoneware collection, this shower strikes the right balance between sleek style and expressive design.

8. Choose Squares

A vintage tile that’s making a comeback in interior design, the 4-in. square was favored in midcentury interiors up to the 1980s. Here, Fox Homes reimagines the retro design using Zellige White Gloss tile. The handmade tile features purposeful variations in the edges—going against the grain of the famously straight, clean lines of midcentury, but they compensate for this design detail with wide grout joints. The result is a slightly uneven grid, reminiscent of midcentury modern design, but with a timeless twist suited to contemporary styles.

Whatever your style, The Tile Shop has the tile, tools and expert advice to help you take your project from design to completion. Start by exploring stunning tile ideas for every room, or schedule a free design consultation to get your project started.

The post Tile for Every Style: Midcentury Modern appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create Organic Appeal with Wood-Look Tile

From biophilic design to Japandi, the celebration of nature is a modern trend shaping today’s most sought-after styles. This serene, ultra-modern space features the Tavola Decor wood-look wall tile. Mimicking the look of real wood—enhanced with raised design details—this waterproof porcelain tile brings a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to the space. Complementary neutral tones in the Trevi stone-look floor tile and Firenze Calacatta marble wall tile complete the at-home spa retreat.

2. Choose a Sleek and Chic Brick-Look Tile

Beautifully textured and effortlessly urban, brick-look subway tile adds stylish character with a rustic edge. Here, Alison Victoria showcases her Brick x Brick Petal tile on the shower wall. Installed in a vertical offset pattern, the undulating pale pink tones give this traditional look a fresh, modern update. Explore our exclusive Alison Victoria collection for more of the renowned HGTV interior designer’s signature “city chic” styles.

3. Create a Scalloped Edge

Add softness to your contemporary tile design with a rounded or scalloped edge. This elegant bathroom features the Wave White tile–its curved edges soothe both the eye and the mind. Also available in Old Cream (beige), Grey Owl and Blue Reef, this tile can be installed in a variety of layouts to create gentle, wave-like patterns. Explore our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more modern forms.

4. Add a Stylish Shower Niche

Say goodbye to clunky shower caddies and store your shampoo in style with a shower niche. This timeless trend lets you showcase a beautiful mosaic or patterned tile that might be overwhelming in a larger application. In this shower, designed by @modernly_you, a double niche features the Sampson marble mosaic tile–its beige and white basketweave design adds a touch of sophistication to the sleek, modern space.

5. Stimulate the Senses

Invigorating and visually dynamic, raised-texture tile is a modern design trend with lasting appeal. This elegant bathroom features the Kelli Fontana Tommas Carrara wall tile; the fluted pattern on the marble-look porcelain creates subtle shadows that shift with the light and adds a tactile dimension to the shower space. If you love this bold, whimsical look, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer tile collection.

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6. Maintain Neutral Territory

Miles from millennial grey and basic beige, modern neutrals offer complex tones and rich visual texture. This serene bathroom features Coco Canvas matte, one of our most popular tiles, and shows how to bring depth to a neutral color scheme. Installed in a herringbone pattern, the handmade-look subway tile adds visual interest through movement and subtle shade variation while maintaining a clean, understated palette. Discover more design possibilities in this guide to subway tile layouts.

7. Celebrate Vintage Patterns

Everything old is new again–historic patterns and designs are making a big comeback in modern interiors. From Victorian tiles that mimic traditional pressed-tin styles, to ornate patterns like the Vintage White floor tile shown here, classic aesthetics add a touch of contemporary cool to any space.

8. Embrace Eclecticism

Create a space as bold as your personality with an eclectic patterned tile. This stylish, modern bathroom puts an abstract twist on coastal chic design with the Jeffrey Alan Marks Big Sur Off the Hook tile. Featuring a playful graphic pattern reminiscent of glazed pottery, this tile feels both artistic and approachable. Explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection for more modern coastal designs.

9. Make Fine Lines

Everything is neatly stacked on this bathroom wall featuring the KitKat White tile. The slim, rectangular shapes create vertical lines that draw the eye upward, adding a sense of height, while the horizontal grout lines subtly expand the space. Also available in Grey, this evenly spaced mosaic tile makes a big impact with small pieces.

10. Add Industrial Vibes With a Cement-Look Tile

Exuding sophisticated industrial style, the Softcement Graphite large-format tile transforms this West Bay Homes-designed bathroom into an urban loft. The half-wall is finished with Noir Honed Hixton limestone trim tile, adding an elevated touch to the cool, worn concrete-look tile. The result is a space that feels both rugged and refined.

11. Choose a Fashion-Forward Pattern

Graphic and expressive, the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile brings high-end fashion energy to this bathroom. The hand-drawn-look pattern–inspired by the celebrity designer’s international travels–is multi-directional, offering endless options for personalization. Love this global, eclectic aesthetic? Shop our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection for more unique, modern designs.

12. Mix Finishes

Add subtle visual interest to your modern bathroom by mixing glossy and matte finishes. This bathroom design features Coco Canvas Matte with a double band of Coco Canvas Glossy for contrast. The horizontally stacked matte tile offers the smooth, understated look favored in contemporary spaces, while the vertically stacked glossy tile introduces a hint of shine and dimension.

13. Put a Modern Twist on Traditional Styles

This chic shower offers a fresh take on traditional forms. The Lanse Matte Black and White Picket tiles feature an elongated hexagon shape, stacked horizontally in a layout reminiscent of classic subway tile. The black-and-white color-blocked walls create a sleek interpretation of a timeless palette. Modern elements–like the streamlined hardware and built-in shelf–keep this space feeling current, while subtle nods to the classics ensure lasting style.

14. Add Artisanal Appeal

A trending design element rooted in ancient tradition, Zellige tile is crafted, painted and glazed by hand using centuries-old techniques. The result is authentically unique pieces that bring charm and character to modern spaces. In this bathroom, Carmeon Hamilton pairs the classic Moroccan Star and Cross pattern with graphic black-and-white wallpaper, vibrant woven fans and a hip mirror.

15. Create a Dramatic Sense of Movement

The Macchia Vecchia tile’s striking gold, grey, brown and ochre veining energizes this luxurious bathroom with dynamic movement and sleek sophistication. While this design pairs porcelain wall tile with marble floor tile to embrace a contemporary palette of warm and cool neutrals, stylish, durable marble-look tile is available in a range of vivid colors–including some you won’t find in nature.

Your bathroom is ready for a modern update! Explore our wide selection of bathroom tile, and find even more inspo with 36 Bold and Beautiful Bathroom Tile Ideas for 2025. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free design consultation and let our experts help you find the perfect design for your space.

The post 15 Modern Bathroom Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features an Imperial Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out. If you love this cozy-chic style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large-format tile. These supersized tiles (up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates. Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury. Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs.

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful. As enamored with this style as Mr. Darcy is with Elizabeth? Click here to discover how to bring English cottage design into your home.

11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir Amalfi limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (also available in Blanco) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Contrasting Colors

Dark and light or neutral and bright, contrasting colors add drama and dimension to a space. Drastic color contrasts allow each tile to stand out in relation to the other, resulting in a space that both stimulates and soothes the senses. Here are a few of our favorite spaces that use contrasting colors to stunning effect.

Black and White With Charm All Over

This modern colonial bathroom, designed by Chris Loves Julia, demonstrates just how elevated a simple black-and-white color scheme can be. The floor features a custom design using Hex Matte Black and Hampton Carrara Tumbled Hex tiles. The uniform shapes of similarly sized hexagon and penny round tiles allow for creative designs and borders, which are even more striking when using contrasting colors. The dark floor is juxtaposed with the subtly grey-veined white marble wall tile, and the addition of the slim black pencil trim provides a visual throughline that ties the design together.

Bold and Neutral

A bright, bold color will make your wall or floor pop, and that color becomes even more vibrant when contrasted with a neutral element. This kitchen features the Zellige Turquoise Gloss subway tile paired with the Arbour Lowlands Summer Oak luxury vinyl plank. The beige wood-look tones of the floor complement the brilliant jewel tones of the wall tile, and the mix of warm and cool colors gives the space a contemporary feel. For more durable, easy-to-install flooring options, shop our newly expanded wood and vinyl offerings.

Color Blocking

Add interest to your tile design by color-blocking two contrasting colors. This chic shower features one black wall and one white wall, creating the illusion of depth, which helps the small space appear larger. The black-and-white patterned Jeffery Alan Marks Summerland Toro floor tile keeps the space feeling cohesive.

2. Monochromatic Mix

Contrast naturally adds depth to your design, but if you prefer the clean look of a monochromatic space, you can create interest by incorporating different finishes, sizes, shapes and materials. Here are three tile designs that prove a limited color palette can still be lively.

White on White

Crisp and clean, white is an invigorating shade that works in virtually any space. This beautiful bathroom, designed by @lifewithmadisonm, showcases white tile in two distinct styles. The shower walls feature the Regent Bianco handmade-look subway tile, while the floor is adorned with Calacata Brilliante marble-look tile. The slight variations inherent to handmade and handmade-look tiles add subtle visual texture, while the striking grey veining on the marble-look tile lends depth to the space. If you love the look of an all-white room, shop our wide selection of white tile.

Color Drenched

Embrace a bold hue to create a vivid tableau. A gorgeous green, beautiful blue or radiant red adds personality to your space. This lush shower pairs the Alison Victoria Gem marble mosaic tile with the Marradi Calacata Emerald marble-look tile. Though both tiles feature expressive veining, they are distinct in shape and tone, creating visual interest while maintaining color harmony.

Neutral Territory

A neutral color palette is the perfect recipe for tranquility. If you like an all-over creamy look, like this serene beige-on-beige shower, use texture and shape to keep your calming neutrals stimulating. The subtle mix of travertine and marble stone tiles adds just enough variation in tone and texture to create interest, while the framed Arctic White Large Herringbone tile wall detail and the Claros Silver square mosaic floor tile provide a sense of movement.

3. Coordinated Collections

One of the easiest ways to guarantee your design flows together is by using tile from the same collection or series on both walls and floors. A main benefit of a Tile Shop stone collection is its variety of shapes, sizes and trim offerings. All the tiles within a Tile Shop stone collection are sourced from a single quarry, so while natural variation ensures no two pieces are ever the same, your overall design will remain cohesive.

Marvelous Marble

Nothing symbolizes luxury quite like marble. This exquisite stone comes in a wide range of colors, from black and white to beige, grey and even red. Here, Calacata Evora marble tile is used to create a sumptuous bathroom featuring eight different field, mosaic and trim tiles–all crafted from the same stone. The use of varying sizes and shapes elevates the design by creating a sense of movement and refinement. The mix of grey and beige veining in the classic white marble makes it a popular choice for both contemporary and traditional styles.

Lush Limestone

Limestone is a naturally occurring stone formed from calcified coral and shells. Our limestone collections feature several stunning colors, including brown, tan, black, and the shimmering grey tones of the Silver Mist collection showcased here. With the use of subway and hex mosaic tiles in the shower, along with large-format tile for the main floor, this elegant bathroom, designed by Chris Loves Julia, demonstrates how to utilize different sizes and shapes within a single collection to create distinct yet cohesive spaces.

Timeless Travertine

Travertine, a type of limestone formed in mineral springs, is a rich stone distinguished by its naturally earthy tones. Shades of brown, grey, beige and silver (both alone and in combination) can be found in our travertine tile collections. Here, Legno travertine, with its soft beige tones and smooth veining, creates a relaxing atmosphere. Notice how the Wheaton mosaic, used as a focal point on the wall, maintains symmetry with the Double Chevron mosaic floor tile.

4. Patterns That Pop

One of our most popular wall and floor tile combinations is patterned and non-patterned tile. For the bold at heart, there’s nothing better than an accent wall or floor brimming with striking shapes. Delicate, floral, abstract or geometric–shop our wide assortment of patterned tile to find a style to suit your taste.

Botanical Beauty

A nature-inspired pattern will fill your space with serotonin-boosting outdoor vibes (bonus points if it includes colors found outside, like the Annie Selke Flora Vapor Blue tile shown here). This charming bathroom demonstrates how to feature a patterned tile without overwhelming the space. The colors in the floor tile are reflected in the blue sink vanity and the Annie Selke Artisanal White subway wall tile. By maintaining a simple color palette, the space feels elegant yet full of personality.

For more ideas on infusing your home with nature-loving vibes, check out our guide to biophilic design.

Pattern and Color

Pulling a color or two from your patterned tile will ensure your design coordinates. However, if you choose a black-and-white patterned tile, like the Cloth Black and White tile shown here, you can pair it with virtually any hue. We love how the Glass Royal Blue Amalfi tile pops against the black-and-white design, and how the black hardware and white grout lines create a visual throughline between the shower walls and the bathroom floor.

Wallpaper Effect

A patterned wall tile provides the look of wallpaper with all the durability and easy-to-clean properties of ceramic or porcelain–perfect for mess-prone spaces like kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms or entryways. This fashionable kitchen features the Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. Bold enough on its own, this patterned tile is paired with the black Iconic Steel floor tile and the Nikki Chu Luxor Winter White subway tile (on the kitchen island). If you love this global, eclectic style, shop our exclusive Nikki Chu Collection.

5. Tone on Tone

One way to ensure a cohesive look between your floors and walls is to coordinate the tones of your tiles. This involves choosing a color from one tile and carrying it through to another. The result is floors and walls that complement each other without exactly matching. Here are a few spaces that exemplify this concept.

Beige on Beige

Tiles that offer shade variation are perfect for the tone-on-tone concept. This elegant bathroom, designed by @jessicasmithhomedesign, pairs the Coco Canvas Glossy wall tile with a marble checkerboard floor featuring Royal Satin White and Avorio Fiorito tiles. The undulating surface of the handmade-look subway tile spans creamy whites to light tan tones, which are reflected in the white and beige floor.

Rust on Rust

Here, the crisp white background and expressive rust-colored veins of the Pisa Oro Matte tile are echoed in the Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Star Bone floor tiles. While a single white, beige or grey tile would capture the tones of the unique marble-look wall tile, selecting the most vibrant shade creates an invigorating space. While nothing beats the singular luxury of real marble, some ceramic and porcelain marble-look tiles offer colors and designs you won’t find in nature, such as blue, green and gold.

Warm and Cool

Sometimes, multiple tones can be carried through from one tile to another. This welcoming entryway pairs the Organic Clay Taupe wall tile with the Jerica Ceniza floor tile. While one is dark and the other light, both of these handmade-look subway tiles feature a mix of warm brown and cool grey tones. The combination of the two creates a subtle visual texture that makes the space feel fresh and contemporary.

6. Eclectic

Even tile rules are meant to be broken! While tried-and-true combos make for beautiful and unique spaces, good design can be found in the least expected pairings. Here are a few of our favorite eclectic tile arrangements.

Singular Looks

The Alison Victoria Brick x Brick Petal tile and the Terrazzo Nero Macro tile are an unconventional couple that forms natural harmony in this sweetly chic bathroom, designed by Yellow Brick Home. The brick-like texture of the wall tile and the terrazzo-inspired floor tile, with its pattern of glass- and marble-look fragments, each contribute their own visual appeal. While the colors and textures are neither matching nor dramatically contrasting, their warm tones and singular styles make an interesting complement.

A Reflection on Texture and Pattern

This opulent space, showcasing tile from our exclusive Kelli Fontana Collection, is a wealth of texture and pattern. The Patina Siren Mirror wall tile provides a smooth, reflective surface with striking aged details, while the Tommas Carrara fluted marble-look wall tile lends texture to the space. Paired with the Inlay Proper Naples Beach floor tile, with its elegant leaf pattern, these tiles come together to create a rich, romantic tableau. Though each piece in her collection is distinct, celebrated designer Kelli Fontana conceived of all her tiles to work together for a classic, bold and whimsical aesthetic. Explore all of our exclusive designer collections for complementing tiles that form eclectic designs.

Shape and Movement

There are many ways to add a sense of movement to your tile design, as evidenced in this exceptional space. Though the three prominent tiles are aesthetically distinct, each brings its own visual flow. The center tile stripe features the Trois Bandes tile, with its black-and-white diamond pattern forming a horizontal zigzag. This movement is directionally mirrored by the organic woodgrain detail in the Amazon Amendoa tile, while the half-hexagon shape of the Tory Black mosaic floor tile reflects the diagonals in the patterned tile. The result is a space that could feel random but has enough visual throughlines to maintain cohesion.

Whether you seek a dramatic contrast, a soothing monochromatic space or a distinct ecelctic pairing, there are as many wall and floor combinations as there are tiles at The Tile Shop (literally thousands!). We hope these classic designs have inspired your next project, and if you need a little more guidance, be sure to schedule a free design consultation or visit your local showroom–our tile experts are excited to help you create a space you’ll love.

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Celebrate the Classics

Founded in 1861 by William Morris, Morris & Co. continues the renowned British designer’s mission of bringing beauty to everyday life. The Morris & Co. St. James Farringdon Grey tile, shown here, features warm grey coloring and an ornate pattern derived from the wallpaper commissioned in 1881 for the grand staircase of London’s St. James Palace. Though originally designed for the aristocracy, this lovely tile–also available in Pure Cloud (light blue) and Wandle River (bright blue)–embodies the casual elegance and vintage appeal of a well-appointed English cottage. If your sensibilities lean toward the sophisticated, explore all the historic patterns available in our exclusive Morris & Co. collection.

2. Add a Touch of Whimsy

From King Arthur to Mary Poppins and Harry Potter, the British have a long tradition of creating classic characters and fanciful worlds. A spoonful of decorative whimsy brings the cheer and charm of imagined places into your very real spaces. This endearing kitchen backsplash features the Laura Ashley Wexbord Midnight tile (also available in Fresh Green). The petite floral motif is based on a 1981 pattern from England’s iconic Laura Ashley brand. Full of delicate geometric botanicals, classic colors and unique shapes, the Tile Shop-exclusive Laura Ashley collection brings the best of British design to American homes.

3. Embrace Elements of Cottagecore

The on-trend cottagecore style is akin to English country cottage in many ways, but while English cottage embraces an abundance of patterns, cottagecore takes a more serene and rustic approach to the rural aesthetic. Combining traditional tile styles with playful patterns helps to tone down some of the busyness associated with the English style (though feel free to be busy if that’s your cup of tea!). This bathroom, designed by I SPY DIY, pairs the Splendor Blanco wall tile with the Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal floor tile. The white, handmade-look subway tile, arranged in a classic brick-lay layout, is common in cottages and farmhouse design, while the patterned floor tile adds a distinctly English country touch.

4. Tile Your Floor in Natural Stone

Marble, slate and travertine offer natural beauty that elevates any design. Tumbled stone adds rustic appeal to your floors, while polished or honed stone creates a more sophisticated aesthetic. This pleasant bathroom, designed by @sposadesignllc, features the Hampton Delray marble mosaic tile. The basketweave pattern, reminiscent of traditional handicrafts, is complemented by a border of Hampton Carrara polished marble, making this floor feel both homey and high-end. The marble tile, paired with the blue-painted wood wainscotting and floral wallpaper, creates a space that exudes the cozy elegance of a posh cottage.

5. Add Traditional Molding Details

Common in English cottages, molding is a decorative detail often found where the wall meets the floor, ceiling or door and window frames. Available in a range of durable and stylish natural stone and man-made materials, skirting, cornice, capital and Barnes tiles allow you to incorporate these traditional trims, even if they aren’t original to your home. The wall in this bathroom is divided by Hampton Carrara Barnes and Legno Luce Somerset trim tiles, creating a classic chair rail feature. Though traditionally used to protect walls from dining room chairs, it is employed here as a transition between the Annie Selke Tulip mosaic tile and the Hampton Carrara subway tile wainscoting.

6. Create Cozy Spaces with Warm Neutrals

Bright colors have a place in an English country cottage home, but that doesn’t mean you need to surround yourself with rainbow hues. Warm neutrals, especially when used in patterns, evoke a sense of comfort associated with this style. This mudroom, designed by West Bay Homes, features the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey floor tile. The tile’s soft greige background and white geometric floral pattern complement the burnt orange accent wall and white cabinetry, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

7. Favor Florals

No English cottage is complete without a well-tended garden. Bring the botanicals indoors, and fill your home with year-round cheer with a floral-patterned tile. This vibrant backsplash, designed by Colleen Primm Design, features the Genius tile. The continuous design creates the look of wallpaper while offering the superior durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. If you find a floral motif as enchanting as Mr. Darcy, shop our wide assortment of patterned tile.

8. Add Texture With Victorian-Inspired Tiles

Popular in Victorian homes, tin tiles featured ornate patterns punched into the metal to create a raised surface design. You can achieve this antique look in a more durable ceramic format with the Victoria tiles, available in Blanc (shown here) and Gris Fonce (oxidized copper). With their raised pattern and weathered appearance, these tiles add texture and vintage appeal to your space. We love how this chic kitchen pairs the tile backsplash with white and light green cabinets, but these tiles would also look stunning with cottage-style open shelving or rustic wood cabinets.

9. Use Wood-Look Tile for a Cottage Feel

A wood floor is a quintessential cottage element. Achieve this aesthetic in every area of your home (even mess- and water-prone areas) with durable, water-resistant and easy-to-clean porcelain or ceramic wood-look tile. This charming dining room, designed by At Home with Ashley, demonstrates the versatility of this tile. The blonde wood tones of the Baltimore Beige tile are in harmony with the botanical wallpaper and fireplace yet would complement a range of styles. Find more durable, affordable and easy-to-install wood alternatives in our wide assortment of wood-look luxury vinyl flooring. Or, for naturally beautiful floors in less moisture-prone areas, explore our newly expanded selection of engineered hardwood.

Whatever your style, The Tile Shop is here with tile, tools and expert advice to help bring your dream space to life. Explore stunning tile ideas for every room, or schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Select the Best Bathroom Tile Floor Material

With so many options for man-made tile (including luxury vinyl flooring) and natural stone—selecting the right material often depends on your desired look, your overall project budget, and your preferred level of maintenance. Here are some of the benefits of our most popular bathroom floor materials.

Man-Made:

Man-made materials include clay, vinyl, cement, glass and any other material that is not naturally occurring. In this section, we’ll discuss our most popular man-made materials for bathroom floors: porcelain, ceramic and luxury vinyl flooring.

Porcelain & Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made of clay that has been glazed and fired in a kiln. While porcelain tile, made from a stronger clay and fired at a higher temperature, is slightly more durable, both porcelain and ceramic floor tiles are robust enough to withstand typical bathroom traffic. In addition to being waterproof, these tiles are scratch- and stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for bathroom floors. Available in a wide variety of shapes, patterns and finishes you can find porcelain and ceramic tiles to complement virtually any design. These tiles can even mimic the appearance of other materials; wood-look or marble-look tiles offer natural beauty with superior durability and easy maintenance.

From left to right: 1. Featuring: Truewood Beige. Design & Photography by Haneen Matt of Haneen’s Haven. 2. Featuring: Enredo Steel Dark Brown, Dark Stainless Steel Somerset and Quartzite Patagonia. 3. Featuring: Invisible Grey, DURAL Black Matte and Nord Ris Hex.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Waterproof, scratch- and stain-resistant luxury vinyl flooring offers the timeless appearance of natural wood and stone with unparalleled durability and hassle-free maintenance. With an affordable price point (styles start at just $1.79 per sq. ft.) and easy installation, luxury vinyl is a great option for budget-conscious or DIY projects. Plus, since all luxury vinyl styles are compatible with in-floor heat, you can create a space that looks and feels extravagant.

Note: Vinyl is a waterproof material; however, standing water can seep through the seams of your luxury vinyl planks and tiles. Ensure proper installation and promptly clean large spills to help prevent damage to the subfloor beneath. Not recommended for use in showers or wet rooms.

Pro Tip: DIY with confidence using our How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring guide.

From left to right: 1. Featuring: Cyrus Plus Fauna. 2. Featuring: Marmoreal Cement Silver Grey.

Natural Stone:

Unlike porcelain and ceramic tiles, stone is mined from the earth in large pieces and then cut into individual tiles, revealing inherently unique variations in color and veining. The Tile Shop’s stone collections include field tiles as well as coordinating mosaic and trim pieces, making them an excellent choice for a luxurious whole-bathroom remodel.

At The Tile Shop, you can find natural limestone, quartzite, slate and granite tiles, but here we’ll focus on our two most popular stones for bathrooms: marble and travertine.

These tiles are available in four distinct finishes:

Tumbled: A rough, textured look created by tumbling the stone with rocks.

Brushed: A textured look is achieved by combing the stone with a wire brush.

Honed: A smooth, matte finish.

Polished: A smooth, shiny finish with a sleek surface.

Marble

When choosing marble tile, the main considerations are color, finish, and shape. Available in a wide variety of colors–white, beige, and even green and black–marble floor tile can achieve virtually any aesthetic. Whether you like a rough, textured appearance or a smooth matte finish will determine whether you choose tumbled, brushed or honed marble. Polished marble tends to be slippery when wet, so if you prefer this shiny finish, consider a marble mosaic tile, which provides more grout joints for greater traction.

Pro Tip: Regularly treat your marble tile with made-in-U.S.A. Superior Enhancers and Sealers to keep it looking new.

Clockwise from top: 1. Featuring: Arctic White, Bandung Gris Acid, Riad White, White Pebbles (Small) and Arctic White Skirting. Design and photography by @MaryLauren. 2. Featuring: Arctic White. Design by Annie Selke. Photography by Bethany Nauert Photography. 3. Featuring: Meram Blanc Carrara, Verano White and Meram Blanc Carrara Somerset. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer. 4. Featuring: Firenze Carrara Hex. Design and Photography by The Grit and Polish. 5. Featuring: Siberian Pearl. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

Travertine

A type of limestone characterized by its formation in natural springs, travertine features rich veining and color variation, with shades ranging from brilliant silver to warm beige to black. Available in the same four finishes as marble, travertine tile has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to its warm, earthy tones.

Pro Tip: Stretch your bathroom budget by pairing a natural stone floor with a stone-look porcelain or ceramic wall tile.

Right to left: 1. Featuring: Atlanta White, Claros Silver, Claros Silver Barnes, Claros Silver Threshold, Claros Silver Skirting and Claros Silver Hex. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting. 2. Featuring: Claros Silver. Design & Photography by Coco & Jack.

2. Select the Best Style of Flooring for Your Bathroom

Both man-made and natural stone tiles are available in a wide range of styles. From hexagons and penny rounds to checkerboards–when it comes to design, there’s no wrong choice. Virtually any floor tile will meet the functional requirements of your bathroom. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual taste. Here are some of our most popular styles to consider.

Large-Format Tile

Since it requires fewer grout lines, large-format tile makes any space feel more cohesive and expansive. Defined as any tile with one side greater than 15″, large-format floor tiles are available in styles up to 48″ x 48″. The majority of these tiles are porcelain, as the strength of this material reduces the risk of cracks and breakage, ensuring smoother installation and superior durability. Cement and stone looks are especially popular in this format, as the large tiles create the appearance of a single, seamless slab.

Left to right: 1. Featuring: Softcement Graphite, Noir Honed Hixton, Noir Honed Threshold, Noir Honed Limestone, Alvarado Matte and Livingstone Nero. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting. 2. Featuring: Argile Matte White and Livingstone Melange. Design by Nikki Chu

Patterned Tile

Delicate florals, abstract shapes and textile-influenced designs are all represented in our wide selection of patterned tile. Whether bold or subtle, a pattern can reflect your personality and set the tone for your space. Explore our patterned tile collection to discover the perfect tile for your style. 

Pro Tip: “If there’s a tile that stands out to you but you’re having second thoughts because it may be too bold or too colorful, a powder bath is the perfect place to experiment.” – Nikki Chu, Celebrity Designer

Clockwise: 1. Featuring: Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite. 2. Featuring: Tribeca Gypsum White and Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Miramar. 3. Featuring: Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Laura Ashely Leaf Cloud Blue and Laura Ashley Sunflower Charcoal with Cloud Blue.

Mosaic Tile

Besides offering beautifully intricate designs, the small pieces that make up each sheet of mosaic tile feature more grout joints per square foot, which adds traction to your floors. This makes mosaics perfect for wetrooms, showers and primary bathroom floors. While more grout joints require more cleaning and regular sealing, the results are stunning.

Mounted on mesh sheets for easy installation, this highly versatile tile is available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials and styles. Some mosaics, like penny rounds and small hexagons, allow for custom designs by mixing colors in the same size and shape. When you select marble or travertine mosaics from The Tile Shop’s natural stone collections, you can choose from a variety of matching field tiles and trim to complete your bathroom design.

Pro Tip: Achieve a highly designed look by using your bathroom floor mosaic to create matching accents, such as a sink backsplash or shower niche.

Right to left: 1. Featuring: Penny Round Gloss White and Penny Round Cloudy. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer. 2. Featuring: Meram Blanc Carrara Polished Niles with Grey. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer. 3. Featuring: Hampton Carrara Cardine, Hampton Niles, Noir Hixton and Hampton Carrara Threshold. Design and Photography by Mas Means More.

Subway Tile

Sleek, chic and highly versatile, subway tile consistently ranks as one of our most popular tile styles. While commonly used on walls, subway tile is just as stylish on bathroom floors. The wide range of colors, materials (stone and man-made) and sizes (from petite 2″ x 6″ to long, skinny 4″ x 24″) make this tile compatible with virtually any contemporary or traditional design style. Its versatile rectangular shape can be installed in a variety of layouts, such as brick-lay, straight stack or herringbone. Check out this guide to subway tile layouts for more ideas.

Clockwise: 1. Featuring: Coco White Matte. 2. Featuring: Coco Canvas Matte. 3. Featuring: Victoria Grey Dark.

Zellige Tile

Handcrafted by artisans using centuries-old techniques, Zellige tile is renowned for its authentic character and perfectly imperfect appearance. Available in petite subway, square and mosaic styles, the Star and Cross shapes are the most popular floor designs. These unique shapes reflect traditional Moroccan design and can be installed in alternating glossy and matte finishes to create subtle interest.

Note: part of Zellige tile’s handmade appeal lies in the slight variations in size, thickness and surface texture from tile to tile.

Pro Tip: For a slightly more uniform (and budget-friendly) floor tile, try the handmade-look Kasbah Cross and Star tiles.

Clockwise: 1. Featuring: Zellige Alabaster Gloss, Zellige Charcoal Chabone Cross Gloss and Zellige Charcoal Chabone Star Matte. 2. Featuring: Pisa Oro Matte, Kasbah Cross Terracotta, Kasbah Star Bone, Coco White Matte and Coco Canvas Matte. 3. Featuring: Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Kasbah Star Terracotta.

3. The Best-to-Clean Bathroom Flooring

Whether cleaning the bathroom is a chore you love or dread, chances are you want it to go as smoothly and effortlessly as possible. Easy to clean, stain resistant and waterproof, tile is perfect for bathroom floors. Whatever style or material you choose, a good broom and a mop will be enough for daily cleaning. However, you’ll occasionally want to do a deeper clean to address build-up in your grout joints. Large-format tile has the fewest grout joints, while mosaics have the most. Natural stone will also require extra maintenance, including regular sealing and special cleaning.

Pro Tip: A dark-colored grout will hide the appearance of dirt.

Featuring: Siberian Pearl. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

We hope this guide helps you select beautiful and durable bathroom flooring. Explore our Bathroom Flooring Ideas and shop bathroom floor tile for more inspiration. Have more questions? We’re always here to help! Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, or schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post How to Choose Bathroom Floor Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Small Entryway Tile Floor Ideas

Your front door likely sees a lot of traffic, which is why durable, easy-to-clean and low-maintenance porcelain tile is a great option for your foyer floor. Available in nearly any style you can imagine, porcelain tile can withstand whatever you and your family–human and furry–throw at it. This homey entryway features the Baltimore Gris Wood Look tile; its realistic woodgrain details make it an excellent choice for maintaining the natural character of your home. For more durable hardwood alternatives, shop our vast assortment of wood-look tile.

2. Make a Bold Statement Wall

Whether bold and graphic or soft and floral, a patterned tile showcases your personality while protecting your walls from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Nikki Chu Tangier Graphic tile is inspired by the celebrity designer’s popular wallpaper. Made of porcelain, this graphic patterned tile is as durable as it is chic–perfect for stylish households with pets or kids. Shop our wide assortment of patterned tile to find a design that’s uniquely you.

3. Embrace an Earthy Palette

Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with soothing earth-toned neutrals. This serene entryway features the rich brown Organic Clay Taupe wall tile and the soft, brick-look Jerica Ceniza floor tile. The slightly textured tiles enhance the space’s organic appeal. Shop our collection of brown and beige tiles to achieve this nature-inspired look.

4. Choose Stone-Look for Durable Luxury

If you love the luxurious look of natural stone but want a low-maintenance material that can withstand heavy foot traffic, durable, easy-to-clean marble-look porcelain or ceramic is the perfect solution. This stylish entryway, designed by House of Shima, features the Keystone Grey tile. The striking grey and white veining creates a sense of movement that complements both the cool grey of the table and the warm brown wooden stairs and banister.

5. Small Entryway Foyer Tile Ideas

The entrance to your home doesn’t need to be grand to make an impact. Here, the Star tile creates visual separation between the foyer and the rest of the house. The folk art-inspired pattern is whimsical and homey, providing a moment of levity between the grand door and the hardwood floor that extends down the hall.

6. Keep it Classy With Black-and-White Tile

Like a well-tailored tuxedo, black-and-white tile exudes style and sophistication. This sleek and chic room, designed by Haus of Rowe, features the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal floor tile. The dainty, abstract florals add a touch of playfulness to this formal space. Shop black-and-white tile for more classy design options.

7. Choose Tumbled Marble for Rustic Luxury

Want a luxurious look with a bit of an edge? Tumbled marble, like the Meram Blanc Carrara tile shown here, is a high-end stone that has been tumbled with rocks to give it a uniquely rugged appearance. Shop marble tile for a wide assortment of tumbled finishes.

8. Win Your Design With Checkerboard

Checkerboard is a classic design that doesn’t require much space to create a big sensation. This elegant foyer features a checkerboard pattern made of Hampton Carrara and Black Marquina marble, but you can achieve this highly versatile look with any two complementary colored or patterned square tiles.

9. Create a Breezy Coastal Chic Design

The Laura Ashley Wicker Sea Spray tile sets the tone for this coastal-inspired space, designed by Timber Trails. Bright whites and wicker accents complete the beachy vibe, making this the perfect entryway to a stylish, laid-back home. For more ideas on bringing this chill aesthetic into your home, check out our guide to coastal chic design.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of entryway tiles to find your perfect style. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 9 Inviting Small Entryway Tile Ideas for 2025 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create the Illusion of Space With Large Format Tile

Large format tiles require fewer grout lines, which will make your space feel more expansive. This shower, designed by Nikki Chu, uses the Savannah Antique 24″ x 48″ marble-look tile to create the appearance of solid marble walls. The effect is an elegant and tranquil space–the epitome of quiet luxury.

2. Create a Luxurious Spa Experience with Pebble Tile

A refreshing at-home spa experience is just the thing to elevate your morning routine. The Grey Pebble Small Mosaic tile will make your shower feel lavish, even if you don’t have the luxury of space. The pebble shapes will give your feet a soothing massage and surround you with a calming atmosphere.

3. Utilize Your Space With a Corner Shelf

Make the most of your small space by installing a corner shelf. Hanging racks can make your shower feel cluttered, but a built-in shelf provides a convenient and stylish place to hold your soap and shampoo. Shop corner shelves in a variety of materials and styles to match your shower tile.

4. Brighten Your Space with Brilliant Jewel Tones

One of our favorite bathroom tile ideas for small showers is dazzling jewel-toned tile. Brilliant blues and glimmering greens are a 2025 trend that we predict will be around for years to come. We love how Wade Home Remodeling used the Look Blu tile in this shower. The shine of the tiles reflects the light, making this small space feel fresh and bright, even though the tile is a darker color.

5. White Tile Shower Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Always on-trend white subway tile will give your shower walls a chic and sleek look. The traditional brick-lay look of this shower, designed by Timber and Sued,e is both modern and classic. If you want to punch up your white subway tile design, try using dark-colored grout for contrast (it will also hide dirt, making your shower look cleaner even if you miss a week of scrubbing).

6. Create a Shower Niche

A great tile shower idea for small bathrooms is a decorative and practical shower niche. We love this niche designed using tile from the Alison Victoria collection. The Elia Polished marble mosaic and Precious Metals 24 Karat Pencil trim create a chic, highly designed look. Because the shower niche is a relatively small space, you have a chance to really showcase your style with a patterned or mosaic tile that would be too busy for the entire shower.

7. Create a Vertical Accent

An intricate patterned or mosaic tile can easily overwhelm a small shower, but if you love a bold design, you can still incorporate it in small doses. Here, a vertical stripe of Trois Bandes tile creates a striking accent, contrasting the organic texture of the wood-look tile with its vibrant black-and-white pattern. Explore our wide selection of patterned tile to find a design that enlivens your space.

8. Add Height with a Vertical Stack

There are many ways to use subway tile in your shower design. If you’re working with a short space, you can make it feel taller by installing vertical stack subway tile, like this shower designed by Coco & Jack. The tiled ceiling enhances the illusion of height, making this shower feel as spacious as it is charming.

9. Add Artisanal Charm With Zellige Tile

A major trend we’re excited about this year is the authentically artisanal aesthetic of handmade tiles. Subtle variations in surface texture, size and color make handmade options—like the Zellige Alabaster Gloss tile shown here—a charming choice for a small shower. Crafted, painted and glazed by hand using ancient techniques, every Zellige tile is unique. Prefer a more consistent look? Explore our wide selection of handmade-look tile.

10. Go All Out With All-Over Marble

Just because you don’t have the luxury of space, doesn’t mean you can’t have a luxurious aesthetic. Since the smaller footprint means you can afford to do more, a small shower might be just the place to invest in real marble tile. Many of our marble tile collections, like the Ashford Carrara shown here, include several sizes, trim pieces and mosaics, so you can achieve a highly designed look like this bathroom designed by Nikki Chu.

11. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

One of the best ways to add movement to your shower walls is with a herringbone pattern. Elongated subway tiles like the Splendor Blanco tile shown here will make your space feel wider. This pattern, created by Quinn Design, adds interest to the small space without making it feel busy.

12. Awaken Your Senses With Fluted Wood-Look Tile

With its raised, fluted design, the Nidus Decor Mix tile brings a tactile dimension to this chic shower, while the warm wood look creates a visual connection to the natural world. The result is a space that soothes the senses and uplifts your mood through intentional biophilic design—a style defined by its use of natural materials, textures and colors to bring the outdoors in. Shop our wide selection of wood-look tile for more waterproof, nature-inspired designs.

Ready to update your small shower? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more small showers spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

Small Bathroom & Shower Tile FAQs

What is the best tile to use for a small shower?

As for any space, the best tile to use is the one that makes you feel refreshed and invigorated. If you want to add the illusion of height or width, use a subway tile installed vertically (for height) or horizontally (for width).

What is the best color tile for a small bathroom?

A light-colored tile will make your space feel more open and airy, but if you have a lot of natural light in your bathroom, you can opt for a darker tile. A highly reflective tile, like a glossy jewel-toned tile will add light even if the tile itself is darker.

What tile makes a small shower look bigger?

Large-format tiles require fewer grout lines, which will make your space feel more expansive. Shop our full assortment of large-format tile to find your unique style.

The post 12 Small Bathroom Shower Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Maintain a Minimalist Palette

Minimalism is a key tenet of Japandi design, and the right tile can help you maintain a tranquil, uncluttered space. A soft neutral tile is a great base to your design, allowing you to layer in other colors and materials. This bathroom features the Lanse Matte White Picket tile, pairing the crisp white tile with metallic gold accents and a soft grey sink. Though this space has few adornments, the mix of vertical and diagonal lines in the picket tile adds interest and a sense of movement.

2. Incorporate Greenery

Japandi emphasizes a connection with the natural world, and incorporating plants and other natural elements into your design will help create a sense of serenity. Soft, earthy greens function as a neutral color, and nature-inspired decor–when used sparingly–is encouraged. The Morris & Co. Hawkdale Willow Olive tile features elegant leaf designs that are both decorative and minimalist. Pair this tile with the corresponding Hawkdale Pure Chalk tile to add neutral space between the designs.

3. Choose Warm Neutrals

The Scandinavian concept of hygge refers to the feeling of coziness and contentment, which is incorporated into Japandi through warm colors and materials. This cozy nook, designed by Christy Bloom Design & Build, features the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey tile. The soft greige coloring complements the wooden cabinets for a soothing and inviting space. Shop brown and beige tiles to achieve this warm neutral aesthetic.

4. Embrace Imperfections

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi celebrates the imperfect–the very quality that makes our authentic Zellige tile so compelling. Each tile is crafted, glazed and painted by hand, resulting in a unique look from piece to piece. With Japandi’s emphasis on handmade and authentic materials, Zellige tile perfectly encapsulates its ethos, however, if you’re interested in a tile that’s a little more uniform (and affordable), check out our wide selection of handmade-look tile.

5. Use Wood-Look Tile for a Natural Appearance

While authentic materials are essential to Japandi design, they might not be practical for every space in your home. Hardwood is commonly associated with Japandi, but to get this aesthetic in high-traffic or damp areas, wood-look tile is a great alternative. This serene shower features the Nidus Decor Mix tile. The blonde wood look and textured surface (which would be difficult to replicate in real wood) create the soothing atmosphere expected in Japandi but in a material suited to the space.

6. Combine Rustic and Refined Elements

Achieve a look that seamlessly combines the rustic Scandinavian aesthetic with the grace and elegance of Japanese style, with natural stone. The veining inherent to marble, slate and travertine creates a one-of-a-kind character that embodies the spirit of Japandi design. This living room, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features the Legno Geometric tile on the fireplace surround. The architectural style stone mosaic provides texture, while the naturally occurring color variation gives this space authentic visual interest.

7. Use Texture

Since Japandi mostly adheres to a warm neutral color palette, texture is key to creating interest to your space. A fluted, or 3D tile, adds a tactile element to your walls that will stimulate the senses while providing a unique visual element. This tranquil entryway features the Khali Flash Off White tile, the subtle pattern of soft, flowing raised lines adds depth to the space, with a design that changes effect as light moves through the room.

8. Embrace Elegant Symmetry

Japandi favors clean lines and symmetry for a sense of harmony. Subway tile arranged in straight vertical or horizontal stacks, or neatly aligned mosaics like the Home Kit-Kat Milk tile used in this kitchen, designed by Yellow Brick Home, will achieve this aesthetic. The long, skinny tiles of this handmade-look mosaic form smooth horizontal and vertical lines, giving this space an orderly feel, while the slight variations in color and texture between the pieces provide an organic appeal.

Whatever your style, The Tile Shop has the tile, tools and expert advice to help you take your project from design to completion. Explore stunning tile ideas for every room, or schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post Tile for Every Style: Japandi appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.