35 tiled bathroom ideas to elevate your bathing sanctuary

Follow my guide for a handpicked collection of inspired ideas to combine form and function with tiles, enhancing every inch of your bathroom.

What to consider:

• Earth tones and textures like terracotta, warm browns, and natural stone make bathrooms feel warm and inviting, while geometric patterns and feature walls can create visual interest and depth.

• Smart tile choices such as large format tiles, vertical subway tiles, and light-coloured tiles can make small bathrooms appear more spacious and airy.

• Consider practicality with slip-resistant, waterproof, and easy-to-clean tiles, and don’t forget the impact of grout colour in enhancing or complementing your tile design.

Embrace earthy tones

 Our Empress Marbled Honed Tiles feature a luxurious beige finish for a spa-like ambience in this bathroom

There’s something incredibly inviting and serene about earth-inspired hues in a bathroom. They provide a neutral colour base that can be paired with various elements to create an atmosphere that’s warm, welcoming, and soothing. Think terracotta tiles, warm browns, and natural stone tiles. I think they add a rustic charm that’s hard to resist.

The warmth of terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are a real game-changer. These warm, earthy-coloured tiles bring a cosy feeling to your bathroom and offer versatility that’s hard to match. Whether you have a Mediterranean-themed bathroom or a classic family bathroom, terracotta tiles fit right in. They pair well with a range of patterns and textures, and their strategic placement can enhance natural light and offer captivating views of the outdoors.

Add warm browns

There’s a reason why warm brown is becoming the new white in bathroom design. Unlike the starkness of white, warm brown tiles make a bathroom feel more inviting. They present a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing bath after a long day.

And the best part? They pair beautifully with other earthy tones, enhancing the overall rustic charm of your bathroom and adding a spa-like feel to your space.

Consider natural stone tiles

Natural stone tiles are the epitome of elegance and earthiness. With their unique veining and markings, they introduce organic and free-flowing shapes, enhancing the patterns in your bathroom. They can be paired with various tile shapes and sizes to create a stunning visual effect.

Plus, their natural texture adds a unique character to your bathroom that’s hard to replicate with other materials.

Play with geometric patterns

 With jungle-inspired silhouettes and a gorgeous teal colour palette, our Jungle Hexagon Porcelain Tiles by Clarissa Hulse will make you feel like you've stepped into a lush forest

Why stick to the old-school square and rectangle tiles when there’s a whole world of geometric patterns available? Geometric patterns, such as hexagons and chevrons, can add a whole new level of visual interest and depth to your bathroom. They’re not just about aesthetic appeal; they also create a sense of movement in your space.

Heavenly hexagon tiles

Hexagon tiles are a breath of fresh air in the world of bathroom tiles. With their six-sided geometric shape, they bring a modern and dynamic vibe to your bathroom. Their versatility allows them to be used both on floors and walls, enhancing the depth and dimension of your space.

Plus, they come in a variety of hues, from soft greys to off-whites, offering a timeless look that complements any decor. And, if you like experimenting with design ideas, try pairing hexagon tiles on the floor with rectangular tiles on the walls for a visually striking contrast.

Chevron patterns

Chevron patterns, with their continuous zigzag design, offer a clean look with sharp angles and straight lines. They’re commonly used for bathroom walls and floors and can be particularly effective along shower walls to visually break up the space. Even on simple porcelain tiles, a chevron pattern can significantly enhance their appearance.

The key is to pair a patterned tile with other tile designs to create a sophisticated and varied pattern layout.

Combine textures and materials

 Our Alfriston Clergy Ceramic Shallow Water Tiles feature a satin finish and create a striking contrast with these hexagon floor tiles - try our Statuarietto Honed Hexagon Mosaic Porcelain Tiles for similar

Fed up with the same old glossy tiles? It’s time to mix things up a bit! Combining different textures and materials can create a fascinating visual effect in your bathroom. It’s not just about looks either; textured tiles can also make the room feel more natural and tactile, contrasting the feel of smooth tiles.

Wood effect tiles

Wood effect tiles are all the rage these days. Offering the warmth and appeal of wood without the hassle of upkeep, they’re the perfect choice for a cosy, rustic bathroom. Whether you prefer a pale wash driftwood look or the darker shades of ebony, wood effect floor tile provides a variety of choices. If not, why not pick tiles which resemble real stone? We've got some elegant options, such as marble effect tiles, for example.

Pebble tiles

 Our Beige Hawaii Pebble Mosaic Tiles can be used on floors and walls and feature a charming rounded appearance

Pebble tiles are pretty much the closest you can get to bringing the outdoors into your bathroom. They provide a unique sensation underfoot and create a spa-like atmosphere. Plus, their natural shapes and colours can add an interesting visual element to your bathroom.

Metallic finish tiles

Metallic finish tiles are the epitome of luxury and high-end design. They bring a touch of glamour and shine to your bathroom, offering an upscale look. Whether you opt for gloss or polished metallic tiles, they’ll help make your bathroom feel brighter, especially if it has less natural light.

They can also be combined with other tile patterns for a truly unique and elegant bathroom design.

Create a focal point with feature walls

 Our new Sakura Gardens Porcelain Tiles feature a striking distressed finish and blooms which have been inspired by cherry blossoms in Japan

Feature walls are proving highly popular throughout the home, and bathrooms are no exception. A well-designed feature wall can turn your bathroom from bland to grand in no time. It serves as a focal point, drawing the eye and adding visual interest to your space.

Mosaic feature walls

Mosaic feature walls are a great way to add the wow-factor to your bathroom. A mosaic mural can transform an ordinary wall into a work of art, offering a visual impact that’s hard to ignore. You can start with simpler designs and progress to more elaborate ones as you gain confidence.

The key is to plan the design carefully to ensure it fits well with the overall decor of your bathroom.

Patterned feature walls

If mosaics are not your thing, how about patterned feature walls? A bold pattern can add a dramatic effect to your bathroom, serving as a contrasting element that draws the eye.

Hand-painted or patterned tiles in walk-in shower enclosures can also add a unique touch to your bathroom’s overall design.

Optimise small spaces with smart tile choices

 Our new extra-large format Baltimore 1816 Caramel Matt Tiles add a touch of European flair and contemporary styling to a luxury bathroom 

When it comes to small bathrooms, smart tile choices can make all the difference in optimising your bathroom space. By choosing the right size, colour, and layout, you can make your bathroom appear larger and more spacious.

Large format tiles

Believe it or not, larger tiles can actually make a small bathroom appear bigger. That’s because they have fewer grout lines, which reduces visual clutter. Plus, larger tiles, like hexagons, can create a balanced and open design that’s pleasing to the eye.

Vertical subway tiles

Another smart tile choice for small bathrooms is vertical subway tiles and Ive got a design tip for you. If you arrange the tiles vertically, you can create the illusion of taller ceilings and a more spacious bathroom. Plus, a vertical herringbone tile layout can make a low-ceilinged room appear taller. To further enhance this effect, you can extend floor tiles from the bathroom into adjacent spaces, creating a cohesive tile floor.

Light-coloured tiles

Last but not least, choosing light-coloured tiles can also help make a small bathroom feel more open and airy. Brighter tiles reflect more light, which can counteract the potentially small and dark feeling common in small bathrooms.

Mix and match tile styles

Mixing and matching different tile styles can result in a truly unique and personalised bathroom design. Whether you’re playing around with contrasting colours, different shapes, or varied patterns, the possibilities are endless!

Contrasting colours

Contrasting colours can create a timeless and elegant look in your bathroom. Some classic options include:

• Black and white

• Navy blue and white

• Grey and yellow

• Brown and cream

But don’t be afraid to experiment with modern contrasts and unexpected colour choices. This way, you can put your personal stamp on your bathroom.

Different shapes

Playing around with different tile shapes can also add a fun element to your bathing haven. From traditional squares and rectangles to hexagons and fish scales, different shapes can influence the perception of space and depth in this room.

Varied patterns

Don’t stop at colours and shapes; patterns are another great way to add visual interest to your bathroom. By mixing and matching different tile patterns, you can elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic and create a unique, personalised look.

Enhance functionality with practical tile solutions

While design and aesthetics are essential, you also need to consider the practicality of your tile choices. After all, a bathroom is a high-traffic area that needs to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Let’s take a look at some practical bathroom tile ideas that can enhance the functionality of your bathroom.

Slip-resistant tiles

Safety should always be a top priority in any bathroom, and this is where slip-resistant tiles come in. By choosing textured or matte finish tiles, you can significantly reduce the risk of slips, especially in wet bathroom conditions.

Waterproof tiles

Waterproof tiles are another practical solution for bathrooms. They resist water penetration, ensuring that your bathroom stays dry and free from potential water damage.

Easy-to-clean tiles

Last but not least, easy-to-clean tiles can make bathroom maintenance a breeze. Large-format tiles, for instance, require less grout, reducing cleaning efforts. Plus, certain materials like terrazzo are not only durable but also easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for busy bathrooms.

Go bold with colourful tiles

Ready to make a statement with your bathroom tiles? Going bold with colourful tiles can transform your bathroom into a vibrant and lively space. Whether you’re a fan of soothing greens, calming blues, or warm pinks, there’s a colourful tile out there for you!

Green tiles

Green tiles can evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature in your bathroom. Whether you opt for a rich emerald or a soft sage, green tiles infuse your space with a feeling of renewal and creativity. Plus, they can be used in various design elements, from herringbone floor tiles to contrasting wall tiles.

Blue tiles

Blue tiles are a classic choice for bathrooms, and it’s easy to see why. The calming hues of blue can create a serene and relaxing environment, perfect for a bathroom. Plus, you can play around with different shades and patterns to create a dynamic and visually appealing design.

Pink tiles

Warm, inviting, and surprisingly versatile, pink tiles are making a big comeback in bathroom design. They’re particularly effective when paired with contrasting grout colours, creating a striking visual impact.

Experiment with tile layouts

The layout of your tiles can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. By experimenting with different layouts, you can create unique patterns and designs that are truly your own.

Herringbone layout

The herringbone layout is a classic choice that never goes out of style. Characterised by rectangular tiles arranged in a zigzag pattern, this layout adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bathroom.

Plus, it’s quite versatile, allowing you to play with different tile sizes and colours for a truly unique look.

Diagonal layout

The diagonal layout is another interesting option for your bathroom tiles. By positioning your tiles diagonally, you can create the illusion of a larger space, making it a great choice for small bathrooms.

Plus, this layout allows for a wide range of design variations, including the use of different tile sizes and colours.

Stacked layout

Finally, the stacked layout offers a clean and modern look for your bathroom. It’s characterised by square or rectangular tiles arranged in a straight line, creating a neat and uncluttered look. Plus, when tiles are stacked vertically, it can make walls appear taller and spaces seem larger, especially when applied in bathrooms.

Our Long Island Marble Tumbled Finish Square Tiles feature a classic white marble with grey veining and are joined by our Long Island Scallop Mosaic Tilesand our Long Island floor tiles  

Consider the role of grout

While the tiles you choose are highly important, grout plays a crucial supporting role in your bathroom design. It not only holds your tiles in place but also significantly influences the overall look of your space. So, whether you’re choosing a matching, contrasting, or coloured grout, it’s important to consider how it will affect your bathroom’s aesthetic.

Matching grout

Matching the grout colour with your tiles can create a seamless, uniform look in your bathroom. It’s a subtle design choice that can make your tiles stand out. However, keep in mind that exact matches are difficult to achieve, so close matches are often the more practical choice.

Contrasting grout

On the other hand, contrasting grout can create a striking visual impact. Using a grout colour that contrasts with your tiles can highlight the tile pattern and make your bathroom design pop.

A classic example is white tiles paired with black grout, which offers a dramatic and timeless look.

Coloured grout

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not opt for coloured grout? It’s a fun and creative way to add a splash of colour to your bathroom. Plus, using a coloured grout can help correct colour issues and ensure a better match with your tiles.

Just remember to seal cement-based grout to protect it from stains and discolouration over time.

Adding personality

From earthy tones to bold colours, from large format tiles to tiny hexagons, the world of bathroom tiles is vast and varied. Remember, your bathroom is your sanctuary, a place where you start and end your day. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different tile designs, colours and layouts to create a space that truly reflects your personality and style.