7 Shower Tile Ideas

Make your shower reflect your personal style with new tile. Before choosing the designs for your bathrooms, here’s a few things to consider:

• Determine the best size tile for the space. Most showers have 4” x 4” tiles. If your shower is compact, smaller tiles can make it look more spacious. For oversized showers, a mix of sizes works best. For the floor, choose 2” x 2” floor shower tiles. They have more grout lines that provide traction and help prevent slips.
• Choose a style. Large, sleek tiles give a modern look. Textured stone or porcelain tiles feel more traditional. Whatever style you chose, make sure it complements the rest of your bathroom.
• Have fun. Mix different colors and textures. Choose the same type of tile but in different textures. Lighter shades like whites, grays on the shower floor are easier to spot clean. Darker hues make bold statements but may require more maintenance.
• Use grout as a design element. Grout can blend in or provide an eye-catching, colorful contrast. Dark grouts hide dirt and lighter ones allow the tiles to take center stage.
• Try different layouts. Give visual interest with a unique herringbone or vertical patterns. Consider using horizontal tile to give the illusion of width. Or add a decorative horizontal border of contrasting tiles.
• Consider maintenance. For example, ceramic shower tiles are durable, water resistant and easy to clean. Larger tiles require less grout lines, making them easier to maintain. Some low maintenance alternates to traditional tiles include acrylic, glass or fiberglass panels.

Give your shower global style with a Bohemian look. A free-spirited shower tile idea, Bohemian lets you experiment with different colors, textures and styles. Start with a playful mosaic tile in rich, jewel tones. Add a floating vanity in a natural wood finish and faucets in a black finish. Or get a more whimsical look by choosing hand painted tiles in lighter colors.

Sleek, geometric patterns in neutral colors are the basic elements of a modern shower. Get an iconic look with white subway tiles, a tried-and-true layout and striking black accents. Use dark hardware, a sculptural tub and minimal decor. If you want to give your modern shower a more glam look, mix in some metallic or mirror tiles.

Marble tiles give your shower an elegant and timeless look. Try larger white tiles with a classic gray pattern. Pair with chrome or silver hardware and warm white or ivory fixtures. For a twist on a traditional look, use porcelain shower tiles in an unexpected herringbone or basketweave pattern.

A rustic style warms up bath spaces. For charming looks with an outdoor feel, go for weathered wood-look wall shower tiles in distressed textures. Choose fixtures in rich natural finishes and simple metal fixtures. Ground the look with floor tiles in earthy tones or bring in texture with river stone floor tiles. For a cozy touch, add plenty of fluffy robes and towels.

An accent wall can turn even the smallest shower into a dramatic statement. Use a mix of tiles for a luxe yet contemporary look. Contrast smooth stone shower tiles with textured pebbles. Add corner shelves and lights for a serene, spa-like feel. Or opt for a sophisticated and glamorous accent wall with iridescent or reflective tiles.

Tiles with different patterns, motifs or designs add drama and personality to a shower. Go big and bold with oversized floral tiles in monochromatic colors. Install a wall of clear glass doors to show off your artful style. If you’d like a more colorful shower look, consider Moroccan- or art deco-inspired shower tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern.

Shower tile niches are both stylish and practical. Installing a niche in your shower provides a great design detail and more storage space. Make sure to place the niche at a height that keeps toiletries handy. Create contrast by using a different color or patterned tile on the inside of the niche. Finish the look with accent lighting.