Bathroom tile ideas

By Tom Drake | 18th July 2023 | 7 min read

Whether you’re a DIY aficionado, or you’re a tiling first timer, there are always new tips and tricks to be learnt. In this article we take you through some of our top bathroom tiling ideas, so you can create your dream bathroom sanctuary.

Segregate your bathroom with different tile patterns

Our bathrooms contain a number of different zones inside a small space with a basin, toilet, shower and bath. You can use your tiles to segregate different areas, drawing the eye towards or away from different parts of your bathroom. For example, if you have a beautiful freestanding bath, you can use one type of tile to highlight this area of relaxation, and use different tiles around the toilet and basin.

This bathroom tiling idea is also ideal if you have a particular tile you like, but feel it might be too overwhelming for your whole bathroom. Install the vibrant tiles in a small area, whilst keeping the rest of your bathroom more subdued.

Tile halfway up the wall

If you want to save money and give yourself more flexibility when it comes to colours and styling, consider tiling halfway up your bathroom wall. Tiling half your bathroom wall means you can choose whatever colour paint you like for the top half of the bathroom. You could choose a paint colour that complements your bathroom tiles, or choose one that offers a striking contrast. Tiling in this way also gives you more freedom to change the look of your bathroom further down the line. Changing tiles can be a difficult and expensive job, but changing up the look of a painted wall is as simple as buying a new tin of paint.

Another advantage of tiling halfway up the wall is the cost saving, both in terms of materials and labour if you choose to call in a professional.

Continue tiles from shower to bathroom

One of the biggest current trends in bathroom design is a preference for walk in showers and wetrooms. With this trend, rather than a detached shower that feels separate from the bathroom, your shower will feel like a seamless part of it. Even if you don’t have a walk in shower enclosure, you can achieve this look by fitting the same tiles from your shower enclosure across the rest of the bathroom.

This will give your bathroom space a beautifully stylish and modern look, whilst also reducing the number of tile choices you need to make.

Alternate plain and patterned tiles

If you're looking to move away from uniform bathroom walls, we recommend breaking up plain bathroom tiles with patterned tiles. For many people, rooms which are completely tiled with a pattern can be overwhelming. Fitting patterned tiles alternately can help you create a bathroom wall that's unique to you but also doesn't feel too busy. 

If you're looking to achieve a subtle pattern, look for patterned tiles that have a background the same colour as your plain tiles. This will help your patterned tiles blend seamlessly with the plain tiles.

Chequered floor tiles

Traditional style bathrooms are increasing in popularity as people look to move away from the smooth and sleek norm of modern bathrooms towards a style with more charm. However, traditional bathrooms can often be quite understated and restrained. One way you can counteract this is fitting tiles in a chequered pattern on the floor.

A vibrant style that still has a traditional feel, a chequerboard pattern is easy to create and will really help your bathroom stand out.

Contrasting splashback

If you're looking to create distinct zones in your bathroom, or draw attention to specific features, tiles are a great way to do it. One particular area that shouldn't be overlooked is the basin splashback. By selecting different tiles for this small space, you can create a focal point that showcases one of the most frequently used and important areas of your bathroom. Using vibrant tiles in this small area is also a great way to add a pop of colour or personality without committing to adding bold tiles across the whole of your bathroom.

3D tiles

If you want to add an extra dimension to your walls, look no further than 3D tiles. These are tiles that aren’t flat but instead have a small 3D protrusion or indentation. These will add some extra character to your walls and are an excellent way to break up a section of flat tiles.

Go for green

When green and bathroom are used in the same sentence, many people will think back to the 'avocado' bathroom suites of the 70s and shudder. However, green is once again becoming a popular colour for bathrooms and tiles are no exception.

Green is a relaxing colour that evokes feelings of nature, which makes it ideal if you're looking to create a relaxing bathroom sanctuary. Use green tiles as a feature colour around your bath to create the perfect space to unwind after a long day.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to create an entirely green bathroom, you can experiment with different shades to add variation and visual interest. Mixing and matching lighter and darker shades is an effective way to break up a green bathroom. By incorporating different shades, you can create depth and layering within the space, making it more visually dynamic.

Wood effect tiles

Wood is a versatile material that will add a touch of natural warmth to any room, including the bathroom. The texture of wood can provide a striking contrast to the sleek, modern finishes of a bathroom suite, adding depth and character to the space.

You can now enjoy the look of wood in your bathroom with our wood effect floor tiles. These give you the best of both worlds, with the natural look of wood combined with the waterproof properties of a bathroom tile. 

Move away from plain styles

Bathrooms often feature smooth ceramic materials and sleek chrome fixtures, creating a modern and polished look. However, if you're seeking to add some visual interest and break away from this uniformity, consider using tiles with unique patterns and textures.

Opting for tiles with a rustic or natural look can bring a welcoming, warm feel to your space. Additionally, these textured tiles have the advantage of being less susceptible to showing dirt and grime compared to plain, light-colored tiles.

Contrasting tile styles

When it comes to choosing tiles for your bathroom, don't feel like you have to stick to the tried and tested pairing of a patterned tile with a plain tile. In fact, many contrasting tile patterns can work together to create a harmonious and interesting look. If you've come across two tiles that you like, don't be afraid to experiment and see how they look together.

One way to test out tile combinations is to pick up a few tile samples and lay them out in your bathroom. Seeing the tiles together in the actual space can give you a better idea of how they'll look together and whether they clash or complement each other. You might be surprised by how well two seemingly different tile patterns can actually work together to create a unique and visually appealing bathroom.

Vertical metro tiles

When it comes to metro tiles, the classic approach is to lay them horizontally. However, if you're looking to add a unique dimension to your bathroom, consider laying your metro tiles vertically. By opting for vertical installation, you can create a visually appealing look that draws the eye upward. This technique can help elongate the wall and make your bathroom appear more spacious, which is especially beneficial for smaller bathrooms.

This vertical pattern also creates a sense of depth, which is particularly well-suited to small alcoves or shower enclosures.

Light tiles for a brighter space

British bathrooms are known for their particularly small sizes. As a result, they can often feel quite claustrophobic and dark. You can counteract this by choosing brighter tiles that will reflect more light to help your bathroom feel brighter and more open.

In addition to the colour, consider the finish of the tiles. Glossy or polished tiles have a reflective surface that can make the room feel even brighter. This added light reflection also helps to create a sense of depth and openness.

Sometimes, too many white tiles can be overwhelming and create a bathroom that feels cold and uninviting, particularly if coupled with white bathroom furniture. You can counteract this by fitting light wood bathroom furniture and installing black taps and fixtures that will beautifully contrast with the white walls.

Extend floor tiles up the wall

If you prefer a sleek, seamless look in your bathroom, we recommend using the same set of tiles from your floor right up to your ceiling. The continuous flow of tiles from the floor to the ceiling draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the room, which is ideal for small or cramped bathroom spaces.

Opting for the same set of tiles for both the floor and walls eliminates the need to worry about whether your choices will complement each other. This ensures a cohesive and harmonious design, where the tiles seamlessly blend together.

If you’re going for this option, be sure to check that your tiles are suitable for use on walls and floors.

Pastel tiles

Pastel bathroom tiles are the perfect way to give your bathroom a splash of colour while still keeping it fresh, bright and clean. Pastel tiles are also an excellent way to balance out other colours in your bathroom. Pastels work well with light coloured bathroom suites because they help bring out the natural warmth of these shades, such as white or cream.

Go for bold floor tiles

If you're looking to add a touch of intrigue and excitement to your bathroom, bold tiles could be the perfect solution. While some may find a bold tile pattern on the walls overwhelming, incorporating bold tiles on your bathroom floor can be a great alternative. This allows you to infuse your space with a vibrant and energetic vibe, without it overpowering the entire room.

Pair bold bathroom floor tiles with plainer wall tiles to create a balanced bathroom that still gives you a morning boost, but isn't too overwhelming.

Add some texture

Bathrooms can often be very sterile and cold places, with lots of sleek lines and smooth surfaces. One way you can add a different dimension to your bathroom is the use of textured tiles.

From a visual standpoint, these tiles will look different as you move around the room and light hits them from different angles, which helps to add depth and intrigue to your walls.

In addition to their visual impact, the texture of tiles can also play a significant role in the overall feel of your bathroom. Textured floor tiles offer a more natural sensation underfoot compared to sleek and smooth tiles. Their tactile quality adds another layer of sensory experience to your bathroom, providing a pleasant and comforting feel as you walk across them.

Metallic tiles for a high end feel

If you're looking to bring the feel of a luxury hotel to your bathroom, look no further than our range of metallic bathroom tiles. 

These tiles will give your wall an interesting texture, with the wall changing as the light hits it from different angles. However, using them extensively across a large wall can be overwhelming. Instead, aim for adding metallic tiles in smaller areas, such as a splashback or feature wall. This way, you can achieve a unique and stylish look without overpowering the space.

Monochrome mosaic

Black and white doesn’t have to be boring. Reinvent this timeless combination by experimenting with shapes. Use white rectangular tiles and square black tiles for a basketweave look. Or mix white octagon mosaic tiles with mini black tiles to create your own masterpiece. The options are truly endless.

White tiles, black grout

A trend that we’re loving at the moment is combining white tiles with black grout. The contrast of dark grout against your white tiles will make them really pop, whilst giving your bathroom a contemporary edge. And the best thing about black grout? It will never look dirty!

If you want to complete the look, pair your black grout with black taps and accessories.

Pink is back

Similar to green, many people will cringe at the thought of adding pink to their bathroom. However, pink bathrooms are seeing a huge resurgence in popularity. 

Pink is a colour that will bring a calming atmosphere to your bathroom, helping you create a relaxing sanctuary you'll enjoy spending time in. Pink bathroom tiles will look great against walls with white or light grey tones. To add a touch of sophistication, pair them with black or brushed brass taps and accessories.

Freestanding bath feature wall

The epitome of elegance and luxury, freestanding baths have the ability to become a stunning centerpiece in any bathroom. To truly emphasize the relaxation and tranquility of your freestanding bath, consider using tiles to create a captivating feature wall.

From intricate mosaic tiles to tiles in a contrasting colour from the rest of your bathroom, a feature wall can add a unique dimension to your overall bathroom design. It also provides you with a small area where you can express your personal design tastes and preferences.

That concludes the rundown of our top bathroom tile ideas. As you can see, there's a huge range of different bathroom tile finishes, styles and colour combinations available. So take a look at our bathroom tile collection and start planning your own bathroom.