52 Refreshing Shower Tile Ideas to Wake Up Your Bathroom

The Houzz trends study also points out that, while the white is a trendy color for bathroom walls (we’re looking at you subway tile!) and can be found in just over one-third of the showers, it’s not as popular as it was. The results show that its share declined by five percentage points from the previous year. Still, if you have a soft spot for white subway tile, you can put a twist on the look by stacking shower wall tiles horizontally, a design choice that has been trending up, even more so than vertical stacking.

When it comes to shower floor tile, porcelain is the most popular, followed by ceramic. Both materials are easy to keep clean and don’t require sealing that is needed for more porous options, such as marble or other natural stones. In addition to being less subject to daily wear and tear, the density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic. Porcelain tile is stronger and available in a variety of incredible textures, says Zuni Madera, VP of the NYC-based design firm and AD PRO member MC Interiors. Some options can resemble linen, sisal, or wood. “It gets you bang for your buck,” Madera says. In terms of shape, Houzz found that while the majority of homeowners opt for rectangular designs, hexagonal shapes make up slightly more than a quarter of the share.

On the other hand, if you have a healthy budget for your bathroom remodel, marble is a timeless option, per Laurie Davis, cofounder of Eralyn Interiors in West Palm Beach, Florida. Davis points to Carrera or Calacatta marble as popular options for those looking to outfit their bathrooms using the sleek stone. “Every trend can be incorporated to complement marble,” she says. For the same look at a fraction of the price, porcelain slabs can be purchased in a large format. Designers are also stepping into darker territory by saturating bathroom spaces with the burgundy Rosso Levanto marble as well as its lighter cousin Calacatta Viola, a white base with purple veins.

What is the best color tile for a shower?

The color tile you choose largely comes down to personal preference, but common design principles still hold true. White walls and other neutral tones can help make a space feel brighter and more airy. Moodier colors, like burgundy tiles or vivid greens, may make a space feel more cozy. “When a shower appears smaller, it’s okay; showers aren’t generally thought of as large spaces, so making a shower feel spacious shouldn’t be the first priority in design,” explains Heather Mastrangeli of Innovatus Design, which offers virtual design services.

Guest bathrooms and kids’ bathrooms are both prime venues for experimenting with shower tiles. “These are great places to interject personality and really have fun with color and pattern,” Mastrangeli says. You can take the idea to heart by choosing floor tiles or wall tiles that have an unexpected or whimsical design. These spaces are ideal for playing with unexpected pops of color or unusual color combos.

Do small or large tiles make a shower look bigger?

Tile size can be one of the most important decisions homeowners make when designing their space. Small tiles with dark grout will visually make a shower feel smaller, but small tiles with lighter grout may make a shower feel larger, says Mastrangeli. Using smaller tiles on the floor can help with slip resistance.

These days, homeowners are leaning into a more modern look by using bigger tiles, which allow for fewer grout lines. Larger tiles, like a 24x48" tile, work well in spacious bathrooms because they have more square footage to show off the tile design, says Kendal Cavalieri of Kendal Cavalieri Design in Buffalo, New York. “Using the same tile in a smaller bathroom will only allow you to use 10 or so tiles and will likely make the space feel cramped.”

While you may want to stick to rectangular or square tiles in a small shower space, consider other shapes to create a sense of grandeur. A hexagon tile is a bold choice, but if you yearn for something a little bit more unique and out-of-the-box, unexpected tile shapes are the way to go. Triangular tiles can add visual interest with a pattern that isn’t too harsh on the eyes, and oval-shaped tiles evoke calmness with their soft edges.

What tile finish is best for shower walls?

The majority of tiles and natural stone slabs are offered in two finishes: honed and polished. Honed tiles have a matte or satin-like finish. Polished surfaces are more glossy and will reflect light in a more glamorous fashion. While polished surfaces can have a luxe look on walls, you should avoid polished surfaces for the floor in your bathroom, as they can be dangerously slippery when wet.

Though it’s often one of the last design choices you’ll make when choosing a bathroom tile, grout shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re going with a traditional white subway tile, opting for a black grout can help make your space look more modern, says interior designer Grey Joyner in Wilson, North Carolina. She also recommends considering a colored grout for a pop of fun, but cautions against ever using white grout: “It’s the hardest color for hiding dirt and unwanted mildew,” she says.

Below, we rounded up 52 stellar shower tile ideas, including gorgeous mosaic tile accent walls, eye-catching marble showers, and numerous spaces with both classic and whimsical color palettes. Whether you’re ready to DIY it or call in a contractor, we guarantee you’ll be floored by these shower walls.