20 Bathroom Tile Designs With a Twist

There's nothing wrong with sticking with classic subway tiles and never-goes-out-of-style penny rounds. But if you're ready to break out of the design box, try one of these unexpected tile designs.

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March 04, 2021

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Turn Over a New Leaf

Move over squares, rectangles and hexagons, there's a new shape in tile. These leaf-like tiles in gray and white flow from the backsplash of the vanity to horizontal stripes in the shower. The organic form brings movement and interest to the coastal bathroom.

From: Daniel Contelmo

Pair Cool With Warm

A classic marble floor and natural wood vanity make way for statement-making pattern on the wall. The blue-and-white motif is lined in a terracotta hue, adding to the warm contrast brought in by the brass fixtures and hardware.

From: House of Jade Interiors

Step Out of the Safe Zone

Although traditional white and neutral tiles are timeless, it doesn't mean you should shy away from color. Here, jade green subway tiles are a striking backdrop to the marble-and-gold vanity. Classic basketweave floor tile balances out the abundance of hue.

Look for the Littles

Teeny tiny tiles are the best way to incorporate intricate and one-of-a-kind designs. Centered in the main bathroom, the shower has an elaborate mosaic composition on its outer wall. Elongated marble tiles in a herringbone pattern ground the expansive space.

From: Baird & Warner and Luxury Portfolio International®

Same Shape, Different Styles

Hexagon tiles fill this gorgeous bathroom. Statement-making tiles deliver pattern and texture to the floor, while neutral-toned hexagons line the wall behind the vanity. Paned floor-to-ceiling windows pour natural light into the space, and white sheers soften the light and add privacy when needed.

From: Design 4 Corners

Lean Into Shapes

Go completely geometric with cleverly arranged tiles. Each of these tiles has a quarter-circle design to lay out in a variety of patterns, including this oversized dot motif. The bathroom is a juxtaposition of contemporary and rustic styles with chic graphics playing against reclaimed wood.

From: Urbane Design

Amplify Your Style

Look for unexpected materials to create a singular design. Without having to use the patterned black-and-white tiles throughout the entire bathroom, mirrored subway tiles reflect the motif while also bouncing light and visually expanding the space. On the floor, neutral tiles are laid in a herringbone arrangement for additional texture underfoot.

From: Kerrie Kelly

Escape From the Day

Classic gray subway tile and oversized soft brown rectangles set a timeless scene in this calming retreat. An inset design over the soaker tub adds elegant ornamentation to the bathroom and acts as a piece of artwork.

From: DMAR Interiors

Stay on the Grid

Grout plays a pivotal role in the finished look of your tile. A white or light grout paired with black tiles would create a striking contrast that leans toward a retro vibe. Here, ebony grout and small black squares give the backsplash a modernized sensibility that's full of rich dimension.

From: Blackband Design

Create Movement With Tile

Diamond tiles in shades of gray are laid in a starburst pattern that actually create a three-dimensional geometric design. Tiny hexagons curve up the concave shower wall all the way up to the ceiling, and a wall-mounted sink takes advantage of vertical space without using any floor square footage.

From: Bronwyn Poole

Play With Pattern

Mixing and matching patterns in not just for your living room and bedroom. Bring the comingling into your bathroom by applying the same rules you use to combine pillows, throws and fabrics — stick to a similar color scheme. A variety of tiles — graphics, stripes, solids and veiny marbles — blend together seamlessly in a simple gray-and-white palette.

From: Jackson Design and Remodeling

Choose Color

The almost all-white bathroom gets a hefty dose of color with mid-century modern tile. Silhouetted in bright yellow and gray, the retro shape keeps the space from looking too stark, while still maintaining a contemporary style.

From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

Go for the Uncommon

If your style is to go all out, then tile is a really fun material to play with. Polka dot tiles, pulling hues from the stained-glass windows, deck the walls of this out-of-the-box bathroom. The space is full of tactile appeal from the wall's circles and glossy geometrics to the ground's soft pebble tiles.

From: Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc.

Be Intentional

Enveloped in muted hexagon tiles, this bathroom establishes balance with a streamlined vanity and elongated oval mirrors. The tiles flow from the backsplash to the floor, where they fade into the hardwood floors. Brass fixtures and detailing deliver a decidedly glamourous punch.

From: Jennifer Visosky

Try the Right-Now Thing

Right on trend, a wet room combines the shower and bathtub in one water-friendly space. Decorative black-and-white tiles pull the eye throughout the room to the focal wall and are paired with black penny rounds and oversized white rectangles.

From: Kimberlee Gorsline

Timeless for a Reason

The color combo that never fails, black and white is always the right choice. Aztec-styled tiles anchor the bathroom and blend the shades of the stark black wall and crisp white vanity together. Brushed gold hardware is distinctly of-the-moment.

From: Prairie

Have One Standout

Traditional yet modern, the patterned tiles of the shower convey the look of a quilt. Allowing the focal wall to be the star of the show, the rest of the materials are kept simple and subdued.

From: Alison Jennison

Call of the Water

Petite iridescent tiles in blues and whites cast a sea-like glow in this aquamarine bathroom. A light-wood vanity and clean white countertop offset the beautiful yet abundant color, and gold fixtures bring in sunny warmth.

From: Holly Bero Interiors

Make It Dynamic

A unique diamond-pointed tile dominates this elegantly contemporary bathroom. Not only does it deliver pattern to the space, but it also produces a three-dimensional appearance. A floating vanity adds an airy quality to the room.

From: Amy Elbaum

Opt for Dark and Deep

Up the ante of your bathroom design with a variety of tiles. Starburst hexagons, penny rounds and geometrics, all in shades of chocolate, infuse the space with an all-encompassing warmth.

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

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