Shower tiles are a key aspect of your bathroom decor and play a major role in determining the aesthetic of the space. It needs to be a conscious and careful choice to ensure that the tiles fit your stylistic requirements and preferences. Most contemporary homeowners prefer minimalist designs that boast of quiet luxury and elegance. In this article, we will explore 20 shower tile designs for modern bathrooms that will surely take your shower experience to the next level.
See also: Top 15 shower designs for small bathrooms
Subway tiles
These tiles bring a raw and edgy charm to your bathroom. The classic rectangular tiles, measuring 3” x 6”, are ideal for contemporary minimalist bathrooms due to their clean lines and versatility. Apart from the classic offset pattern, you can also consider laying them out in the herringbone style for added visual interest.
Source: Pinterest @homedecorbliss
Hexagonal tiles
Available in various sizes and materials like ceramic, porcelain and marble, these tiles can help you achieve an interesting geometric look for your bathroom without much effort. You can either arrange them in a uniform grid or create a staggered pattern.
Source: Pinterest @rstone1390
Marble tiles
With their natural veining and variation in colour, marble tiles bring forth a luxurious and elegant appearance. With each style offering a different aesthetic, they are widely available in polished or honed finishes.
Source: Pinterest @tilemountainuk
Glass mosaic tiles
Featuring pieces of glass in varying sizes and colours, this unique tapestry can create intricate patterns on your shower walls. Additionally, the reflective nature of glass can help add depth and visual appeal to the space.
Source: Pinterest @mybuildingshop
Patterned tiles
Create a focal point in your shower with statement tiles that feature bold patterns, such as Moroccan or Mediterranean-inspired designs. Such tiles generally flaunt artistic designs such as geometric shapes, florals or intricate motifs.
Source: Pinterest @mosaicsco
Wood-look tiles
While imitating the appearance of natural wood, these tiles, made of porcelain or ceramic, also combine the durability and water-resistance of these materials, making them ideal for a shower environment. Moreover, they are available in various textures and colours to suit your style.
Source: Pinterest @janyrainbow2096
Large format tiles
Typically available in sizes larger than traditional tiles, these tiles are known for having fewer grout lines once installed. If a seamless and contemporary look is what you’re going for, this is the one for you.
Source: Pinterest @shelterness
Penny round tiles
As the name suggests, these tiles are small and round, often made from ceramic or porcelain. They can help you achieve a textured surface, adding a vintage or playful feel to your shower, depending on the way they have been used.
Source: Pinterest @lowes
Arabesque tiles
Flaunting intricate and curvilinear designs, the motifs on arabesque tiles derive inspiration from Moorish and Islamic art. Use these in your shower to create a luxurious and exotic ambiance without compromising style.
Source: Pinterest @decorpad
Metallic tiles
For a modern and industrial touch to your shower walls, consider installing tiles with metallic finishes, such as stainless steel or copper. These tiles are best used as accents or in small areas for a bold statement.
Source: Pinterest @decorhomeidea
Herringbone tiles
Laid out in a V-shaped pattern, these tiles create a sophisticated and visually appealing look. There is no specific material used for achieving this style and it is a versatile choice that can be adapted to fit both modern and traditional settings.
Source: Pinterest @VictoriaPlumUK
Moroccan tiles
Moroccan tiles or “zellige” are vibrant and colourful additions to your bathrooms that flaunt intricate patterns and bright colours. Add a lively and exotic touch to your shower walls with these and create a unique backdrop that is rich and textured.
Source: Pinterest @sskaggs0
Matte finish tiles
Ideal for sophisticated contemporary settings, the soft and understated appearance of these tiles combined with the matte finish is a match made in heaven. They go well with various designs and do not reflect as much light as their glossy counterparts.
Source: Pinterest @tilemountainuk
Textured tiles
Add some depth and tactile interest to your shower walls with textured tiles. You can choose from a range of options, such as waves, ridges and raised patterns, to obtain a dynamic and engaging visual effect for your shower space.
Source: Pinterest @decoratingtalent
Terra cotta tiles
Made from fired clay, these tiles are known for their rustic appearance and earthy tones, adding a touch of nature to your shower. Evoking a Mediterranean or southwestern ambiance, these are ideal for some warmth and charm.
Source: Pinterest @Houzz
Geometric tiles
For a modern dynamic look, consider tiles with geometric patterns such as triangles, diamonds or abstract shapes. Such tiles easily offer a contemporary twist on traditional tile designs.
Source: Pinterest @hyggewellness
Encaustic tiles
Typically made using clay of multiple colours, these handmade tiles feature colourful patterns and designs. With their subtly worn and aged look, they can easily add character and charm to shower walls.
Source: Pinterest @victorianplumb
Black and white tiles
Offering the classic and timeless monochrome look, black and white tiles can be arranged in patterns ranging from checkerboard to stripes to suit any design preference. Moreover, they can complement modern and traditional bathrooms equally well.
Source: Pinterest @alexanderjamesshop
Concrete tiles
Bring home the minimalist industrial vibe with these tiles that imitate the appearance of concrete. Available in various shades of grey, they can be used to achieve a contemporary or sleek look of any kind.
Source: Pinterest @smarterbathroom
Gradient tiles
By gradually transitioning from one colour to another, tiles like these are used to achieve a striking and artistic effect. They are best used as accents or to create a feature wall for visual interest.
Source: Pinterest @Houzz
FAQs
Which style of tile is best suited for a small shower?
Light-coloured tiles such as white or grey subway tiles or large format tiles are ideal for small bathrooms.
How to choose the right tile size for my shower?
Larger tiles make small showers look larger and smaller tiles add texture and detailing to the space.
What tiles are best for a modern shower?
Format tiles with a minimalist aesthetic like porcelain tiles or concrete-look, geometric patterns, metallic finishes and matte or glossy finishes are suited to modern showers.
Which tiles are easiest to clean and maintain in a shower?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are water-resistant, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Can I mix and match different types of tiles in my shower?
Mixing different types of tiles can create a unique look. You can consider combining subway tiles with a mosaic accent strip or use different textures.
What tile finishes are suitable for shower walls?
While glossy finishes add brightness and reflectivity to shower walls, matte finishes offer a more subdued and contemporary look. You can go for textured finishes on floors for better grip.
How can I add a pop of colour to my shower using tiles?
Use colourful tiles as accents to create a focal point within a neutral, monochromatic colour scheme. A border of mosaic tiles or patterned tiles with interspersed colourful motifs are ideas you can consider.
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