Bathroom wall tiles can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom. With so many tile options available today in different shapes, sizes, colors, textures and materials, selecting bathroom wall tiles may seem daunting. But it also means you can find the perfect tiles to create the bathroom design you envision.
The right tile choice can make a small bathroom appear more spacious, add visual interest, complement your style, and bring the overall space together. Tiles act as a blank canvas that allows you to add personality and vibrancy to bathrooms. They provide an opportunity to get creative and choose from an array of styles to achieve your ideal aesthetic.
In this detailed guide, we will explore how thoughtfully chosen bathroom wall tiles can enliven bathroom walls and provide inspiration for stunning tile designs.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Bathroom Wall Tiles
Choosing bathroom wall tiles requires careful thought and planning. Several key factors should be taken into account:
Bathroom Size and Layout
The size and layout of your bathroom is a major consideration. Smaller bathrooms can use smaller tile sizes to give the illusion of more space. Larger bathrooms may call for bigger, bolder tile designs. Vertical tiles can draw the eyes up and make ceilings appear higher. Horizontal tiles emphasize width.
Be sure to measure the bathroom and create a layout to determine how many square feet of tile are needed and to plan the tile design. This will help avoid mismatched edges or excess tiles.
Function and Moisture Resistance
Bathrooms involve a lot of moisture. Ensure tiles are water-resistant and durable to stand up to humidity and daily use. Porcelain and ceramic tiles rate well on the hard, non-porous scale. Natural stone works best when sealed properly.
Mosaics look beautiful but require more grout lines that can collect water and dirt. Larger tiles have fewer grout lines for easier cleaning and maintenance. Measure slip resistance by the coefficient of friction (COF). A COF of 0.5 or above means tiles are suitable for wet areas.
Style Preferences
Consider the bathroom’s overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Is your design modern, transitional, traditional, rustic, minimalist, bohemian? Do colors and patterns complement your style? Are finishes matte, shiny, textured? You can make a bold statement or subtle impression with tiles.
Also factor in compatibility with fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, and hardware finishes to ensure your bathroom elements work cohesively together.
Color and Pattern
With so many colors, patterns, and decors to choose from, the options may seem limitless. Keep colors cohesive. Limit patterns to avoid a busy look.
Neutral colored tiles provide a clean and calm appearance. Bold colors make a dramatic impact. Use color to create interest, like a mosaic tile wall inset. Warm earth tones lend a soothing element. Cool tones feel more modern and refreshing.
Natural stone tiles bring in subtle variations, textures, and colors. Patterned, hand-painted, crackle glazed, metallic finishes offer beautiful unique details.
Tile Material
The material determines characteristics like appearance, durability, maintenance and longevity. Ceramic and porcelain are very common, and offer an extremely wide range of styles.
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, limestone, granite and slate provide distinct beauty, especially for rustic styles, but require sealing.
Glass tiles make a brilliant visual impact. Recycled glass tiles are also eco-friendly.
Mosaics create works of art but need added grout maintenance. Terracotta and cement tiles work for handcrafted, artisanal looks.
Cost and Budget
Tile prices run the full range from value to luxury. Determine budget before selecting tiles. Factors like material, size, specialty designs, and accent finishes impact cost. Smaller mosaics typically cost more with all the grout work. Larger tiles have a lower price per square foot.
Plan an extra 10-15% over material estimates for cuts, wastage, tile trim and adhesive. Replacing just a few damaged tiles of specialty or discontinued styles may be impossible or very expensive.
Bathroom Wall Tile Design Ideas and Inspiration
With the foundational factors in mind, here are some inspiring and stunning ways to use bathroom wall tiles to create a beautiful space:
Classic White Subway Tile
White 3×6 subway tile has endured as a classic choice because it delivers clean lines and timeless appeal. The bricks lay in a pleasing stacked pattern. Opt for glossy or matte finish.
Pair with any style from modern to traditional. Add interest by laying bricks in a herringbone pattern or staggered layout. Introduce contrasting grout color. Stack tiles vertically. Frame with trim or penny rounds. Combine with a statement mosaic medallion.
White subway tile provides a clean, classic look. Dual shower heads provide an invigorating experience. Photo from Hunker
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Recreate the beauty of centuries-old Moroccan architecture with colorful fish scale tiles laid in an interlocking pattern. The mirrored mosaic design refracts light for mesmerizing effects.
Use as an accent wall or floor-to-ceiling treatment. Complement with neutral walls and wood tones. A granite or marble countertop adds to the old-world exotic vibe.
Fish scale mosaic tiles lend a dramatic Moroccan flair. Photo from Remodelista
Modern Geometric
Geometric shapes create eye-catching dimension and interest. Combine abstract polygons, grids, and 3D cubes for contemporary style. Contrast matte black hexagons with glossy white diamonds. Metallic gold triangles make a glitzy statement.
Work geometric patterns across an entire wall or use sparingly as an accent. Pair with clean lines and minimalist fixtures for a trendy vibe.
A wall of black hexagon tile makes a modern statement. Photo from The Tile Shop
Marble and Natural Stone
Elegant marble, travertine, and other natural stones exist in an endless array of colors, patterns, finishes and cuts. Craft gorgeous full walls or use thoughtfully as insets, medallions or borders.
Honed travertine subway tiles laid vertically provide organic neutral texture. A marble mosaic circle makes a luxe focal point behind the tub. Dark slate arranged in a herringbone pattern adds drama. Pebble stacked stone brings the spa experience home.
Carrara marble subway tiles infuse elegance and style. Photo by Amber Interiors
Bold and Vibrant Colors
Infuse your bathroom with energy and excitement through color. Deep teal, emerald, sapphire and navy blues lend instant sophistication. Coral and stone reds feel elegant. Mustard yellows look cheery.
Paint one wall in your bold color of choice or use colorful tile inserts, bands or borders, like blue glass subway tiles stacked horizontally between chair rail and ceiling. Keep the rest neutral for balance.
Royal blue glass subway tiles create a dramatic accent wall. Photo from Bolder Contractors
calacatta gold marble effect porcelain tile
Achieve the luxurious look of exotic marble at a more affordable price with marble-effect porcelain tiles. Modern printing technology replicates patterns and veining with incredible realism and detail.
Popular options like Calacatta Gold, Statuary, Carrara, and Botticino provide the swirls, movement, and tone of natural marble in durable, easy-care porcelain. Use on walls and floors to craft a spa-like oasis.
Calacatta gold marble-effect porcelain tile looks and feels like the real thing. Photo from TileBar
Blue and White Portuguese Tile
Traditional blue and white azulejo tiles adorn walls across Portugal. The iconic interlocking 5×5-inch pattern creates scenes picturing everything from landmarks to flowers.
Incorporate these hand-painted historic tiles in your own bathroom for an Old World Portuguese vibe. Use sparingly to craft borders and accents or design an intricate custom mural.
Blue and white Portuguese tiles bring folk art charm. Photo by Natasha Louise Photo
Wood-Look Porcelain Planks
Wood introduces natural warmth and texture. Porcelain planks achieve the aesthetic without the moisture concerns. Modern printing provides remarkably realistic wood look and feel.
Use on bathroom walls and floors. Complement with stone and black accents for an organic yet modern vibe. Large-scale porcelain planks emphasize spaciousness. Create a cohesive look tying walls and floors together.
Wood-look porcelain planks add warmth and texture. Photo from Studio DB
Creative Patterns and Shapes
Have fun and showcase your unique personal style through creative or even DIY patterning. Irregular handmade art tile designs result in one-of-a-kind installations.
Start with basic white or neutral tiles. Use stencils, adhesive vinyl cutouts or tiles, paints, or speciality decals to apply your own designs, like bold black and white geometrics or abstract flowers and leaves. Add a sentimental quotation or favorite lyrics. The options are endless.
A tree decal sticker transforms simple white tiles into a charming woodland scene. Photo by The Creativity Exchange
Design Concepts for Bathroom Wall Tiles
With countless tile shapes, sizes, colors and materials available, how do you start combining them to create an amazing bathroom design? Let’s explore some top bathroom wall tile design concepts:
All Over Walls
One popular look involves tiling from floor to ceiling across all bathroom walls for a cohesive, enveloping effect. This full treatment emphasizes spaciousness in a small bath. Opt for fewer grout lines with larger format tiles like 12×24-inch. White subway bricks keep the room feeling bright and clean. Natural stone mosaics make a luxurious statement.
Limit patterns to avoid visual clutter. Accent with plush towels in bold hues. Pair with simple metal or wood shelving and furnishings.
12×24-inch subway tiles cover the walls and combine with hexagon floor tile. Photo by Studio DB
Accent Wall
Focus bold tile designs on one wall to create a striking focal point without overpowering the space. This works well in powder baths or to highlight an architectural feature like a soaking tub or sleek shower.
Options for the accent tile itself include mural patterns, creative graphics, sculptural 3D tiles, metallic mosaics, handmade moroccan or mexican tiles, and customized family photos on tile. Surround with clean white or neutral walls and wood or black accents.
A mosaic tile wall provides vibrant focal point behind the bathtub. Photo by TileBar
Horizontal Band
Define separate wall sections and add architectural interest through bands of horizontal tile. Run a row of handmade art tile or multi-colored mosaic tile 8-12 inches wide about two-thirds up the wall. This is an opportunity to introduce a fun pop of color or texture.
Frame with neutral walls above and below the band. Opt for larger format tiles on the lower portion that are easy to wipe clean. Accent the dividing line with a backsplash ledge, recessed shelving, or wall sconces.
A row of blue glass defines the spa shower without overwhelming. Photo by Studio DB
Chair Rail Inset
Similar to a horizontal band, run contrasting tiles between a chair rail molding and the ceiling. This creates elegant definition halfway up the wall. Subway tiles, mosaic sheets, or decorative listello inserts work well.
Pair with neutral walls and marble countertops and floors for a refined, traditional feel. The chair rail itself can provide open or closed shelving. Sconces can flank the chair rail seamlessly.
Blue and white tiles highlight the window bay between chair rail and ceiling. Photo by Amber Interiors
Frame Mirrors and Art
Make mirrors, paintings or wall decor focal points by framing them in striking tile designs. Contrast the artwork colors and finishes for maximum effect.
Framing a mirror reflects more light to make a small space feel open and airy. Metallic or iridescent glass tile trim sparkles. Enclose family photos in a handmade tile frame for personalization. Allow extra space for grout and backing.
Metallic glass tiles frame the mirror with opulence. Photo by Bosa Tile + Stone
Border Accents
Use tile to create elegant borders along the perimeter of the room where walls meet the floor, tub edges or ceiling. Contrasting tiles in these joints define the boundaries in style.
Natural stone adds an organic edge. Tiny mosaic tiles make delicate trim. Listello inserts and decorative liner tiles work well. Quarter-round edges allow for bullnose tiles.
Keep grout color close to tiles for seamless look. Use bullnose tiles on outside corners. Make sure tiles align at transition points.
Mosaic tile trim and niche provide beautiful accents. Photo by Christine McAvey
Niche and Backsplash
Recessed niches built into the tile provide clever storage nooks for soaps, shampoos and bath accessories. Use bullnose edging tiles to finish the niche openings.
Create niches of varying heights and widths to accommodate different items. Line with complementary tiles like sparkling glass mosaics.
Pair with a coordinating waterfall edge backsplash behind bathroom sinks and faucets. Add tile trim strips or mosaics.
Glass tile niches and waterfall backsplash make functional accents. Photo by Studio DB
Contrasting Stripes
Alternating vertical stripes of contrasting tile colors, widths and finish add bold architectural definition. The eye naturally follows the stripes, which makes the room feel taller.
Use varying stripe widths – thick and thin – to add interest. Try glossy and matte combos. Introduce complementary colors like navy and white. Natural stone stripes paired with matching grout look seamless.
*Contrasting vertical quartzite stripes make a contemporary statement. [Photo by Olson Visual](https://www.olsonvisual.com/work