Tiles can completely change the look and feel of a bathroom, but with so much choice out there it’s hard to know where to start! So let’s look at the top bathroom tile trends and ideas interior designers are loving right now, and what’s been flying off the shelves in our bathroom tile showrooms.
1. Large Format Tiles
Sometimes bigger is better, and large-format tiles are a great example of this. Large tiles in bathrooms have been trending for over a decade now, and they're not going anywhere anytime soon. With fewer grout lines, they make bathrooms feel more open and give the illusion of more space.
Large format tiles start around 600x600mm and can go right up to 1200x1200mm or more. Because of their size, they’re naturally a bit heavier, so it’s best to have a professional fit them properly.
Best for: Any bathroom, especially small bathrooms
2. Wood Effect Tiles
Ceramic wood-effect is another popular bathroom tile trend, great for adding warmth and creating a Scandi-inspired look. These tiles mimic the look of natural timber but are completely water-resistant.
They're great on downstairs bathroom floors, as you can carry the same tile through the hallway, kitchen, living room etc. They can also be used on walls (a bit like panelling) to create a feature within showers or behind sinks. Avoid using a contrasting grout colour, as it's a clear giveaway that it's not real wood!
Best for: Bathroom floors
3. Marble Tiles
Marble tiles are a trendy but timeless. They add a touch of luxury without being over the top, and no two tiles ever look the same thanks to their natural veining.
You can choose real marble or “marble-effect” tiles - real marble requires more maintenance, whereas marble-effect gives the same look with less upkeep. White marble with icy or gold veining is especially popular in bathrooms, and is easy to match with brassware like taps.
Best for: Luxury bathrooms and fully-tiled bathrooms
4. Zellige Tiles
The Zellige bathroom tile trend originates from the beautiful souks of Morocco. Traditionally, these small tiles are handmade from clay, then glazed and fired. The texture and colour variation of the glaze gives the pattern, creating a lovely mix of tones.
If you like the old-world look of these tiles but want something easier to look after, go for Zellige-style porcelain tiles. They’re less porous, have a more uniform surface, and are much easier to clean.
Best for: Bathroom splashbacks and shower areas
5. Metro or Subway Tiles
Metro tiles, or subway tiles as some call them, get their name from tiled underground stations in London and New York. Nowadays, they’re a popular tile choice for industrial or retro-style bathrooms.
They work in all sorts of layouts. The classic brick pattern is always a safe choice, while vertical or herringbone designs are more modern. Whatever finish you go for, match it with bathroom accessories in a similar tone to keep everything looking balanced.
Best for: Bathroom walls and shower walls
6. Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are a nod to classic Italian design, and are one of the top trending tiles in our bathroom showrooms recently. Made from marble, quartz, or stone chips set into a smooth surface, they have a speckled look that’s full of character.
They look best when paired with plain tiles or plain walls for balance. Stick to soft greys and neutrals for a timeless feel, or try something bolder for more impact.
Best for: Bathroom floors and half-tiled bathroom walls
7. Geometric & Patterned Tiles
Geometric and patterned tiles are perfect for adding personality to bathroom floors. They bring shape, colour, and interest without needing much else to make the space stand out.
They come in all sorts of styles, from bold European designs to traditional Victorian-inspired patterns. Try keeping your walls simple to let the floor be the feature, or pick out a colour from the pattern to tie everything together.
Best for: Bathroom floors
8. Natural-Look Tiles
If you love soft, earthy tones, the natural-look bathroom tile trend is the one for you. Natural-look tiles are matt, and can mimic real stone or textures found outdoors. Smooth natural-look tiles are great for bathroom floors as they're naturally anti-slip, whereas textured natural-look tiles are better for bathroom walls.
Neutral tones won’t date easily, making it a popular choice. Pair these tiles with warm woods or brushed brass, and use bathroom mirrors and good lighting to balance out their matt finish.
Best for: Minimalist bathrooms, Biophilic bathrooms, or Spa bathrooms
9. 3D Textured Tiles
This popular bathroom tile trend uses 3D texture to make the most of light, creating a decorative look. 3D tiles need a little extra cleaning because of the ridges, but they’re worth it for the effect!
Pale beige tones let the texture do the talking, while darker shades lean into a more retro feel. If you go with these, choose your vanity unit wisely - highly textured tiles usually look better next to something smooth.
Best for: Feature walls
10. Chequerboard or Striped Tiles
A classic black-and-white chequerboard tile never goes out of style, but recently we’ve seen designers opt for softer tones like beige, green or grey.
Stripes, on the other hand, are brilliant for changing how a space feels - vertical stripes can make a shower area feel taller, while horizontal stripes help a narrow ensuite look wider.
Best for: Small ensuite bathrooms or statement walls
11. Scalloped Tiles
Sometimes referred to as "fish scale" tiles, the scalloped tile trend is inspired by traditional mosaic designs. The curved, overlapping shapes give a playful look without feeling too busy.
Designers agree that scalloped tiles give a subtle nod to the sea, making them perfect for seaside or coastal properties. As expected, they’re not the easiest tile to install, so always get a professional. Try them as a bathroom splashback they can really elevate simple bathroom basins.
Best for: Bathroom tile splashbacks behind sinks
Get More Bathroom Tile Ideas at Bassetts
We hope this has given you a few new bathroom tile ideas to think about!
If you’d like to see the latest bathroom tile trends in person, call in to your nearest Bassetts showroom here in Northern Ireland. You’ll be able to see how different tiles look in changing light, get a feel for the textures, and chat with our team about what works for your budget.
Book Your Free Bathroom Tile Consultation
FAQs
What are the top trending bathroom tile colours?
We’ve noticed the most popular bathroom tile colours right now are soft pastels like pistachio green, baby blue, and pale pink. Natural colours are also trending, like sand, terracotta and sage green. Dark colours are also making a real comeback, like bottle green.
What bathroom tiles are best for floors?
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are best for bathroom floors, because these materials are durable for foot traffic and highly water-resistant. Matte finishes are often preferred in master bathrooms or en-suites, because they’re less slippery than gloss tiles when getting out of the shower or bath.
Are fully tiled bathrooms still in style?
Yes, fully tiled bathrooms are still in style, people are even calling it by a new name: “tile drenching.” It’s not a new trend, it’s a classic bathroom look that helps the room feel more seamless. By tiling from floor to ceiling, there’s less need to paint bathroom walls, which means there's less maintenance.
How do you choose grout for bathroom tiles?
Neutral grout colours are the most popular for bathroom tiles, like light grey, dark grey or beige. These colours are easy to upkeep and don't fade over time. White grout is great for a clean crisp look, however it stains easily, so avoid it in areas like showers. Black colour grout is becoming more popular in bathrooms, and pairs well with dark tiles.
Can you tile over bathroom tiles?
Yes, you can tile over existing bathroom tiles, but only if the original tiles are flat, clean, and firmly fixed to the wall or floor. Any loose or cracked tiles should be removed first. The surface will need to be properly prepared, usually with a primer, so the new adhesive bonds correctly. In some cases, you might need to remove skirting or adjust doors slightly.