The bathroom tile ideas interior designers are choosing instead of plain white tiles
Looking for bathroom tile ideas that feel stylish, practical and on trend? From timeless metro tiles to statement Victorian floors and spa-like stone effects, the right tile choice can dramatically change the look and feel of a bathroom. We've rounded up eight of the most popular bathroom tile styles right now, with tips on where each works best and how to use them in your own home, plus a quick look at what's trending right now…
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What tiles are best for bathroom?
We've researched eight of the most popular tile styles to help you decide which is best for your bathroom; from metro tiles to mosaic tiles, there's a design here for everyone and every home.
And the best part? Your bathroom doesn't have to be tiled to the nines to make an impact, sometimes just a tiled splashback or shower cubicle is enough to totally transform your space.
Read on for our pick of the best bathroom tile designs, and if you're wondering which tiles are best for a small bathroom, check out our tips for that too below! And don't forget to check out our guide to choosing the right kitchen tile style.
Bathroom tile trends designers love in 2026
Large-format stone-effect tiles
Atakora Beige stone effect wall and floor tiles, £24.27 per sq m, Victorian Plumbing
Perfect for creating a seamless, hotel-style look. Fewer grout lines help bathrooms feel calmer, cleaner and more spacious. 'Seamless surfaces with fewer interruptions and less grout make for a fluid design that will help to create a more calming look,' says Tanna Molyneux, bathroom product manager of Bathrooms to Love.
Checkerboard Victorian flooring
Ruzzini tile, £66.96 per sq m, Topps Tiles
A classic that's making a comeback. Black-and-white patterns add character and work particularly well in period homes.
Earthy and warm beige tones
Dwell Ochre tile, £66 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore
Cool greys are giving way to warmer neutrals that create a softer, more relaxing atmosphere. 'Deep, earthy colours instantly make a space feel warmer and more cocooning,' explains Manuela Hamilford, founder and creative director, Hamilford Design.
Glossy handmade-look tiles
Zellige Sage Green gloss porcelain tile, £33.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain
Zellige-style and handcrafted-effect tiles add texture, shine and subtle variation. 'Textured, brushed or zellige ceramic tiles, are continuing to resonate with homeowners as the seasons change,' says Rikki Fothergill, bathroom design expert at Big Bathroom Shop. 'Their gently uneven surfaces bring subtle depth to bathrooms, evoking a handcrafted quality that feels both authentic and inviting.'
Japandi-inspired wood-effect finishes
Scandi Light Oak slatted wood porcelain effect tiles, £37.90 per sq m, Stone Store
Wood-look porcelain tiles bring warmth without the maintenance concerns of real timber. 'The year's trends continue to focus on wellness using nature-inspired materials, shapes, finishes and textures for a relaxing space,' explains Tanna Molyneux, bathroom product manager at Bathrooms to Love.
Colour-drenched bathrooms
Sorbet Green matt wall and floor tiles, £37.97 per sq m, Walls and Floors
From forest green to terracotta, homeowners are increasingly embracing colour on walls, tiles and paintwork.
Bathroom tile design ideas
Metro tiles
Metro tiles remain one of the most versatile bathroom tile choices, working equally well in traditional and contemporary schemes. They're hugely versatile, come in a wide range of sizes and colours, and are one of the cheapest options for buying tiles too.
You could use metro tiles for just a section of your bathroom wall, such as a splashback behind your sink, or use them to zone areas such as the shower or bath. Or, why not go all out and create a statement wall with colourful metro tiles like these mustard tiles from Walls and Floors?
Buy Victorian Mango metro tiles here
Take a look at our ultimate tile style guide to discover your favourite metro tile layout. One option is to arrange your bathroom metro tiles in a herringbone pattern, as shown above. It will create instant drama in the bathroom and works particularly well with a monochrome palette.
For the full effect, incorporate other geometric shapes and designs through your flooring patterns and accessories like hand towels and plant pots.
Buy metro Whitechapel tiles here
Why choose metro tiles?
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Works in modern and traditional bathrooms
- Ideal for splashbacks and shower areas
Terrazzo tiles
For a contemporary designer look, terrazzo tiles are hard to beat. These distinctive tiles remain a popular choice and it's no surprise; they're both classic and contemporary and come in a vast range of colours and variations.
Whether you're looking to tile your walls and floors or just a small zone of your bathroom, terrazzo tiles will add a modern, creative vibe to your space. They work just as well in period homes as they do in modern homes too.
Buy Ravello terrazzo tiles here
Why choose terrazzo tiles?
- Hides marks well
- Adds colour and texture
- Creates a designer look
Small bathroom tile ideas
Wondering what tiles to use for a small bathroom? Here are 3 tips to help you decide...
- Go bold with one bright colour It may feel safest to go with white tiles for a small bathroom, but sometimes a deep colour or vibrant shade can give a small room depth and turn a tight space into a cosy, welcoming nook.
- Choose shiny tiles High-shine tiles will help bounce light around your room and give the feeling of a bigger space.
- Pick larger tiles for the floor Steer away from small tiling on your bathroom floor as this will look too busy and cramped. Larger tiles will give the illusion of a wider floor space.
Check out our guide to small bathroom ideas for more inspiration.
Fan tiles
Fan tiles (also known as fish scale tiles and scallop tiles) will add an aquatic feel to your bathroom thanks to the scale-like curves of the design, as well as a nod to art deco design.
Keep things on the more traditional end of the scale (pardon the pun) by choosing white fan tiles, or, for a full-on ocean aesthetic in your bathroom, choose a sea-green or ocean blue colour. If you want to lean more into the art deco look, go dark and moody – think deepest green, red, navy or black. To embrace the fish scale look, lay them with the arch at the bottom as shown above; if you lay them the other way up, the effect will be more reminiscent of 1920s glam.
Buy Pescara white fan tiles here
Why choose fan tiles?
- Adds instant visual interest with a soft, curved shape
- Perfect for creating a coastal, art deco or spa-inspired bathroom
- Works beautifully as a feature wall or splashback
- Available in a wide range of colours, from classic white to bold jewel tones
Wood-effect tiles
Fancy more of a rustic look in your bathroom? If you're a fan of the Japandi interior style you may well want to go for a wooden look on your bathroom floor. Wood creates a warming effect in a room, but it's not the most practical when it comes to bathrooms. Wet wood can rot and it's much tougher to clean and keep hygienic. That's where wood-effect porcelain tiles come in.
These handy porcelain tiles give you all the rustic charm of wooden flooring but with the ease and practicality of long-lasting, wipe-clean porcelain.
Buy Beyaz wood effect tiles here
Why choose wood-effect tiles?
- Offers the visual warmth of wood with the practicality of porcelain
- Water-resistant and easy to maintain
- Ideal for creating a calming Japandi-inspired look
- Works well alongside stone, neutral and nature-inspired schemes
Picket tiles
For something simple but striking, you could try Picket tiles. Lay these tiles horizontally or vertically, and use two colours to extenuate the geometric style of them.
We like the use of pink picket tiles running along the bottom half of this bathroom wall, with white on top. As well as looking lovely in a large bathroom, this bathroom tile design would also look great in a small bathroom, as it will create the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Buy Pickett Bevelled Petal Pink tiles here
Why choose picket tiles?
- Creates a modern geometric look without overpowering a space
- Can be laid vertically or horizontally for different effects
- Helps draw the eye upwards, making ceilings feel higher
- Great for adding colour and pattern in small bathrooms
Marble tiles
Longing for a spa bathroom? Since ancient times, marble has been used in bathing houses and swimming pools to create a feeling of luxury and relaxation. Luckily for us, we can now recreate this look at home as you no longer need to spend a small fortune on the stuff!
This marble-effect tiling from Wickes looks both soothing and high-end but comes in at a much more reasonable price. Complement the warm-veined marble effect tiles with humidity-loving plants and mid-toned wood.
Buy Bolero matt marble tiles here
Why choose marble tiles?
- Instantly creates a luxurious, hotel-style feel
- Timeless look that won't quickly date
- Reflects light beautifully, helping bathrooms feel brighter
- Available as cost-effective marble-effect porcelain alternatives
Victorian tiles
Victorian tiles continue to appeal thanks to their timeless character and ability to bring personality to a bathroom, and it's perhaps no surprise when we think of the similarly nostalgic craze for cottagecore style.
Victorian tiles evoke a sense of grandeur, especially in a bathroom. You can choose from a mix of styles, including floral patterns, geometric designs and deep earthy colours. For a timeless design that will never fall out of favour, try a chequer mosaic tile design like the one above from Walls & Floors. You can customise the design by adding borders and create contrast with plain white tiling alongside.
Buy Churchill chequer tiles here
Why choose Victorian tiles?
- Brings character and period charm to a bathroom
- Perfect for traditional and cottage-style homes
- Patterned designs help create a striking focal point
- Pairs beautifully with classic sanitaryware and brass fittings
Mosaic tiles
Patterned tiles are a wonderful way of pairing style and practicality in your bathroom; with a decorative tiled splashback or a tiled wall, your bathroom will take on a more luxurious look and feel. 'Mosaics are returning as a sophisticated feature,' says Adam Knight, director of Nefarious Interiors, 'perfect for splashbacks and statement floors, introducing colour and intricate detail.'
If you're a fan of global-inspired interiors, mosaic tiles may be the one for you. Harking back to ancient times, mosaic tiles have had many revivals over the centuries and you can now choose from a vast range of styles. We love the Moroccan-inspired tiles above which pair wonderfully with gold accents.
Why choose mosaic tiles?
- Adds colour, texture and decorative detail
- Ideal for feature walls, shower niches and splashbacks
- Available in styles ranging from Moroccan-inspired to contemporary
- An easy way to create a bespoke, design-led look
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