Tiles, at first thought, serve a distinct utilitarian purpose. But no rule says something practical can’t look good. Those extra pieces left after completing the bathroom backsplash, don’t let them go to waste. We have hundreds of ideas to use spare tiles in ways that beautifully elevate your bathroom design—trust us, you don’t want to miss out!
Accent Walls…
…in the bathroom? Yes. You can use tiles to design stunning accent walls:
- Behind the vanity
- Inside the shower area
- Behind the toilet
- On the fifth wall (the ceiling)
High-end materials like textured tiles look amazing. Even better, opt for bold patterns or combine contrasting tile colors to add vibrancy.
Creative Flooring Designs
Flooring needs to be as practical as possible, especially in high-traffic areas like the bathroom. But you can make it both durable and aesthetic. Enter terrazzo tile. It’s a versatile composite material made from fragments of stone. Bonus points if the tile color is complemented with a similar-hued shower wall. Looks absolutely stunning!
Stylish Shower and Tub Surrounds
The area where we love to enjoy an occasional spa retreat—deserves to be luxurious. Add an opulent touch with a layer of tiles. Either mosaic in the shower cubby for a subtle touch. Or, glass tiles that mimic the flow of water for a bold, spa-like vibe.
Dramatic Backsplashes
Bathroom backsplashes are more than just practical protection. They’re a fun opportunity to showcase artistry ✨
Extend the countertop material up to the ceiling, or mix & match matte + glossy tiles for something more exciting. Shimmering tiles with gold and copper tones work if you’re aiming for an ultra-luxurious touch.
Luxurious Floor-to-Ceiling Tile
Mixing and Matching Tile Styles
Placing two different types of tiles in one room is a foolproof way to make a statement. The drama, the sophistication—100% unbeatable.
How you introduce this mixed look is completely up to you. Could be contrasting tiles as borders to define different zones. Wood-look tiles paired with stone tiles for a rustic look. Or perhaps geometric and organic patterns combined (creates an eclectic vibe).
Small Details that Make a Big Impact
Tiles are essential in every bathroom. Where’s the difference? It’s in the details. Thoughtful grout between the tiles. Luxe tile trim. Patterned tile layouts. Inset tile niches. Really whatever comes to mind—and everything that adds to the opulence of your bathroom 🤍
Tiles with Lighting
Every bathroom needs good illumination, but equally important is the accent lighting. Case in point: illumination behind tiles. Sounds uncommon, but looks stunning.
You will love directional lighting if your bathroom has textured tiles you want to emphasize. For glass tiles, LED backlighting works best. And if you want to keep things simple, recessed lighting along tile edges looks stunning.
Intriguing Patterns
Pattern might not be the first to come to mind, especially if it’s a small space. But it can actually be a super-savvy design move. Keep the rest simple, and add color (and drama) through patterns (+ colors).
Cement tiles are a great choice here, thanks to their ease of cleaning and wide range of designs. You will have to get them resealed after a couple of months, though, but it’s still worthwhile.
Perfect Pairings
We mean, the perfect tile and grout combinations. Black tile? White grout. While tile? Gray grout. Gray tile? Charcoal grout. Beige tile? Cream grout. Terracotta tile? Rustic grout.
These are only a few options from our expert designers; choosing to go bold or keeping it monotonous, it’s always your choice.
On Repeat
Allow the elements from the shower to get an encore at the sink. How? Repeat the bathroom’s wall tile design behind the sink, and install a faucet in the same finish as the shower—perfect if you’re aiming for a cohesive look.
Keep in Mind: If the bathroom begins to look too monotonous, break it up with features in another finish, like wood. Easy to find, plus, looks lovely.
Spa at Home
Neutral tones are never dull when splashed onto interesting tile designs. Unique textures + subtle patterns will enliven even the most toned-down color palettes—and create an atmosphere full of intrigue, one that resembles the vibe of a peaceful spa.
Zellige Tile
Prized for its imperfections, zellige tile is exactly what you need for a one-of-a-kind look. The irregularities, the unique design… creates a distinct aura every time. Opt for a pearly white finish to make for an even more luxurious result.
Retro Bathroom Tiles
If you’ve got pieces of mismatched tiles from different projects, utilize them for a retro look in the bathroom. Remember, careful selection is the secret here. A black break in the tiling. White grout. A rattan mirror. Powder pink storage baskets. You see? It’s the little details that come together to scream perfection.
Reclaimed Designs
The intricate patterns on reclaimed tiles exude unmatched elegance—take this to your advantage and pop that leftover tile behind the sink. Pair with faded color-way and the imperfections of a handmade piece. Voila! A look that most home renovators can only dream of.
Small Bathroom Magic
Homeowners tight on space, we’ve got good news. Floor-to-ceiling tile patterns can expand the little space available. Bonus points if the design is striped, so it draws the eye upward, tricking into viewing the area bigger than it is.
Feature Wall
Get creative with bathroom tiles. Think beyond the traditional two-tone. This is a fun opportunity to introduce art into the bathroom—and totally splash-proof!
Moroccan Tiles
For those lucky enough to have plenty of natural light in the bathroom, you’re going to love this bathroom tile idea: Moroccan-inspired motifs. Complement the intricate design with antique brass (or chrome details), and woods (or rattans).
Color Blocking
A clever tiling effect that is utterly effortless to recreate in your own space. Opt for a single tile design in four different colors for an interesting color block feature. You’d want to keep the hues pale/pastel, though, to avoid overwhelming the design, unless you’re aiming for something super bold.
Tiled Area Rug
By far one of our favorite bathroom tile effects. Design a tiled area rug to sit beneath a free-standing tub or simply at the center of the bathroom. All the pattern can be concentrated in one area, leaving the rest relatively toned-down.
Bringing It All Together
Professional guidance and expert tips. That’s what you will need to bring it all together. The ideas to transform bathrooms with tile are countless, so it might be hard to decide—but not when you’ve got help from our Arizona-based interior designers. Ring us today to get started 🤍