Choosing the right tile is one of the most important design decisions when remodeling or refreshing your kitchen and bath. With endless options for colors, textures, sizes, shapes, and materials, selecting the perfect tile combinations that bring your vision to life can be overwhelming. Let’s explore some of the most sought-after bathroom tiles to spark ideas as you envision your perfect vanity space.
Table of Contents
1. Subway Tiles
Based on a comprehensive guide by Bob Vila, Subway tiles are a versatile and affordable option for bathroom walls. Typically coming in 3×6” sizes, this rectangular tile takes its name from old New York City subway stations where this mosaic style adorned the walls.
Benefits
- Classic and timeless aesthetic
- Affordable and easy to install
- Matches any design style from farmhouse to modern
- Easy to clean and maintain
Materials
- Ceramic – budget-friendly option
- Porcelain – a more durable and moisture-resistant option
- Glass – for a touch of shine
Colors
- White – clean, bright look
- Light and medium greys – versatile and sophisticated
- Bold hues – make a colorful statement
- Glossy or matte finishes
Patterns
- Offset brick lay pattern – traditional
- Stacked layout – emphasizes height
- Contrasting grout – black/white is striking
- Mixing colors – blue and white pattern
Cost
Ceramic subway tiles start around $5 per square foot. Porcelain options run $8-15 per square foot. Pricing depends on brand and quality.
Where to Use
- Shower walls
- Tub surrounds
- Powder room backsplashes
- Bathroom walls
- Accent strips and borders
Subway tile works with any design aesthetic from traditional to contemporary. Numerous sizes, materials, and colors available make it easy to customize. Keep grout clean and sealed to maintain a crisp appearance.
2. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile remains one of the most widely used flooring and wall-covering options during bathroom remodeling. Made from refined clay fired at high temperatures, porcelain is low maintenance, extremely durable, and water resistant.
Benefits
- Highly stain, scratch, and moisture resistant
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Won’t discolor, warp, or deteriorate
- Has cushioned foot feel with right underlayment
- Keeps a “like new” appearance for decades
Styles
- Wood look planks – warm, natural vibe
- Mosaics – small artistic designs
- Large square tiles – seamless, spacious look
- Subway, hexagons, herringbone patterns
- Stone aesthetics – marble, travertine, etc
- Solid colors – white, black, bold hues
Cost
Porcelain bathroom tile pricing averages:
- Floor tile – $2-4 per square foot
- Wall tile – $5-10 per square foot
- Installation – $5-10 per square foot
Where to Use
Porcelain is one of the few tiles suitable for all bathroom applications:
- Floors
- Walls
- Shower stall
- Backsplashes and accent walls
- Wet locations like steam showers
Thanks to the extensive style and color tile options, porcelain fits any bathroom design aesthetic beautifully.
3. Marble Floor Tiles
According to a comprehensive guide on bathroom flooring by The Spruce, Marble is a classic and elegant choice for bathroom flooring. For a luxurious, spa-like feel, marble bathroom tile immediately elevates the elegance of any space. The veining and swirls in marble create an organic, upscale look.
Benefits
- Timeless, glamorous aesthetic
- Available in a range of colors from white to black
- Adds visual interest and depth
- Large slab sizes create seamless installations
- Matches transitional to contemporary spaces
Styles
- Carrera marble – popular white with soft grey veining
- Statuario – white with gray and gold dramatic veining
- Calacatta – white background with gray & beige swirls
- Emperador – rich brown tones with white accents
- Backlit onyx – translucent, illuminated tiles
Cost
Due to quarrying and production costs, marble is a premium tile material. Expect pricing around:
- Material cost – $15-40 per square foot
- Installation – $10-15 per square foot
Where to Use
- Wall tile
- Shower walls
- Backsplashes
- Bathroom floors
- Accents and borders
Proper sealing and cleaning are required to keep marble tile looking immaculate but result in breathtaking bathroom designs.
4. Travertine Tile
Travertine is a natural stone perfect for creating a rustic, Tuscan-style bathroom. Formed by mineral springs, travertine features earthy tones and natural pits that make this an ideal accent tile.
Benefits
- Natural old-world character
- Available in a range of warm earth tones
- Adds charm and uniqueness
- Has matte, honed, or polished finish options
- Withstands water well in bathrooms
Styles
- Vein cut – emphasizes stone patterns
- Tumbled – distressed, aged look
- Honed – pits are filled creating a smooth face
- Mosaics – blended patterns
- Large tiles – seamless floor look
Cost
Travertine bathroom floor tiles on average:
- $8-15 per square foot for wall tile
- $10-20 per square foot for flooring
Where to Use
- Shower floors and walls
- Accent walls
- Backsplashes
- Bathroom floors
- Entry floors
With proper sealing, travertine wears well in bathrooms while adding a natural style perfect for Southwestern or rustic spaces.
5. Hexagon Tile
For a modern, honeycomb-inspired look, hexagon tiles allow creative patterns and visual depth. The unique six-sided shape of small tiles fits perfectly in baths. You should check out some bathroom remodeling before and after pictures to get inspiration from.
Benefits
- Trendy, contemporary aesthetic
- Allows fun geometric designs
- Adds dimension and interest to walls/floors
- Comes in a variety of colors and finishes
Materials
- Porcelain – glossy polish or matte
- Ceramic – affordable tile color options
- Glass – illuminates colors
- Natural stone – marble, quartzite
Patterns
- Single solid color
- Contrasting hues – black and white
- Ombre/gradient blend of shades
- Stone and wood look
Cost
Hexagon tile pricing averages:
- Ceramic – $5-10 per square foot
- Porcelain – $10-15 per square foot
- Natural stone – $15-25 per square foot
Where to Use
- Bathroom floors
- Wall accents
- Shower floors
- Kitchen Backsplash
With the right color scheme, hexagon tile creates a stunning modern bathroom look full of shape and personality.
6. Glass Shower Tiles
Glass bathroom tiles make spaces sparkle with eye-catching shine and illumination. The translucent green, jewel-toned pieces refract light beautifully.
Benefits
- Creates a glamorous, spa-like ambiance
- Available in a range of vibrant colors
- Variety of finishes – glossy, frosted, iridescent
- Won’t fade or discolor over time
Styles
- Subway
- Mosaic and penny tile
- Metallic
- Square and rectangular
Cost
Due to production methods, expect to pay:
- $15-30 per square foot for glass mosaic tile
- $10-15 per square foot for larger glass pieces
Where to Use
- Shower floors/walls
- Bathroom backsplashes
- Accent walls and niches
- Pools and spas
Glass tile brings color and light to bathrooms in a glamorous way. It does require careful installation and sealing.
7. Patterned Geometric Bathroom Tiles
Make a bold style statement by incorporating patterned geometric tile motifs into bathrooms. Moorish-inspired or modern graphic prints transform plain walls, ceilings, and floors into art.
Benefits
- Creates visual interest and texture
- Hundreds of artistic options
- Way to make tile focal point
- Works in a variety of design aesthetics
Materials
- Printed, painted, or engraved glazed ceramic
- Cement tile
- Glass tile
Patterns
- Zig-zag and diamond designs
- Moroccan and Spanish-style motifs
- Artsy custom designs
- Abstract shapes and lines
- Metallic graphic prints
Cost
Due to production costs, expect to pay:
- $15-25 per square foot for ceramic
- $25-50+ per square foot for cement
Where to Use
- Bathroom floor insets
- Shower floor and walls
- Backsplashes
- Accent walls
For contemporary bohemian spaces, patterned graphic tile designs make a stunning statement.
8. Mosaic Bathroom Floor Tiles
Mosaic tiles use small, pieced-together tile fragments to create beautiful works of art perfect for bathrooms. This classic tile technique works beautifully as an accent.
Benefits
- Provides visual texture and interest
- Comes in endless artistic motifs
- Can mix colors, shapes, and materials
- Adds pops of color, pattern, and design
Styles
- Basketweave
- Interlocking circles and waves
- Metallic and glass
- Geometric penny tile patterns
- Sea life, animal prints, and scenic pictures
Cost
Mosaic tiles tend to range between:
- $10-25 per square foot for ceramic
- $25-50 per square foot for ornate stone
Where to Use
- Shower floor insets
- Tub surround borders
- Backsplashes
- Accent walls and niches
- Bathroom floors
Mosaic tile adds glamorous detail perfect for modern, Mediterranean or historic homes needing character.
9. Slate Tile
Slate bathroom tiles provide an organic, earthy look. The layered natural tones and cleft texture found in slate work perfectly to create a soothing bath and spa ambiance.
Benefits
- Natural, rustic character
- Found in a range of blue, grey, and green hues
- Has rippled, cleft texture
- Stands up well to moisture
- Available in different tile thickness
Styles
- Traditional blues and grays
- Multicolored slate
- Honed smooth or cleft finish
- Thin or standard cuts
- Large tiles for a seamless look
Cost
Slate tile pricing averages:
- $5-10 per square foot for walls
- $10-15 for floor applications
Where to Use
- Shower walls and floors
- Bathroom backsplashes
- Entryway floors
- Fireplace surrounds
- Accent walls
With proper sealing, slate tile brings the room an earthy elegance perfect for bathrooms wanting a cozy yet polished feel.
10. Wood Look Tile
Wood-look tile allows for achieving the aesthetic of natural hardwood floors with added practicality and water resistance. Made from porcelain or ceramic, wood-like tiles mimic patterns, grains, and textures beautifully.
Benefits
- Provides the look of real wood-grain
- More waterproof than actual hardwood
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Doesn’t warp or discolor over time
Styles
- Whitewashed oak
- Weathered and distressed looks
- Barn wood patterns
- Dark walnut and mahogany
- Wide planks and parquet patterns
Cost
Wood look tile runs about:
- $4-8 per square foot for ceramic tile
- $7-12 per square foot for porcelain
Where to Use
- Bathroom floors
- Shower floors
- Feature walls
- Kitchen Backsplash
For the beauty of wood without the hassle, wood-look tile brings warmth and texture to bathrooms. Large planks create a seamless effect.
11. Large Format Tile
Oversized tiles like 12×24 inch or larger tiles create a sleek, contemporary look perfect for spacious bathroom designs. The minimal grout lines feel clean and modern.
Benefits
- Creates an expansive, seamless look
- Gives the illusion of a larger space
- Provides spa-like ambiance
- Effortlessly elegant aesthetic
Materials
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Natural stone like marble
- Cement
Styles
- Neutral tones
- Solid colors
- Subtle stone looks
- Glossy or matte finish
Cost
Large format tile pricing averages:
- Ceramic – $5-10 per square foot
- Porcelain – $8-15 per square foot
Where to Use
- Bathroom floors
- Shower walls and floors
- Full ceiling application
- Accent walls
For an airier, more contemporary bathroom look, oversized tiles open up the space beautifully.
Key Tiling Tips
- Mixing tile designs can look busy, pick a theme
- Use accent tiles purposefully, avoid tile overload
- Sample tiles to ensure colors match in-person
- Follow manufacturer instructions for prep and installation
- Use proper waterproof grout and sealants
- Consider radiant floor heating for comfort
- Include functional niches for storage during tiling
- Ensure proper tile ratings for floors vs. walls
Bottomline
With unlimited options for colors, sizes, textures, and finishes, selecting the perfect tile style for your dream bathroom may feel daunting. Hopefully, this overview inspires you to guide your design process. Tiling your walls and floors is a big investment, so take time making final selections. Always work with qualified tilers and choose quality materials that will last for decades. What tile would you love to see featured in your future bathroom remodel?
