Bathroom Tile Ideas

Define your style

Start by thinking about the style you want to achieve:

• Modern Minimalist: Clean lines, neutral tones, and large-format tiles for a sleek, uncluttered look.
• Rustic Charm: Warm earthy colours, textured stone-effect tiles, and natural finishes for a cosy, lived-in feel.
• Coastal Calm: Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and subtle rippled textures that evoke seaside serenity.
• Industrial Edge: Concrete-look tiles, dark grout, and metallic accents for a bold, urban aesthetic.
• Classic Elegance: Marble-effect tiles, gold details, and soft lighting for timeless sophistication.

You can view the portfolio of work from our tile fitting team in Stoke on Trent for tile inspiration.

Image shows: Porcelanosa Urban Caliza Nature 59.6×59.6cm

Choose a Colour Palette

Choosing the right colour palette for bathroom tiles sets the tone for the entire space. Each palette creates a distinct mood and style, from calm and minimal to bold and luxurious.

• Neutral and Natural Tones – Soft shades of white, beige, cream, and taupe create a timeless, spa-like atmosphere. These colours reflect light beautifully, making smaller bathrooms feel more open and airy. Pairing them with natural textures like stone or wood-look tiles adds warmth and organic charm.
• Cool and Calming Blues – Sky blue, teal, and navy evoke a sense of calm and freshness, reminiscent of water and relaxation. Lighter blues work well for coastal or Scandinavian-inspired bathrooms, while deeper tones like navy or indigo add sophistication and depth.
• Earthy Greens – Sage, olive, and forest green bring a connection to nature and a soothing balance to the space. These tones pair beautifully with brass or gold fixtures and natural materials, creating a grounded, organic feel.
• Monochrome Elegance -A black, white, and grey palette offers a sleek, modern look. White tiles keep the space bright, while charcoal or black accents add contrast and drama. This palette works especially well with geometric patterns or high-gloss finishes for a contemporary edge.
• Warm and Inviting Neutrals -Sand, caramel, and soft terracotta tones add warmth and comfort. These hues create a welcoming, earthy feel and pair well with warm metallics like copper or bronze for a touch of luxury
• Bold and Dramatic Shades – For those who love statement design, deep blues, emerald greens, or charcoal blacks make a striking impact. These colours work beautifully on feature walls or floors, especially when balanced with lighter tones elsewhere.
• Metallic and Iridescent Finishes – Gold, bronze, silver, and pearl tiles add glamour and sophistication. Used sparingly as accents or borders, they catch the light and create a luxurious, high-end finish.

Image Shows: Lux Euphoria Blue 120x60cm

Consider Texture and Finish

When designing a bathroom, the texture and finish of your tiles are just as important as their colour or pattern. They influence not only the overall look and feel of the space but also its practicality, safety, and maintenance.

• Gloss Finish – Bright and Reflective – Gloss tiles have a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light beautifully, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or spaces with limited natural light. They create a clean, polished look and are easy to wipe down, which helps maintain hygiene. However, they can become slippery when wet, so they’re best suited for walls rather than floors.
• Matte Finish – Soft and Contemporary – Matte tiles offer a subtle, non-reflective surface that gives bathrooms a modern, understated elegance. They hide water spots and smudges better than gloss tiles, making them low-maintenance. Their slightly textured surface also provides better grip, making them a safer choice for bathroom floors.
• Textured Tiles – Natural and Tactile – Textured tiles mimic the look and feel of natural materials like stone, slate, or wood. They add depth and character to a bathroom, creating a more organic, spa-like atmosphere. The uneven surface also enhances slip resistance, making them both stylish and practical for wet areas such as showers or around baths.
• Lappato (Semi-Polished) Finish – Balanced and Versatile – Lappato tiles have a partially polished surface that combines the best of both worlds — a soft sheen with subtle texture. This finish adds a touch of luxury while maintaining good slip resistance, making it suitable for both walls and floors.
• Anti-Slip Tiles – Safety First – Safety is crucial in any bathroom, especially in wet zones. Anti-slip tiles are designed with a slightly rough or structured surface to provide extra grip underfoot. They’re rated with an “R” value (e.g., R10, R11), which indicates their level of slip resistance. These tiles are essential for shower floors, wet rooms, and family bathrooms where safety is a priority.
• Combining Finishes for Balance – Mixing different finishes can create visual interest and functional balance. For example, using gloss tiles on walls to reflect light and matte or anti-slip tiles on floors for safety ensures both beauty and practicality.

Image shows: Porcelanosa Block Butan Bone

Experiment with Patterns and Layouts

The layout of bathroom tiles can completely transform the look and feel of a space. Beyond colour and texture, the way tiles are arranged adds personality, depth, and visual flow. Choosing the right layout helps define the style — whether modern, classic, or creative.

•  Straight (Grid) Layout – Tiles are laid in straight lines, creating a clean, simple grid pattern. This layout works well with square or rectangular tiles and gives a modern, minimal look. It’s ideal for small bathrooms, as the uniform lines make the space feel open and uncluttered.
• Brick (Running Bond) Layout – Also known as an offset or subway pattern, this layout staggers each row of tiles by half the width of the tile. It’s a timeless choice that adds subtle movement and texture, often used with metro or rectangular tiles for a classic, versatile finish.
•  Herringbone Layout – Tiles are laid in a zigzag pattern, creating a dynamic, eye-catching effect. The herringbone layout works beautifully on both walls and floors, adding a sense of luxury and craftsmanship. It’s especially effective with elongated rectangular tiles in contrasting grout colours.
• Chevron Layout – Similar to herringbone but with tiles cut at an angle to form a continuous “V” shape. This layout creates a sleek, modern look with a sense of flow and direction. It’s perfect for feature walls or statement floors.
• Vertical Stack Layout – Tiles are stacked directly on top of each other in vertical lines. This layout draws the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher and bathrooms feel taller. It’s a great choice for contemporary designs and pairs well with bold colours or gloss finishes.
• Horizontal Stack Layout – Tiles are aligned in straight horizontal rows, creating a clean, structured look. This layout enhances width, making narrow bathrooms appear more spacious. It’s simple yet effective for modern or minimalist interiors.
• Diagonal Layout – Tiles are set at a 45-degree angle to the walls, creating a diamond pattern. This layout adds visual interest and can make small bathrooms appear larger by drawing the eye across the space.
• Modular (Mixed Size) Layout – Combining tiles of different sizes in a repeating pattern adds texture and complexity. This layout works well with natural stone or patterned tiles, giving a bespoke, designer finish.
• Mosaic Layout –Small tiles arranged in intricate patterns or borders bring detail and artistry to a bathroom. Mosaics are perfect for shower niches, feature strips, or entire walls to add a touch of luxury and texture.

Image Shows: Pietra Moda White

How Lighting Can Emphasise Bathroom Tiles

Lighting plays a crucial role in showcasing the beauty, texture, and colour of bathroom tiles. The right lighting design not only enhances functionality but also transforms how tiles appear — highlighting their details, finishes, and overall impact.

• Highlighting Texture and Depth – Directional lighting, such as wall washers or spotlights, can bring out the texture of tiles. When light hits a textured or patterned surface at an angle, it creates subtle shadows that emphasise depth and dimension. This works especially well with stone-effect, rippled, or 3D tiles, adding drama and visual interest.
• Enhancing Gloss and Shine – Gloss and metallic tiles reflect light beautifully, creating a luxurious, luminous effect. This is particularly effective in modern bathrooms where a sleek, polished look is desired.
• Creating Warmth with Ambient Lighting – Soft, diffused lighting helps bring out the warmth of neutral or earthy-toned tiles. Warm white LED lights can make beige, taupe, or terracotta tiles feel inviting and comfortable, perfect for spa-inspired bathrooms.
• Accentuating Feature Walls – Placing lighting above or below these areas draws attention to the design, turning them into focal points. This technique works beautifully behind mirrors, around niches, or along tiled shower walls.
• Using Backlighting for Subtle Glow – Backlighting behind mirrors or under floating vanities casts a gentle glow across nearby tiles, enhancing their colour and finish without harsh shadows. This adds depth and a sense of luxury to the bathroom.
• Playing with Colour Temperature – The tone of light affects how tile colours appear. Cool white light enhances crisp whites, greys, and blues for a clean, modern look, while warm white light enriches golds, creams, and natural tones for a softer, more relaxing atmosphere.

Image shows: Metallique Iron Lappato 60×120

Refine and Personalise

Once you’ve gathered ideas, narrow them down to what feels cohesive and achievable. Refining your ideas helps you create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and practical. The expert team at Stoke Tiles can provide you with tile samples, so you are able to view your chosen tile in the desired area, suggest complementary wall and floor tiles, and provide guidance on layout and installation. With a wide range of styles, textures, and colours available, every design concept can be transformed into a stunning reality.