1. Subway Shower Tile
There are a few reasons why you see subway tile everywhere. It’s a classic choice that always looks timeless. If you’re on the fence about what shower tile to choose, you’ll never regret the clean and modern look of white subway tile. It works with many design styles: midcentury modern, farmhouse, boho and more.
Subway shower tile is affordable too, the cost per square foot goes as low as 15 cents. If you love subway tile’s versatility but want something that feels a little different, try a version that features some slight variation in the shape. It looks like they’re handmade, giving an artisan-style touch to your shower tile, or instead of installing the tile horizontally, try a vertical presentation instead.
2. Mosaic Shower Tile Accents
The new way to use colored mosaic tiles is sparingly. When used as an accent, mosaic shower tiles add color and a unique pattern to an otherwise neutral backdrop. The difference between mosaic tile and other types of shower tiles; mosaic tiles come laid out on sheeting that makes it easier for a first-time tile DIYer. Since it’s available in everything from ceramic to glass, it’s a true style chameleon that looks right at home in any home décor. So, a person with traditional style could find a shower tile they love, but so could someone who leans more towards art deco design inspiration.
3. Hexagon Shower Tile
There’s more to shower tile shapes than squares and rectangles. Add a little more geometry to your shower with a hexagon shower tile. Based on the style, the six sides can be equal, or the sides can be taller to create a narrower interpretation of the shape. One of the best parts about hexagon shower tile? If you want to use a neutral color in your space like white or black but are worried about the tile feeling too blah, this shape adds visual interest. Hexagon tile is truly versatile, it works with many design styles, from modern farmhouse to boho to Scandinavian.
4. Herringbone Shower Tile
This distinct v-shape pattern gets its name from the shape of the backbone of the herring fish, but it’s been a timeless staple in fashion and design for well over a hundred years. While smaller herringbone tiles can be purchased on a backing already in this formation, larger shower tiles need to be deliberately placed in this formation during install. It’s still a DIY option but know that more experience in cutting shower tiles to size and precision might be required if you’re installing this yourself. If you hire a pro to install herringbone shower tile it might cost a little more because of the intricacy of the pattern. The payoff is a floor that adds movement and a distinct feel to your home. It works well in a more traditional home or a space with midcentury modern design.
5. Vertical Tiled Showers
Even a standard subway shower tile looks more interesting when you flip it vertically. Vertical tiled showers are rising in popularity thanks to their ingenious concept — it’s not a more expensive tile that’s creating a look, it’s just the way you choose to use it. Keep in mind that using small shower tiles creates a more visually complex look, so if your shower is small, it’s smart to use larger tiles for less visual clutter. This look is incredibly popular in contemporary design, and it’s seen a lot in modern farmhouse style spaces.
6. Scalloped Shower Tile
The soft curves of scalloped shower tiles feel delightfully unique in a shower without making too much of a statement. When used in a neutral color, the shape adds a bit of interest and movement without feeling too overpowering. But if you want to go bold, use a more dramatic color, like a deep blue or turquoise, to bring attention to the shower. Either way, scalloped shower tile offers a different take on tile that feels refreshing compared to all the square or rectangular options out there.
7. Colorful Shower Grout
Traditional white grout will always be a staple — but don’t rule out other contrasting colors too. Not only does colorful grout serve a utilitarian purpose, since it’s much easier to keep looking pristine, it also adds something to the design. Colorful grout, or a grout that contrasts the tile color you’ve chosen helps to highlight the shape of your shower tiles and the pattern they’re laid out in. If you want to achieve a seamless look or mimic the continuous stone slab wall and backsplashes that are so popular, match your grout to the color of your shower tiles to help it blend in. But don’t be afraid to throw out the rules and look at a colorful grout if you feel that it would serve the design.
8. Black Shower Tiles
Bring the moodiness that’s trending in paint into the bathroom too — specifically your shower with black shower tiles. Think of your shower like its own little nook that gets a dose of cool from deep, dark shower tiles. Black shower tiles, green shower tiles or even a deep navy turn a shower into a focal point. It works especially well with a glass shower door or an open shower nook that isn’t obstructed by a shower curtain. It’s an ideal modern accent for a minimal style bathroom. Dark shower tiles are more forgiving from a practical angle too. Black shower tiles don’t show dirt and grime as easily.
9. White Shower Tiles
You can never go wrong with white shower tiles. If you’re concerned about the resale potential of your home, updating your shower tiles to white creates a clean and versatile base. Instead, customize your shower with easier-to-change elements like hardware or accessories to bring your own personality to your bathroom. Like we’ve mentioned in other categories, varying the shower tile shape and size lends a different style to your shower. So a small penny tile gives more of a vintage vibe, while a subway tile feels very modern.
10. Large Shower Tile
Large tile is a popular choice for showers. Depending on the shower tile you choose, it can mimic the look of a stone slab for a much more affordable price. Keep the space between tiles as minimal as possible and match the grout color to the tile color. It helps minimize the look of individual tiles, giving you a more seamless stretch of color or marbleized stone. Larger tile showers feel fresh and modern, but also highlight the biophilic design trend by celebrating the natural beauty of the stone.
