15 TOP BATHROOM TILES IDEAS FOR A BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL SPACE
At Three Birds, we’re all about those little details that make a big splash, and let’s be real - nothing says “hello gorgeous bathroom” like the perfect tile! Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like retreat to unwind in or creating a vibrant space to get you invigorated for the day ahead, your tile choice is where the magic happens. From sleek and simple to fabulously daring patterned tiles, the right tiles can totally make or break your bathroom’s vibe.
In this blog, we’ll look at 15 top bathroom tile ideas, with real-life pictures of clever designs that work in both spacious and tiny spaces to create a dream modern bathroom. Ready to find your tile style and get your tile inspo flowing for your bathroom renovation?
The main bathroom at Three Birds House 14
WHY TILES MATTER IN YOUR BATHROOM
First up, let’s remember WHY we’re talking tiles at all! Bathroom tiles are more than just a decorative element - they play a major role in functionality in a wet room. Given the high moisture and humidity in bathrooms, choosing the right tile materials ensures durability, slip resistance, and ease of maintenance. Tiles also offer endless possibilities to personalise your bathroom, whether you're tiling the floors, walls, or both.
Moisture Resistance: Tiles protect walls and floors from water damage, which is crucial in high-humidity spaces like bathrooms.
Durability: When you invest in quality tiles, they last for decades, making them a smart long-term choice for a modern bathroom.
Design Versatility: Whether you want a coastal cool bathroom, luxe spa vibes or a more chic and modern bathroom design, tiles allow you to customise the space to your style.
15 FAIL-PROOF TILE STYLES FOR YOUR BATHROOM
Get ready for tile inspiration overload with these real-life bathrooms created by us and our Reno School students…
1. Marble and Marble-Look Tiles
When it comes to creating a luxe modern bathroom, marble tiles or (porcelain tiles that look like marble!) are top the list. Marble’s natural veining gives each tile a unique appearance, making your bathroom feel both elegant and timeless. Whether used as bathroom floor tiles, wall tiles or as a splashback, marble tiles instantly elevate the space.
Carrara Marble look tiles from TileCloud in the ensuite at House 14
Nicki Harms' stunning bathroom in her Gold Coast Hinterland home
2. Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are making a comeback, and we’re loving their unique blend of colours and textures. Traditionally made from chips of marble, quartz, or glass, terrazzo tiles add a retro flair to your bathroom. If you love the look of terrazzo, you'll find this look available in porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles which are great for a modern bathroom as they're low maintenance and easy to clean. They’re perfect as a statement bathroom wall tile or to tile floors for a retro-meets-modern vibe.
TileCloud Terrazzo look tiles in Bonnie's brother's cottage renovation
Reno Schooler Amy used TileCloud's terrazzo look tiles in her ensuite
3. Pattern Perfection
If you want to add some interest to your bathroom walls or floors, herringbone and chevron patterns are excellent tiling options. These classic patterns bring a sense of movement to the space, making it feel more dynamic and visually engaging. These patterns can be achieved with any rectangular tiles, including a classic subway tile or natural stone beauties.
Herringbone subway tiles in Lana's kids' bathroom at House 6
A herringbone feature wall in Reno Schooler Shaya Lewis-Dermody's beautiful bathroom
4. Large Format Tiles
For a modern bathroom design, large format tiles could be the way to go. These oversized tiles (often 60cm x 60cm or larger) reduce the number of grout lines, creating a smooth, seamless appearance. And less grout lines means less cleaning - what’s not to love?!
Large format tiles work especially well as a wall tile or on the floor and can make small bathrooms feel larger.
Large format tiles in the guest ensuite at House 13
The main bathroom at House 16 features large format tiles
Reno Schooler Alecia Braven's gorgeous bathroom
5. Natural Stone
If you're dreaming of a bathroom with that earthy, organic vibe, natural stone tiles like slate, travertine, or limestone are your go-to. They add beautiful texture and warmth, instantly giving your space that luxurious, spa-like feel. But, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with natural stone - there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, stone can be more porous than other tiles, meaning it’s prone to absorbing water and stains if not properly sealed and maintained. Plus, natural stone can be a bit more high-maintenance, needing regular sealing to keep it looking fab and prevent damage. It’s also worth noting that stone can be slippery when wet and tends to feel cooler underfoot, so you might want to think about underfloor heating or choosing a slip-resistant finish.
If you’re willing to put in a little extra care, though, the result is a bathroom with a timeless, natural elegance that’s hard to beat!
Reno Schooler Kelly Allen's stunning travertine bathroom
Cindy Mead's beautiful bathroom with natural travertine tiles
6. Penny Round Tiles
A penny tile is a small (but mighty!) round tile that adds a playful and retro feel to bathrooms. They work wonderfully as a splashback, an accent wall, a feature in a walk-in shower, or even as a tile idea for the floor (if you don't mind the grout cleaning!). Penny tiles are a fun and unique option for creating a textured look that packs a punch despite their size. Their curved edges soften the room's vibe, making them perfect for adding character and charm.
Striking black penny rounds with white grout at the River Shack
A curved wall of white penny rounds in the bathroom at House 14
White penny round tiles make the perfect splashback in Kelly Allen's bathroom
Cute flowers in penny tiles (hexagonal this time!) in Heidi Cushieri's bathroom
7. Mixed Materials and Textures
Combining materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles with microcement render, or other finishes like VJ panelling, is becoming increasingly popular. Mixing smooth and textured surfaces adds depth and interest to the space, making it feel layered and luxurious. For example, pairing matte tiles with glossy finishes or using rough stone tiles next to sleek porcelain creates a visually striking contrast that enhances both the look and feel of your bathroom.
A mix of microcement and tiles on the walls at House 12
A tiled floor and Dulux Acratex® Render on the walls in the girls' bathroom at House 15
Monique Hession mixed tiles and VJ panelling for her contemporary bathroom
Large format floor tiles and rendered walls work wonderfully in Grace Lee's bathroom
8. Grout as a Design Feature
These days, grout is no longer just functional - it’s a design element. Homeowners are getting creative, experimenting with contrasting grout colours to highlight tile patterns, especially with subway tiles and mosaics. Using darker grout with lighter tiles, or vice versa, can create a bold effect that turns an everyday tile into an artistic statement. It’s all about playing with the unexpected to make the humble grout stand out and add a layer of sophistication to your tile choices. Click here to learn how to choose grout like a pro.
Powder Pink grout? Yes please! Ensuite at House 12
Extra chunky 2.5cm horizontal grout lines in the main bathroom at House 12
9. Natural and Earthy Tones
Neutral tones and natural colours like beige, sand, taupe, and light greys are popular for creating a calm and serene bathroom. These tones often pair well with organic textures to create a spa-like atmosphere that invites relaxation. Whether it's a sandy-beige tile or soft grey tones, these earthy hues work beautifully to create a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
Earthy tones and luxe vibes in the ensuite at House 13
Carolynn Mclean's calm and neutral bathroom
10. Statement Shower Tiles
Choosing a bold wall tile or a striking pattern in the shower area is an excellent way to create a focal point in the bathroom. Popular choices include patterned ceramic tiles, mosaic tiles, or even terrazzo to make the shower area stand out as a feature. It’s a great way to inject personality into the bathroom design while still keeping the space functional. Bold shower tiles draw the eye, turning your shower into a design moment that feels both intentional and artful.
Lana's shower tiles are an all-time fave
The statement shower that broke the internet from House 13
11. Subway Tiles with a Twist
While subway tiles are a timeless staple, they’re being used in bold colours and laid in creative ways - stacked vertically, herringbone, or even diagonal patterns - to refresh this classic look and give it a modern twist. It’s all about rethinking the traditional and giving it a contemporary edge. Stacked vertically, they make a space feel taller; laid in stripes, they add energy and movement. This simple tweak of the wall tile can dramatically change the feel of a bathroom while still using a material that's affordable and widely available.
Pink & white stripe delight in Amy's girls' bathroom
Subway goodness at House 8
Tri-colour herringbone subways at House 9
12. Encaustic Tiles
Encaustic tiles (or encaustic look) are continuing to hold their place in contemporary bathrooms, bringing vibrant patterns and colours to floors and walls. These tiles, known for their intricate designs, are often used to add a boho or Mediterranean vibes to bathrooms. Perfect for those who love a bathroom with character.
Encaustic-look tiles on the floor and wall at House 10
Stunning encaustic tiles in Kelly Allen's shower
Beautiful encaustic-look tiles in the ensuite at House 9
13. It’s Hip to Be Square
Square tiles are making a comeback! While rectangular tiles like subway have dominated for years, square tiles are gaining popularity for their ability to create balance and symmetry. Whether they’re small squares with intricate patterns or large tiles in solid colours, this trend is all about embracing geometric simplicity.
Squares laid in a checkerboard pattern at House 15
Squares and stripes at 'Le Visiteur'
Now that's a nice niche! By Jess Dickinson
14. Colour Lovers Unite
For those who love to play with colour, your bathroom is a great space to embrace it! Bold, vibrant hues like pinks, greens, and blues are making their way into bathrooms, offering a fun alternative to traditional neutrals. Colour lovers are stepping away from the all-white bathroom and making bold choices that reflect their personality.
Courtney Barker's bluey green bathroom...
and her pink bathroom!
Chloe Brookman's stunning bathroom
Amy Anderson's fun powder room with gingham floor tiles
15. Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat
Kit Kat tiles (also known as finger tiles) are another tile making a splash in bathrooms. These long, thin tiles are reminiscent of the iconic chocolate bar and are being used in all sorts of creative ways, from splashbacks to feature walls. These tiles are versatile and can be used to add subtle elegance or create a bold feature, depending on the colour and layout.
The kit kat feature wall in the ensuite at House 14
Jess Dickinson's kit kat feature wall
FREQUENTLY ASKED TILE QUESTIONS
Which tile size is best for small bathrooms?
Believe it or not - bigger is usually better! Large tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel more spacious by cutting down on grout lines, giving it a sleek, seamless look. For a bit of fun, mix in smaller tiles as accents or borders - you’ll be amazed at how it zjooshs up the design.
What are the best tiles for bathroom floors?
Porcelain and ceramic are the top picks for bathroom floors - they’re durable, low-maintenance, and pretty much a no-brainer. Want to go luxe? Marble and natural stone tiles are a favourite for a reason, bringing that touch of elegance and luxury. If you’re after a minimalist, modern vibe, a matte ceramic tile could be a great choice.
But, here’s a hot tip: before you finalise your picks, always check the slip ratings! Bathroom floors can get wet and slippery, so it’s important to choose tiles with a good slip resistance rating, especially for wet zones like the shower. Safety first, style second - but luckily, you can have both!
How do I create a focal point with tiles?
Easy! Bold patterns or vibrant colours on feature walls, shower niches or splashback are a fab way to create a feature in your bathroom. Mosaic and patterned tiles are super popular for adding that wow-factor focal point - they come in various shapes, colours, and patterns that give you endless bathroom tile ideas and design possibilities.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining different materials like ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles for added texture and depth. For example, you could use large neutral tiles for the majority of the space and then introduce a splash of mosaic or patterned tiles to break up the design and create a wow-factor. Statement tiles, like terrazzo or encaustic styles, are also fantastic for giving the space a bold, creative edge.
Remember, a well-placed focal point can make even the smallest bathroom feel special, so don’t shy away from experimenting with unique layouts and designs!
What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Porcelain vs. ceramic – what's the deal? Both are fabulous options, but they serve slightly different needs. Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more water-resistant, making them ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and outdoor spaces. They’re fired at higher temperatures, giving them a harder, more durable surface, which means they can handle more wear and tear and are perfect for floors in wet areas.
On the other hand, ceramic tiles are more budget-friendly and slightly softer, making them easier to cut and install. They work beautifully in lower moisture areas or as wall tiles where durability isn’t as crucial. The glaze on these offers great design flexibility, but they aren't as tough or water-resistant as porcelain.
In short, porcelain is perfect for high-traffic, wet zones, while ceramic is a great option for less intense areas that still need a stylish finish.
How do I clean and maintain bathroom tiles?
Keeping your bathroom tiles looking fresh is all about a little bit of TLC! Here are a few key tips:
Non-Abrasive Cleaners: Stick to gentle, non-abrasive cleaners for your tiles to avoid damaging the surface. A mild detergent or a tile-specific cleaner is perfect for getting rid of everyday dirt and soap scum. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, especially on natural stone tiles, as they can break down the sealant and damage the finish.
Grout and Mildew Cleaning: For grout and mildew, use a pH-balanced cleaner or natural solution like a vinegar-water mix. This will tackle mildew without damaging the tiles or grout. Be sure to clean regularly to avoid any build-up and reapply grout sealer as needed to keep everything protected.
Regular Maintenance: Sweeping or vacuuming tiles regularly will prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface, especially with textured tiles or natural stone. For natural stone tiles, use a cleaner specifically formulated for stone to avoid dulling the surface.
Can I use the same tile for bathroom walls and floors?
Absolutely! Using the same tile on both walls and floors can create a beautiful, cohesive look. However, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: not all tiles are created equal. Floor tiles need to be more durable and slip-resistant than wall tiles, so make sure the tile you're using is rated for floor use. Look for tiles with a slip rating, especially in wet areas like the shower floor. Tiles with a P3 slip rating or higher are usually recommended for bathroom floors. Using the same tile across both surfaces can make the space feel bigger and more unified while giving it a sleek, seamless appearance.
How do I choose grout colour for bathroom tiles?
Oh, we’ve got that covered! This handy blog will help get you on your way.
READY FOR A TILE TRANSFORMATION
At Three Birds, we know that the right tile can completely change the vibe of a room, so don’t be afraid to play with different bathroom tile ideas including tile shapes, layouts, and textures. Whether you’re after a serene spa-like feel or something with a bit more personality, the key is to consider your space, natural light, and the look you want to achieve.
Ready to give your bathroom a serious glow-up? We can teach you how in as little as 48 hours! Check out Bathroom Bootcamp to get started.
