Bathroom Tile Design Ideas That Actually Work (Without Breaking Your Budget)

The Tiles Everyone Loves (And For Good Reason)

Subway Tiles: Still Not Over Them

Classic ceramic subway tiles are like the little black dress of bathroom design—they never go out of style, and they work with everything.

I installed white subway tiles in my guest bathroom five years ago, and they still look as fresh as day one.

Here’s what makes them brilliant:

• They’re water-resistant (obviously important in a bathroom)
• They don’t scream “I’m trendy!” so they won’t look dated in three years
• You can play with the layout to keep things interesting

The traditional 3″ x 6″ running bond pattern is safe, but I’ve seen elongated profiles like 2.5 x 16 formats that look ridiculously modern while keeping that classic vibe.

Want to make subway tiles pop? Try pairing them with bold grout colors like gray or navy blue.

I did this in my powder room with charcoal grout, and guests always comment on it.

If you want that clean, spa-like feel instead, stick with neutral grout that matches the tile.

Large-Format Porcelain: The Space-Maker

Large-format porcelain tiles in sizes like 24″ x 24″ or bigger are my secret weapon for small bathrooms.

Fewer grout lines mean your eye travels across uninterrupted surfaces, making the space feel larger than it actually is.

I used large format porcelain tiles in my 5×7 bathroom, and people swear it looks bigger than my neighbor’s 6×8.

Pro tip I wish someone had told me earlier:

Rectangular formats like 12 x 24 or 24 x 48 can be installed horizontally to stretch a room or vertically to make it feel taller.

I went horizontal in my main bath and vertical in the narrow hallway bathroom, and both tricks worked like magic.

Specialty Tiles That Add Personality

Listen, not everyone wants a boring bathroom.

Sometimes you need character, and that’s where specialty tiles shine.

Arabesque tiles bring those gorgeous Moroccan-inspired flowing curves that make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel.

They’re available in glazed ceramic or porcelain, so moisture isn’t an issue.

I added arabesque mosaic tiles as an accent wall behind my vanity, and it completely transformed the space from basic to boutique.

Penny round mosaics are those tiny circular tiles that add vintage charm without taking over the room.

They’re slip-resistant too, which makes them perfect for shower floors.

My grandmother had these in her 1950s bathroom, and when I renovated my own space, I brought them back as a nod to her.

Hexagon tiles are having a moment that’s lasted about five years now—which means they’re transitioning from trendy to classic.

They come in sizes from tiny mosaics to large formats, and they naturally add texture without trying too hard.

Basketweave patterns create this fabric-like texture that adds depth.

They’re traditionally done in marble or porcelain, and they work beautifully in both modern and traditional bathrooms.

Layout Patterns That Change Everything

Here’s where things get interesting.

The same tile can look completely different based on how you lay it.

Herringbone: The Sophistication Multiplier

Herringbone arranges rectangular tiles in a 45-degree zigzag that creates movement and makes your bathroom look designed with intention.

I was skeptical about herringbone because it looks complicated, but my tile guy assured me it wasn’t much more work.

He was right, and the result made my narrow bathroom appear wider.

The grout choice matters here:

• Contrasting grout highlights the geometric pattern and makes a statement
• Tonal grout (matching the tile color) creates a softer, more subtle effect

I went with contrasting grout on my floor using herringbone pattern tiles, and it looks like I spent twice what I actually did.

Straight Stacks: Clean and Contemporary

Horizontal and vertical straight stacks are exactly what they sound like—neat lines that guide your eye.

Horizontal layouts make rooms appear wider.

Vertical layouts draw the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher.

This contemporary layout works brilliantly with rectangle tiles, and mixing finishes (like matte and glossy) adds visual interest without pattern overload.

Chevron: The Room Stretcher

Chevron stripes create V-shaped patterns using specially cut tiles.

They elongate bathrooms and add depth, especially in smaller spaces.

I’ve seen chevron used on accent walls, and it’s stunning—but I’d recommend using it strategically rather than everywhere, or it can feel overwhelming.

Diagonal: The Optical Illusion

Diagonal patterns turn square tiles 45 degrees, and somehow this simple shift creates visual depth that makes rooms feel more open.

This is particularly effective in smaller bathrooms where you need every trick in the book.

My powder room is basically a closet with plumbing, and diagonal tile made it feel less claustrophobic.

Brick Lay: Relaxed and Classic

Brick lay (also called running bond) staggers tiles so each joint hits the center of the tile above and below.

It creates this laid-back, lived-in vibe that feels approachable rather than stuffy.

This is probably the easiest pattern to install, which can save you money on labor.

Offset Patterns: Subtle Interest

One-third or one-fourth offset patterns step tiles progressively rather than centering them.

This creates visual interest that gently draws the eye across the floor without demanding attention.

I used this in my