current bathroom tile trends: what’s inspiring in 2024?

floor to ceiling tiling

floor to ceiling tile (without trim, if we can help it) is always a “yes” in our book, a perennial trend. but we are seeing more and more people embrace large swaths of tile for more impact — not only in the bathroom but also the kitchen, mudroom, entryway, and living room.

especially popular for bathrooms right now is using large format tile from floor to ceiling. this lends a seamless and polished look to the bathroom that also happens to be practical. this approach results in fewer grout lines, which makes for easier everyday cleaning.

creative shapes

getting creative with tile shapes is an easy way to make a statement in the bathroom. hexagons, lozenges, scallops, shells, stars, and crosses are popular choices right now. their whimsical shapes create an eye-catching design on walls, backsplashes, floors, you name it.

take hexagon tiles, for example. their six sides fit together like a honeycomb, giving you a geometric, not to mention buzzworthy, look. (take your pick from cement, terracotta, zellige, and marble here.)

for something sea inspired, opt for ceramic tiles in scallop and shell shapes that resemble fish scales. colors like teal and green enhance the look, especially in glossy finishes.

stars and crosses, meanwhile, let you get creative if you’re working with unglazed terracotta tile. they come together to create a classic european pattern that might just transport you to an italian villa.

mosaic tiling

mosaic tiles are an excellent choice that can transform a bathroom into a work of art. their smaller size allows you to create intricate designs and for a truly custom impression. this is especially true of penny rounds, which have the added advantage of being exceptionally durable.

for an eye-catching focal point, consider a mosaic tile backsplash behind the vanity. aside from penny rounds, you might consider rectangular stone tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. our rough cut lapidary mosaic tile is another option which pulls in the romance of classic italian architecture.

bold marble with deep veins

marble has long been a timeless choice for the bathroom, but now people are feeling empowered to seek out bolder, more deeply veined varieties of marble. coupled with the fact that no two marble tiles are exactly alike, this makes for a unique and striking addition to the bathroom.

calacatta viola is a beautiful example of this type of untamed and unrestrained marble. lush white with veins of magenta, green, purple, and gold, it’s enough to make any maximalist’s heart go pitter patter. we’ve seen it grace both floors and walls to glamorous and opulent effect.

marble isn’t the only stone that can bring drama to the bathroom. we’re also partial to strata linea, which brings together ten different varieties of sought after stone for a look that straddles ancient and modern.

floral motifs

you could say floral motifs are blooming in bathrooms this year. they can channel a wide variety of aesthetics, too, from the artistic blue and white patterns of centuries past to neutral, more earthy designs.

hand painted florals grace the tiles in our maiolica de delft inspired collection, adding a 17th century feel to any bathroom. then you have earth toned options, like the fern studded cement tile in our erica tanov collaboration. for a looser interpretation of this trend, you might consider a floral inspired patterned cement tile, like this alhambra tile.

floral inspired colors are also gracing bathrooms, including showers, bath surrounds, and backsplashes. think: soft pinks, powder blues, and sage greens. these colors tend to create a charming cottage feel that suits powder rooms and master baths alike.

playful patterns

tile patterns that add a sense of movement are hugely popular right now. curvy lines and leafy prints can add an organic feel without being too busy. crisp geometric designs, on the other hand, create visual interest that feels both clean and modern.

this is where we look to cement tile. for a natural vibe, consider floral or leaf patterns in neutral colors like off-white, beige, and charcoal. if you favor a more traditional feel, go for tile designs inspired by church floors, european cafes, and homes around the world. for something truly eye-popping, try a brightly hued geometric tile, or something with bold stripes or zig zags.

if you’ve never considered a patterned tile for the bathroom, explore the world of options at your fingertips. patterned cement tile comes in a wide range of options to please maximalists and minimalists alike.

tiled ceilings

many people never consider tiling the ceiling when planning a new space, and that might be exactly why tiled ceilings are having a moment in bathrooms. a tiled ceiling adds an unexpected element to any space.

tiled ceilings make especially good sense in bathrooms with vaulted ceilings, turning the ceiling into a functional area of the bathroom. (most often, the shower area.) barreled ceilings and archways also lend themselves well to this look. where tiling the entire ceiling may be impractical or aesthetically overwhelming, tiling just the shower ceiling can set the shower apart from the rest of the room.

it should go without saying, but tiling the ceiling is not for the faint of heart. while we always recommend ​​partnering with an experienced professional installer, this is where you definitely want an expert’s hand.

statement backsplashes

if you want your bathroom to really stand out, incorporate a statement backsplash. a statement backsplash will serve as the focal point of the room and can give much-needed grounding to the rest of the space.

there are a myriad of great ways to make a statement with your backsplash. you might install cement tile that features an eye-catching pattern, be it geometric, botanical, or moroccan inspired. you could also opt for a classic tile material in a bright color. (we’re partial to zellige here.) for even more visual interest, you could even sprinkle in gold tile throughout your design.

want to play with lines and shapes? go for a subway tile you love and have it installed in a visually striking herringbone or basketweave pattern. or, choose a hexagonal tile for the entire wall.

large format tiles

for a minimal yet bold look, consider larger tiles, especially natural stone tiles that mimic the look of a stone slab. adding oversized marble, limestone, and slate tiles to the floor — or wall — is a simple way to make a statement in the bathroom. these tiles also minimize grout lines for a seamless appearance.

the beauty here is that you can go anywhere from classic and subtle to moody and decadent here, depending on the stone you choose. white marble like carrara, thassos, or dolomite will lend a bright, spa-like feel, while boldly streaked calacatta viola will make a maximalist’s dreams come true.

large tiles do require expert installation to get them right, but the end result is a high-end feel that can make even small spaces feel open and airy.

black and white tiles

black and white tiles are a classic combination for a reason — and there are so many ways to try the look in your bathroom.

for a dramatic effect, consider ink black zellige or dark grey slate tile up the entire bathroom wall, with a darker grout to complement the look. then, bring in white floor tiles to balance the room. another bold option is to opt for a patterned black and white cement tile, such as this checkmate tile or this star-studded tile.

if you prefer something more subtle, you might try a classic white subway tile on the bathroom wall and a dark grey slate or cement tile on the floor. small black and white penny rounds can also create an intricate pattern with lots of visual interest.