11 brick bathroom ideas for a bold and beautiful space

brick bathroom ideas to inspire

maybe you’re drawn to brick’s historic and rustic side, or perhaps you want to push the boundaries of brick with a more modern approach. or, maybe you want something in between. whatever the case, there are limitless ways to use brick in the bathroom. here are just 10 brick bathroom and shower ideas to get the inspiration going.

1. exposed brick with weathered accents

your bathroom may not have natural exposed brick, but you can mimic the look with the right tile. (foundry flats forge, to name one.) pairing this type of tile with weathered accents and bathroom decor creates a rustic feel in the bathroom, making even a newly renovated space feel lived-in. it’s a look that puts the natural texture of brick front and center, bringing a sense of history and character to the bathroom.

to play up this aesthetic, go for vintage fixtures and other found pieces that complement the brick tile. it can give your bathroom a raw, unfinished look that contrasts beautifully with modern amenities, striking the perfect balance of old and new.

2. sleek and minimalist brick bathrooms

sleek and minimalist brick bathrooms focus on clean lines and simplicity. instead of the usual rustic feel, the brick is used in a more refined way, with sharp edges and smooth finishes. (think: subway tiles.) this is where a glazed brick tile shines — both literally and figuratively.

if you want to enhance the modern vibe, opt for neutral tones such as white or grey, which will make the space feel airy and uncluttered. this design works well in more contemporary homes, adding a unique twist on the traditional brick look.

3. geometric brick patterns for the shower

brick tile is most traditionally laid in a running bond pattern, but that’s certainly not your only option. opting for more unique patterns will put a modern and geometric spin on the entire look. go with a simple grid layout if you want to highlight brick tile’s rectangular form, or consider a herringbone layout to create movement.

this approach works well with both neutral and vibrant brick tones, allowing you to experiment with color and layout for a truly unique bathroom.

4. vintage brick bathroom backsplash

want to conjure a vintage aesthetic on your backsplash without hunting for boxes of antique tile? many types of brick tile can help you achieve this. try a glazed brick tile in a famously retro hue, such as minty green or peachy pink. paired with vintage-style faucets, mirrors, and lighting, the bright colors of the brick backsplash will really stand out.

if aged or distressed brick is more your vibe, try creating a nostalgic atmosphere with a patinated unglazed brick tile. (foundry flats forge wins again here.) this will turn your bathroom into a cozy, inviting space reminiscent of old-world elegance.

5. whitewashed brick walls

whitewashed brick walls bring a serene vibe to your bathroom by softening the traditional look of brick. of course, you need not already have brick walls in order to achieve this look — a white brick tile is a perfect choice here, be it glazed or unglazed.

this approach has the added advantage of brightening up small bathrooms, and the neutral palette provides a versatile backdrop for various interior design styles. lean into a rustic farmhouse vibe, or go modern and minimalist here — it’s entirely up to you.

6. metal and brick combinations

brick’s industrial past allows it to pair especially well with metal accents. try pairing your glazed or unglazed brick tile with brushed nickel, chrome, or black metal hardware, creating a blend of rustic and urban elements. another thing to consider? adding a metal soaking tub to the space.

the juxtaposition of textural brick and sleek metal will bring much-welcome visual interest, perfect for modern or loft-style bathrooms. it can also give this otherwise functional space some bold and edgy character.

7. cozy brick bathrooms

head to brick’s humble origins, and you’ll find a cozy world full of rich textures and warm colors. a natural brick tile will make the space feel intimate and inviting, especially when combined with soft lighting, wooden accents, plush textiles, and other finishing touches.

still want the convenience of a glossy tile? brick comes in a vast array of burnished reds, oranges, and browns in its glazed form, too. whichever route you take, you’ll end up with a relaxing, homely atmosphere that allows you to unwind.

8. brick paired with natural elements

if an earthy aesthetic speaks to you, try pairing brick tile with natural elements such as wood, plants, and stone. the rugged texture of the brick will contrast beautifully with the smoothness of natural wood or the greenery of plants.

this combination creates a harmonious and organic space, perfect for those who want to bring the outdoors inside. (we’re looking at you, wabi-sabi devotees.) the result is a balanced and peaceful bathroom that maintains a strong connection to nature.

9. warm toned brick with soft lighting

to create a soothing and even romantic bathroom environment, try pairing warm-toned brick with soft lighting. the natural orange, red, or brown hues of the brick will be enhanced by the warm lighting, softening the space and adding a rustic glow.

this design works well if you want to have a spa-like retreat in your home — a place where you can expect nothing but comfort. dimmable lights work particularly well here, creating an ambience that can be adjusted based on mood.

10. combining brick with wood

combine brick with wood, and you’ll surely add warmth and texture to the bathroom. the rustic quality of brick blends seamlessly with the natural, organic feel of wood, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

this combination is ideal for bathroom designs of all styles, offering a balanced mix of earthy tones. the sky’s the limit here when complementing brick walls: look to wooden vanities, shelves, and flooring to create a harmonious, nature-inspired space.

11. a brick backdrop for your freestanding tub

if your bathroom will feature a freestanding tub, a brick backdrop can add instant drama and elegance. the rugged texture of the brick contrasts beautifully with the sleek lines of a modern tub, creating a stunning focal point.

whether you opt for classic red bricks or whitewashed varieties, your backdrop will heighten the sense of luxury and relaxation in the space — and help the tub stand out as the centerpiece of the room.

what are the best ways to use brick in the shower?

as with any tile material, brick can be put to use in a myriad of ways — and there isn’t one “best” way to use it. depending on the tile, however, you may find that it’s best used for shower walls only — or that there are special practices to keep in mind when installing it on the floor. (a tile’s technical specifications and material guidelines are always your north star here.)

take our clé guild new california collection of glazed brick tile, for example. we’ve seen it grace the shower wall and floor, including niches, creating a seamless and monochromatic look. then you have the matte white glazed brick of modern farmhouse, which functions beautifully as a shower wall tile and pairs especially well with a slate floor.

can brick be used for a bathroom floor?

only some types of bathroom tile can be used for a bathroom floor, so you should always check the tile’s technical specs and material guidelines. and the answer might be more complicated than you think. if you have your eye on foundry flats, for example, you might be surprised to learn that it is not suitable for shower floors, with the exception of the ferrous colorway.

glazed brick tile, on the other hand, is a popular choice for the bathroom floor. let our clé guild and modern farmhouse tile collections lead the way here. and when in doubt, always check with your contractor before selecting a tile for your bathroom floor.

what should I know about cleaning and maintaining brick in the bathroom?

in general, a glazed brick tile is going to require less in the way of everyday maintenance. a mild, ph-neutral soap should be sufficient for most cleaning—just be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area before general use. for all other maintenance, we typically recommend laticrete cleaning products.

have your eye on unglazed brick tiles? these require a little more upkeep because of their rough edges and textural surface. (even still, a mild, ph-neutral cleaner is your best bet.) these tiles also tend to need sealing for wet applications, such as the shower and bathroom.

ultimately, cleaning and maintenance will vary depending on the type of brick tile you choose for the bathroom. as always, check a tile’s material guidelines and technical specifications so you know what to expect from the get-go.