ten coastal shower tile ideas for a serene beach house bathroom

coastal shower tile ideas to elevate your beach house bathroom

classic white and blue coastal tiles

nothing says coastal quite like a crisp combination of blue and white tiles. consider using large white subway tiles for the majority of your shower, accented with a strip of blue tiles reminiscent of the sea. it’s an ageless pairing that creates a fresh, quintessentially beachy look.

moroccan-inspired designs or classic portuguese azulejos can add a touch of exotic flair while maintaining the blue and white nautical theme. alternatively, try a herringbone pattern using alternating blue and white subway tiles for a modern twist on tradition.

shell-patterned tiles

the intricate designs and natural hues of shell tiles can instantly draw the eye and present a touch of seaside charm to your bathroom. while using a single shell type for your installation brings a sense of uniformity to your design, mixing and matching various shell patterns–think scallops, conches, and starfish–gives the design a sense of dynamics.

textured tiles that mimic the ridges of seashells can add depth and dimension to your bathroom walls. just be mindful not to overuse textured tiles; they can make cleaning more challenging.

for smaller bathrooms, think about tiles with delicate, miniature shell patterns. these have a sense of space and avoid overwhelming the room. in larger bathrooms, there’s more room to go big with oversized shell motifs that make a splash.

ocean-inspired mosaic tile

from shimmering blue waves to playful fish patterns, coastal mosaic tiles offer endless possibilities to infuse your bathroom with maritime magic.

mosaic tiles, in a color palette of blue, green and white, can set up a stunning underwater effect or look like rippling waves, whitecaps and sunlight reflecting off the surface. blue and green also recall sea glass and sand. one of the greatest advantages of coastal mosaic tiles is their versatility. they can be used to create stunning feature walls, eye-catching backsplashes or even shower enclosures that feel like secret grottoes.

driftwood-effect tiles

bring the weathered charm of natural elements like beach-worn wood into your shower with driftwood-effect tiles. they offer the rustic appeal of reclaimed wood. one idea: install them in a horizontal pattern to evoke the feeling of a boardwalk leading to the shore, for a warm and inviting atmosphere in your coastal-inspired bathroom.

for a lighter, airier feel, check out whitewashed tiles. they can capture the sun-bleached look of natural materials that've been exposed to salt air and sunshine for years.

despite their natural, wood-like appearance, driftwood tiles are typically made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic. this means they offer the aesthetic appeal of driftwood without the maintenance issues associated with real wood in humid environments. they're resistant to water, mold and mildew, making them an ideal starting place for coastal bathroom ideas.

textured, sand-colored tiles

textured tiles not only produce an eye-catching element, but also provide a tactile experience reminiscent of walking on sandy beaches. look to nature for inspiration. think of the various hues found in beach sand–from pale cream to rich golden tones.

warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe and soft gold recreate the calming palette of a sun-kissed beach. try mixing and matching different shades of these hues to add dimension to your bathroom walls or floors. or find mosaic sheets that imitate the look of sand.

subtle variations in shade and finish mimic the natural irregularities of beach sand. this introduces depth to your bathroom walls or floors, making your coastal style feel more dynamic and organic. 

terrazo tiles have a sandy look that can align nicely with beach-inspired bathrooms. they work well on shower floors and walls and are radiant heating compatible.

nautical striped tiles

no list of coastal bathroom ideas is complete without this timeless pattern, which can give your beach house bathroom an instant maritime vibe. for example, alternating white and navy blue tiles (yep, those again) establish bold vertical or horizontal stripes on a feature wall. for a subtler approach, thin striped border tiles around the room or in the shower give the space an accent that breaks up the design. thin pinstripes offer a refined elegance, while broader stripes make a dramatic impact.

get creative with the direction of your stripes. horizontal stripes can make a small space feel wider, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of height. or you might try diagonal stripes or a herringbone pattern with your nautical tiles. the orientation of your stripes can significantly influence the overall feel of your coastal bathroom.

seafoam green tiles

seafoam green, a quintessential coastal hue, evokes the gentle waves and misty ocean air, instantly transporting you to a serene shoreline. imagine stepping onto cool seafoam green shower floor tiles that remind you of the ocean lapping at the shore.

or, you could tile your entire bathroom in seafoam green. this monochromatic style results in a cohesive setting that beautifully reflects natural light. use large format tiles for a seamless look, or opt for intricate mosaic patterns to add visual interest.

like to mix it up? combine glossy subway tiles with matte penny rounds for a dynamic effect. for a touch of luxury, introduce glass tiles that shimmer like sea glass.

wave-patterned tiles

with their fluid lines and soothing colors, these tiles create a serene shower atmosphere. whether you opt for subtle ripples or bold swells, wave tiles suggest movement on your walls. they're also incredibly versatile, working in modern coastal bathrooms and traditional spaces alike.

to prevent your bathroom from feeling overpowering, balance your wave-patterned tiles with solid-colored surfaces. use the wave tiles as an accent wall or in the shower area, complementing them with neutral floors or countertops. that ensures your wave pattern stands out without dominating the entire space.

prefer to dive under the waves? you can also use different shades of blue tile in an ombre style to mirror the depth of the ocean. start with a lighter blue at the top of your shower walls, gradually transitioning to deeper navy hues at the bottom.

coral-inspired tiles

to capture the coral reef look, you’ll want to incorporate pops of bright colors. think vibrant oranges, pinks and yellows scattered throughout your tile design. this vivid color scheme will stand out against cooler ocean tones like blues and greens, creating a look that brings your underwater theme to life.

we suggest experimenting with different tile shapes and sizes. combine hexagonal tiles with subway tiles or mix in some mosaic pieces for extra texture. the variety captures the diverse, organic feel of a coral reef.

consider installing a feature wall behind your vanity or in your shower area. the vibrant hues and intricate patterns of coral-inspired tiles will instantly draw the eye and set the tone for your entire space.

coral tiles can also offer more texture and dimension. some feature raised patterns that mimic the intricate structures of coral polyps.

pebble shower floor tiles

these nature-inspired gems bring the calming essence of a beach retreat right into your home. as you step onto the smooth, rounded stones, it’s more than just a spa ambiance. they're also incredibly practical. the textured surface provides excellent slip resistance, while the unique patterns look unique and interesting in your shower floor.

pebble tiles are super durable and resistant to wear, making them a long-lasting investment for your coastal bathroom. their natural variations in color and texture help conceal dirt and soap residue, keeping your shower looking clean with minimal effort. regular sealing ensures these tiles remain water-resistant and easy to maintain.

the size of your pebbles can dramatically impact the overall look of your shower. larger pebbles make a bolder statement, while smaller ones offer a more delicate appearance. experiment with different laying patterns–from random arrangements to more structured designs–to find the perfect balance of natural materials for your space.

before you get started, here’s some guidance on the best tile types for bathrooms and some thoughts on tile finishes. now that you’ve got some coastal bathroom ideas, where will you go with your bathroom tile project? there are a lot of interesting design concepts floating around in 2024 that could easily incorporate one or more of the coastal look suggestions we’ve covered.

here’s a few we like: two-tone walls (half tile, half paint); built-in shelving (perfect for tile panels inside the shelving); unique mirrors (how about a coastally influenced tile frame?); using actual sea glass in your tile mosaic; and mediterranean-style bathrooms (ideal for big, bold, solid-colored floor tile).

here’s a few other ideas to think about. have fun with it!