creative penny tile bathroom ideas for your floor and shower

ten penny tile bathroom ideas for your floor and shower

classic monochrome penny tile floors

monochrome penny tile floors are a sophisticated and timeless choice for bathrooms, bringing a touch of vintage charm while maintaining a clean, elegant look. using black, white or blue penny tiles in a single color or a subtle checkerboard pattern creates a minimalist yet impactful design that complements both traditional and modern bathroom styles. the small, round tiles add a unique texture that draws the eye and gives depth to the space without overwhelming it.

monochrome penny tiles are also versatile, allowing for pairing with a wide range of wall colors, fixtures and finishes. they create a cohesive and balanced look that’s easy to accessorize, from sleek chrome accents to rustic wood vanities. durable and easy to maintain, classic monochrome penny tile floors offer a refined and practical foundation for any bathroom.

bold colors and creative patterns

using vibrant, various colors and unique patterns with penny tiles in a bathroom can transform the space into a personality-filled retreat. penny tiles are small and versatile, allowing for intricate designs that showcase unique patterns, from playful stripes and chevrons to mesmerizing geometric motifs. bold colors, such as deep blue penny tiles, emerald greens or even bright yellows, add energy and a modern edge, creating a focal point on floors or in the shower.

mixing contrasting colors, like black penny tiles and white white penny tiles or complementary shades, can enhance the design further, adding dimension and visual interest. whether arranged in an ombre effect, floral pattern or eye-catching mosaic, colorful penny tiles give the bathroom a custom, artistic feel.

contrasting grout for visual impact

applying contrasting grout with penny tiles is a great way to make the design pop, adding depth and visual impact to a bathroom. dark grout with white or light-colored penny tiles, for example, highlights each tile’s circular shape, creating a striking, graphic look that draws the eye and defines the pattern.

conversely, light grout with dark or boldly colored penny tiles softens the look, giving the tilework a polished yet playful finish. this approach is especially effective in monochrome or neutral bathrooms, where the contrast between tile and grout can add a layer of texture and character.

contrasting grout can also help hide everyday wear, making it practical as well as stylish. whether used on floors, shower walls or as a feature backsplash, this technique offers an easy way to elevate penny tiles and bring added dimension to your bathroom design.

natural tones for an earthy feel

penny tiles in natural tones, like warm browns, soft beiges, terracotta and muted greens, create an earthy, calming ambiance in the bathroom. these colors evoke a connection to nature, bringing a sense of tranquility perfect for a space dedicated to relaxation. natural-toned penny tiles work beautifully on floors, walls or shower areas, offering subtle color variation that adds texture and depth.

pairing these tones with elements like wood accents, stone countertops and greenery can enhance the organic feel. the understated beauty of natural hues complements a variety of styles, from rustic and bohemian to minimalist and modern, making them a versatile choice for any bathroom.

floor to ceiling penny tile in the shower

a floor-to-ceiling penny tile shower creates an immersive look that adds texture and depth, turning the shower into a focal point in the bathroom. covering the entire shower area with penny tiles brings a continuous, seamless design that accentuates the unique, rounded shape of each tile, creating a visually captivating effect. whether using classic white for a clean, bright look, creating a coastal shower design with aquamarine colors, or opting for a rich color like navy, emerald or charcoal for added drama, floor-to-ceiling penny tiles elevate the shower’s aesthetic and give it a luxurious, spa-like feel.

this approach also enhances the durability of the shower walls, as penny tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean. the grout between the small tiles provides extra traction on the shower floor, making it a safe, practical choice.

penny tile accent wall

this is a stylish way to bring texture and character to a bathroom without taking over the entire space. by focusing on one wall—often a backsplash behind the vanity or sink, or in the shower—penny tiles create a striking focal point that draws the eye and adds visual interest. penny rounds come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing for endless design possibilities.

for a classic look, try white or neutral-colored penny tiles with contrasting grout, or choose bold hues like teal, blush pink or black penny tiles for a contemporary edge. metallic or iridescent penny tiles can add a touch of glam, catching the light beautifully. the accent wall enhances the bathroom’s style and personality, creating a custom feel that can be paired with simple, clean-lined fixtures and decor to balance the overall look.

pairing penny tiles with larger tiles

a smart way to add depth and contrast to a bathroom combines the charm of small, circular tiles with the elegance of expansive surfaces. this design approach works especially well for defining different zones within the bathroom; for instance, penny tiles can highlight the floor of the shower or create a unique backsplash, while larger tiles cover the main floor or surrounding walls. this combination brings balance, as the larger tiles lend a spacious, clean look, while the penny tiles provide intricate texture and detail.

choosing complementary colors, such as pairing white penny tiles with large gray tiles, or mixing bold penny tile colors with neutral large tiles, creates a cohesive yet dynamic aesthetic. this pairing offers both practicality and style, with penny tiles adding slip resistance in wet areas and larger tiles providing a sleek, easy-to-clean surface. together, they create a layered, sophisticated bathroom design that feels modern yet full of character.

penny tiles as a design detail

these little round tiles can also add a design detail in a bathroom, allowing for subtle yet impactful touches that enhance the room’s overall style. instead of covering large surfaces, penny tiles can be strategically placed in smaller areas, such as an inset around a mirror, a border along the floor or a niche in the shower. small accents like these draw attention and add texture, ideal for those who want a hint of pattern and personality.

a few well-placed penny tile accents can transform a simple bathroom into a thoughtfully designed space, adding depth without the commitment of full walls or floors. these little details make a big difference, adding charm and a sense of craftsmanship to the bathroom’s aesthetic.

classic white penny tile bathroom

classics never go out of fashion. a white penny tile bathroom is timeless and elegant, offering a clean, bright look that can adapt to any style, from vintage to modern. white penny tiles create a crisp, fresh backdrop that reflects light beautifully, making the bathroom feel more open and inviting. their subtle texture adds depth, especially when paired with contrasting grout, like gray or black, which highlights each individual tile and gives the space a refined, graphic quality.

white penny tiles work well on floors, walls or as a shower surround, giving a cohesive look that feels airy and sophisticated. this versatile design can be accented with any fixtures or decor, from polished chrome and marble for a classic feel, to black fixtures and natural wood accents for a modern, organic touch. the enduring appeal of white penny tiles makes them a popular choice for creating a serene, stylish bathroom that retains its effortless beauty.

combining penny tiles with other material

this is a creative way to introduce contrast and texture. for example, pairing penny tiles with natural stone elements like marble or granite creates a sophisticated blend of intricate detail and sleek elegance, perfect for a luxurious yet grounded aesthetic. another popular combination is using penny tiles alongside larger subway tiles or rectangular tiles, which can help balance the smaller, circular shapes of the penny tiles while maintaining a cohesive look.

mixing metal finishes—such as brass, copper or matte black—with penny tiles can elevate the space with a modern, industrial touch, while wood accents can introduce warmth and natural charm.

why are penny tiles a good choice for bathroom floors?

penny tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom floors due to their practicality, aesthetic appeal and versatility. they create a textured surface underfoot that offers slip resistance, which is particularly important in wet bathroom environments. this feature makes them a safe option for areas like the shower floor or around the bathtub.

additionally, penny tiles are highly durable and easy to maintain, resisting wear and tear over time while being simple to clean. their classic yet timeless look works well with a variety of design styles, from vintage-inspired bathrooms to sleek, modern spaces. with their range of colors, finishes and materials, they can be customized to fit any bathroom design or size, whether you're aiming for original patterns, bright hues or a subtle, neutral aesthetic.

what color grout is best for penny tile?

the best grout color for penny tiles largely depends on the overall aesthetic you're aiming for, but there are a few popular options that can make your design stand out.

for a bold, graphic look, try a contrasting grout color. dark grout with light-colored penny tiles (like white or light gray) creates a striking contrast that emphasizes the shape and pattern of the tiles. this combination makes each penny tile pop, giving the floor or wall a dynamic, eye-catching appearance.

if you prefer a more subtle, cohesive look, a neutral grout color like light gray or beige works well. it complements a variety of tile colors without taking attention away from the tiles themselves, creating a softer, more seamless effect.

to create a more uniform, minimalist look, you can match the grout color to the penny tiles, such as using white grout with white penny tiles. this approach gives a clean, continuous appearance, making the floor or wall feel larger and less busy.

for an added splash of color, you can opt for grout in bold shades like black, navy or even vibrant hues like teal or red. this adds a playful, modern twist to the design and can help accentuate the tiles' round shape and overall pattern.

is penny tile timeless?

yes, penny tile, like subway tile, is undeniably timeless. its classic, simple design has remained popular for over a century, making it a versatile choice that never goes out of style. originally favored in vintage settings, such as subway station floors and early 20th-century bathrooms, penny tiles have endured through various design trends, continually evolving to suit both traditional and modern aesthetics. they can be used in a wide range of patterns—from simple grids to intricate mosaics—giving homeowners flexibility while maintaining a sense of timelessness. (here’s what else is trending in bathroom tile design in 2024.)

whether you opt for classic, monochrome porcelain or sophisticated natural stone mosaic, penny tiles’ enduring appeal lies in their ability to seamlessly blend with any style, from retro and vintage to sleek, contemporary designs. part design elements, part works of art, these little round tiles have a big impact.

penny tiles' enduring popularity also stems from their durability and low-maintenance qualities. however, penny rounds can be tricky to lay out and cut in some spaces, so as always, at clé we recommend hiring a professional installer to ensure your design comes out the way you envision it.