18 small bathroom shower tile ideas that make a big impact

18 modern small bathroom shower tile ideas to inspire you

renovating a bathroom or shower — even a small one — can be overwhelming. what material will you go for? what about color and finish? will you mix tiles? and let’s not forget size and layout considerations.

take a deep breath: we’ve been here before, and so have many before you. walk with us as we explore 18 small bathroom shower tile ideas, and feel free to wander as something strikes your fancy.

1. brighten the space with light colored tiles

if you’re imagining a clean and classic look, you might fancy all-white tiles in your shower. crisp, light-colored tiles can brighten up your bathroom and create a sense of timeless elegance.

white subway tile is an excellent choice here, but it’s certainly not your only one. marble, zellige, porcelain penny rounds, and cement scallops are also great options that come in light colors.

2. use vertical patterns for added height

vertical tile patterns create the illusion of height, making a small bathroom shower feel more spacious. stacking subway tiles vertically or using skinny planks draws the eye upward, enhancing the sense of openness. herringbone and chevron layouts also add movement while maximizing vertical space.

3. mix glossy and matte finishes

glossy and matte tiles each have their strengths, so why not take advantage of both? glossy tiles are blessedly easy to clean and maintain (especially helpful in kid-friendly bathrooms) while matte ones offer valuable slip resistance on the shower floor.

just keep in mind that cleaning may be slightly more involved for matte finishes, and tiles like natural stone and unglazed zellige perform best when sealed regularly.

4. opt for large format tiles

many people assume that you need small tiles for a small bathroom, but matching room size to tile size is a myth. opting for large format tiles is a great way to make a statement and cover more ground with fewer grout lines. (and fewer grout lines can make for easier cleaning.)

you might even be surprised to find that large tiles make your bathroom appear larger and more spacious.

5. incorporate mosaics for intricate detailing

mosaic tile has a long and storied history for a reason — it’s a beautiful way to bring pattern and variation into your space. in the bathroom, you might use mosaic tile to create a border, niche, or feature wall.

if you’re looking for bathroom floor tile specifically, good news: the smaller size of mosaic tile calls for more grouting, and more grouting equals more traction. (that’s a must in wet areas like the shower.)

6. experiment with diagonal layouts

for a creative take on a traditional tile layout, consider rotating your tiles by 45 degrees to create a diagonal layout. whether you go for a grid, stacked, or running bond pattern here, this approach can make your space seem larger. (this is because we perceive more space when we look at longer lines.)

7. use reflective tiles to maximize light

it doesn’t get more luxurious or vintage inspired than a shower accented with highly reflective tiles. whether it's a glossy glazed white tile or polished marble, this approach can lend a bright and airy feel to your bathroom — even (and maybe especially) a small bathroom.

8. explore color transitions for visual flow

using color transitions in your shower tile design creates a smooth, eye-catching flow that makes a small bathroom feel more open. blending shades from dark to light, or shifting between complementary colors, adds depth and movement. it can also draw the eye upward, making the space appear taller.

9. create a focal wall with bold patterns

add visual interest and depth to your shower floor or surround with tiles that feature a bold pattern. triangles, diamonds, stripes, granny squares — what you go for is entirely up to you. we have a special love for cement tile here, as it comes in more patterns and shapes than you can even imagine.

10. go minimalist and monochromatic

love a modern aesthetic? want to keep things simple yet sophisticated? or maybe you’re drawn to the japanese wabi-sabi philosophy. monochromatic neutral tiles could be your perfect match. think: shades of white, gray, and beige, working together to create a calming and cohesive look in your bathroom and shower.

11. mix tile shapes for interest

if you’re drawn to geometric patterns but prefer to let the tile’s shape do the talking, you’ll be keen on tile shapes like hexagonal and scallop-shaped tiles. incorporating unique shapes like these adds visual interest, whether you opt for a repeating pattern or a smaller focal point.

12. choose contrasting grout to make the tiles pop

using contrasting grout is a simple way to highlight your shower tile and add visual interest. dark grout against light tiles, or vice versa, makes each tile stand out, emphasizing patterns like subway, hexagon, or herringbone. this technique works well in small bathrooms by adding depth and texture without overwhelming the space. it also helps mask stains and discoloration over time, making maintenance easier.

13. add tactile texture

give your small shower a touch of texture with a tactile option such as raw terracotta or terrazzo tile. these types of tile not only add visual interest but also offer valuable slip resistance when installed on floors. (just keep in mind that these tiles often need to be sealed regularly when used in wet areas.)

14. mix-and-match materials

if you can’t narrow down your tile options to just one tile…don’t. mix often beats the match in our book. try getting creative by combining different materials in your shower or bathroom, such as zellige with marble, or cement with slate.

guaranteed: you’ll achieve a unique and eclectic look that's full of personality.

15. create depth with dark tiles

whether it's a deep charcoal grey, chocolate brown, or true black, dark colors can inject elegance and personality into your bathroom design. add an unexpected spin to your shower with moody tiles that command attention, like perfectly imperfect zellige or statement-making cement.

16. widen the space with a horizontal layout

a horizontal tile layout is a classic bathroom trend for a reason. aside from being a staple pattern for subway tile showers and brick backsplashes, this approach has the advantage of making a space feel wider. subway tiles are a popular choice here, of course, as are glazed brick and zellige.

17. add pops of color with accent tiles

accent tiles are a great way to add pops of color to a small bathroom shower without overwhelming the space. using bold or vibrant tiles in niche areas, borders, or patterned insets creates visual interest while keeping the overall design balanced. consider coastal-inspired blues, deep greens, or warm terracotta tones to add personality.

18. create a statement wall with tile from floor to ceiling

a floor-to-ceiling tile statement wall can make a small bathroom shower feel taller and more luxurious. using bold colors, unique patterns, or textured tiles on one wall draws the eye upward, creating a sense of height. (it also happens to align the international convention of no trim.) keeping the surrounding walls neutral helps the statement wall stand out even more.

many small bathrooms lean light and airy, but you can make a bold statement by having dark tiles in your shower. whether it's deep navy, charcoal black, or rich espresso, dark tiles can add drama and sophistication to your bathroom design.

tips for choosing small bathroom shower tiles

choosing tile for a bathroom is no small feat, even if it is a smaller space. here are a few tips as you think about small bathroom tile ideas.

what size tile looks best in a small shower?

when it comes to tile size, the sky’s the limit, really. if you love a classic look, you might be keen on typical subway tiles (or penny rounds on the shower floor). feeling adventurous? try pairing a large field tile with a small mosaic tile in the shower.

one important note here: if you’ll be adding a glossy tile such as ceramic tile to the shower floor, make sure it’s smaller in size. this will create more grouting and add much-needed traction to an area that sees heavy water exposure. (alternatively, you can have your contractor cut larger tiles down to a smaller size.)

what tile pattern is best for a small shower?

don’t forget to consider tile shape and layout as well. rectangular tiles such as subway tiles lend themselves well to creative layouts, from the classic running bond to the eye-popping herringbone and basketweave. (this article offers a wealth of inspiration.)

if you love the idea of a bold layout but want the tile to take the spotlight, consider a hexagonal or scallop-shaped tile.

what tile makes a small shower look bigger?

in may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to make a small shower look bigger, opt for large-format tiles. large-format tiles with minimal grout lines reduce visual clutter, making the shower appear more seamless. using the same tile on shower walls and floors also creates a continuous and expansive look.

light-colored and glossy tiles can also help here. shades like white, beige, or soft gray reflect more light, creating an open and airy vibe. glossy tiles enhance this effect by bouncing light around the space.

above all, remember: this is your home, not the next owner’s. do what you want.