18 small bathroom shower tile ideas for a modern look

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.

geometric patterns

add visual interest and depth with tiles that showcase geometric patterns. triangles, diamonds, stripes, granny squares — what you go for 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.

subway tiles

like jeans and a classic tee, subway tiles never go out of style. their clean lines and versatile design make them a timeless choice for small bathrooms. a subway tile shower also happens to be easy to maintain, especially if you opt for a glossy finish.

mosaic accents

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.)

marble elegance

for a touch of luxury in the shower, look no further than marble tile. the natural veining and elegant finish of this natural stone can instantly elevate the look of your bathroom, even giving it a spa-like atmosphere.

marble comes in a wide variety of flavors, too. fans of white marble will appreciate dolomite, thassos, and classic carrara, while the more adventurous will love calacatta viola.

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.

monochromatic neutrals

love a modern minimalist 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 shower.

bold colors

whether it's a vibrant blue, lush green, or fiery red, bold colors can inject energy and personality into your bathroom design. add a much-welcome pop to your shower with bright tiles that command attention, like jewel-tone zellige or statement-making cement.

hexagonal tiles

if you’re drawn to geometric patterns but prefer to let the tile’s shape do the talking, you’ll be keen on hexagonal tiles. this unique shape adds visual interest, while the repeating pattern creates a modern and dynamic look.

moroccan influence

allow your bathroom to transport you to the markets of marrakesh with moroccan-inspired tiles. authentic zellige gives you artisanal, boldly-glazed tile from the very heart of morocco, of course. alternatively, you could opt for a bright cement tile featuring an intricate pattern and vibrant colors.

metallic tiles

it doesn’t get more glamorous than a shower accented with handmade metallic tiles. whether it's gold or platinum, metallic finishes can create a luxurious and opulent feel in your bathroom — even (and maybe especially) a small bathroom.

terazzo tiles

give your small bathroom or shower a mid-century vibe with terrazzo tile. this type of tile combines the versatility of a solid color with the visual interest of a pattern, thanks to the various chips and materials used to make it. minimalist or maximalist: terrazzo speaks both languages.

all white elegance

if you’re imagining a clean and classic look, you might fancy all-white tiles in your shower. crisp white 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.

industrial chic

lean into the industrial trend by adding raw and rugged tiles to your bathroom. neutral-colored concrete is a popular choice here, as is unglazed brick. to make your small space really sing, pair your tiles with black hardware and accents.

tactile texture

many bathrooms have smooth and glossy surfaces, but that doesn’t mean your tile has to follow suit. matte and unglazed tiles can bring much-needed depth and dimension to a small bathroom while adding visual interest as well. unglazed zellige, terracotta, and slate are all great options here.

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.

go dark for drama

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.

high contrast

create visual impact with high-contrast tiles in your shower or bathroom. try pairing light and dark tiles to create a striking effect that's sure to grab attention and make a statement. (we love penny rounds for this.)

statement wall

turn your shower into a focal point with a statement wall of eye-catching tiles. this could mean using a bold pattern, a vibrant color, or a mix of materials on the shower wall or floor — whatever adds personality while speaking to your personality.

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.

color and size considerations

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

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.)

glossy vs matte

tile finish is another key consideration. as we just mentioned, glossy tiles on the floor should be smaller in size for increased slip resistance. whether on the floor or wall, these tiles have the added advantage of being easy to clean (especially helpful in kid-friendly bathrooms). and in a small bathroom: glossy tiles reflect light to create a spacious feel as well.

favoring a matte finish? this is an excellent option for the shower floor. (see again: slip resistance.) just keep in mind that cleaning may be slightly more involved, and tiles such as natural stone and unglazed zellige perform best when sealed regularly.

tile shape and layout pattern

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 a bold statement but want the tile to take the spotlight, consider a hexagonal or scallop-shaped tile. above all, remember: this is your home, not the next owner’s. do what you want.