9 vertical shower tile ideas & stunning accents to draw the eye

vertical shower tile ideas and inspiration

when it comes to tile for a walk-in shower or tub surround, you should know: the options are as diverse as the design visions that inspire them. vertical tiling on bathroom walls offers an elegant look that accentuates height, adds a modern twist, and creates a focal point that draws the eye. below are nine ideas to consider — so you can choose the perfect type of tile for your next bathroom design project.

1. classic vertical stacks to create an illusion of height

one of the most popular approaches is to use classic vertical stacks to create an illusion of height. by installing rectangular wall tiles in a continuous vertical pattern, you can emphasize the upward movement of the room, making even a small space feel grand. this method works exceptionally well with authentic subway tile or glazed thin brick tile.

in addition to its aesthetic appeal, a vertically stacked subway tile shower serves as a striking backdrop for other design details, such as a glass door or wood beams. by keeping the tile layout simple and clean, you allow the innate beauty of the tile — whether it’s natural stone or classic porcelain tile — to shine through.

2. bold accent stripes for a striking focal point

for those looking to make a dramatic statement, accent stripes can create a bold focal point that draws the eye immediately. imagine a shower wall where one or two vertical stripes of gray subway tile run down the center, flanked by coastal blues or natural tones. you may use different colors or even a mix of materials, like natural stone with white tiles.

this vertical shower accent tile idea works wonderfully with other bathroom elements, such as a tub or shower niche. you can also customize it to suit your own personal style, be it edgy and contemporary or elegant and understated. it’s an excellent tip for those looking to add a dynamic element to a standard bathroom without overwhelming the space.

3. mix-and-match tile sizes for dynamic visual texture

another creative approach is to mix and match tile sizes to create dynamic visual texture on your shower walls. rather than using uniformly sized tiles, consider incorporating a variety of shapes and sizes in a carefully planned layout. this method creates a sense of movement and depth, as the different sizes naturally lead the eye along the vertical axis.

you might use a combination of vertical subway tiles, larger ceramic tiles, and even small mosaic tiles in this approach. the key is to maintain a consistent color palette and grout line to ensure the overall look remains cohesive. when done right, you’ll not only add artistic flair 

4. vertical herringbone for a fresh take on a classic

for a fresh and playful twist on a classic tile design, a vertical herringbone pattern is a unique way to play with shape and movement. unlike the traditional horizontal herringbone layout, a vertical arrangement creates a striking pattern that draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the space.

vertical herringbone also adds a sense of rhythm and flow to the bathroom. it is a bold approach that you can soften with other elements like smooth trim or understated metal fixtures. this unexpected layout is a perfect example of how reimagining a classic pattern can create whimsical, elegant, and modern designs.

5. subtle floor to ceiling stripes that make a small space feel open

if your goal is to make a small space feel more expansive, subtle floor to ceiling stripes are a smart and elegant choice. by using a continuous line of vertical tile that extends from the floor to the ceiling, you create an uninterrupted visual flow that naturally elongates the room. this is especially effective in minimalist bathrooms with white walls and simple architectural details. (you might even extend this look to, say, the vanity backsplash.)

the beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity. whether you choose a light, neutral shade, moody black tile, or more vibrant colors, the uninterrupted vertical pattern creates a sense of openness and airiness. this technique can be combined with other vertical subway tile shower ideas, such as incorporating different textures or subtle color variations, to add extra depth.

6. vertical niche accents for function and design

niches in shower walls offer not only practical storage but also a wonderful opportunity to add vertical accent tiles for a touch of flair. by creating a vertical niche and accenting it with a different type of tile — such as a contrasting color or pattern — you can create a mini focal point within the larger design.

using contrasting tiles within a niche can break up the uniformity of the tiling on the rest of the wall, creating a playful yet polished contrast. whether you opt for ceramic tiles with a subtle sheen or character-filled tiles of natural marble, the vertical niche serves as a reminder that even the smallest details can make the biggest difference in overall shower design.

7. vertical ombre effects for subtle drama

for a touch of drama, vertical ombre effects are a sophisticated yet whimsical way to incorporate color into your shower design. by gradually transitioning from one hue to another along the vertical axis, you can create a head-turning gradient that adds depth and movement to the walls. this technique works particularly well with ceramic or zellige tiles that have a slight variation in color.

the beauty of the ombre technique is that you can tailor it to suit any color scheme. whether you choose a bold, vibrant gradient or a more muted transition, the vertical ombre effect is the perfect choice for injecting personality and visual intrigue into a vertical tile shower.

8. vertical and horizontal tiles for unexpected interest

while many look to vertical tiling to create the illusion of height, combining it with horizontal tile elements can create an unexpected and visually engaging layout. by strategically placing horizontal tile bands or borders within a predominantly vertical pattern, you introduce a layer of complexity and contrast that adds to the overall aesthetic.

this mixed approach can highlight certain architectural features or simply break up the monotony of a single pattern. try using classic white subway tile alongside larger tile, or mixing natural carrara with zellige tile to achieve a striking interplay of textures and colors. juxtaposing vertical and horizontal elements can truly transform any bathroom wall into a canvas for artistic expression.

9. reflective vertical accents that amplify the light

finally, adding reflective vertical accents is a brilliant way to amplify natural light and create a sense of spaciousness in the bathroom. by including tiles with a glossy finish or metallic sheen — gold or platinum glazed zellige, for example — you can brighten the room and draw attention to key areas. these reflective accents work wonders when paired with well placed lighting.

another benefit of highly reflective tiles: they can help visually expand the space. when paired with other vertical shower tile techniques, these accent tiles make a powerful design statement. this approach is especially beneficial in small spaces where maximizing light is crucial. (plus, it adds a dynamic element that complements a modern or classic bathroom’s style.)

the beauty of vertical subway tile shower design lies in its ability to transform a simple bathroom wall into a canvas for creativity, style, and function. from classic vertical stacks that create an illusion of height to bold accent stripes that serve as a stunning focal point, each approach offers its own unique advantages.

whether you’re working on a modern walk-in shower, updating a bathtub surround, or planning a completely new bathroom design, the right vertical tile layout can set the tone for the entire room. find the approach that speaks to you — or your client, if you’re an interior designer — and then let your imagination run wild.