Where to put a feature wall tile in the Bathroom

Choosing the perfect spot for an eye-catching feature wall is a big call to make when renovating or building your bathroom. You want a feature wall to be the focal point of the space, while also not so overwhelming that it becomes an eyesore for anyone who walks in there. Whether you’re eyeing off mosaic tiles, contrasting colours or a textured look to achieve this, we’re here to help. We have rounded up some of our top tips and tricks when it comes to really nailing that feature wall magic and deciding where exactly it should be.

Maximise impact on entry

Pull off the ‘wow’ factor in your bathroom from the get-go by choosing a strategic location to place your feature tiled walls. You generally want to see your bathroom feature wall tiles from the entry for maximum impact. In most cases, putting the feature tile wall directly opposite the door is likely to be a good design choice. It’ll be the first thing people see when they walk into the space, so it’s the perfect way to make a statement. While a placement directly opposite the entry is a common placement for a feature tiled wall, it’s not the only option.

Embrace baths or vanity positioning

Positioning your feature wall behind a freestanding bath or vanity can highlight these elements in your space and create a beautiful feature. It’s a common spot to place a feature wall and for good reason! There are many upsides to this design choice. A well thought out feature wall can energise a smaller bathroom, for example. A vanity or bathtub can often naturally be the first thing that catches people’s attention when entering a bathroom so a contrasting tile behind it often feels like a fitting placement and gives the room a fresh vibe.

Mosaic feature tile

Mosaic is a favoured option for many feature tile walls – and we can see why! An advantage of this look is it is an intricate design choice that can straight away pack a punch. But there are practicalities to also think about when you’re deciding on the final placement. There’s enough cleaning and chores to do when it comes to maintaining your bathroom without unnecessarily adding more. So, it’s important to consider avoiding a shower wall when choosing a spot for your mosaic feature tile. While the smaller tiles used for mosaic features can look stylish, there is also more grout and if this is in the shower space, you’ll be scrubbing more often to avoid mould and grime build-up. Future you will thank you for thinking of this!

Small spaces shouldn’t be overlooked

While some people think their feature tile wall options are limited in a cosy bathroom, this isn’t always the case. It’s true that if the design is not done correctly, the room can make anyone inside it feel a little claustrophobic. But don’t let that stop you – it just means consideration and care needs to be taken when dreaming up the design. If your space is small and you are worried about overwhelming the space with a full feature wall, you could opt to do the floor tile up half the height of the wall and the remaining height of the wall tile in your feature tile.

Don't feature your shower or bath niche

Technically, you can install a feature wall anywhere in your bathroom but there are some spots we’d recommend steering clear of if you don’t want an off-putting design. In our opinion we think you should avoid putting feature tiles in just a shower or bath niche as this draws your eye to shampoo bottles and shower products which generally are elements you do not want to feature in your bathroom. While they’re a savvy and practical feature that are incorporated into many modern bathrooms, we don’t want niches to be the room’s shining star. Instead, settle on complementary tiles for this space that blend seamlessly into the rest of your bathroom design for maximum aesthetic appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are feature walls still in?

Feature walls or accent walls became one of the hottest bathroom trends back in the early 2000s. While some design trends were merely a flash in the pan, feature walls had staying power. Fast-forward to 2024 and there’s no sign of this design element going out of style any time soon.

Do feature walls make a room look smaller?

Not if they’re done the right way! In fact, the opposite can often be true. A well designed tile feature for a bathroom can create the illusion of space, creating a feeling of depth that was not there before. Avoid making your bathroom design too busy though – this can make the space feeling overwhelming.

How to choose a feature wall colour

Choosing a colour for your feature wall really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. A dark coloured feature wall can add drama and contrast and add depth to a bathroom if used in a clever way while lighter coloured tiles can make the space feel soft, roomy and airy.