14 Bathroom Tile Ideas for Every Home

Marble is always going to be classic. It has natural variation that adds interest even in neutral bathrooms. 

With natural marble, no two pieces are the same; marble-look tiles will usually have a few different pattern variations, which are hard to tell from the real thing. Real marble also needs regular sealing and a bit more upkeep. If you’re after something easier,  marble-look tiles give you the same look with less maintenance. 

2. Subway tiles

Subway tiles are a go-to because they suit almost every bathroom style. The shape is familiar, but the layout can change the whole feel — stacked, offset, horizontal, vertical, herringbone or even basketweave.

Gloss white is the standard, but there are plenty of colours and finishes if you want something with a bit more texture or softness.

3. Kit kat tiles

Looking for bathroom wall tile ideas? Kit kats are small, narrow and neat. Their slim shape and grout lines bring in texture without making things feel too busy.

People normally install kit kat tiles vertically, but they can also be laid horizontally or in other patterns if you want an extra feature in your space. They come in both matte and gloss.

4. Terrazzo tiles

Terrazzo brings a bit of colour and movement to your bathroom. It’s made from chips of marble, stone or glass set in a smooth base — or you can go for easy-maintenance terrazzo-look tiles made from porcelain.

Some versions are subtle with soft tones and fine chips. Others lean bold with bigger pieces and stronger contrast.

5. Checkerboard tiles

Checkerboard is one of those looks that always comes back around. Black and white is the most well-known version, but softer colour combinations like sage and white or terracotta and white also work well.

These tiles are most often used on the floor but can also be installed on a feature wall or vanity splashback.

6. Square tiles

Square tiles are simple but never boring. They come in a huge range of sizes and finishes, from tiny mosaics to oversized formats. Larger squares create a clean, open feel; small square tiles are starting to show up on more bathroom walls as a statement tile.

You can keep it straightforward with a grid layout, or turn them 45 degrees for a diamond pattern.

7. Colourful tiles

Colour in bathrooms is a bit underrated. Even a soft green or dusty blue can shift the whole mood. 

Even though this bathroom leans heavily into sage green, it doesn’t always have to mean going all-in. If you don’t want a statement bathroom, you could try a colourfully-tiled splashback or single feature wall.

8. Glossy tiles

Gloss tiles reflect light, which helps brighten darker bathrooms. They're often used on walls or around vanities where a smooth, easy-to-wipe surface comes in handy.

They can show fingerprints and water spots more than matte finishes, so they're usually avoided on floors. 

9. Matte tiles

Matte tiles give a softer look that suits modern or more natural style bathrooms. They're popular for floors because they’re less slippery and show fewer marks.

In smaller bathrooms, matte finishes reduce glare and help everything feel a bit more grounded. You’ll find matte versions of most colours and tile styles.

10. Large format tiles

Large format tiles are ideal if you want fewer grout lines and a more open feel. They’re usually 600 x 600 or larger, and work well in contemporary bathrooms.

You’ll see them used across both floors and walls. They come in a range of colours and stone-look finishes, from cool concrete tones to warm beige and soft grey.

11. Mosaics

Mosaics come in mesh-backed sheets that make installation easier, especially for small areas or curved surfaces.

They’ve been more traditionally used for shower floors because the extra grout lines improve grip, but we’re starting to see people embracing them on the wall, too. Penny rounds, fish scales and small squares are all common choices. 

12. Shapes

Differently-shaped tiles like feathers and hexagons give you more visual impact than standard rectangles or squares. They’re great for adding personality to small spaces or drawing attention to a specific part of the room.

Hexagon tiles feel more geometric and structured, while feathers have a softer, more curved edge.

13. Zellige tiles

Zellige tiles are handmade, which gives them more variation than machine-made tiles. They feel warm, imperfect and natural — a good match for bathrooms that need a bit of texture without going over the top. 

Since the finish is glossy and uneven, they also reflect light in interesting ways.

14. Terracotta tiles

Terracotta brings in warmth and a bit of softness to bathrooms. The colour and finish read more natural than loud. It’s a nice way to break up that white, grid-heavy look that’s popular in modern bathroom design. 

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom

There’s no one-size-fits-all tile for any bathroom. What works for one space might not work in another — it depends on layout, lighting and how the space is used. And most importantly, what your personal style is.

If you’re narrowing down your options, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Test samples at home: Tiles can look different under your bathroom lighting. Order some samples to see them in person.

• Prioritise safety: Look for slip resistance in floor tiles, especially in wet areas.

• Suit your style: The other colours and textures in your space should work with your tiles.

• Talk to a pro: You don’t have to do it yourself. Speak to someone who knows a thing about design to get a second opinion.

Start planning with TileCloud

Choosing tiles doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. At TileCloud, you can order samples online and check them out at home, or visit our Sydney showroom to see everything in person.

Need help deciding what’ll work best in your space? Book a free design appointment with our team. We’ll help you choose tiles that suit your style, your layout and the way you live.