10 Shower Tile Ideas for any Budget

Shower tiles are a huge bathroom design choice. They set the tone for your morning routine, provide the backdrop to unwinding at the end of the day and are often the element that pulls your entire bathroom design together.

If you make the right choice with tiles, they’ll look great and make everything else fall into place. Your bathroom will stay looking fresh longer, and the space will feel exactly how you want it to; zen, refreshing or whatever mood you choose.

We’re here to help make the decision process enjoyable and painless. We've pulled together 10 tile options you'll love to look at, and these options can also handle daily showers, regular cleaning and everything else real life throws at them.

Tile design ideas for your shower

These ten shower tile ideas show different directions you can take in your space. Some lean minimal and modern, others bring in texture and warmth. Each one creates a completely different feel, so you'll get a sense of what might work for you.

1. Terrazzo tiles

Terrazzo tiles are a classic choice. They’re durable, available in plenty of colours and bring texture to your shower without feeling over the top. Use them as a feature wall or across the entire shower to add pattern and depth.

2. Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles are great for adding detail in small spaces or as a bathroom feature. Round or square styles bring in curves or bolder outlines, while fish scale tiles are a more bold focal point. Pair your mosaic tiles with neutral ones to give them more room to stand out as a feature.

3. Travertine tiles

If you want a natural, spa-like bathroom, check out travertine tiles. Their warm, neutral tones make your shower feel inviting and relaxed, and work well with matte or gloss finishes for subtle texture. Read our modern bathroom ideas to see how travertine blends with contemporary finishes.

4. Terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles bring a warm, rustic vibe to any space, from coastal to Mediterranean-inspired. Combine them with neutral walls and timber accents to ground the room.

5. Stone-look tiles

Stone-look tiles are another option if you want to create an at-home spa vibe without the upkeep of natural stone. They add texture and earthiness and work well with light and dark bathroom styles.

6. All-white tiles

All-white tiles instantly make your shower feel fresh and bright. They give a clean look to any space, and you can bring in different tile textures or patterns to keep it from feeling flat.

7. Bone tiles

Bone tiles create an organic, grounded feel. Their soft, neutral tone complements most colour palettes and makes bathrooms feel bigger and brighter, suiting anything from coastal to Japandi-style spaces.

8. Square tiles

Square tiles are timeless. You can keep them uniform for a clean, minimalist look or bring some variation by mixing colours and finishes. Large-format tiles are great for opening up small bathrooms and have fewer grout lines to clean. For a full rundown of all the tile sizes available, read our tile size guide.

9. Colourful tiles

You can bring colour to your bathroom in many ways. Whether you want a bold focal point or subtle shades, it helps add dimension to the space. Use a single coloured wall for a feature, or add accents for interest. Check our guide on making bold colours and patterns work for tips on not overwhelming your space.

10. Checkerboard tiles

Checkerboard tiles add a playful, graphic touch to your shower without feeling busy. You can stick to black and white or experiment with softer tones for a bit of contrast.

Shower tile design tips

For your shower tiles to look their best, there are a few things to think about. If you’re still deciding on colours or finishes, our bathroom colour schemes guide is a great place to start.

Tile orientation

Your tile placement should work with your bathroom’s flow. Stacking your tiles vertically or horizontally can affect how big the room feels, especially if you have a small bathroom. Vertical patterns can make ceilings seem higher, and horizontal patterns can make narrow rooms feel wider. For more tips and ideas, check out our blog on tile patterns.

Shower niche

A built-in shower niche adds style and function. It offers a spot for shampoo, soap and other essentials without interrupting the space’s flow. Even a simple recess can break up large sections of wall tile and add a bit of visual interest without taking up floor space. Read our niche vs shower ledge blog for ideas on what could suit your shower.

Mix and match tiles

Mixing different tiles on your shower walls and floors adds depth without clashing. This could mean pairing a patterned floor tile with plain wall tiles, or choosing two styles in the same colour palette. This helps break up the space whilst adding texture and dimension.

Lighting

Bathroom lighting affects how your shower tiles look. Natural light brings out the colours and textures, while artificial lights can highlight patterns or glossy finishes. In small bathrooms, good lighting can open up the space and make it feel more inviting.

Grout colour

Grout isn’t just practical, it’s part of the look. Matching grout creates a smooth, polished feel, while contrasting grout highlights the tile shape and pattern for more of a statement.

Looking for the perfect tiles for your shower?

The best shower tiles are the ones that suit your space and make cleaning easy. Pick what feels right for your style and budget, and you’ll end up with a shower you like spending time in.

Shop our high-quality, stylish range for shower tiles that will support your lifestyle day in, day out.

FAQs

How high should you tile a shower​?

Most people tile all the way to the ceiling to protect their walls from steam and water fully. If that’s not in your budget, your tiles should be at least 1800mm high so your shower is compliant and covers the splash zone.

What are the best tiles for showers?

Porcelain or ceramic shower tiles are low-maintenance, sturdy and easy to clean. Porcelain offers higher water resistance and is ideal for floors, walls and wet zones. Choose a textured matte finish for slip resistance to prevent any accidents.

On the other hand, ceramic tiles are best for shower walls and come in colours and shapes to suit any style.

Is it better to have dark or light tiles in the shower?

It depends on the look you’re after. Light tiles make a bathroom feel bigger and brighter, while dark tiles give a moodier feel. Make sure your grout choice works with your tile colour; light grout on dark tiles will show marks, while dark grout with light tiles can help hide dirt between cleans.