BATHROOM TILE TRENDS

Time for a Bathroom Refresh?

If your bathroom is looking a bit tired and dated, you're probably ready for a change. After all, this is a space you use every single day, it should feel fresh, functional, and genuinely pleasant to spend time in.

But when it comes to redesigning a bathroom, choosing tiles can feel overwhelming. There are countless options available, trends come and go, and you want to make choices you'll still love years from now, not just months.

That's why we've put together this guide to current bathroom tile trends. These aren't fleeting fads, they're popular styles that combine timeless appeal with contemporary design, helping you create a bathroom that feels both current and enduring.

Four Tile Trends Worth Considering

Subway Tiles: Classic, But Not Boring

Think subway tiles are too traditional or overdone? Think again. These classic rectangles are experiencing a major renaissance, and for good reason.

What's changed? Size, layout, and colour. Modern subway tiles come in much larger formats than their traditional counterparts, we're talking longer, thicker, and more substantial. This updated scale gives them a completely different presence.

The magic really happens when you pair these contemporary subway tiles with contrasting grout. A crisp white tile with dark grey grout creates dramatic definition. Coloured tiles with toning grout produce a softer, more integrated look. The grout colour alone can completely transform the overall effect.

You can also get creative with installation patterns. Try vertical stacking for a modern twist, herringbone layouts for added interest, or even mixed orientations to create subtle geometric effects. Suddenly, those "boring" subway tiles become anything but.

Hexagonal Tiles: Geometric Interest

If you want to add personality and visual intrigue to your bathroom, hexagonal porcelain tiles are an excellent choice. These six-sided tiles create beautiful geometric patterns that work equally well on floors and walls.

Hexagons are wonderfully versatile. Use them on a shower floor to create textural interest, cover an entire wall for bold impact, or create a feature zone that defines different areas of your bathroom.

The real fun begins when you start mixing colours. Combine different shades to create custom patterns, ombre effects, or subtle accents that complement your bathroom's colour scheme. You can keep things minimal with monochromatic tones or go bold with contrasting hues.

Because hexagonal tiles have such distinctive geometry, they create visual interest even in a single colour, making them perfect for both understated elegance and statement-making designs.

Matte Tiles: Soft and Sophisticated

Glossy tiles have their place, but matte finishes are increasingly popular, and for good reason. Matte tiles offer a soft, sophisticated aesthetic that feels calm and contemporary rather than overly shiny or clinical.

Beyond aesthetics, matte tiles are supremely practical in bathrooms. Water spots and stains are far less visible on matte surfaces, meaning your tiles look cleaner for longer. This makes them particularly smart for shower walls and bathroom floors.

Matte finishes work beautifully with natural materials and organic colour palettes. They're perfect if you're creating a spa-like retreat or a calm, minimalist bathroom. The subtle finish lets other design elements shine without competing for attention.

One word of caution: ensure proper installation and use appropriate cleaning products to maintain the finish. Your tile supplier (that's us!) can provide specific guidance based on the tiles you choose.

Graphic Patterns: Bold and Beautiful

If you love colour, pattern, and personality in your interiors, graphic tiles are calling your name. These decorative tiles feature bold patterns, intricate designs, and eye-catching colour combinations that make real statements.

Victorian tiles are a perfect example of this trend. These traditional encaustic tiles feature geometric patterns and rich colours that add character and charm. Whether you use them across an entire floor or as accent panels within a larger scheme, they create instant impact.

Graphic tiles work beautifully on both ceramic and porcelain, giving you control over finish, from subtle matte to high-gloss shine. You can go all-in with pattern across a large area or use patterned tiles more sparingly as decorative accents among plain tiles.

This trend proves that retro is back, and many homeowners are embracing the opportunity to inject real personality into their bathrooms.

Finding Your Perfect Style

Trends are helpful starting points, but the best bathroom is one that reflects your personal taste and meets your practical needs. Your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and design aesthetic should all factor into your decision.

Not sure where to start? That's exactly what we're here for. Get in touch with our team and we'll walk you through your options, discuss the pros and cons of different materials, and help you identify tiles that suit both your vision and your budget.

Whether you're drawn to contemporary subway tiles, geometric hexagons, sophisticated matte finishes, or bold graphic patterns, we'll help you create a bathroom you'll love for years to come.