Always in fashion and endlessly versatile, black and white tile transcends trends, creating spaces that feel both timeless and of-the-moment at the same time. From classic marble checkerboards to sleek modern mosaics, within this single color combination lies a surprising range of moods: dramatic or serene, vintage or contemporary, minimal or ornate.

And because both hues are true neutrals, they make the perfect foundation for evolving your space over time. Change up your look seasonally with new textiles or decor without ever losing that effortlessly polished backdrop.

Whether your taste leans traditional, modern, or eclectic, these 12 black and white shower tile ideas prove that this iconic color scheme is anything but basic.

1. Pair Black Floor Tile With White Walls

The contrast between crisp white wall tile and black floor tile adds depth and dimension to a space. In this bathroom, Jaime Nelson pairs Bianco Puro subway tile with Hex Matte Black mosaic tile on the floor. The white marble-look tile features delicate grey veining for subtle visual texture, while the mosaic floor tile offers added traction in the shower. We love how the marble-look Lombardia White wall tile and the large Black Hex floor tile complement the shower tile while still creating a visual distinction between the bathroom and the shower area.

2. Show Off Your Fashionable Taste

Eclectic and worldly, our exclusive Nikki Chu collection tiles are designed to complement each other for unique, fashion-forward spaces. This stylish shower features the Nikki Chu Fusi Carbon Steel and Zulu Graphite tiles. With its graphic, hand-drawn pattern, the Zulu Graphite tile creates a bold statement wall while maintaining the neutral color scheme, and the complementary dark-grey Fusi Carbon Steel tile adds chic cement-look detail.

3. Make It Marvelous With a Black and White Marble Mosaic

Rich and expressive, natural stone embodies luxury like nothing else—and because no two pieces are ever the same, your space is guaranteed to be one of a kind. Featuring subtle grey and beige veining, white Hampton Carrara marble is paired with black stone in the Geo with Noir mosaic wall tile. Raised, overlapping squares add both visual and tactile texture, creating a layered, sensory experience in this shower.

4. Go Geometric

Bold and graphic or whimsical and floral, a black and white patterned tile adds visual interest to your space while maintaining a classic color scheme. This contemporary shower, designed by @tilerhub, features the geometric Ragno Blanco hex tile. Deceptively simple, this pattern can be installed in a variety of layouts—we love how this starburst design creates a dynamic sense of movement.

5. Pair a Pattern With Solid Subway Tile

The constraint of a black and white color scheme invites creativity in mixing styles. In this charming shower, sleek handmade-look subway tile is complemented by the Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Toro hex floor tile. Subtle tonal and surface variations in the Tribeca Basalt and Gypsum White tiles pair beautifully with the patterned tile’s faded embroidery motif, creating an intentional, visually rich design.

6. Add a Pastoral Scene

Style meets function in this elegant shower, designed by Haneen Matt of Haneen’s Haven. The Saltus tile, featured in the double niches below, depicts a bucolic forest scene framed within the recessed squares. While the black and white patterned tile might be too bold for the entire space, it serves as the perfect accent for these decorative yet practical shelves.

7. Make a Hex-Cellent Pattern

A retro shape making a comeback, the six-sided hexagon is endlessly versatile. In this dynamic shower, Black Hex and White Hex tiles are paired to create a custom honeycomb design, while the Hex Matte White with Black Flower floor tile offers a complementary yet distinct touch. Shop our extensive selection of hexagon tile to discover more mix-and-match possibilities.

8. Create Timeless Design

Our exclusive Signature tile collection features versatile basics that create spaces that are anything but ordinary. In this stately walk-in shower, the Signature Bianco Gloss Subway tile is accented with elegant lines of glossy black trim. Explore the possibilities with the full range of mix-and-match elevated basics in our Signature collection.

9. Pair With Wood-Look Tones

Incorporating a third element into your black and white tile design adds visual depth and complexity. Here, the Mauvila Amber wood-look tile—with its natural woodgrain details—contrasts beautifully with the concentric diamond pattern of the Trois Bandes patterned tile stripe. If you love this mix of organic and geometric design, explore our wide selection of wood-look and patterned tile.

10. Don’t Forget About Grout

You don’t necessarily need black and white tile to create a bold color scheme. You can also achieve the look by choosing contrasting grout, whether you pair white tile with black grout or black tile with white grout. This gorgeous shower, designed by @kristenjoyhome, features white subway tile installed with black grout to highlight the brick-lay pattern. The dark grout not only adds drama to the white tile design but also helps hide the appearance of dirt.

Don’t let this essential detail be an afterthought. Unlock all the design potential of this functional detail with our top tips to nail your grout design.

11. Make a Point With Picket Tile

Resembling fence rungs, picket tile is a modern twist on traditional stacked subway tile. There are many design possibilities when pairing black and white versions of this tile, but this color-blocking approach—using Lanse Matte Black and White tiles—demonstrates how dynamic the shape can be, even when installed with complementary grout for a more muted effect. Explore our wide selection of picket tile for more on-point designs.

12. Add Drama With Marble-Look Tile

Featuring expressive veining, the Alvardo Matte and Livingstone Nero marble-look tiles bring drama to this sleek industrial-style shower. The white-on-black and black-on-white tiles pair beautifully, with complementary thin and lush veining that creates rich visual texture. Though they mimic the appearance of natural marble, these porcelain tiles offer easy maintenance and superior durability. Shop our wide selection of marble-look tile for more designs that marry natural elegance with easy care.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our vast selection of shower tile, or explore our 29 Stunning Shower Tile Design Ideas for 2025 for more trending looks. Need help getting started? Schedule a free design consultation and let us help you create your dream space.

The post 12 Fabulous Black & White Shower Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

What is Penny Tile?

As the name suggests, penny tile is a small, circular tile roughly the size of a U.S. one-cent coin—typically about 3/4″ in diameter. This charming style rose to popularity in the Victorian era, when it was associated with cleanliness. Though it never fully went out of style, penny tile saw a resurgence in the 1920s during the Art Deco movement and again in mid-century modern design.

Penny Tile Pros

No need to pay us for our thoughts—here are three reasons penny tile might be the right choice for your bathroom or shower!

1. Adds Depth & Creates Visual Interest

It may seem counterintuitive, but small tiles can be just as effective at creating a feeling of expansiveness as oversized tiles. The many small elements draw the eye across the wall or floor, adding visual interest. In this charming blue and white bathroom, penny tile edges create a scallop-shaped border on the sink’s backsplash. White penny tiles continue across the adjoining wall of the walk-in shower, where the polka dot-like pattern on the blue hexagon-shaped tiles complements the shape and layout of the mosaic at a larger scale. This cohesive use of color and detail across multiple surfaces brings texture and interest to the space without overwhelming the eye.

2. Customizable

All our penny tile comes in a standard size, allowing you to mix and match colorways to create a custom design for your floors or walls. Add a border or craft an intricate pattern by combining two or more colors—like this charming floor designed by Blue Orchid Living.

3. Provides Slip Resistance

Because of their small size, penny tiles require more grout lines than larger tiles, which adds grip to your bathroom or shower floor. For maximum slip resistance, choose a matte porcelain or ceramic penny round tile.

Penny Tile Cons(iderations)

As much as there is to love about penny tile, it isn’t for everyone (or every space). While it delivers visual interest and slip resistance, it also has drawbacks—especially if you’re looking for a low-maintenance bathroom solution.

Installation

Though all our penny tiles are mounted on mesh sheets for easier installation, a custom layout may require cutting out individual tiles to create your design. Even if you’re installing a single color, the small pieces will require more grout than large format tiles, making the process more time-consuming.

Cleaning & Maintenance

If you dread scrubbing, penny tile may not be the best choice for your bathroom. With so many grout lines, dirt, mildew and soap can accumulate between tiles. While a dark shade of grout can minimize the appearance of build-up, cleaning penny tiles (especially floors) can be more labor-intensive than with larger tiles.

Supporting Your Project at Every Step

Whether or not you decide penny tile is right for your bathroom, we’re here to help take your project from design from idea to installation.

Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop showroom to get started!

More Bathroom Inspo!
36 Bold & Beautiful Bathroom Tile Ideas

10 Unique Zellige Bathroom Tile Ideas

12 Cool & Calming Coastal Chic Bathroom Tile Ideas

The post Penny Bathroom Tile: Pros and Cons appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

While black-and-white squares remain iconic, modern takes on checkerboard invite you to think beyond tradition. From colorful twists and unexpected layouts to innovative uses of shape and scale, these 15 ideas prove there’s more than one way to play the grid.

1. Choose Multi-Colored Squares

Black and white aren’t the only options in the checkerboard game. For their modern farmhouse kitchen, @eighteenthcenturystephens paired Antique tiles in Lava and Green to create a refined rustic aesthetic that brings both color and character to the space. We love how they grouped four tiles together to form larger squares, but for a more dynamic look, you could alternate the individual tiles instead.

2. Play With Proportion

Everything about this checkerboard wall says classic—except the proportions. Checkerboard layouts don’t need to stick to squares. By using subway tiles instead, this design delivers a fresh and unexpected twist on the traditional look.

We especially love the choice of tiles in this inviting breakfast space. Fired Earth Stoneware ceramic subway tiles (shown here in Rainwashed, a soft blue, and Linen Brick, a warm beige) feature subtle speckles and slight color variation from piece to piece, for a decorative effect characteristic of handmade mid-century ceramics. 

3. Play With Pattern

Pairing two colorways of the same pattern offers a charming, unconventional twist on the classic design. This chic bathroom features the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper in Eden Ode (black) and Florence Lace (white). The ornate, botanical design is completed when four tiles are grouped together, adding feminine allure to the traditional checkerboard. If you love this bold, whimsical take on a classic style, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection.

4. Play With Shape

A twist on traditional Moroccan design, this Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Star Bone tile floor creates a dynamic foundation for a luxurious shower. The warm terracotta and crisp white tones of the checkerboard floor are echoed in the dramatic rust-colored veining of the white marble-look Pisa Ora wall tile, resulting in a space that’s visually complex yet tonally cohesive. For a striking variation, try the look in black and white with Zellige White Chabone Star and Charcoal Chabone Cross tiles.

5. Add a Third Color for a Buffalo Check

Another way to elevate your checkerboard design is by adding a third color. This buffalo check wall features Encaustic tile in Black, Cobalt and Light Grey. The three hues play across the wall to create a stylish tableau that can be recreated with any three same-sized square tiles. For a truly unique and luxurious design, try mixing marble or marble-look tiles.

6. Create a Gridded Subway Design

Alternating horizontal and vertical layouts for a grid stack subway pattern creates a dynamic sense of movement in this chic shower. The intentional variations in the Look Avio handmade-look tile add soft visual interest, while the contrasting white grout lines emphasize the pattern. To make the design more striking, incorporate multiple colors; for a quieter look, choose a tonally consistent tile with matching grout. Explore endless design possibilities with our wide selection of subway tile.

7. Choose a Mosaic for an Easy Play

Made up of small individual tiles mounted on a mesh sheet, mosaic tile combines intricate detail with easy installation. The Bennett with Roman Silver tile shown here features marble pieces arranged in an alternating vertical and horizontal pattern. Expressive veining in the gray and white marble adds a sense of movement to the checkerboard effect, while the subtle tonal shifts create a deceptively simple design that works beautifully for a wall, backsplash or floor. For a warmer, earthier look, try the Scabos Triples tile in travertine.

8. Switch Your Strategy

You don’t need to add a second color to achieve a stunning patterned checkerboard. This stylish shower features the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile, showcasing a bold, hand-drawn graphic design (also available in grey Cement and beige Pumice). The multi-directional tiles make it easy to create personalized motifs, as shown here by arranging them in groups of four with alternating horizontal and vertical orientations. If you love this eclectic, fashion-forward aesthetic, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

9. Elevate Your Game With Natural Stone

Marble, travertine or slate—natural stone tile showcases organic variations for a truly one-of-a-kind look. When paired together, these materials create a beautiful, expressive and unique space, like this stunning entryway designed by Timber Trails. Alternating squares of Legno limestone and Volakas marble bring subtle beauty through veining and natural details. Notice how the beige limestone tiles are installed so that the veining aligns across each row of squares.

10. Expand the Grid

This black-and-white hexagon floor delivers the clean geometry of a checkerboard with an unexpected twist.

While square tiles are the most common way to achieve a grid layout—think fabric patterns or city blocks—hexagons are another timeless choice. Their six-sided form adds subtle variety while still stacking together with satisfying precision. The result is a pattern that feels both efficient and fresh. Here, crisp black accents on a white field create a classic look, but inverting the palette to a black background would offer a bold, dramatic alternative.

11. Play in Neutral Tones

You don’t need stark contrast to create an engaging design. This stunning bar area, designed by @creatiffdiy, features alternating squares of Zellige White and Alabaster gloss tile. The beige, pink and grey tones of the Alabaster tile add visual complexity while maintaining a neutral color scheme. Perfectly imperfect, these handcrafted tiles feature subtle surface variations that add texture and depth. If you love this authentic, artisanal look, explore our wide selection of handmade Zellige tile.

12. Add Winning Charm With Mosaic Blocks

Squares within squares create a beautifully expressive checkerboard tile backsplash in this elegant bathroom, seamlessly blending modern and traditional decor. Composed of 2″ square tiles, the Zellige Turquoise and White mosaic tiles feature tonal and surface variations that add visual complexity to this simple design. Recreate this look as shown, or explore these handcrafted mosaic tiles in other colorways: Alabaster Pearl, Azul, Black, Dark Grey, Dirty Blue, Light Grey and Shamrock.

13. Create a Twist on Historic Texture

This elegant, vintage-inspired wet bar is perfectly suited to modern entertaining. An homage to the detailed charm of Victorian-era tin tile, ceramic backsplash tiles (Victoria Blanc and Victoria Gris Fonce) feature seven unique embossed surface designs for an authentic look. The alternating dark and light colors, along with a thoughtful mix of circular and square raised designs, gives this checkerboard design layers of dimension. The final result is a welcoming, stylish space that would delight guests in any era.

14. Turn Squares Into Diamonds

Rotating a checkerboard layout 45 degrees gives this counter-to-ceiling tile backsplash a whimsical touch. The intersecting diagonal lines draw the eye up and out simultaneously, making this cozy space feel both taller and wider. Handmade-look tiles, open shelving, wood-plank floors, and apron sink are all characteristic of modern farmhouse style, while the blue and white color palette adds a breezy, coastal feel. (If you like this look, explore all the styles in our exclusive Laura Park designer collection.)

15. Deconstruct the Board

The Cassettone Black tile offers a deconstructed take on the classic black-and-white pattern. Durable yet luxurious, the marble-look mosaic tile brings just the right amount of opulence to this elegant transitional bathroom, designed by @pineislanddesign. Discover more refined designs to mix and match in our wide selection of marble-look tile.

There are so many ways to play the checkerboard game! Shop our curated checkboard pairings for more ideas. Find a tile combo you love? Order samples to see it in your space, or use our Tile Visualizer to help envision your project.

The post 15 Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

From sleek and modern to classic and luxurious, these 12 black shower tile ideas prove just how versatile this bold neutral can be. Read on to see if this dramatic hue could be right for you.

1. Choose Chic and Unique Handmade-Look Tile

Perfectly imperfect handmade-look tile features purposeful variations in surface texture, glaze and edges to achieve a popular handcrafted aesthetic. On a black tile—like the Tribeca Basalt shown here—those subtle variations create visual richness while preserving the elegance of a single color. Shop our wide selection of handmade-look tile for more one-of-a-kind styles.

2. Create “Pointed” Contrast

Halfway between a subway tile and a hexagon lies the picket tile: a gracefully pointed, elongated shape with gentle geometric flair. While dark colors are sometimes used to create a smaller, cozier feel within a space, here matte black tiles are deployed to the opposite effect; installing the picket shapes horizontally and finishing both black and white tiles with matching black grout makes the interior of this generously sized walk-in feel even more expansive.

3. Let Your Hex-Cellent Taste Shine

The slightly reflective surface of a glossy finish adds brightness—even to a dark tile design. Here, the repeating six-sided Imperial Black Gloss Hex mosaic tile creates a sleek surface for light to play across. White grout further highlights the shapes, adding visual interest; however, black grout would create a more subtle—but equally stunning—look.

4. Make a Tonal Shift With Pewter Tile

Maintain your goth vibes while softening the palette a few degrees with a dark grey hue. This stylish space, designed by @hutchdesignbuild, features Imperial Pewter Matte subway tile. Adding tonal complexity while preserving a chic, neutral tableau, the deep, steely grey pairs perfectly with black hardware and creamy white walls.

5. Select Sleek Subway Tile

While white may be the color most commonly associated with subway tile, this timeless design staple comes in a wide array of colors, finishes and patterns. In this sleek shower designed by @expressflooring615, Signature Black Gloss subway tile is installed in a brick-lay pattern on the exterior and a herringbone pattern inside. White grout highlights the classic layouts and helps tie the dark design to the room’s lighter elements.

6. Craft a Minimalist Masterpiece

As exemplified in this walk-in shower, pairing large format porcelain tiles with matching dark grout offers a sleek and continuous look. With a realistic slate texture that’s particularly luxe, Burma Grafito tiles continue from shower walls to shower floor—and into the room beyond—with a curbless design. In addition to being fashion-forward, curbless showers like this example offer built-in flexibility for homeowners thinking ahead to aging in place; “going curbless” can help reduce tripping hazards and more easily accommodate mobility aids like walkers or chairs. With universal design features and streamlined, trend-proof style, this bathroom is truly ageless.

7. Carve Out a (Shower) Niche

Combining form and function, a shower niche offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your style. In this stunning design, @eatoncustomhomes created a custom niche in the shape of five Black Hex wall tiles, with the contrasting White Hex tile inside. The result is a design that’s both stylish and playful. Shop our wide selection of hexagon tile for more colors and patterns to achieve this look.

8. Add Texture

One of the best ways to add interest to a monochromatic space is by introducing texture. This smart design from @janelle_mattson features Harley Lux Black tile, with a raised pattern and a mix of glossy and matte finishes for added dimension. We love how the unique texture is complemented by the smooth Hex Matte Black tile in the shower niche.

9. Create a Sense of Movement

Choosing shapes and materials that create a sense of movement across your shower can make the space feel larger and add visual interest to a monochromatic palette. In this fashionable shower, the diamond-shaped Chalk Dark RMB tile is installed in a zigzag pattern, drawing the eye across the width of the wall. The leather-like texture adds a subtle tactile element for extra depth.

10. Add Dimension With Frame Tile

Even a simple design can stand out when you choose a framed or beveled tile. The raised “frame” around the subway tile catches the light, creating dimension even in this dark shower. Our new and exclusive Signature tile collection includes framed and beveled tiles in a variety of colors and sizes. Learn more about these versatile basics here.

11. Go Natural With Limestone

Available in hues ranging from rich beige to sleek silver and deep black, limestone is a natural material currently enjoying a moment in interior design. In this @venicecontracting-designed shower, Noir Chevron tile graces the back wall. The V-shape adds a sense of movement, enhanced by crisp white grout lines. For more natural stone options, explore our wide selection of limestone tile.

12. Combine Durability and Style With Marble-Look Tile

Luxurious black marble brings unique style to any space, but if you want a design that’s as low-maintenance as it is stylish, porcelain or ceramic marble-look tile offers the best of both worlds. West Bay Homes designed this teenager’s bathroom using Marmi Classico Nero Venato marble-look porcelain tile. With realistic veining and rectified edges, this tile mimics the appearance of a single block of stone, while porcelain’s fuss-free durability (no sealing required!) makes it ideal for any age.

Ready to take your shower to the dark side? Shop our wide selection of black tile to find sophisticated design inspiration. Explore unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to jump-start your next project.

The post 12 Brilliant Black Shower Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create a Custom Pattern with a Petite Subway

The short, skinny Zellige Light Grey gloss 2″ x 6″ tile is arranged in a grid, offering a fresh take on the classic checkerboard pattern. The petite subway format is endlessly versatile, with a wealth of layout options and plenty of character. Check out our guide to subway tile layouts for more ideas.

2. Show Your Stripes

A timeless design choice, stripes add both formality and whimsy. For the powder room in her historic home, @daryakaras chose a boutique, custom look. The Zellige Shamrock and White gloss tiles are neatly stacked, but the natural variation between individual tiles adds charming distinction—perfectly in keeping with the classic character of her home.

3. Create a Classic Checkerboard

There are many unique ways to approach a checkerboard design (check out our curated checkerboard pairings for more ideas) but this classic black-and-white look is always a style win. With their tonal variations, Zellige Black and White tiles add rich visual texture to this charming layout.

4. Pair White With Brass Fixtures

The craftsmanlike quality of Zellige tile lends itself to the understated opulence of quiet luxury design. This lush shower, designed by @forgegrove, exemplifies the look with Zellige White gloss tile and shiny brass fixtures. Subtle variations in tone and edge—enhanced by thin grout joints—add authentic artisanal appeal, while sleek gold trim further elevates the space. If you love the high-end elegance of this timeless trend, check out our guide to quiet luxury.

5. Pair Glossy and Matte Finishes

The Moroccan Star and Cross pattern is a traditional design that feels right at home in modern spaces—as seen in this chic, contemporary bathroom. Pairing Zellige White Chabone Cross matte tile with Star gloss tile adds extra dimension through the light reflected off the glazed surfaces.

6. Create an Eclectic Boho Space

Modern boho chic design is all about embracing personal style and self-expression rather than adhering to strict rules. This spirit shines through in this cool, eclectic space designed by @CarmeonHamilton. The Moroccan-style Zellige Charcoal Chabone Star and Cross floor tile pairs beautifully with abstract black-and-white wallpaper and artwork, creating a room that feels both modern and steeped in global tradition. Discover how to bring this expressive style to every room with our guide to boho chic design.

7. Keep It Clean with Dirty Blue

It’s called Dirty Blue, but this chic tile radiates pristine style in this sleek, contemporary bathroom. With tones ranging from deep olive green to brown and dark blue, this square tile adds rich, rustic visual appeal and a sense of warmth.

8. Add Alabaster Allure

The pinkish-grey tones of the Zellige Alabaster gloss tile cast a romantic hue in this elegant bathroom. It’s a perfect example of how the coloration of handmade tiles can vary from piece to piece—though only one tile style is used on the walls, the space is rich with subtle visual complexity.

9. Make a Mosaic Checkerboard

Here’s another fresh take on a classic design! This chic bathroom features Zellige Turquoise gloss mosaic and Zellige Light Grey gloss mosaic tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern. While you could create a checkerboard using individual 2″ x 2″ tiles, the 8″ x 8″ groupings allow for easier installation and offer a delightful twist on a traditional style.

10. Choose Handmade-Look for More Consistency

If you love the look of Zellige tile but want more consistency from piece to piece, our wide selection of handmade-look tile offers perfectly imperfect styles with less variation. While mimicking the appearance of authentic handmade tile, porcelain and ceramic handmade-look tiles are machine-produced, creating more uniformity from one tile to the next—and allowing for a lower price point.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Explore more authentic handmade styles in our Zellige tile collection, or check out our 36 Bold and Beautiful Tile Ideas for 2025 to discover timeless designs. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 10 Unique Zellige Bathroom Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Charm With a Sand Dollar Pattern

Embodying his effortless beach aesthetic, the latest tile in our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collaboration brings a burst of energy to this soothing coastal chic space. The Sand Dollar Ocean tile (also available in grey Ash) features a blue sand dollar motif on a crisp white background. We love how the mostly white space lets the circular blue pattern shine, but you could easily dial up the coastal vibe with bright blue accents.

2. Evoke the Surface of the Sea

Subtle shifts in tone give the Hackney Dark Blue tile its stunning, undulating quality—hallmarks of handmade-look tile. Rich blues and a glossy finish create a shimmering effect as light dances across the surface, capturing the essence of water in motion. Explore our wide selection of handmade-look tile for more perfectly imperfect styles.

3. Make Sandy Waves

Blue isn’t the only color that elicits the oceanside—sandy hues capture the warmth of a day at the beach, even in the middle of a Midwest winter. The Wave Old Cream tile featured in this coastal bathroom soothes the senses with its soft, flowing movement. While this gorgeous beige pairs beautifully with the crisp white walls and vanity, you can elevate the coastal vibe with complementary light-blue accents.

4. Choose Cool Neutrals

Not every day at the beach is sun-soaked. Cool neutrals can be just as effective as warm tones in creating a breezy oceanscape. Here, the Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Miramar tile is paired with the Tribeca Gypsum White tile. The cool grey undertones of the handmade-look subway tile bring a soothing moodiness to this coastal chic bathroom, while the crisp white and sun-faded blue linen-inspired pattern adds a summery touch. Shop our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection for more effortlessly cool coastal designs.

5. Pair Blue and Beige

Like sea and sand, blue and beige are a natural pairing that instantly evokes a coastal chic aesthetic. This stylish bathroom features the blue-green Look Avio subway wall tile alongside the sandy Ragno Taupe hex floor tile. The vibrant, cool tones of the handmade-look subway tile beautifully complement the warm beige-taupe floor tile. Notice how the prominent white grout lines in the grid-stack subway tile create a visual throughline to the geometric white pattern on the hex tile, as well as the white wall and shower floor tiles. Shop our wide selections of blue tile and beige tile to find your perfect combination.

6. Change the Game With a Black-and-White Palette

Here’s another take on the Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland tile, this time in the dark-grey Toro. The black-and-white color scheme flips the script on the traditional blue-and-beige coastal palette. The faded linen-inspired patterned tile delivers coastal vibes, while the Tribeca subway wall tiles—in Gypsum White and black Basalt—add bold, color-blocked contrast. To keep the space coastal yet maintain the color scheme, add artsy black-and-white beach photos and white shells.

7. Add a Glossy Blue Pattern

Set against a matte white background, the glossy light-blue crosses of the Astron Azul tile reflect the light, adding depth and interest to this subtly beautiful design. We love how this coastal bathroom pairs the patterned tile with the marble-look Motion Soft Grey tile, though it would look just as stunning with a warm beige option.

8. Pick Pebbles

Create the full sensory experience of a day at the beach with the Grey Pebble Small tile. The raised pebble mosaic offers a gentle foot massage as you go about your morning or evening routine—or install it on the wall and enjoy the smooth curves under your hand. Just add an ocean-breeze candle, and your senses will be convinced you’re seaside.

9. Try an Abstract Tableau

If your aesthetic leans artistic, the beautiful, abstract design of the Jeffrey Alan Marks Big Sur Off the Hook tile (also available in the green-toned Sea Spray) will express your refined, eclectic taste. Featuring a glossy blue patina finish reminiscent of glazed pottery and six distinct, multi-directional tile faces, this tile invites endless creativity in layout and expression.

10. Elevate Your Design With Marble

Coastal chic design is incredibly versatile—it can be as cultured or as kitschy as you like. Marble tile not only embodies elegance, but its veining can range from dramatic to subtle, creating a sense of movement that echoes the ever-changing nature of sea and sand. This sophisticated bathroom, designed by Bria Hammel Interiors, features the Hampton Carrara Chevron tile; its zigzag pattern and soft grey and beige veining enhance the refined coastal aesthetic.

11. Create a Shimmering Scape With Glass Tile

Who can resist the beauty of sunlight sparkling on the open sea? Bring this shimmering effect to your space with naturally reflective glass tile. Here, the Blue Twilight Brick tile adds shine to the bathtub surround with a stunning array of dark and light blue tones. If you love this dazzling effect, explore our wide assortment of glass tile.

12. Show Your Stripes

A quintessential nautical design element, stripes instantly make any space feel sea-worthy. This sleek shower, designed by Timber Trails, elevates the classic pattern by combining marble and travertine to create elegant lines. The alternating Legno travertine and San Dona marble tiles form a serene space that recalls the natural beauty of a sandy shore.

Ready to transform your house into a beach house? Explore our comprehensive guide to coastal chic design for ideas you can use throughout your home. Or, if you’re looking for bathroom inspiration, check out 32 of our favorite ideas for 2025—and shop our wide selection of bathroom tile to find styles that fit your personal aesthetic.

The post 12 Cool & Calming Coastal Chic Bathroom Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Embrace Parisian Elegance

Inspired by the fabulous designs that adorn the City of Light, the Alison Victoria La Petite Le Marais tile (also available in blue-hued Montmartre) features a faded scrollwork pattern on a winter-white background. Embodying Alison’s signature “city chic” style, this tile adds an air of sophisticated antiquity to this stately home bar. Shop our exclusive Alison Victoria designer collection for more looks inspired by the HGTV star’s favorite places.

2. Polish Your Look With Copper Penny Tile

If your bar or drink station is tucked away or has a small footprint, it’s the perfect opportunity to go bold with your decor. Here, the Brushed Copper penny round tile makes a striking statement. The mix of matte and shiny “pennies” in this mosaic adds a sense of movement to walls, providing a spirited, yet suave, effect. If you like this look, shop our selection of metal tile.

3. Make a Sophisticated Play With a Checkerboard

A checkerboard pattern is perfect for striking a balance between playfulness and sophistication. This elevated checkerboard backsplash, designed by @creatiffdiy, features Zellige Alabaster and White gloss tiles. The pinkish-beige tones of the alabaster tile pair exquisitely with the bright white, creating a stunning neutral palette with just the right amount of contrast. The result is a contemporary design that uses traditional elements to craft a truly timeless space.

4. Raise the Bar With Diamond-Shaped Tile

Like a glass of champagne, classy diamond-shaped tile pairs well with everything. This elegant drink station features the Modena marble mosaic tile for a refined look. A mix of beige, white, and grey marble gives it a contemporary color palette that pairs beautifully with the sage green cabinetry and wooden shelves. Shop our selection of diamond-shaped tile for more looks that sparkle.

5. Display Your Personality With Patterned Tile

If the coffee doesn’t wake you up, this cheerful, eclectic space—designed by @thesandykraken30a—will. The Calabasis tile’s starburst pattern is both graphic and playful. By keeping the wall black and white, the designer has created a backdrop against which many bright-colored accessories really pop. Floral or geometric, simple or ornate—shop patterned tile to find a style that captures your unique personality.

6. Choose Tried-and-True Subway Tile

White subway tile is a staple for a reason. A symbol of modernity and cleanliness for over a century, it remains decidedly contemporary. This corner drink station, designed by Barriere Construction, shows why the classic look endures. The glossy finish of the Color Mind Light BR tile reflects light to brighten the space, while the traditional brick-lay layout maintains a clean, orderly appearance. For more ideas on how to use this ever-popular style, read our guide to subway tile layouts.

7. Elevate Your Space With Marble Subway Tile

If ceramic and porcelain subway tile is the white tee of tile, marble subway tile is a silk blouse—a pairs-with-everything, elevated basic basic that brings class to any space. This elegant drink station, designed by Our Home On Colonial, features Meram Blanc Carrara marble tile. Tumbled to give it a slightly rugged texture, this tile adds an antique farmhouse feel, complemented by wooden shelving and ceramic and black metal accessories. If this rustic-chic aesthetic is your (homemade) jam, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

8. Create a Boho Look With Scalloped Tile

Drink in this fabulous boho-chic space featuring the Alison Victoria Gem tile. This gorgeous green marble tile features subtle white and beige veining that, along with its curved, scalloped edge, creates a gentle sense of movement. Paired with textured gold wallpaper and glass shelving, the result is an elevated take on eclectic style. Discover how to embrace this avant-garde aesthetic with our guide to boho-chic tile design.

9. Create a Crafted Space for Your Cocktails

If you’ve perfected your own Old Fashioned recipe, you’re someone who appreciates true craftsmanship. Reflect your artisanal spirit with authentic Zellige tile—crafted, painted and glazed by hand using ancient Moroccan techniques. Here, the Zellige Black gloss tile creates a space that, like a good whiskey, is full of smooth, full-bodied character. And because each tile is individually made, you can be sure your bar is as unique as your signature cocktail.

10. Add a Spoonful of Whimsy With British Patterns

We’ve teamed up with the British textile brand Laura Ashley to bring you patterns that have delighted the world for decades—in the form of durable porcelain wall and floor tile. Inspired by their iconic prints, these tiles add charm to any space. We love how West Bay Homes used the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile to create this playfully posh drink station backsplash. Shop our exclusive Laura Ashley collection for more English country cottage patterns.

11. Create Subtle Visual Texture

This stylish drink station, designed by @sperryhome, uses two techniques to create delicate visual texture. The wall features Penny Round Matte White mosaic tile installed with matching white grout. The small mosaic tiles add shape and texture—you can just barely make out the individual tiles in the play of light and shadow across the space. The floor showcases Latta Hex Wood Look tile; the wood-grain detailing on the porcelain, installed multi-directionally, gives the floor visual texture. The result is a serene space rich with exquisite complexity.

12. Set Neat Lines With a KitKat-Shaped Tile

Whether or not you take your drinks neat, you can appreciate the fine, straight lines created by the KitKat White tile (also available in Grey). This mosaic tile’s long, skinny pieces stack to create soothing symmetry and a sense of order. We love how this Timber Trails–designed space uses beige grout, offering subtle contrast between the tiles for a balanced, organic aesthetic. If you love this harmonious style, check out our guide to Japandi design.

13. Add Dimension With Beveled Subway Tile

With its recessed edges, beveled subway tile creates a gently pillowed effect, adding dimension to your backsplash or wall. This bar, designed by Cabinet Store, features the Signature Bianco Gloss Bevel tile. Its glossy finish reflects light, highlighting the tile’s facets and creating visual interest. Shop our exclusive Signature collection for bevel, framed and standard subway tiles in a variety of popular colors and sizes.

14. Create a Space That Reflects Your Personality

This exquisite bar, designed by West Bay Homes, offers a contemporary take on the classic mirrored bar backsplash. The antique-style patina finish and beveled shape of the Antique Mirror Bevel tile create a slightly obscured reflection of the room, capturing shape, movement and color in an ever-changing tableau. We love how the designer chose to extend the tile to the backs of the glass-door cabinets for a continuous look, which makes this space feel open and expansive. Shop glass tile for more beautifully reflective designs.

Ready to toast your own bar, drink station or coffee nook? The Tile Shop is here to help bring your dream space to life. Visit your local showroom to find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 15 Bar & Drink Station Tile Ideas That Deserve a Toast appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Keep it straight (stack)

The orderly rows of a vertical straight stack make for a design that’s neat in every sense of the word. The handmade-look Hackney Dark Blue tile shown here features rich teal and blue shades with a patina, giving this backsplash a sense of movement and expressive visual interest.

2. Make it Cool & Modern with a Vertical Offset

A vertical layout gives your space the illusion of height–perfect for a low-ceilinged shower. This chic space designed by Alison Victoria features her Tile Shop-exclusive Brick x Brick tile in Petal in a brick-lay layout turned 90-degrees. The beautifully textured subway tile is softened by the pretty pastel color, for look that’s slightly edgy, yet still feminine.

3. Mix Glossy & Matte for a Design that Shines

The band of glossy tile on this matte bathroom wall captures the light for an elegant design that adds brightness to the space. We love how the Coco Canvas Glossy tile are arranged in a vertical stripe, but you can achieve a similar look with alternating bands of glossy and matte without changing the tiles’ direction.

4. Black & White: a Classically Chic Combo

Black and white is a chic and timeless neutral pairing. This shower features the Tribeca Basalt and the Tribeca Gypsum White tiles color blocked walls paired with the black-and-white patterned Summerland by Jeffery Alan Marks in Toro tile. The basic color pairing is easily updated with colored accessories as trends (or your mood) change.

5. Go Both Ways With a Grid Stack

Add interest to your design by mixing horizontal and vertical tiles in a grid stack. This elegant modern, bathroom features the Look Avio tile in alternating stacks of four. The orderly rows create movement that draws the eye across the wall, and we love how the contrasting white grout joints are used to further accentuate this design.

6. White Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas

Just like the original pieces designed for the New York subway system, these rectangular white tiles give off the appearance of modern cleanliness. Whether you install them in a traditional brick lay or a chic herringbone–like the one used in this “modern farmhouse” bathroom designed by I SPY DIY–you can’t go wrong with this timeless and versatile tile.

7. Retro Subway Tile Ideas

The addition of trim pieces takes this subway tile backsplash from ordinary to extraordinary. The Bianco Gloss REL tile provides a finishing piece with a rounded corner along one side, while the Black High Pencil Liner is a sophisticated detail that adds to this space’s retro glam appeal.

8. Large Subway Tile Ideas

A large subway tile, like the white beveled tile shown here, will help create the illusion of a larger space. (Note: This 6″ x 16″ white beveled style is no longer available. For a similar look, try the 4″ x 12″ Signature Bianco Gloss Bevel.) The recessed edges of beveled tiles add dimension through the play of shadows and light, emphasizing the scale of these extra-large rectangular tiles.

9. Embrace “Quiet Luxury” with Handmade-Look Tile

The soft, uneven surface of the Argile Matte White subway tile, used in this serene bathroom designed by Nikki Chu, exemplifies the hand-crafted opulence of the “quiet luxury” trend. Discover more ways to integrate quiet luxury into your tile design in this comprehensive guide.

10. Pair Subway with Large-Format Tile

You don’t need to commit your entire bathroom space to a single wall tile. The versatility of subway tile makes it an excellent complement to a large-format tile, like the Invisible Grey marble-look tile used for the shower wall in this modern bathroom. The Splendor Blanco handmade-look tile matches the white in the larger tile, allowing for the bold veining to be the standout.

11. Small Bathroom Subway Tile Ideas

Make a big impact in a small space with a subway tile floor design. This powder room designed by Coco & Jack features the Claros Silver tumbled travertine subway tile for a rustic, brick look. Though this tile looks rough, it is actually quite smooth underfoot, adding character to this modern farmhouse space without skipping on the comfort. Read our guide to modern farmhouse style for more comfy-chic tile design ideas.

Inspired to transform your bathroom with this classic tile shape? Shop our full selection of subway tiles and discover more layout ideas in this helpful guide. Found a tile you love? Order a sample to see it in your space, or use our Tile Visualizer to help envision your project.

The post 11 Timeless Subway Tile Bathroom Design Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create Organic Appeal with Wood-Look Tile

From biophilic design to Japandi, the celebration of nature is a modern trend shaping today’s most sought-after styles. This serene, ultra-modern space features the Tavola Decor wood-look wall tile. Mimicking the look of real wood—enhanced with raised design details—this waterproof porcelain tile brings a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to the space. Complementary neutral tones in the Trevi stone-look floor tile and Firenze Calacatta marble wall tile complete the at-home spa retreat.

2. Choose a Sleek and Chic Brick-Look Tile

Beautifully textured and effortlessly urban, brick-look subway tile adds stylish character with a rustic edge. Here, Alison Victoria showcases her Brick x Brick Petal tile on the shower wall. Installed in a vertical offset pattern, the undulating pale pink tones give this traditional look a fresh, modern update. Explore our exclusive Alison Victoria collection for more of the renowned HGTV interior designer’s signature “city chic” styles.

3. Create a Scalloped Edge

Add softness to your contemporary tile design with a rounded or scalloped edge. This elegant bathroom features the Wave White tile–its curved edges soothe both the eye and the mind. Also available in Old Cream (beige), Grey Owl and Blue Reef, this tile can be installed in a variety of layouts to create gentle, wave-like patterns. Explore our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more modern forms.

4. Add a Stylish Shower Niche

Say goodbye to clunky shower caddies and store your shampoo in style with a shower niche. This timeless trend lets you showcase a beautiful mosaic or patterned tile that might be overwhelming in a larger application. In this shower, designed by @modernly_you, a double niche features the Sampson marble mosaic tile–its beige and white basketweave design adds a touch of sophistication to the sleek, modern space.

5. Stimulate the Senses

Invigorating and visually dynamic, raised-texture tile is a modern design trend with lasting appeal. This elegant bathroom features the Kelli Fontana Tommas Carrara wall tile; the fluted pattern on the marble-look porcelain creates subtle shadows that shift with the light and adds a tactile dimension to the shower space. If you love this bold, whimsical look, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer tile collection.

Learn How To Do It Yourself

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6. Maintain Neutral Territory

Miles from millennial grey and basic beige, modern neutrals offer complex tones and rich visual texture. This serene bathroom features Coco Canvas matte, one of our most popular tiles, and shows how to bring depth to a neutral color scheme. Installed in a herringbone pattern, the handmade-look subway tile adds visual interest through movement and subtle shade variation while maintaining a clean, understated palette. Discover more design possibilities in this guide to subway tile layouts.

7. Celebrate Vintage Patterns

Everything old is new again–historic patterns and designs are making a big comeback in modern interiors. From Victorian tiles that mimic traditional pressed-tin styles, to ornate patterns like the Vintage White floor tile shown here, classic aesthetics add a touch of contemporary cool to any space.

8. Embrace Eclecticism

Create a space as bold as your personality with an eclectic patterned tile. This stylish, modern bathroom puts an abstract twist on coastal chic design with the Jeffrey Alan Marks Big Sur Off the Hook tile. Featuring a playful graphic pattern reminiscent of glazed pottery, this tile feels both artistic and approachable. Explore our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collection for more modern coastal designs.

9. Make Fine Lines

Everything is neatly stacked on this bathroom wall featuring the KitKat White tile. The slim, rectangular shapes create vertical lines that draw the eye upward, adding a sense of height, while the horizontal grout lines subtly expand the space. Also available in Grey, this evenly spaced mosaic tile makes a big impact with small pieces.

10. Add Industrial Vibes With a Cement-Look Tile

Exuding sophisticated industrial style, the Softcement Graphite large-format tile transforms this West Bay Homes-designed bathroom into an urban loft. The half-wall is finished with Noir Honed Hixton limestone trim tile, adding an elevated touch to the cool, worn concrete-look tile. The result is a space that feels both rugged and refined.

11. Choose a Fashion-Forward Pattern

Graphic and expressive, the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile brings high-end fashion energy to this bathroom. The hand-drawn-look pattern–inspired by the celebrity designer’s international travels–is multi-directional, offering endless options for personalization. Love this global, eclectic aesthetic? Shop our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection for more unique, modern designs.

12. Mix Finishes

Add subtle visual interest to your modern bathroom by mixing glossy and matte finishes. This bathroom design features Coco Canvas Matte with a double band of Coco Canvas Glossy for contrast. The horizontally stacked matte tile offers the smooth, understated look favored in contemporary spaces, while the vertically stacked glossy tile introduces a hint of shine and dimension.

13. Put a Modern Twist on Traditional Styles

This chic shower offers a fresh take on traditional forms. The Lanse Matte Black and White Picket tiles feature an elongated hexagon shape, stacked horizontally in a layout reminiscent of classic subway tile. The black-and-white color-blocked walls create a sleek interpretation of a timeless palette. Modern elements–like the streamlined hardware and built-in shelf–keep this space feeling current, while subtle nods to the classics ensure lasting style.

14. Add Artisanal Appeal

A trending design element rooted in ancient tradition, Zellige tile is crafted, painted and glazed by hand using centuries-old techniques. The result is authentically unique pieces that bring charm and character to modern spaces. In this bathroom, Carmeon Hamilton pairs the classic Moroccan Star and Cross pattern with graphic black-and-white wallpaper, vibrant woven fans and a hip mirror.

15. Create a Dramatic Sense of Movement

The Macchia Vecchia tile’s striking gold, grey, brown and ochre veining energizes this luxurious bathroom with dynamic movement and sleek sophistication. While this design pairs porcelain wall tile with marble floor tile to embrace a contemporary palette of warm and cool neutrals, stylish, durable marble-look tile is available in a range of vivid colors–including some you won’t find in nature.

Your bathroom is ready for a modern update! Explore our wide selection of bathroom tile, and find even more inspo with 36 Bold and Beautiful Bathroom Tile Ideas for 2025. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free design consultation and let our experts help you find the perfect design for your space.

The post 15 Modern Bathroom Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.