While the classics—white, beige, grey and brown—remain popular, the modern neutral palette has expanded to include serene, nature-inspired blues and greens, along with striking bronze, terracotta and moody black tones. These lush yet subdued hues create visually rich tableaus that remain comfortably within neutral territory, and by layering tones, patterns and textures, you can bring stylish complexity to even the simplest color palette.

1. Add Distinct Texture

One way to add interest to a minimal color scheme is through shape and texture. This stunning shower, designed by @the_daily_diy_official, creates visual complexity with accents—the Atins Lambri Shell tile stripe and Calacatta Gold Matte Hex tile in the shower niche. While these tiles tonally complement the main Marmo Calacatta Gold wall tile, their distinct shape and texture introduce a subtle visual disruption that engages without overwhelming the senses.

2. Maintain Elegant Cohesion With a Stone Collection

Lush, luxurious and enduringly appealing, natural stone adds enjoyment and value to your home. This beautiful bathroom is bathed in Siberian Pearl marble. Featuring an ice-white background with grey and beige veining, the radiant, movement-rich pearly grey coloring creates a serene yet dynamic look. The stone design—which includes layered trim and a Niles With Grey Dot mosaic tile centerpiece—creates a uniform space that is anything but boring.

The Tile Shop’s exclusive natural stone collections include multiple styles with matching mosaics and trim, making it easy to achieve a wonderfully cohesive and timelessly elegant space—all in striking organic neutral tones. Explore this and some of our most popular collections: Bianco Colorato, Black Marquina, Firenze and Legno limestone.

3. Create Hex-cellent Designs

A classic shape experiencing a resurgence in interior design, hexagon tile enhances spaces with energetic movement and stylish silhouettes. This chic shower features the Marmaris Sunset hex, whose expressive stone-look veining brings vibrant movement to a calming neutral color scheme. By combining cool and warm neutrals, the tile’s contemporary palette adds stunning visual texture even with minimal accents.

Explore our wide selection of hexagon tile for a variety of colors, patterns and sizes to create an eye-catching design.

4. Add Rich Rust Details

Even a neutral palette can be brilliant with the right details. Tonally complementary to beige and white, rust red and terracotta enrich a color scheme without straying far from comforting neutral territory. This fashionable bathroom incorporates shades of orange to stunning effect, featuring the checkerboard Kasbah floor tile in Cross Terracotta and Star Bone, alongside the movement-rich rust veining of the Pisa Oro marble-look shower wall tile.

Explore our full selection of orange tile to introduce robust, warm tones into your neutral palette. 👉

5. Don’t Let Your Budget Limit Your Style

At The Tile Shop, we’re committed to delivering quality design for every budget. Priced under $7 per sq. ft., the Macula Matte marble-look tile and Villa Cool Grey subway tile bring lavish, affordable style to this chic shower. The soft, undulating grey tones of the handmade-look subway tile complement the expressive grey veining of the large format marble-look tile for an exquisite neutral space.

Discover our wide selection of beautiful tile for every budget and style in our Tile Under $7 collection.

6. Venture to the Dark Side

Sleek and sophisticated, black and dark steely grey tile create a wonderfully soothing mood. This fashionable shower features the Imperial Pewter Matte subway tile. This shade of soft, velvety grey is so close to black that we included it in our list of black shower tile ideas. We love how the dark grey midtones are contrasted with white grout and complemented by jet-black fixtures.

To explore a more dramatic, moody look, browse our wide selection of black tile. 👉

MORE TO EXPLORE | Brilliant Black Shower Tile Ideas

7. Create High Contrast

White and black naturally create the perfect yin-and-yang balance, enlivening your space without disrupting its tranquility. Here, Color Mind Light AC Matte subway tile on shower walls is paired with Hex Matte Black tile in the recessed niche. White grout creates a seamless backdrop on the shower walls, then gently contrasts with the black hex tile in the niche, creating a dynamic yet subtle visual texture with standout geometric simplicity.

8. Soothe With Scallops

A unique tile shape can add interest to a simple color scheme. From scallops and waves to leaves, stars, and crosses, an unexpected silhouette can enliven your space by offering a welcome deviation from the routine. Designed by @malloryandrewsinteriors, this stunning shower wall features the Tortona White tile. The scalloped edge lends softness, while the diagonal installation adds an unexpected twist, creating visual distinction even as the complementary grout maintains a nuanced design. The look is so original that carrying it through into the shower niche—where you might expect a different tile—feels both organic and playful.

9. Pick a Pretty Penny

Small but mighty, penny round tile packs a major design punch, as shown in this deceptively simple shower designed by @onecottageway. Large stripes of tightly packed Penny Round tile in Matte White and Milk create a subtle tonal shift, giving the shower an air of understated elegance. If you look closely, you’ll notice the tile also extends onto the bathroom wall, creating a cohesive space with gentle movement that feels expansive.

10. Layer In Coastal Vibes

Warm off-white and cool denim-blue hues blend together to create this sea-meets-shore coastal chic dream space. The Signature Denim Gloss subway and London and Pencil trim tiles are layered around a picture frame of Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic tile, finished with a subtle layer of Signature Oatmeal Gloss Square Pencil trim. The muted oceanic tones create a calming atmosphere that’ll transform any house into a beach house—whether you’re East Coast, West Coast or no coast.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

11. Showcase a Beautiful Motif

By framing a patterned or mosaic tile with trim, you can create a decorative focal point that adds interest to your shower wall without overwhelming the space. If bold, bright designs aren’t your style, opt for an elegant neutral motif, like the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Naples Beach tile shown here. Featuring an ornate white floral pattern on a soft travertine-look background, this tile is fancy without being flamboyant.

Love this romantic, feminine aesthetic? Explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection for more of her signature bold, classic and whimsical designs.

12. Pair Natural Stone With Stone-Look Tile

Natural stone comes in a range of neutral tones—from crisp white to deep black—making marble, travertine, slate and limestone excellent choices for a neutral shower design. If you love the one-of-a-kind character of stone but want to stretch your budget or simplify maintenance, try pairing the real thing with marble-look porcelain or ceramic tile.

This tasteful wet room, designed by West Bay Homes, features Claros Siler hex floor tile and Atlanta White porcelain wall tile. We love how the lush, complex silver and beige tones of the stone contrast with the thin grey veining in the wall tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Wonderfully Luxurious Wet Room Tile Ideas

13. Keep It Classy With Black and White

This stylish color-blocked shower is black and white and fabulous all over. Like a well-tailored tux, Lanse Matte Picket tile in Black and White suits the space with striking contrast and crisp horizontal and diagonal lines. Installed with matching grout, the unique picket shape—named for the pointed fence posts it resembles—is subtle but distinct, while the matte finish gives the space a sleek, contemporary appeal.

Discover more dynamic designs when you shop picket tile. 👉

14. Surround Yourself With Spa-Like Serenity

Achieve the luxurious, relaxing feel of expansive stone slabs in a durable, easy-to-maintain format with oversized porcelain panels. Available individually or in complete shower and tub surround kits, these opulent designs mimic real stone and require even fewer grout lines than large-format tile, creating a near-seamless finish throughout your space.

In this spa-worthy bathroom, Masterstone White panels are installed in the shower and behind the vanity, filling the space with soft beige and gray tones for a chic, realistic marble effect. The hexagon-shaped mirror, floating vanity, and tapered sconces add contemporary contrast to this timeless tableau.

Shop porcelain panel shower kits in all four on-trend styles: Masterstone White, Calacatta White, Statuario Nuovo and Max Rapolano.

15. “Paint” Your Walls With Relaxing Pastels

Inspired by her original watercolors, our exclusive Laura Park designer collaboration is filled with painterly designs and soothing color palettes. This gorgeous shower showcases the Laura Park Seaside Marble porcelain tile, which pairs realistic stone veining with vibrant blue tones that evoke the ocean—an inspiration for many of Park’s designs. The floor and the side of the shower bench are tiled with the coordinating Herringbone mosaic, adding both visual movement and traction underfoot.

16. Luxuriate in Lush White Marble

Crisp, creamy white marble epitomizes relaxing luxury, as in this lavish shower featuring expressively veined Volakas marble. Abundant with natural movement, the corner-to-corner marble tile feels both elegant and distinctive. We love how it’s paired with a brass shower fixture for a sleek, contemporary look.

For a wealth of coordinating options, explore this and our other exclusive white marble tile collections: Arctic White, Bianco Puro, Calacata Evora and Hampton Carrara.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stunning White Bathroom Tile Designs

17. Stimulate Your Senses With Pebble Tile

The raised contours of the White Pebbles tile provide a subtle foot massage as you enter this ruggedly refined shower. Tumbled for softness and visual depth, each stone contributes to a mosaic full of natural texture. Its subdued beige‑and‑white palette feels earthy yet understated, infusing the space with a calm, spa‑like serenity.

18. Add Natural Appeal With Wood-Look Tile

Wood may not be the best material choice for a shower, but you can achieve the same look with water-resistant porcelain or ceramic wood-look tile. Whether your aesthetic is rugged or refined, this look complements a range of contemporary and traditional styles.

This stately shower features Rovere Honey tile, whose realistic woodgrain details create wonderful visual texture. We how the organic feel of these long porcelain “planks” contrasts with the geometric stripe of Trois Bandes black-and-white patterned tile.

19. Add Fashion-Forward Design

Eclectic, globally inspired designs and a fashion-forward neutral color palette define our exclusive collaboration with celebrity designer Nikki Chu. This stylish shower features two of her tiles: the Tangier Cement patterned tile and the Mrembo Polished marble-look large format tile. The crisp, hand-drawn geometric motif adds movement and visual interest, complemented by the warm white background and subtle grey veining of the stone-look tile. Notice how the polished surface reflects the pattern at the corners of the shower, adding dimension and giving the small space an expansive feel.

Explore the Nikki Chu collection for more lavish, easily coordinating looks.

20. Go Green

Green might not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of a neutral color palette, but we’d like to make a case for including this lush, serene hue in the category. While bright shades of lime and kelly green can feel more invigorating than calming, a dark forest or soft mint green brings a subdued—yet still vibrant—tone to your space.

Providing a connection to nature that stimulates the senses, the deep emerald tones of the Alison Victoria Gem marble mosaic tile are cut through with thin beige veining, softening the dark surface. These expressive tones are perfectly complemented by the bold green and beige veining in the Marradi Calacatta Emerald marble-look tile featured in the shower niche. The result is a space that is at once restful and rejuvenating.

If this space turns you green with envy, explore our wide assortment of green tile. 👉

21. Add Handcrafted Character

Crafted, painted and glazed by hand, each Zellige tile is one of a kind, infusing your space with truly unique character. This beautiful shower, designed by @hannahcustomhomes, showcases Zellige Alabaster Gloss—a radiant neutral with undulating shades of pinkish beige and grey.

If you love this authentic handmade look, explore our selection of Zellige tile in a range of traditional shapes and colors. For a bit more uniformity—or a slightly lower price point—browse our extensive collection of handmade-look tile.

22. Embrace Botanical Patterns

Botanical patterns, from fanciful florals to the lush leaves on display in this shower from @thehoneycombhome, provide a connection to nature that can both soothe and uplift your mood. The graceful willow branch motif on the Morris & Co. Hawkdale Willow Olive tile—which is derived from the iconic British designer’s 1887 wallpaper pattern—creates a zen-like tableau on the wall of this shower from @thehoneycombhome. Interspersed with the coordinating Hawkdale Pure Chalk tile to create negative space, this design combines naturalism with a minimalist aesthetic.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Biophilic Design and Tile for Every Style: Japandi

23. Accent With Trim

It’s true for tile, just as it is with clothing or bedding—layering makes your design feel more stylized and intentional. This shower beautifully demonstrates how tile can be mixed and layered to create visual interest. Featuring tile from our Signature collection, the Bianco Bevel Gloss is framed with Denim Gloss Pencil and layered with Bianco Gloss REL between the Denim Gloss London tile that bisects the space. Without straying from a simple neutral color palette, this layout elevates the shower with subtle layers of complexity.

Shop our exclusive Signature collection tile for elevated basics in a range of contemporary neutrals designed for mixing and matching.

MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Elevate Your Space with Trim

24. Create a Chain Reaction

Inspired by high-end textile designs, the Kelli Fontana Chain Reaction Pearl Beige Stone tile (also available in Black on Black marble) features a travertine “chain” interspersed with crisp white marble. The mix of stones gives this space an opulent, dynamic appeal and movement that draws the eye up the wall. It’s a perfect example of how to introduce stylish complexity while maintaining a simple color scheme.

Explore our wide selection of mosaic tile for more intricately detailed designs.

25. Consider Your Grout

Don’t discount grout when creating your tile design—this necessary element is also an essential style detail. The color you choose can dramatically transform your space: Contrasting grout can accentuate a unique layout or create a sense of movement, while complementary grout softens the design, allowing the tile to take center stage.

In this shower, Whisper Grey grout blends seamlessly with the overall design, complementing the Hampton Carrara tile in the recessed niche and creating only a subtle tonal shift from the Signature Bianco subway tile on the walls.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips for Nailing Your Grout Color and Design

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Ready to design a shower that soothes and invigorates? Browse our wide selection of shower tile to find the perfect shade and design to suit your style. Need extra assistance? Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop, where you’ll find the materials, tools, and expert advice needed to bring your dream space to life.

The post 25 Ultra-Stylish Neutral Shower Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Serene Subway Tile Floor Design Ideas

A herringbone tile floor creates a sense of movement that draws the eye across the space, giving the illusion of added square footage. In this soothing design, the Coco Canvas Matte subway tile features perfectly imperfect detailing that enhances the layout’s natural flow.

Shop our extensive collection of subway tile to achieve this sophisticated look. 👉

2. Turn It 45 Degrees

Herringbone tile is traditionally installed on a diagonal, but rotating the layout 45 degrees adds instant visual intrigue. In this luxurious marble bathroom, a picture-frame accent on the shower wall showcases a unique intersecting herringbone pattern. Calacata Evora Honed Marble subway tiles are laid in alternating vertical and horizontal rows, creating a stair-step effect where the tile points meet—adding depth and movement to the space. We especially love how the complementary grout shade blends seamlessly with the marble’s background tone, allowing the natural variation and veining of the stone to shine through. It’s an understated yet impactful design choice that speaks to refined elegance.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

3. Choose a Small Herringbone Mosaic

Herringbone is a versatile pattern that easily scales up or down. Herringbone mosaic tile comes in a range of sizes, colors and materials. This beautiful drink station features the Hampton Small Herringbone tile on its backsplash; the marble’s natural grey and beige veining enhances the movement across the space. (Browse more small-format tile options with our complete assortment of mosaic tile.)

MORE TO EXPLORE | 20 Mosaic Tile Designs That Will Make Your Room a Masterpiece

4. Pick a Parquet-Look Design

Recreate this timeless look with waterproof, scratch- and stain‑resistant wood‑look tile. This Timber Trails–designed mudroom features California Wood Mini Parquet porcelain tile, whose distressed white wood-look details feel both rustic and refined.

From the French word for “little compartment,” parquet flooring is traditionally made from small, precisely cut wood boards arranged in a mosaic or geometric pattern (herringbone being the most popular of these layouts). Recreate this timeless look with waterproof, scratch- and stain-resistant wood-look tile for a floor that’s as durable as it is stylish. This Timber Trails–designed mudroom features California Wood Mini Parquet porcelain tile. With its distressed white wood-look details, this tile floor feels both rustic and refined.

5. Frame the Windows

Rather than abruptly cutting off the herringbone design at the windows, this kitchen backsplash, designed by @twiggandlu_designco, frames them with vertically and horizontally stacked Look Oliva tile. Contrasting white grout accentuates the pattern, highlighting the change in direction. While we love the consistency achieved by using the same tile for both the backsplash and window frames, you could add even more interest by introducing another color.

6. Add Width with a Double Herringbone Design

Double up your herringbone layout for a chic look that’s twice as nice. Retaining the elegant sense of movement of the single pattern, the stacked layers of this style create a subtle basketweave effect. This pup-approved bathroom by @annagraham_interiors features Signature Slate Blue Gloss subway tile in a double herringbone layout, adding visual weight and texture to the wall.

7. Match a Field Tile With a Herringbone Mosaic

A “field tile” is the main tile that covers the majority of a space, providing a backdrop for decorative mosaic tile. Many of our herringbone mosaic tiles coordinate with large-format field tile, allowing you to create a beautiful, cohesive design.

Here, the Laura Park Seaside Marble large-format tile covers the walls, while the coordinating Seaside Marble Herringbone tile creates a decorative accent on the shower bench and floor. Stylish and practical, the grout joints provide traction on the shower floor for added safety.

Discover fresh, art-inspired designs for every space in our exclusive Laura Park designer collection. 👉

8. Switch Directions to Create Distinction

Your tile layout can help define a space—such as distinguishing the cooking zone from the prep area on a kitchen backsplash. This contemporary space features Tribeca Basalt subway tile installed in a bricklay layout along the prep area, then switching to a herringbone layout behind the stove. The change in layout visually separates the spaces while maintaining cohesion.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Classic Subway Tile Layouts

9. Create a Fashionable Layout with Patterned Tile

This unique layout features Nikki Chu Zulu Cement tile—also available in Graphite (black) and Pumice (beige)—installed in a herringbone pattern. By pairing two of the abstract arch designs, the patterned tile forms a zigzag that leads the eye upward and across the space, giving the chic shower dynamic visual interest.

Discover more fashion-forward, globally inspired tiles in our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collaboration. 👉

10. Use Large Format Tile for a Sense of Expansiveness

Characterized as any tile with one side longer than 15″, large format tile makes a bold impact, creating spaces that feel more cohesive and expansive. Installed in a herringbone layout, the 8″ x 20″ Volakas marble tile stretches across this elegant bathroom floor. The natural veining in the marble adds interest to the zigzag pattern, while the oversized tiles and complementary grout lines keep this design feeling refined and understated.

Explore our wide selection of large format tile to achieve this look. 👉

11. Make a Point With Chevron Tile

Add an edge to your dynamic design with chevron tile. A close kin of the herringbone pattern, this tile offers similar zigzag movement, but the ends are cut to meet at a point rather than overlapping like rectangles. The result is an invigorating geometric design, as seen in this beautiful Timber Trails–designed space featuring Legno Double Chevron tile.

Explore our full selection of chevron tile for more on-point looks. 👉

12. Add Durable Style With Laminate Herringbone Flooring

Offering the timeless appeal of hardwood in a durable format that’s easy to install and maintain, laminate flooring is a stylish and affordable option for your great room, kitchen, entryway or basement. Available in two popular herringbone styles—Sundance Oak and Historic Oak (shown)—this modern flooring solution features realistic woodgrain details in a contemporary, easy‑to‑style format.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

Invigorated by the possibilities of this dynamic design? Explore our complete selection of herringbone tile to choose from ready-made small-format mosaics, or create your own pattern using rectangular or subway tile.

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

The post 12 Super-Chic Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Match White on White

Brilliant and bright, white won’t overwhelm the senses like more saturated hues. It’s perfectly acceptable to pair a white tile with a white vanity, but to prevent your space from feeling too stark, consider adding tonal variations elsewhere.

Here, the Coco White Glossy wall tile is paired with a white vanity, but the straight-stack subway installation features soft beige grout that echoes the pinkish beige countertop and sink basin. The subtle shift between the tile and grout tones softens the look of the all-white design while black accents add contrast.

Shop our selection of white tile for more tonally cohesive ideas.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

2. Choose a Sandy Hue

Soft and soothing, beige tile maintains your bathroom’s neutral palette while adding neuanced tonal depth. Here, the Wave Old Cream tile enhances the serene color scheme with its gentle movement and softly rounded edges. If you love this curvy design, shop the Wave in this colorway and three others: Blue Reef, Grey Owl and White.

Find your perfect sandy shade in our wide assortment of beige tile.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Fabulous Beige Bathroom Tile Ideas

3. Create a Coastal Chic Space

Whether you’re East Coast, West Coast, or no-coast, you can transform your house into a beachhouse with the breezy beauty of modern coastal chic design. More than shells and wicker, this ocean-inspired style celebrates relaxed refinement.

This airy bathroom features the Jeffrey Alan Marks Sand Dollar Ocean tile. Its radiating pattern in cool blue offers a subtle coastal nod, while the white vanity and wainscoting balance the design, creating a space that feels crisp and open, yet rich in visual texture.

Explore more effortlessly cool, coastal-inspired designs in our exclusive Jeffrey Alan Marks designer collaboration.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

4. Pair With an Ornate Pattern

Fanciful and feminine, the Cheverney Blanc tile is paired with a standard white sink vanity to add an air of grandeur to this transitional bathroom. The soft, sophisticated pattern, with its shapely curves and soft neutral palette, is further enhanced by the gold fixtures and sconces.

Find a design to suit your style—whether contemporary, traditional or a blend of the two–in our wide assortment of patterned tile.

5. Add Drama With Black Details

Black and white is a natural pairing that offers dramatic yet harmonious contrast. This stately space, designed by @fivestarfinishllc, pairs a contemporary white sink vanity with Signature Bianco Gloss subway tile and Octagon Matte White with Black mosaic floor tile. The wall design is highlighted with black grout and Signature Black Gloss pencil trim.

Find more contrasting designs in our wide assortment of black-and-white tile.

6. Choose Lush White Marble

Crisp or creamy, white marble brings beautiful, understated elegance to any space. Pair a white vanity with white marble for an effortlessly fashionable look that works with a range of traditional and contemporary styles, like this Annie Selke–designed bathroom, which exudes Hollywood glamour. If you love this exquisite space, explore our exclusive Arctic White collection for warm, white marble in coordinating field, mosaic and trim pieces.

Explore more white marble collections: Hampton Carrara, Calacata Evora, Volakas and Bianco Puro.

7. Add Durable Natural Detail With Luxury Vinyl

If you love the look of wood or stone but not the maintenance, exceptionally durable luxury vinyl flooring offers an affordable, easy-to-install alternative. Made from 100% waterproof material, luxury vinyl—like the Cyrus Plus Akadia shown here—lets you achieve a natural wood look in a moisture-prone bathroom. We love how the blond wood detail complements the white vanity in this contemporary space. Note: Luxury vinyl is not recommended for wet rooms or showers.

Shop luxury vinyl flooring in a range of realistic stone, cement and wood looks.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

8. Bring a Pop of Blue

Like a statement belt, a pop of color in an otherwise white room makes your design feel elevated and intentional while adding visual interest. Here, @kalensplace pairs a double white sink vanity with the Laura Ashley Wicker Sea Spray Matte tile. Featuring a light blue background with a whimsical geometric floral motif, this tile adds color without overwhelming the space. On the floor, it helps ground the room; however, it would also look stylish on a wall or backsplash.

Shop your favorite colored tile to add a pop of your favorite hue.

9. Make It Artistic With an Abstract Pattern

Patterned tile comes in a wide range of styles—from dainty florals to dynamic geometric designs. If your aesthetic leans more toward cool eclectic than ornate elegance, consider an abstract pattern.

This chic bathroom features the Nikki Chu Zulu Cement tile—also available in Pumice (beige) and Graphite (black). Globally inspired and effortlessly suave, this tile infuses the space with a high-fashion look that pairs perfectly with the simple white vanity.

Explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collaboration for more abstract motifs in fashion-forward neutral color palettes.

10. Marvel With a Marble Mosaic

Mosaic tile’s small format draws the eye along and across the wall or floor, creating a sense of expansiveness, while the natural veining in marble introduces delicate movement. Combine the two for a space that feels both invigorating and serene. Pair a marble mosaic—like the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Pescador shown here—with a stately white vanity to create an opulent tableau rich in visual interest.

Love this exquisitely elegant look? Shop our wide selection of mosaic tile.

11. Embrace English Country Cottage Design

If cozy elegance is your design sweet spot, English country cottage style might be your cup of tea. Combining the comfort of your grandma’s living room with the sophistication of Jane Austen’s drawing room, this style is equal parts ornate, quaint and whimsical.

Here, a feminine sink vanity is paired with the Laura Ashley Mr Jones Charcoal tile. The charming geometric floral pattern, inspired by the iconic British brand’s textile designs, adds an air of playful refinement to the space.

Shop our exclusive Laura Ashley designer collaboration for more fanciful motifs.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

12. Pair With Warm Stone-Look Flooring

Featuring realistic beige veining on a warm grey background, the Pulpis Taupe Hex tile adds beautiful visual texture while tonally complementing the crisp white vanity in this gorgeous transitional bathroom, designed by @franklin.and.main. We love how the stone countertop contributes its own unique detail to this unassumingly lush space.

13. Create Dramatic Movement With Marble-Look Tile

If you love the rich veining of marble but not the upkeep, consider a ceramic or porcelain alternative. Marble-look tile comes in a range of styles—from dramatic to delicate veining, or somewhere in between—like the elegant Lombardia White tile featured in this chic, contemporary bathroom designed by @jaimienelsondesign.

For more durable and easy-to-maintain alternatives to natural stone, check out marble-look tile.

14. Add Rustic Details

This rustic-modern space, designed by @kendalldesignbuild, exemplifies the rugged refinement that makes this design style so popular. The Mask Silver tile (also available in Graphite) features realistic cement details in a durable porcelain format. The magnificent visual texture is complemented by the log cabin wall, while the sleek vanity adds a contemporary element, giving the space a stylish, modern feel.

15. Pick a Penny Tile Backsplash

Small but mighty, penny tile brings shape to your space, adding visual texture and interest—even when pairing a white vanity with a white backsplash. Notice how the Penny Round Gloss White creates a scalloped edge and subtle texture. We love how the cohesive white pairs with the blue accent walls and gold fixtures, but to accentuate your design further, you could install the penny tile with contrasting grout.

16. Add Dramatic Contrast

If you love the drama of a high-contrast design, consider pairing your white vanity with black floor or wall tile. This stylish space features the Noir Chevron tile. The black limestone showcases natural stone details, including delicate white veining, creating a visual throughline from the black-veined white stone countertop to the white vanity and mosaic floor tile.

Love this high-contrast look? Shop our wide selection of black tile.

17. Create a Playful Design

Designed for her young boys, @handmakeshome created a custom wall and floor layout that is both playful and classy. Glass subway tile in White, Storm and Light Blu is arranged in a straight stack with alternating checks and stripes. The hopscotch effect is cheerfully invigorating while maintaining neat lines. On the floor, Penny Round Gloss White tile is installed with a custom border of Penny Round Cloudy tile—its dark and light blue tones echo the coloration of the wall tile.

While a blue vanity would fit with this color scheme, the white vanity helps ground the space with sophistication, creating a room that not only serves young kids but will grow with them.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Playful Kids’ Bathroom Tile Ideas

18. Show Your Stripes

Neat and chic, stripes deliver style while creating the illusion of height or width by drawing the eye along the wall or floor, making your space feel larger. This Timber Trails–designed bathroom features the Hex Matte tile in Black and White, arranged in long stripes across the floor. The monochromatic design echoes the white vanity and black countertop, though you could achieve a similar look in your preferred color scheme using virtually any two same-size hexagon tiles—or, for straight lines, two same-size subway tiles.

19. Cast a Hex

A classic look experiencing a resurgence in contemporary design, hexagon tile ranges in size from small 1″ x 1″ to large 13″ x 14″ formats. A dynamic shape, it combines diagonal and horizontal or vertical lines to create a wonderful sense of movement in your space. This stylish bathroom, designed by @peachandpineinteriors, features the Hampton Carrara Polished Hex marble tile. The marble’s natural grey and beige veining contributes to the elegant flow of the room, tonally complementing the white vanity while adding subtly rich visual texture.

Find a wealth of colors, patterns and styles in our wide selection of hexagon tile. You can even mix same-size shapes to create a custom design!

20. Create a Sense of Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

This stunning space, designed by Timber Trails, pairs lavish, grey-veined Siberian Pearl tile with a warm, greyish-white vanity. The oversized 8″ x 20″ tile is installed in a herringbone pattern, introducing a soothing sense of movement that is further enhanced by the natural shade variation in the marble.

Achieve your own dynamic zigzag design using our wide selection of rectangular tile.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile Patterns and Layouts

21. Play With an Unexpected Checkerboard Pattern

Checkerboard is a timeless pattern that adds playful sophistication to any space. While a black-and-white square pattern is always on trend, if you want to put a fresh spin on tradition, consider mixing colors in unconventional shapes, like hexagons, subway tile, or large-format rectangles. Here, @pineislanddesign deconstructs the traditional board with the Cassettone Black mosaic tile. Featuring black squares with white borders, this design retains all the charm of a classic checkerboard while offering a unique twist.

Discover curated checkerboard pairings to achieve your own design checkmate.

👉 MORE TO EXPLORE | Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas

22. Create a Sensually Serene Space With Limestone Tile

Soothing linear veins run through the Legno limestone floor tile featured in this tasteful West Bay Homes–designed bathroom. The vanity’s decorative embellishments—the beige stone countertop and pink panels—add to the lush neutral color scheme, while the tile’s natural shade variation completes the look with tranquil visual complexity.

For a range of natural shades in this stately stone, check out limestone tile.

23. Choose an Elegant Basketweave

This charming bathroom features the Meram Blanc Carrara Niles with Grey mosaic floor tile. Tonally, the tile blends with the creamy white vanity and walls, but the basketweave pattern—and the natural stone veining—adds subtle visual texture, introducing graceful complexity to this refined design. While the tile pattern is traditional, the space incorporates contemporary details—the silver fixtures with minimalist handles and sleek silver knobs—for a beautiful transitional look.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

24. Elevate Your Design With Marble Subway Tile

Sleek and chic, subway tile is always on trend. Available in a wide range of materials and formats, this classic style has remained popular for over a hundred years—yet still feels contemporary. White subway tile perfectly complements a white vanity, but to elevate this timeless look, consider a marble subway tile, like the Meram Blanc Carrara Tumbled shown here.

Design the Bathroom of Your Dreams

The Tile Shop offers endless inspiration to help you create your dream space. Explore our bathroom tile ideas for a wealth of on-trend designs, or shop bathroom tile to find the perfect look to suit your space, style and budget.

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Ready to tackle your reno? Whether it’s a pro or DIY project, The Tile Shop is here to help with the materials, tools and expert advice you need to take your design from concept to completion. Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local showroom to get started today!

The post 24 Bathroom Tile Ideas to Pair With a White Vanity appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

10. Relaxing Spa Retreat

This retro bathroom was ready for a reno! Calacatta Gold Hex tile and white beadboard around the tub instantly modernize the space, while the large format Social Grey floor tile adds a soothing sense of movement and a chic concrete look. @the_daily_diy_official’s only regret about this project? That she didn’t do it sooner!

Featuring: Marmo Calacatta Gold Matte, Calacatta Gold Matte Hex and Social Grey. Design and photography by @the_daily_diy_official.

9. Brilliant Bar

For her built-in bar, @craftiffdiy wanted to maintain her neutral color scheme while upping her style game. The checkerboard backsplash—featuring Zellige tiles in Alabaster and White Gloss—is a definite design win! Discover more checkmate designs in our curated checkberboard pairings.

Featuring: Zellige Alabaster Gloss and Zellige White Gloss. Design and photography by @craftiffdiy.

8. Stylish Shower

For her boys’ bathroom, @handmakeshome wanted a playful space that felt sophisticated enough to grow with them. This beautiful custom subway layout, featuring Glass tile in Storm, White and Light Blu, strikes the perfect balance between boyish energy and refined style.

Featuring: Glass White, Glass Storm, Glass Light Blu, Penny Round Gloss White and Penny Round Cloudy. Design and photography by @handmakeshome.

7. Beautiful Bathroom

The bathroom in @beckybidlen’s historic 1894 home needed a lot of TLC! We love this update that blends classic details—like the Basketweave White with Black mosaic floor tile and ornate gold mirror—with contemporary features. It’s clear every detail was thoughtfully considered—note the scalloped edge at the bottom of the vanity.

Featuring: Basketweave Matte White with Black. Design and photography by @beckybidlen.

6. Midcentury Mexican Dream Bath

This chic bathroom, designed by @homewithid, reflects their Mexican heritage. The Marrakesh Blue handmade-look tile showcases beautiful shade and surface variation for a unique, handcrafted appearance. Its cool tones add depth that pops against the warm-toned Urban White wall and Shade Warm floor tile.

Featuring: Marrakesh Blue, Urban White Pav and Shade Warm. Design and photography by @homewithid.

5. Sleek Kitchen Backsplash

With a new layout and modern updates, @cassandra.noellee took her kitchen from “blah” to brilliant! The Villa White Matte subway tile backsplash is clean and classic, yet still feels contemporary. Using Desert Sand grout creates a low-contrast design that pairs beautifully with the dark wood cabinetry.

Featuring: Villa White Matte. Design and photography by @cassandra.noellee.

4. Mediterranean-Inspired Patio

Can you believe this villa-inspired patio is in Florida? @shoemakesnew completely transformed her backyard into a Mediterranean retreat. The terracotta-look Provenzal Alhama Cotto tile features a unique shape reminiscent of the architecture in Alhama de Granada, Spain. Its rich rust color perfectly complements the white-painted brick and stone.

Featuring: Provenzal Alhama Cotto. Design and photography by @shoemakesnew.

3. Boutique Bathroom

In keeping with the character of her historic house, @daryakaras wanted her powder bathroom to feel authentically unique. Handcrafted Zellige tiles in Shamrock and White Gloss are installed in vertical stripes along the walls, creating bold, one-of-a-kind design. Paired with large-format Nature Carrara marble-look floor tile, this space feels like a boutique hotel—a far cry from the rundown bathroom in the “before” picture.

Featuring: Zellige White Gloss, Zellige Shamrock Gloss and Nature Carrara. Design and photography by @daryakaras.

2. Serene Shower

Another historic home glow-up! This serene shower, designed by @jessicasmithhomedesign, features Coco Canvas Glossy handmade-look wall tile and a checkerboard floor pattern of Avorio Fiorito and Royal Satin White marble tiles. Full of rich, soothing movement in complementary neutrals, the space feels wonderfully tranquil and timeless.

Featuring: Coco Canvas Glossy, Avorio Fiorito, Royal Satin White, Volakas Threshold, Volakas Threshold 2 in. and Volakas Curb. Design and photography by @jessicasmithhomedesign.

1. Elegant, Contemporary Bathroom

This bathroom was literally crumbling, but even on a budget, @modernly_you transformed it into a gorgeous, contemporary space. Part of our Tile Under $7 collection, the Nain Negro large-format floor tile features the earthy texture of slate with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. The dark tile beautifully complements the honey-colored wood vanity, while the thin black frames around the mirrors provide a subtle visual throughline.

Featuring: Nain Negro. Design by @modernly_you. Photography by @awoea_photography

This concludes our Year in Review series. We hope you enjoyed looking back at your favorite spaces from 2025. We can’t wait to see what you create in the coming year! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery—you might be featured in our 2026 Year in Review!

See all of 2025’s top spaces:

2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Bathrooms

2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Kitchens

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Want your own “before” and “after” reveal? Shop our wide selection of tile for every budget, space and style. Need more help? Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to bring your dream space to life.

The post 2025 Year In Review: Top 10 Before & Afters appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

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.

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