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.

Read on to discover 15 of our top tile design predictions for 2026—timeless looks and ideas that will shape the year ahead and inspire beautiful spaces you’ll love for years to come.

1. Modern Rustic

Characterized by warm, muted neutrals, natural materials and an atmosphere of relaxed refinement, modern rustic design is contemporary and sophisticated, yet still cozy. This style is perfect if you’re looking to update your modern farmhouse home—many of the same principles of approachable earthiness apply, but with fewer literal farmhouse elements.

This wet room, designed by HGTV star Alison Victoria, features a wall of rough-cut stone paired with the opulent Bianco Puro chevron marble mosaic, proving that this rugged style can also be elegant. If you love the warmth of modern farmhouse but are drawn to spaces that are a bit more streamlined, modern rustic is the perfect evolution.

2. Pleated Materials

Soft and romantic, pleats are rippling through the interior design world—offering unique tactile and visual texture in unexpected materials and spaces. This beautiful entryway features Kelli Fontana Tommas Classico marble-look wall tile. The raised, fluted pattern mimics pleats found in fabric, adding dimension and a dynamic quality as the pattern casts shadows in shifting light (you can achieve a similar look using Home Kit-Kat tiles). Kelli Fontana Patina Mirror tiles in Eclipse and Siren also contribute depth to the space.

Explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection for more of this bold, classic, and whimsical aesthetic.

3. Hand-Painted Motifs

Playful and expressive, painterly patterns have been gaining popularity over the past decade—and we predict they’ll continue to bring beauty and joy to interiors in the coming year. The chic bathroom below captures this trend perfectly with tiles from our exclusive new Laura Park collection.

The Cosmo Aegean Blue porcelain wall and floor tile, adapted from one of Laura Park’s signature wallpaper prints, brings artistic flair to the room’s floor with its hand-painted-look floral pattern and expressive brushstrokes. Soft blue tones flow seamlessly into the Seaside Marble wall tiles and coordinating shower floor mosaic, creating a serene, cohesive space full of color and charm.

Explore our wide selection of patterned tiles to discover more hand-painted motifs to suit your style.

4. Modern Organic

Much like rustic modern design (featured at #1 on this list), modern organic design celebrates natural materials and earthy tones—but with a more curated, minimalist sensibility. This style balances warmth and simplicity, pairing clean lines with organic texture and pattern for a look that feels effortlessly sophisticated.

In this serene patio, the Nikki Chu Tangier Pumice tile captures that balance beautifully. Its hand-drawn geometric motif introduces subtle movement and contemporary structure, while the soft, neutral palette grounds the space in nature. The result is a harmonious blend of modern polish and organic ease.

Explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection for more organic patterns and contemporary neutral palettes.

5. Rich, Earth-Toned Neutrals

Say goodbye to millennial grey! The trend toward beige, warm white, earthy greens and muted blues will continue into the new year. Far from boring, these rich neutrals offer complexity and a connection to nature, creating deeply expressive spaces that move away from the starker, more industrial feel of the cool tones that defined much of the early 2000s.

This sumptuous space showcases Riad wall tile in Sand and White, installed in a chic checkerboard—another popular trend we expect to see more of in 2026. The warm browns and blacks in the Terrazzo Bianco Micro floor tile (which pops up again in trend #15 on this list) add even more visual texture.

6. Berry Hues

Warm mahogany, deep purple and dark cherry red have already been named colors of the year by some of the top paint brands—and we predict these rich berry hues will continue to grace spaces for years to come. This retro-inspired bathroom, designed by @johnmartinestudio, features Imperial Sienna gloss square mosaic tile. The deep red hue is balanced by the warm light wood vanity and off-white walls.

7. Raised Wood Patterns

Compatible with several contemporary and traditional styles—such as modern rustic, modern organic, Japandi and biophilic design—raised wood patterns have been growing in popularity for years, and we predict they will appear in even more spaces in the year to come. Featuring a range of designs—like the geometric cross shape in the Tavola Decor tile shown here—these tiles create a sensory experience with natural appeal. Explore our wide selection of wood-look tile for more unique motifs.

8. Color and Material Drenching

Color drenching—the process of bathing a room, including doors, ceilings and trim, in a single color—will continue to be popular in 2026. For the bold, this trend extends to materials as well as color. Saturating an entire room in a single hue—or even a single tile—adds depth and can make your space feel larger. Here, Costa Emerald Mix mosaic tile covers the walls and floors with rich green tones. We love how the band of gold metal trim breaks up the design—small details like this add visual interest to a monochromatic space.

9. Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is always in fashion, and in the years ahead, the focus on recycled, natural and environmentally friendly materials will continue to shape home design. Featuring a durable eucalyptus core and a real wood veneer, our Corlee engineered hardwood collection offers natural beauty along with exceptional durability, easy installation and a lower impact on our forests. Explore our wide selection of engineered hardwood in a variety of light and dark finishes to suit any style.

10. Terracotta Revival

Rustic and warm, terracotta and terracotta-look tile are a natural fit for many contemporary design styles gaining prominence in the coming year. Evoking a chic Southwest aesthetic, this rust-colored tile instantly brightens a space with rich, complex tones. This stylish room, designed by @northstardesign.co, features Kasbah Star and Cross Terracotta tiles. Their handmade look and Moroccan-inspired design add depth and interest to the modern rustic space.

11. Handmade Ceramics

Our preference for handcrafted designs and authentic materials will continue into the new year, with a particular appetite for handmade ceramics throughout the home. Fully embrace this trend with our Zellige collection tile—each piece crafted, painted and glazed by hand using centuries-old techniques. Here, the Zellige Shamrock and White Gloss petite subway tiles demonstrate that historic design and expert craftsmanship can be used to create stunning contemporary spaces.

12. Art Deco Designs

Curves, geometric patterns and mixed materials—the defining style of the 1920s—is making a roaring comeback in the 2020s. If you think this decadent, carefree style is the bee’s knees, explore our wide assortment of waterjet mosaics, many of which feature mixed materials in flapper-era patterns—like the Christie Volkas tile shown here.

13. Grout as a Design Element

Essential to any tile design, grout color can dramatically affect the look of a space. Choosing a contrasting or complementary color determines how much you highlight your tile layout. While high-contrast grout creates drama and depth, low-contrast grout offers a subtler, more organic effect. Here, white subway tile is installed using Whisper Grey grout for a softer look.

EXPLORE MORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

14. Unique Shapes

Creating interest through lines that offer dynamic movement, uniquely shaped tile will create distinct spaces in the coming year. From charming leaf motifs to unconventional scallops—like the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Pointe Dume tile shown here—these exceptional silhouettes infuse spaces with character and unparalleled allure. Explore our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more extraordinary designs.

15. Terrazzo-Look Porcelains

Mimicking the look of authentic terrazzo tile—a composite material containing flecks of stone, glass and marble—these tiles offer beautiful visual texture and superior durability. This warm, contemporary space, designed by @craftandtheory, features the Terrazzo Bianco Micro tile. Its earthy tones and organic texture work well with a variety of styles trending in 2026. Shop Terrazzo porcelain tile in this and three other colorways: Bianco Macro, Nero Macro, and Nero Micro.

Whether you embrace these tile trends or create one of your own, there’s one 2026 prediction that’s guaranteed to come true: a new year will bring even more projects to admire and ideas that inspire.

Speaking of inspiration, our biggest source of inspiration, year after year, is our customers. Be sure to share your project photos by tagging @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading them to our Customer Room Gallery—we can’t wait to see what you create next.

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love

Ready for a room refresh? Schedule a free design consultation or stop by your local Tile Shop for the materials, tools and expert advice you need to bring your dream space to life.

The post Our Top Tile Trend Predictions for 2026 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.

1. Express Your Artistic Side With Laura Park Tile

Inspired by her abstract artwork and the popular textiles derived from her mixed-media designs, our new and exclusive Laura Park tile collection showcases a stunning array of colors, styles, and motifs—offering endless possibilities for creative expression. This elegantly dynamic bathroom features four Laura Park tiles in coordinating colors and patterns: the Cosmo Aegean Blue patterned tile, Seaside Marble porcelain tile, and Bespoke White in both 5 in. and 2.56 x 5 in. sizes. A simple, warm wood vanity anchors the space, adding a touch of traditional sophistication to this artful design.

Love this look? Explore the full The Tile Shop x Laura Park collection.

2. Make It Sleek and Boho Chic!

Worldly and eclectic, modern boho chic design is all about celebrating your unique taste. Here, designer Brooke Pavel showcases a more muted—yet still vibrant—interpretation of this globally inspired style. By pairing a Picket Florencia Super Bianco tile backsplash with a light wood vanity and a blush pouf seat, Pavel strikes a delicate balance between the soft color palette and the bold geometry of the elongated hex tile and wood-carved diamond design. If you love blending diverse styles to create one-of-a-kind spaces, explore our guide to boho chic design.

3. Create Contrast

This chic transitional bathroom, designed by @emerson.studios, is a prime example of how to create harmonious contrast. The vanity, with its fine woodgrain detail, is paired with diamond-shaped, dove-grey Chalk Silver RMB porcelain floor tile. The tile’s soft, cool coloring, leather-like texture and geometric pattern beautifully offset the vanity’s warm, hard, organic character. This contrast extends to other design elements as well—note how the black, modern hardware plays against the traditional brass fixtures.

If you love this elegant mix of contemporary and classic styles, explore our guide to transitional design.

4. Add Elegance With a Marble Mosaic

Delicate shapes crafted from exquisite stone bring a sense of exceptional elegance to any space. For a timeless traditional look, pair a marble mosaic backsplash with a stately wood vanity. This stunning bathroom features the Bisbane Brookfield diamond-shaped mosaic, which mimics the look of tufted upholstery. The refined design beautifully complements the dark wood vanity and classic fixtures.

If you love this elevated aesthetic, explore our wide selection of marble mosaic tile.

5. Bring Beautiful Blues

Cool-toned blues evoke the brilliance of the sea and sky, making them a natural complement to a warm, earth-toned wood vanity. Designed by @bellsheepstudio, this tasteful transitional bathroom features Imperial Slate Blue square mosaic tile. We love how the subdued blue tones are echoed in the chevron-patterned wallpaper and bath towels, while the creamy white wainscoting introduces another layer of warmth to the space.

6. Pair Patterns

A wood vanity provides a neutral anchor, giving the eye a place to rest and allowing creativity to shine throughout the rest of the space. Pairing two patterned tiles—or combining a patterned floor tile with wallpaper, as @andreak_covelladesigns does in this bold, elegant space—can make your room feel vibrant and full of life. The key to successfully mixing patterns is to create a visual throughline while maintaining clear distinction. Though aesthetically different, the black-and-white stone-look pattern of the Marble Star floor tile echoes not only the tones in the floral wallpaper but also its antique charm. Not quite ready to commit to mixed patterns in your primary bath? Try it in a powder room, where experimentation is less conspicuous.

7. Add Historic Details With Morris & Co. Tile

Inspired by the iconic British designer’s historic wallpaper motifs—which have adorned the walls of palaces and estates across England since the late 1800s—our exclusive Morris & Co. collection brings William Morris’s dedication to beautiful, accessible design to tile. Featuring ornate patterns in soft, neutral palettes—like the St. James Farrington Grey wall tile shown here—these sophisticated designs pair effortlessly with warm beige, grey or dark wood vanities.

8. Choose Moroccan-Inspired Artisanal Appeal

This stylish bathroom is another great example of contrasting design elements. It features Kasbah Star and Cross Terracotta tiles—drawn from traditional handmade Moroccan tilework—paired with a sleek, contemporary floating vanity. Though the tile and vanity reflect distinct styles, the warm wood and terracotta tones create a cohesive visual link between them. A curved doorway cut into the cool grey wall introduces tonal contrast, yet the modern color ties it to the vanity, while the arched shape nods to classic Moroccan architecture.

9. Create a Modern Farmhouse Haven

Refined rustic details make this space a perfect example of modern farmhouse design. The luxurious dark wood vanity perfectly matches the trim and wainscoting, while the marble countertop complements the Firenze Carrara Hex floor tile. These refined details are beautifully juxtaposed with exposed brick.

For more ideas on achieving this elevated homespun style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

10. Select Sleek & Serene Stone-Look Tile

Stone and wood—two natural textures that go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether warm tones, cool tones, or a mix of both, pairing fine woodgrain details with the delicate or dramatic veining of stone-look tile creates a space that soothes the senses. Here, the subtly veined Moonstone Off-White tile offers the organic beauty of stone in the form of durable, easy-to-maintain porcelain. If you look closely, you’ll see the tile’s horizontally oriented linear pattern flows perfectly with the vanity’s woodgrain.

11. Create Natural Tranquility With Biophilic Design

Defined by its use of colors, forms, and materials found in nature, biophilic design brings the outdoors inside, creating lush, serotonin-inducing spaces. Here, a wood vanity is paired with the gorgeous Look Oliva subway tile. The rich green hue and natural wood evoke a soothing forestscape, while the delicate floral motif of the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green shower niche adds a touch of whimsy.

For more ideas on how to infuse your home with mood-boosting tile, check out our guide to biophilic design.

12. Add Rustic Appeal With Tumbled Stone

This classic finish is created by tumbling stone with rocks to create a worn, rustic look—perfectly showcased in the Claros Silver tumbled travertine floor tile featured in this charming Coco & Jack-designed powder room. With natural shades of rich brown, beige, and grey, this stone subway tile adds an organic, brick-like texture that pairs beautifully with the dark wood vanity. We also love how the gold fixtures introduce an elegant contrast to these rugged elements.

13. Create a Custom Subway Tile Layout

Subway tile is a classic style that effortlessly pairs with natural wood. Endlessly versatile, this design staple offers a wide range of layout options—from traditional brick-lay to contemporary straight stack. Here, the Retro Lion subway tile is installed in a vertical offset, with each row separated by the Signature Slate Blue pencil trim, creating a custom design that adds interest to the blue-and-white theme.

MORE TO EXPLORE | 6 Classic Subway Tile Layouts

14. Marry Elegance and Whimsy With Kelli Fontana Tile

Wood offers natural elegance, as do the delicate patterns and textures of the Kelli Fontana designer collection. This chic bathroom showcases her classic, bold, and whimsical style with the fluted Tommas Carrara wall tile and the checkerboard Inlay Proper in Eden Ode and Florence Lace floor tiles.

Discover more romantic, feminine styles to pair with your wood vanity in our exclusive Kelli Fontana collection.

15. Match With a Modern Black-and-White Pattern

Like a well-tailored suit, a geometric black-and-white pattern exudes sleek, modern style. This ultra-chic bathroom features the Trois Bandes floor tile, whose concentric diamonds echo the points of the Picket Florencia Super Bianco backsplash tile. The floating vanity, with its contemporary black hardware and stone countertop, completes this suave space.

16. Soothe the Senses with Quiet Luxury

Quiet luxury embraces natural materials and tranquil designs, making a wood vanity essential. Here, sleek wood with a white stone top and black hardware pairs perfectly with the lush Livingstone Melange large-format marble-look tile and Argile White handmade-look subway tile. The blend of warm and cool neutrals, combined with rich visual textures throughout the room, creates an atmosphere of understated opulence.

If you love this sophisticated style, explore our guide to quiet luxury.

17. Soften Your Design with Rounded Tile

By nature, tile is a hard element, but using a rounded shape—like the Alison Victoria Malibu Edit Pescador tile shown here—introduces soft lines that add a sense of gentle movement to your design. Creating wave-like patterns inspired by its namesake California beach, this grey-veined white marble tile flows naturally along the chic backsplash, providing a sleek contrast to the dark wood vanity. Shop our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile for more unconventional designs.

18. Reimagine Retro With Mid-Century Modern Design

Mid-century modern design celebrates natural textures, colors and forms; a dapper wood vanity with crisp, clean lines is the perfect choice to create this enduring style. The retro-inspired Stoneware subway tile from Fired Earth complements this look beautifully. Shown here in Indigo Spruce, this chic design is also available in Linen Brick (beige), Powder White, Blue Mist, and Rainwashed (sea green).

Find more ideas to achieve this classic style in our comprehensive guide to mid-century modern design.

19. Elevate Your Design With Trim

Like the perfect necklace or necktie, the right trim can elevate your tile design. This stunning black-and-white bathroom punctuates a basic white subway tile layout with Black Marquina marble Somerset trim. The wood vanity perfectly complements this stately tile design, adding natural refinement to the buttoned-up black-and-white walls.

Want to see more rooms in this home? Discover more of Timber Trails’ designer Julie Howard’s inspired spaces in this tour of her “Storybook” estate.

20. Match Wood With Wood-Look Tile

If you love the warm, natural look of wood, don’t limit it to your vanity. This organic element can extend further into your bathroom design with durable, waterproof wood-look tile. Here, the Tavola Decor tile perfectly coordinates with the blond wood vanity, while the fluted diamond design adds a tactile dimension that awakens the senses. Shop our wide selection of wood-look tile to find the perfect match for your vanity.

Let’s Create a Space You Love

Ready for a bathroom makeover? Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide selection of bathroom tile to find the perfect design to match your vanity. Need more help? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom or schedule a free design consultation, and let us help bring your dream space to life.

The post 20 Bathoom Tile Ideas to Pair With Wood Vanities 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. How to Decide Between Complementary Vs. Contrasting

Whether you choose a complementary or contrasting grout depends on your desired design outcome. Complementary grout creates a sense of cohesion, while a contrasting color adds drama and emphasis. Consider these two spaces, both featuring Lanse Matte Black Picket tile. In the left bathroom, complementary grout softens the diagonal lines of the tile installation, resulting in a chic, contemporary look. On the right, a traditional horizontal stack paired with contrasting grout highlights the unique picket shape, with the distinct lines enhancing the space’s eclectic aesthetic.

Featuring: Lanse Matte Black Picket.

2. Consider Your Trim

When selecting grout for her children’s bathrooms, designer Julie Howard chose colors to complement the trim pieces rather than the main tile. The bathroom on the left matches Superior Charcoal grout with the Black Marquina Somerset trim. On the right, Superior Whisper Grey coordinates with the Hampton Carrara trim. Both rooms feature the same white subway tile, illustrating how grout can drastically transform the look of a space. Explore our Tour of Julie Howard’s “Storybook” Estate for more inspired spaces and design tips from Timber Trails’ lead designer.

Featuring: (Left) Black Maruqina Somerset, Penny Round Matte White, Penny Round Matte Black, Black Marquina Curb, Black Marquina Skirting and Imperial Bianco Gloss. (Right) Hampton Carrara Capital, Hampton Carrara Cronice, Hampton Carrara Hex, Hampton Carrara Skirting, Imperial Bianco Gloss and Hampton Carrara Subway. Design by Julie Howard for Timber Trails. Photography Jonn and Maura Stoffer.

Learn from a Pro! Watch Everything You Need to Know About Grout

3. Determine if you want Wide or Narrow joints

Grout joints usually range in size from 1/16 in. to 1/8 in. While the size of your grout joint may depend on your tile–rectified edges allow for smaller joints–it’s also an aesthetic choice. Smaller grout joints used with large-format tile will result in a seamless look, making your space appear more expansive and cohesive. This installation method can even mimic the look of a single stone slab, as is demonstrated in the kitchen on the left.

If you’re installing handmade or handmade-look tile, wider grout joints will help accommodate and minimize the variation in the tile edges. In contrast, smaller joints tend to highlight these irregularities. The kitchen backsplash on the right features wide grout joints to soften the hand-cut edges of the handmade Zellige White Gloss tile.

Pro Tip: For smaller grout joints, honed natural stone and glass tile, use unsanded grout. Use sanded grout for larger grout joints and heavy tile.

Featuring (left): Calacata Evora. Design by Angelia Guthrie. Featuring (right): Zellige White. Design by Fox Homes.

4. Use Grout to Create Unity in Your Design

When choosing grout, it’s important to consider all the elements in the space–not just the accompanying tile. Here, the thick white grout joints accentuate the grid layout of the Look Avio tile featured on the shower wall. The alternating horizontal and vertical lines create a visual throughline that connects the shower wall to the white geometric pattern on the Ragno Taupe floor tile.

5. Consider Varying Your Joint Widths

Varying your grout joint sizes adds an extra layer of interest to your tile design. The Cool Blue tile featured in this shower is actually a 12 x 24 in. large-format tile designed to mimic the appearance of smaller, handmade-look square tiles. The vertical grout line aligns with the pre-scored grout joints within the larger tile, while the thicker horizontal grout lines enhance the visual appeal and contribute to the contemporary aesthetic.

6. Match Your Grout to Your Cabinets

When developing your tile design, it’s important to consider all of the elements in your space. Kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities can influence your grout choice just as much as the tile. In this high-contrast kitchen designed by Timber Trails, the grout is matched to the white cabinetry. The white-on-black grout and tile combination adds dimension and drama while drawing attention to the cabinets.

7. Consider Cleaning and Maintenance

No matter where it’s installed, your grout is likely to accumulate dirt, dust or soap residue over time. As you might expect, dark-colored grout does a better job of hiding dirt than lighter shades. For floors–especially in high-traffic entryways or mudrooms–a dark grout can reduce the frequency of cleanings. Sealing your grout will also help keep it clean and looking fresh longer. Learn the best methods for maintenance in our How to Clean Grout guide.

When you consider your desired aesthetic and preferred level of maintenance, you can choose a grout that both enhances your space and suits your lifestyle. Discover the many hues of grout available, and if you’re planning to DIY, check out our guide on How to Grout Like a Pro. Have more questions? We’re here to help! Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, or schedule a free design consultation to get started on your project.

The post 7 Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create a Sparkling Space With Glass Tile

The blue, grey and white tones in the Blue Twilight Brick tile create a waterfall effect on the inside wall of this stunning tub surround. Shiny and reflective, the glass tile shimmers as the light hits it, brightening the space and stimulating the senses. The glossy white tile on the outside walls provides another reflective surface, adding depth to the space. Shop glass tile to find styles as sparkling as your personality.

2. Match Your Modern Farmhouse Decor

Fashionably homey, modern farmhouse design celebrates elevated simplicity and a connection to rural roots. This bathroom, designed by I SPY DIY, embodies those ideals with a sleek surround featuring the Metro Bianco Gloss subway tile. The right-angled herringbone pattern adds dynamic movement to the space, enhanced by contrasting black grout. Blush-painted walls and a gossamer shower curtain infuse the space with a romantic sensibility, but the versatile tile design makes it easy to update by swapping out accessories. If this cozy-chic style is your (homemade) jam, check out 11 Charming Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Tile Ideas.

3. Surround Yourself With Luxury

Ultra-luxe slab design is often created using a single block of stone, which can be both expensive and difficult to install. Achieve this high-end aesthetic on a more modest budget with our new selection of porcelain panel tub kits. Each kit includes two 30″ x 64″ panels and two 32″ x 64″ panels that mimic the size and appearance of large pieces of real marble at a more accessible price point. The Calacatta White tub kit, shown here, replicates luxurious white marble with bold, realistic veining—delivering refined Mediterranean style for under $1,000 per kit.

4. Don’t Forget the Details

A bathtub surround offers a wide canvas–make the most of it with beautiful and intentional details, like the marble corner shelves and tiled picture frame featured in this elegant bathroom designed by LoPiccolo Contracting. The focal point is created by “framing” the Hampton Niles marble mosaic tile with a single layer of Hampton Carrara Somerset. This exquisite design detail highlights a favorite patterned or mosaic tile that might be overwhelming if used throughout the entire space. The Hampton Carrara corner shelves provide stylish storage, eliminating the need for a bulky shower caddy.

5. Soak in Sophistication with Warm Neutral Tile

Here is another example of our new porcelain tile tub kits, available in four distinct marble looks: Calacatta White, Mastersone White, Statuario Nuovo and Max Rapolano (shown here). The creamy ivory tones infuse the space with warmth and contemporary style. The coordinating 12″ x 24″ Max Rapolano Ivory floor tile completes the look, creating a sense of quiet luxury and filling the space with rich serenity.

6. Get it Straight (Stack)

Everything is stacked in this sleek bathroom’s favor. The Villa White Gloss tile is installed in a vertical straight stack, adding height to the walls and offering a chic, contemporary look. Slightly contrasting grey grout highlights the clean lines of this simple layout and provides a visual throughline to the Bronx Acero tile in the checkerboard-patterned floor. If subway tile is your style of choice, discover the myriad of installation options in our guide to subway tile layouts.

7. Tile the Tub Apron

Extending your tub surround to the tub apron creates a unified space that displays your style–even when the shower curtain is drawn. This lovely space, designed by Steph Cotherman Creative, features the Argile White Matte wall tile. The perfectly imperfect details of the handmade-look tile lend visual texture through purposeful variations in color and edge from piece to piece. The result is an understated grandeur that both soothes and invigorates the senses. Shop our wide selection of handmade-look tile to achieve this artisanal aesthetic.

8. Showcase Your Style With Patterned Tile

An expressive patterned tile infuses your space with personality in the form of durable and waterproof porcelain or ceramic. Here, the Nikki Chu Zulu Pumice tile (inspired by the celebrity designer’s popular wallpaper) brings bold, graphic design to this fashion-forward bathroom. Paired with the Nikki Chu Luxor Pumice subway tile on the far wall, the soft beige background and bold hand-drawn-look pattern add decoration while maintaining a neutral space. If you love this eclectic, global style, shop our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

9. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere with Dark Tile

Cool and modern, dark grey or black tile exudes sleek sophistication–as evident in this sharply styled bathroom designed by Timber Trails. The Imperial Pewter Frame Gloss subway tile features a slightly reflective, glossy finish that catches the light and highlights its chic raised “frame” edge. The black tub surround contrasts beautifully with the white walls and white-with-black-polka-dot hex tile floor. This simple color scheme allows for styling versatility–a few well-placed colorful accessories would really stand out in this space.

10. Extend the Tile to the Ceiling

If your shower space is on the short side, you can create the illusion of height by extending your tub surround tile to the ceiling. This elegant shower, designed by Yellow Brick Home, takes the Firenze Carrara tile up the angled ceiling to draw the eye upward and create a continuous space within the tub and shower area. We love how the marble tile is also used as wainscoting in the main bathroom area.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of bathroom tile to find your perfect style, and explore our extended list of bathroom tile ideas for more inspiration. 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 Chic & Unique Tub Surround Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Marble Look + Marble + Mosaic = Affordable Luxury

Stretch your budget without sacrificing style by pairing real marble with marble-look tile. Available in a range of styles, including colors and designs you won’t find in nature, porcelain and ceramic marble-look tiles are durable and easy to maintain, making upkeep simple. This opulant bathroom, designed by Nikki Chu, features the Macchia Vecchia marble-look tile on the walls and the Calacata Evora marble floor tile. The expressive gold, grey and ochre veining in the marble-look tile adds drama, tempered by the subtle splendor of the marble floor. The tonally similar Shapes Elongated Hex Off White Two Tone mosaic tile is used on the shower floor to provide traction.

Love this luxe spa look? Discover how to infuse your home with understated elegance in our guide to quiet luxury design.

Recreate this look with coordinating marble-look tile, marble tile and mosaic tile.

Pro Tip!

“When mixing tile, it’s best to pick a main tile to pull your colors from. I usually stick to three tiles–a main tile, a backsplash tile and a mosaic floor tile.”

-Nikki Chu, celebrity designer

2. Picket + Subway + Large Format= On-Point Design

Mixing shapes and layouts is an easy way to add interest to your design, especially if you want to maintain a monochromatic or tonally cohesive color scheme. This elegant bathroom features the 12″ x 24″ Livingston Melange tile installed in a 1/3 offset layout, subtly contrasted by the 1/2 offset layout used for the Splendor Blanco subway tile. The Splendor Blanco Picket tile takes a completely different direction with a vertical layout. Tonally, all of these tiles are completely cohesive–the grey and white of the marble-look tile is echoed in the white handmade-look wall tiles. However, the mix of shapes and layouts creates a highly intentional and elevated design.

Replicate this design by pairing a picket tile with a similarly colored subway tile and large format tile.

3. Trim + Subway + Penny Round = Fashionably Great

Trim tile is commonly used to ease the transition from one surface to another, but it can also serve as ornamentation within your tile design. This elegant bathroom, designed by Julie Howard for Timber Trails, features Black Marquina Sommerset trim framing the shower doorway and adding detail to the top and bottom of the wall tile. The effect is similar to piping trim you’d find on a well-designed cushion or item of clothing, elevating the white subway tile in the same way embroidery would a white button-up shirt. The penny round floor tile is installed in a custom black-with-white-border design, which is the inverse of the white-with-black trim walls. This is an excellent example of combining simple elements to create an exceptional design.

Discover expert tips and tricks in our guide to elevating your space with trim.

Combine trim, subway and penny round tile to achieve this look.

Pro Tip!

“If you want your trim to stand out, select a different material or color from your main tile. If you’re looking for a seamless transition, choose a trim piece that matches your main tile.”

– Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop Director of Design

4. Star & Cross + Marble Look + Handmade Look = Artisanal Excellence

Traditional shapes and styles combined with charming marble-look tile create artisanal appeal in this contemporary twist on historic design. This is exemplified in the elegant bathroom below, which features the Kasbah Bone Star and Terracotta Cross floor tile, Pisa Oro marble-look tile and the popular Coco White and Canvas handmade-look wall tile. The space maintains cohesion through tonal continuity, but a black, white or black-and-white star-and-cross floor would allow for vibrant wall tiles.

Choose from handmade look, marble look and any combination of Kasbah Star and Cross tiles (available in terracotta and bone) to create this look. Or, for ultimate luxury, pair handmade Zellige tile with real marble.

5. Marble + Mosaic + Handmade Look = Refined Elegance

This combination mixes visual textures to create a rich space that will suit virtually any color palette. The veining on the marble tile, the slight variations in thickness, edge and color in the handmade-look tile, and the shapely pattern of the mosaic tile come together to create a visually rich tableau. This simply splendid bathroom, designed by Renovation Husbands, utilizes all these elements to their best advantage. The Firenze Carrara marble tile featured on the bathroom floor offers understated elegance. The Tribeca Gypsum White handmade-look subway tile adds texture to the shower while blending tonally with the creamy white painted bathroom walls. The Shanxi Black granite square mosaic provides contrast and–thanks to the small pieces and many grout lines–traction to the shower floor.

Shop marble, mosaic and subway tiles to get this look.

6. Rectangle + Hex + Subway = Gorgeous Geometry

Pairing tiles of different sizes and shapes creates a visually striking space. The key to this design combo is to maintain a visual throughline. This eye-catching bathroom features the Look Avio subway tile, textured Hall Bianco wall tile and Rango Taupe Matte hex floor tile. The varied shapes and styles are tied together through the thick white grout lines used in the subway tile design. The vertical and horizontal grid lines echo the diagonal white pattern on the hex floor tile without exactly matching, while the white rectangular tile provides a neutral space.

Subway tile, rectangular tile and hexagon tile come together to create this look.

Pro Tip!

“Similar materials, when used with different grout colors, can create drastically different looks.”

– Julie Howard, lead designer at Timber Trails

7. Pattern + Subway + Mosaic = Sleek & Expressive

A patterned tile showcases your style, whether bold and graphic, delicate and floral or somewhere in between—like the whimsical motif on the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Dutch shown here. When styling with a patterned tile, pulling colors from the pattern (especially when it features multiple shades) helps maintain cohesion in your design. In this charming bathroom, the shower walls are tiled with beveled slate blue subway tile, and shades of blue are also repeated in the Laura Park Seaside Marble Herringbone mosaic featured in the shower niche. The matching colors create a sense of harmony among the varied patterns and shapes.

Choose a patterned tile to fit your style and pair it with a matching mosaic and subway tile to complete the look.

8. Stone + Mosaic + Hex = Lovely & Lavish

Natural stone will always be synonymous with luxury. Organic and unique, marble, limestone and travertine tiles feature innate variations, ensuring no two pieces will ever be the same. You can find a wealth of stone tile collections at The Tile Shop, each including coordinating mosaics, trim and field tiles. The variety of tile types allows you to create a varied yet cohesive space. This lavish bathroom features Volkas tile throughout. The hex floor tile and leaf-shaped mosaic add interest and beauty to the space, while the expressive veining creates a sense of depth and movement.

A natural stone collection from The Tile Shop has all the tiles you need to achieve this custom and cohesive look.

9. Checkerboard + Squares + Mosaic = Chic Checkmate!

This winning combination repeats shapes, using color and pattern to differentiate the square and checkerboard layouts.

The checkerboard of Arctic White and Bundung Gris Acid tiles on this room’s floor complements the Riad White wall tile both tonally and in shape, and the White Pebble (Small) mosaic tile, featured on the shower floor, adds organic shapes to contrast with the gridded layouts. To recreate this formula yourself, start by choosing your checkerboard tiles, and pull from that color palette to complete the look with solid square tiles and a mosaic designs in coordinating shades.

Note: This bathroom features a marble checkerboard created by halving 12″ x 24″ tiles. If you’re interested in doing the same, be sure to check first with a Store Associate at your local Tile Shop (or contact customer service) to ensure tiles are compatible.

Better yet, let us save you a step! Shop our growing selection of Checkerboard Tile Pairings, specifically sourced for installing together.

When it’s time to begin your bathroom design journey, shop our wide assortment of bathroom tiles to create your own winning design formula. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop showroom and let us help create a space you’ll love!

The post 9 Simple Bathroom Tile Formulas for Sophisticated Design appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features an Imperial Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out. If you love this cozy-chic style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large-format tile. These supersized tiles (up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates. Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury. Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs.

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful. As enamored with this style as Mr. Darcy is with Elizabeth? Click here to discover how to bring English cottage design into your home.

11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir Amalfi limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (also available in Blanco) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. 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 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.