Walk In Shower Tile Ideas You’ll Love!

DISCOVER STUNNING WALK-IN SHOWER TILE IDEAS TO TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM. FROM CLASSIC TO BOLD, YOU’LL FIND INSPIRATION HERE!

With our renovation moving along, I’ve had bathrooms and tiles on the brain lately. The amount of tile options is virtually endless and can get overwhelming. There’s a tile for every style!

I struggled a bit with making tile decisions because my style is warm and cottage-y and tiles always seem cold to me. However, as I’ve looked at endless inspiration photos, I have narrowed it down and figured out a way to bring in the tile while also keeping warmth to a space.

You’ll have to stay tuned for that but in the meantime, here are some of the beautiful shower tile ideas that have been inspiring me!

Creative Tile Layouts

When it comes to tile, it’s not just about the material or color—it’s how you lay it out that really makes a statement. Creative tile layouts can completely change the look and feel of your space!

Options include a herringbone pattern, chevron style, or a mix of shapes and sizes. Thinking outside the box with your layout adds personality and charm. It’s a great way to turn your tile into a true design feature rather than just a backdrop.

Herringbone

Herringbone patterns grew in popularity over the last few years. I believe this is a classic that will never get old. You can keep it subtle in neutral colors or create a bolder look with bright colors.

The tiles below stand out with their glossy finish. Coupling that with the glass doors opens up this bathroom and leans towards a more contemporary look. Continuing it across the entire wall creates a beautiful focal point.

Vertical

The design community is always finding new ways to mix things up and keep things fresh. While white subway tile was the rage for years, now I’m seeing subway tile placed vertically and in bolder colors.

For example, this walk in shower with green vertical tiles. Isn’t this a stunner?

You can create a monochromatic color scheme this way and even color drench your shower if desired!

Patterned

Patterned tile, or tile arranged in a unique layout, is my favorite – it adds a touch of softness and character to the space. This is the direction I’m leaning toward with my tile choices for our new bathrooms.

You can design an accent wall with contrasting inset tile to make it stand out from the rest of the shower. It’s like having a piece of art right in your bathroom!

And you don’t need a lot of wall space to get this look. My plan is to do something like this but in a muted, monochromatic color scheme.

Hexagon Tile Patterns

Another idea is to add visual interest by using traditional tiles to create unique patterns.

The picture below isn’t a walk-in shower but it perfectly illustrates this idea, which I really like more for a floor than a wall.

Using different colors with a free-form pattern can create stunning, intricate designs that make a huge statement!

By simply mixing colors or layout of classic tile, you can create something totally unique!

From reinventing classic patterns to experimenting with unexpected combinations, there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to tile layouts. These approaches make it easier than ever to add a personal touch to your space

small space walk in shower tile

This may be odd, but I prefer a smaller or medium sized shower over a large one. Regardless of how much shower space you have, you can make an impact! There’s no shortage of small walk-in shower tile ideas.

One idea is to use a classic tile on the shower walls and create an interesting pattern on the shower floors.

Another stunning small space shower idea is to continue the bathroom tile into the shower. This creates the illusion of more space in a small bathroom and looks so classic! Especially when done in timeless marble tiles.

Here two timeless tile selections are better than one! You have the marble on the walls and the penny tile on the floor which is done in a simple yet beautiful pattern. Again, you can see how the shower floor tile was matched with the bathroom floor tile to create continuity.

Important note about shower drains and tile:

One thing I learned recently during our bathroom remodel is that certain floor tiles require a special linear drain on the shower floor. You’ll want to pick your tile out before the shower pan and plumbing is installed.

Ask your contractor about this before the plumbing is installed. I had picked a larger size tile for our hall bathroom that I wanted to continue in the walk-in shower to create continuity in a small space. But I couldn’t get the tile I wanted in our shower floor (without ripping out the plumbing) for this reason. I believe it’s more of an issue with large-format tile.

CONTEMPORARY LOOK SHOWER TILE

While I love a classic black and white design it doesn’t fit in with my country cottage home style due to its more modern look.

As you see in the bathroom below, they used classic style tile but created contrast with the colors for a contemporary look. So well done! I’m especially obsessed with the floor design.

If your style is modern, you’ll love this next one. It’s very spa-like! Although my personal preferences lean away from this modern look, I still can appreciate its beauty.

tiles for a timeless look

Because tile is a permanent commitment, I like to lean toward classic tile for a timeless look.

To achieve that timeless look, consider using marble tile, natural stone, basketweave, and tiles with clean lines such as subway tile.

An all-white marble tile shower design will never go out of style.

Natural stone is not only timeless, it can add warmth to space that might otherwise feel cold.

Classic white subway tile is another no-fail option. Alternatively, you could use any plain white tiles with white grout to get the clean lines of this look.

shower niche design ideas – Same or Contrast?

Adding to your bathroom tile decisions is the shower niche area.

When it comes to the shower niche, it seems you have only two options. You can use a tile that contrasts with your wall tile or you can continue the shower wall tile into the niche.

There is no wrong answer. As you see, both can be beautiful.

In the case of contrasting tile, the photo below is so well done. I love a repeating pattern. Here they even took it to the ceiling! It’s subtle but so impactful at the same time.

Alternatively keeping the niche tile the same as the shower wall tile is also beautiful. It presents such a clean look.

My neutral loving heart appreciates this look as well. Here they added interest with the shape of the tile and the shape of the nook. It’s a subtle design element that makes a huge difference.

Very creative!

Shower doors

Lastly, one other thing to consider in the shower area is what type of shower doors you’ll be installing. For some reason, I have an aversion to glass panel doors. I’ve even considered a doorless walk-in shower but that was overruled by my husband and by the carpenter.

They both felt that wasn’t a great option for wet areas and would make smaller scale bathroom design ideas seem even smaller. I still disagree, this is currently an ongoing debate. Once we get sheetrock up in the house, I’ll be able to share more of this.

Now I’m considering a smaller, hinged shower door as opposed to the full glass panels across the entire shower. I may do a separate blog post on shower doors, let me know in the comments if you’d be interested in that!

Wrapping up Your perfect shower

When it comes to updating your bathroom, a walk-in shower is a great way to elevate the space. It’s also one of the easiest ways to add personality and style is through your tile choice. There are so many walk-in shower tile ideas out there, it’s all about finding the one that fits your vibe and budget. Whether you’re going for a sleek modern look or something more classic and cozy, your tile can really set the tone.

• For a clean, timeless look consider marble tile or simple subway tile.
• For a luxurious spa-like feel look to natural stone tiles and slate.
• For interest, consider using patterns to create a one-of-a-kind look in your bathroom.

Which of these walk-in shower tile ideas is your favorite?

FAQ’s: Walk-in Shower Tile Ideas

You may also like these bathtub shower combo tile ideas!

No budget to replace your tile floors right now? Check out these floor stickers!