17 Modern Tile Shower Ideas for Small Bathrooms to Recreate Your Space

This post shows you the best modern tile shower ideas to try today.

My bathroom shower is the place I get to unwind and relax, so it’s very sacred to me.

In there, setting the right ambiance and vibe is vital, and I have found that shower tiles are ultimately what set the mood.

Although my bathroom and shower (by default) are small, proper tile arrangement has come to the rescue and completely changed everything.

All I did was use a few styling techniques.

If you also have a small shower and don’t know how to incorporate creative tile designs, I prepared this article for you.

It has 17 creative ideas that you can try in your shower. I hope you enjoy it!

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Nature mosaic tiles

Small mosaic tiles can be arranged in a shower stall to form beautiful, intricate art images of tree branches, flowers, and leaves.

Also, use shades of green, brown, and baby blue as the background color to make your shower peaceful and calm.

Black tiles

Black tiles are sophisticated, sleek, and masculine.

Install matte black tiles for a subtle, elegant shower look, or go for black tiles with a glossy finish to get the maximum dark effect out of the color.

Also, contrast your black shower against light-colored bathroom walls.

Geometric patterns

Sometimes, neutral shower walls need to pop, and one of the best ways is to have a busy geometric pattern on the floor.

A striking black and white design will work great for this design idea, especially if you construct a shelf groove on one wall and have the pattern mimicked in it as a backdrop.

Conspicuous grout lines

The grout lines in your shower can also add aesthetic value if they are bold and contrast against the tiles.

Ensure you use bright-colored tiles to achieve this look and go a step further by applying off-white or yellow grout.

Pink marble

Marble tiles are elegant and modern, so when installed in the shower area, expect to feel like you’re in an expensive hotel bathroom.

For ultimate flirty and girly vibes, choose large pink marble tiles and accent them with a gold shower enclosure frame.

Elongated subway tiles

Instead of the typical square tiles, opt for rectangular tiles, otherwise known as subway tiles.

They will make your small bathroom shower stall look elongated and more spacious.

Also, choose light blue or green tiles for an airier look.

All white

White showers are undeniably classy and sleek, so for a contemporary look, pick stark white subway tiles.

With such a neutral shower aesthetic, you can decorate it however you like and install a variety of fixtures since white goes with everything.

Mosaic pebble tiles

Textured mosaic pebble tiles are commonly used in high-end spas to prevent slipping and provide extra grip.

Replicate the same design in your home by installing textured or flat pebble tiles on your shower floor in earthy green or brown shades.

Colorful glass-stained tiles

Glass-stained tiles are very pretty in shower stalls, especially when in bright colors such as royal blue, summer yellow, and bubblegum pink.

Go out of your comfort zone and get the tiles in unconventional shapes like triangles for a bigger wow factor.

Tile stripes

Alternate two contrasting tile colors, sizes, or materials to create a unique stripe look.

For the best results, pair white tiles with light blue on the walls down to the shower floor. If you are bold, vertically arrange the stripes instead of horizontally.

Neutral gray

If you lean more towards neutral shower tile colors, try something different from white, cream, and nude, and go for gray.

Make the tiles more interesting by picking a dark gray for one or two walls and a light gray for the remaining one.

Pastel blues and pinks

For children’s and teens’ bathrooms, mix and match pastel blue and pink tiles with a few dashes of yellow.

The glossy sheen of the tiles in the shower will make the space youthful and fun.

Make sure to cover all the walls except the ceiling and floor.

Honeycomb shower tile

Hexagon-shaped tiles on your shower’s floor, walls, and ceiling can create an eye-catching look, especially if they have fancy patterns or prints like florals.

Large honeycomb tiles are visually stimulating, while small ones create a muted aesthetic.

Arched tiled ceiling

No shower ceiling can be as grand as an arched one and adding tiles only makes it better.

Pick an elegant color like light blue and use handmade zellige tiles that match the shower walls for an airy, light, and spacious ambiance.

Small and dainty

Shower tiles do not have to be large.

They can also be small and dainty.

These tiles are easy to play around with and create patterns and fine artistic details.

By combining your preferred shapes and colors, you can have a shower look that resembles wallpaper from afar.

Limestone tile

Limestone is a natural stone material known for having soothing properties, which is exactly what one would want in a shower.

Select light grey marble and mix it with limestone tile for an effortlessly calming and captivating finish.

Lovely in lavender

Lavender is a color that is often overlooked but is a fantastic choice for a classy yet subtly playful shower space.

Ceramic tiles in a dusty purple shade for the walls and plain white for the stall’s floor will perfectly capture this look.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best tile options for small modern bathrooms?

When it comes to small modern bathrooms, choosing the right tile is key to making the space feel larger and more stylish.

Large-format tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel more spacious by minimizing grout lines and creating a seamless look.

Subway tiles are a popular modern option and can be laid vertically to elongate the walls or in a herringbone pattern for a unique touch.

For a luxurious feel, consider sleek, matte-finished tiles or glossy tiles that reflect light, adding brightness to the room.

Neutral colors like white, grey, or soft beige are ideal, but don’t shy away from bold accent tiles in a smaller section to make a design statement.

2. How can I add texture and depth to a small shower with modern tiles?

Texture and depth can add visual interest to a small bathroom without overwhelming the space.

Consider using tiles with a 3D or textured surface, like ribbed or wavy tiles, which create a subtle but striking effect.

Mixing tile finishes is another way to add depth—combine matte tiles with glossy ones or incorporate natural stone tiles for an organic feel.

You can also add depth by using darker tiles on one wall as an accent, especially behind the shower or vanity.

Additionally, laying tiles in a unique pattern, such as chevron or herringbone, brings both texture and a modern flair to the space.

3. Can I use dark tiles in a small bathroom without making it feel cramped?

Yes, you can absolutely use dark tiles in a small bathroom and still keep the space feeling open and modern!

The key is balance—consider using dark tiles on just one wall as a feature, or pair dark tiles with lighter tones elsewhere, like white or light grey.

Glass shower doors are great for allowing light to flow freely, preventing the dark tiles from overpowering the room.

You can also opt for dark tiles with a glossy or reflective finish, as they’ll bounce light around the space and keep it from feeling too closed in.

Good lighting is essential—bright, well-placed lighting will enhance the drama of dark tiles while maintaining an airy atmosphere.

4. What grout color should I use with modern tiles in a small shower?

Grout color can make a big impact on the overall look of your modern tile shower.

If you want a sleek, continuous look, matching the grout color to the tile is a great choice.

For example, pairing white grout with white tiles or grey grout with grey tiles can make the space feel more cohesive and less cluttered.

If you want to highlight the tile pattern, a contrasting grout color can really make the design pop.

Black grout with white subway tiles, for instance, creates a bold, graphic look.

For ease of maintenance, darker grout colors are great for hiding stains, especially in high-moisture areas like the shower.

5. How can I make a small tile shower feel more luxurious on a budget?

There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to add luxury to a small modern tile shower!

One simple upgrade is to incorporate high-end finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or brass shower fixtures.

Consider using accent tiles, like marble-look tiles or a chic mosaic, in small doses—such as a single feature wall or niche—to create a high-end feel without a full renovation.

Adding a rainfall showerhead can give the space a spa-like vibe without a hefty price tag.

Finally, invest in a glass shower door to open up the space and showcase your tile design, instantly making the bathroom feel more luxurious and modern.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home Décor” board.