17 Small Shower Tile Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms to Inspire You
This post shows you the best small shower tile ideas to try today.
As a creative person, I enjoy the freedom of picking stylish ideas around the house.
Choosing the perfect tile design for the shower was one of the hardest tasks while revamping my tiny bathroom.
With limited space, you have to think hard to maximize the shower space and add a touch of personality to it.
Because of that, I have curated a list of shower tile ideas perfect for any tiny bathroom, from contemporary to classic styles.
Each of these ideas will make a big impact on your small shower. Get ready to create a mini bathroom masterpiece!
Pin it for later! ⤵️
Table of Contents
The wood-look
The wood-look tiles will make you imagine you are taking a shower in a cute and cozy cabin.
They also add an element of warmth because of their color.
Be creative and lay the wood tiles in a zig-zag pattern to make a statement.
Terrazzo tiles
If you want something eye-catching and bright, this will suit you.
Terrazzo tiles on the floor will instantly glam up your shower.
The brown terrazzo floor tiles extending from the shower to the rest of the bathroom add color to an otherwise plain white bathroom.
Add some art with tile murals
Add some touch of art while installing the tiles in your shower.
With this idea, you will not have the stress of hanging multiple framed art on the wall.
See how the mural’s floral design gives life to the white tiles.
Pebble tiles
Do you always feel dull when you take morning showers?
Install pebble tiles for that spa look to elevate your morning shower.
You would imagine you are walking on soft rocks when you step on these pebble tiles.
The traditional subway tiles
This is a classic choice if you still want to keep the traditional tiles.
Pick white subway tiles for a brighter shower.
The white tiles are simple but elegant, timeless, and neat, making the whole bathroom look bright.
Hexagon tiles
Forget about the standard rectangle tiles that everyone has in their bathroom.
Go for creative and stylish hexagon tiles.
There is a harmonious contrast between the hexagon wall tiles and the standard rectangular floor tiles.
Custom mosaic tiles
Do not be afraid to show off your style when picking tiles for your shower. Customize a mosaic pattern for the walls or the floor.
The floral black and white tiles from the shower to the rest of the bathroom create a magnificent pattern.
Herringbone tiles
The herringbone patterned tiles are a way of adding movement to your shower.
This pattern makes your shower pop.
The green tiles arranged in this pattern are what this shower needed to complete the look.
Go all out with marble tiles
Just because you do not have a large bathroom doesn’t mean you should not create a luxurious aesthetic.
Invest in marble tiles for that rich feel.
The subtle marble design on the tiles will display an exquisite aesthetic in your bathroom.
Emerald green tiles
This is the best idea for all the nature lovers.
With this color of tiles in your shower, you will feel like a royal walking through the jungle.
Feel free to add a few potted plants or vines to make the shower feel more like nature.
Large format tiles
To make your shower feel bigger, choose the large format tiles.
It gives an expansive, elegant, and luxurious look.
The lines between the large tiles are barely visible creating a seamless look in the shower.
Vertical tiles
The vertical tiles will add some charm and character to your space. Pick one that stands out and makes your shower the room’s focal point.
This tiling style would be good for a shorter roof because it makes your shower feel taller.
Calming blue tiles
No feeling is better than being at the beach.
Pick blue tiles in different shades to bring that coastal feel to your bathroom.
See how the variable shades of blue tiles bring a relaxing feel to the shower.
Zellige tiles
Zellige tiles are known for their Moroccan flair, adding a unique character with their imperfections and color variations.
These tiles create a visual interest in the shower. These tiles will make you believe there is beauty in imperfections.
Textured tiles
If you enjoy being creative, the bathroom is the right place to show off your skills.
Get textured tiles to get rid of the plain look in your shower.
The textured wavy pattern on the tiles adds some class to the shower.
Fish scale tiles
The fish scale tiles add a playful look to the bathroom while keeping it cute.
It is perfect for someone who loves vibrant colors. The gold accents give the tiles a pop of color.
The dramatic tiles
Dramatic tiles will wow your guests whenever they step into your bathroom.
Go for dramatic tiles that do not overbear the rest of the aesthetic in your bathroom.
These geometric blue tiles that start from the floor crawling to the roof will leave your guests talking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best tile patterns for small showers to make the space feel larger?
To make a small shower feel more spacious, the right tile pattern can make all the difference!
Laying tiles in a vertical pattern can elongate the walls and create the illusion of height, making the shower appear taller.
Herringbone or chevron patterns are great for adding a modern touch while drawing the eye upward, which also helps expand the space visually.
If you’re using subway tiles, consider arranging them vertically or stacking them in a grid pattern for a clean, contemporary look.
Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines also create a more seamless look, reducing visual clutter and making the shower area feel bigger.
2. How can I add personality to a tiny shower without overwhelming the space?
Incorporating bold tile accents is a fantastic way to add personality without overwhelming a small shower.
Consider using patterned tiles or colorful mosaic tiles on just one wall or inside a niche for a subtle pop of character.
You can also use a different tile shape, like hexagons or penny tiles, to add visual interest while keeping the rest of the space simple.
Pair these accents with neutral tiles to create balance and prevent the room from feeling too busy.
Another idea is to experiment with grout color—a contrasting grout can make even basic tiles stand out and add an extra layer of personality to your design.
3. Are light or dark tiles better for small shower spaces?
Both light and dark tiles can work beautifully in small showers, depending on the look you want to achieve.
Light-colored tiles, like white, soft greys, or pastels, reflect light and create a bright, airy feel, which helps open up tiny spaces.
If you’re aiming for a more dramatic, cozy vibe, dark tiles like charcoal, navy, or even black can create a luxurious, modern feel.
The key with dark tiles is to balance them with lighter elements—think a glass shower door, bright lighting, or lighter grout to prevent the space from feeling closed in.
No matter your choice, make sure your tile finish and lighting complement each other to keep the shower feeling inviting.
4. How can I incorporate texture into my small shower tile design?
Texture adds depth and dimension to small spaces, making them feel more dynamic and interesting.
Textured tiles, like those with a natural stone finish, ridged surfaces, or 3D designs, can bring a subtle yet stylish touch to your shower.
You can also mix and match tile finishes—for example, pairing glossy wall tiles with matte or stone floor tiles creates a striking contrast without overwhelming the space.
If you prefer a more understated look, mosaic tiles in a small area, like a shower niche or accent wall, can add texture and a touch of luxury.
These tactile elements will create a layered, inviting feel in even the smallest of showers.
5. How do I choose the right grout for a small shower tile design?
Grout choice plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of your small shower.
For a seamless, expansive look, match your grout color to your tile—white grout with white tiles or grey grout with grey tiles will make the space feel cohesive and larger.
On the other hand, if you want to highlight your tile pattern or add a bit of contrast, choose a grout color that stands out, like black grout with white tiles.
Keep in mind that lighter grout can show stains over time, especially in high-moisture areas like showers, so opt for stain-resistant or darker grout if maintenance is a concern.
For a modern touch, try a mid-tone grout that adds definition without overpowering the tile.
If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home Décor” board.
