Bathrooms are notoriously tricky rooms to ‘get right’ – they need to strike the perfect balance of both beauty and practicality which isn’t always easy to achieve. We help thousands of customers in choosing their dream bathroom tiles and there are numerous factors to consider such as the size of the room, amount of natural light as well as the functional aspects. With this in mind, we wanted to bring to you our own guide on modern bathroom tile inspiration.
Having recently renovated a bathroom myself, I spent a lot of time gathering bathroom inspiration online and in magazines which really helped in my own decision making. Creating mood boards with pictures and samples is a great way to ensure all your choices will work together and also visiting our extensive range of porcelain tiles and natural stone tiles on display in our UK showrooms, you are sure to find the perfect option for you. Below is a list of bathroom tile trends and ideas that will work in both modern and classic bathroom designs .
Marble Effect Tiles
Marble effect tiles or faux marble tiles have been a popular alternative to real marble for a number of years, thanks to the realistic print, array of designs available and easy maintenance of marble effect porcelain.
The Ravello Verde is a vibrant emerald green marble effect porcelain featuring unique veining from tile to tile with realistic detailing. This porcelain replicates the look of real marble with bold details and patterning. A perfect bathroom tile for a modern bathroom scheme providing just enough of a statement, working particularly well here with a wooden vanity and gold tapware.
If you’re looking for something a little more understated and classic, the Ravello Borghini Gloss marble effect tiles are a wonderful choice as a classic marble effect porcelain in an ivory cream hue with flowing grey veining from tile to tile. Similarly, the Adastra Statuario Gloss marble effect has an authentic white base with contrasting dark grey veining but available in a large format 1200x600 rectangular tile for maximum impact.
Herringbone Tiles
Herringbone tiles have always been a wonderful format to enhance any space and they seem to be having their moment with a resurgence of the herringbone tile look in modern bathrooms. We find this laying pattern is effective with metro tiles to add a decorative touch. A herringbone tile look is achieved by installing the tiles at a 45 degree angle and is a versatile laying pattern, so long as the width of the tile is half or less of the length of the tile. For more information on herringbone tiles read our blog on everything you need to know about herringbone tiles.
A few favourite herringbone metro tiles for modern bathroom inspiration would be the Orkney White metro tiles in a matt finish, or Zellige Grey metro tiles in a gloss finish. Both offering a neutral shade that will complement a range of bathroom interiors.
For a richer hue, the Hockley Antiqued Green Metro is a beautiful green with an artisanal handmade feel and classic metro format that can be laid as herringbone. Alternatively, the Hockley Antiqued Sage metro has an industrial rustic look in a muted green. These metros are perfect for contemporary bathrooms, providing a moody and unique wall tile.
Kit Kat Tiles
Kit Kat tiles are one of the biggest bathroom design trends this year. Kit Kat tiles are a style of tile that, as the name suggests, resemble the popular chocolate bar, featuring small, rectangular tiles arranged in a grid pattern. These mosaic finger tiles are admired for their streamlined linear appearance, working with contemporary bathrooms. The Nori Pearl stick tiles are a popular option for their soft variation, offering a tile that is subtle and classic in tone but with an on-trend design.
The Nori Forest Gloss stick tiles provide a rich colour in this popular kit kat tile format working with contemporary bathrooms and ensuites as feature walls or combined with contrasting colours in the space.
Pink Bathroom Tiles
Bathrooms offer the perfect opportunity to express personality and a chance to have fun with colour. It seems like pink is having its moment again, with a revival in pink toned paints, pink vanity units and even pink tiles! For those courageous enough to embrace brighter hues, pink tile can bring both charm and character to a bathroom scheme. Our first choice would be the Primrose Blush Metro, loved for its glossy finish and beautifully consistent tone from tile to tile. Ideal for creating an all-pink palette, these metro tiles can also be paired with combine with complementary shades, such as deep green, to achieve a playful yet considered look. For those who prefer more variation and texture, the Hockley Antiqued Rose offers a softer, more detailed finish. With gentle tonal movement and an aged aesthetic, it is a perfect option for a shower spaces, adding depth and visual interest while still maintaining a refined feel.
Terrazzo Tiles
The famous terrazzo tile has risen in popularity again in the past few years and we love it for its playfulness, unique flecked shades, and ability to create a modern look to any bathroom or en-suite. These versatile square 600x600 tiles work perfectly on the walls or floors in a range of colourways depending on the feel you want to create. A favourite choice is the Terrazzo Ivory which has a creamy base with a mixed palette of contrasting flecking – combine this with black tapware and the Orkney Terracotta metros for the ultimate modern bathroom tile inspiration!
Textured Tiles
Textured tiles are going to be a strong trend when it comes to bathroom tiles, with a move in interiors towards tactile surfaces and finishes. Following latest developments in the tile industry, the range of finishes, 3D technology and unique surfaces available offers an array of textures. The Avalon Mist Decor tiles provide a neutral wall covering with a shaping to the surface with a linear design, whilst the Pottery Clay Decor tiles offer a terracotta toned metro with a textured relief to the tiles for a tactile look.
Tile Drenching
Tile drenching is a bold trend in modern bathroom design, where walls and floors are completely covered in a single tile to create a seamless, immersive look. The effect is both striking and sophisicated, instantly giving the space a sense of luxury and continuity. The Carrara Rosa Pink marble effect tile is a wonderful choice for this approach, with its variety of sized tiles in soft pink tones and delicate veining. Used floor to ceiling, these tiles transform the bathroom into a cohesive spa-like retreat allowing the subtle movement of the marble print to take centre stage. The result is a sleek, modern space that feels luxurious and effortlessly stylish.
Chequerboard Tiles
Chequerboard layouts are a timeless design that continue to feel fresh in modern bathrooms, offering a bold way to introduce pattern and personality. The rich green tones of the Riviera Emerald Marble tiles bring depth and sophistication, while the classic Julieta Black & White tiles provide striking contrast for a contemporary take on this traditional pattern. Laid on floors or even as a feature wall, this combination allows you to play with colour creating a modern bathroom that balances elegance with visual impact.
Patterned Tiles
Patterned tiles are a playful yet sophisticated way to add character to modern bathrooms. The bold, warm tones of the Deia Rojo floor tiles create a rich, inviting foundation while the classic hues of the Regent Blue tiles introduce a contemporary contrast. Both options work beautifully individually or combined in creative layouts bringing personality to bathroom floors. Whether you are aiming for a subtle pop of pattern or a full decorative statement, these tiles turn a practical surface into a key feature of the room making the floor a central design element in your modern bathroom scheme.
Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles are a beautiful way to introduce texture and artisanal charm into modern bathrooms. The rich, earthy tones of the Farini Cinnamon tiles bring depth and a handcrafted feel, while the soft shade of the Safi Seashell tiles adds a calming contrast. Their slightly irregular surfaces catch the light differently on each tile creating subtle movement and visual interest. Perfect for feature walls, splashbacks, or even full wall drenching. Zellige tiles offer a versatile way to combine tradition with modern design, giving bathrooms a tactile and undeniably stylish finish.
Marble Tiles
Nothing quite elevates a bathroom like natural stone marble tiles, bringing an effortless sense of luxury and sophistication to contemporary spaces. The Parisian Manoir Cabochon Marble features beautiful white and grey hues and constrating grey cabochon inserts, creating a high-end finish that feels timeless while complementing today's minimal interiors. For a softer choice for modern bathrooms is the Parisian White tumbled marble, a true white tile with soft grey veins and markings, introducing a naturally elegant tile to create a bathroom that is both modern and enduringly stylish.
Striped Tiles
Striped tiles are a bold way to introduce personality to modern bathrooms and make it easy to achieve a striking look. The elongated Luella Claret Red tile offer a rich, deep red hue that can be laid vertically or horizontally to create a sense of height, while their sleek shape adds a contemporary edge. In contrast, the Pastello Pistachio offer a soft green metro tile with a subtle pop of colour, creating a calm and modern balance. Laid together as alternating stripes or in bold colour blocked sections, these tiles allow you to play with pattern and tone, adding visual interest while keeping the overall scheme sleek and contemporary.
Matt Finish Tiles
Matt finish tiles are a key trend in contemporary bathroom design, offering an understated look that feels both modern and tactile. The Pastello Cotton Matt Metro tiles bring a neutral base that works beautifully in minimal schemes. The deeper tones of the Orkney Green Metro add a contemporary edge when used as a feature wall. Their smooth matt surfaces diffuses light gently creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Matt finish tiles combine practicality with elegance, making them a versatile choice for modern bathrooms seeking a refined yet relaxed aesthetic.
Neutral Tiles
Neutral tiles are a cornerstone of contemporary bathroom design, offering a timeless appeal and the perfect canvas for textures and finishes. The Orotelli Avorio Decor introduces subtle interest with its delicate seashell detailing adding a refined decorative touch without overwhelming the space. another neutral option is the Pastello Seashell Matt Metro featuring varying shades of soft beige creating a warm charm. These tiles provide a understated palette that feels calm, modern and effortlessly elegant, where subtle texture and tone are key to creating a welcoming bathrooms.
Earthy Toned Tiles
Earthy-toned tiles bring warmth, texture, and a natural feel to contemporary bathroom spaces. The Salamanca Sand Decor combines a warm terracotta base with delicate gloss white inserts, creating a refined pattern that works beautifully on floors. The Oliva Marron Hexagon is a terracotta-effect tile with rich tones, these earthy shades add depth and character while maintaining a modern aesthetic. They both offer a tactile look, perfect for bathrooms where natural inspiration and contemporary style meet.
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A great starting point for any bathroom tile project is to order our complimentary hand samples. Each sample is carefully packed by our team and delivered straight to your door. These samples are fantastic to use against your paint charts, bathroom units and hardware, within the natural light of your home. We hope you have found this modern bathroom tile ideas post useful as inspiration and guidance for your own bathroom project! . We invite you to visit one of our UK showrooms for large floor and wall displays as well as individual tiles and samples of our bathroom tiles. Alternatively, please feel free to contact us for any questions or advice!
