How to Design Wall Tiles in a Bathroom

When thinking about the look you want to achieve with your bathroom renovation, it can be hard to decide on certain details when there are just so many options. If you’re looking to give your bathroom a little personality, tiles are a great way to add character and can work towards the overall tone of the room. With endless shapes, patterns and sizes to work with, finding the combination that works with your design can take some researching.

First, think about the space you have available. Perhaps there is an interesting shape in the wall that you want to make use of. Or maybe you’re lacking space, but want to include a fun element in your decor without overpowering the room. Whatever your goal, if you want to include a custom tile design in your bathroom, there’s plenty of inspiration available to help find the right style for your space.

Flip your tiling design onto its side like this Australian bathroom makeover. Subway tiles are a classic, contemporary look on their own, but this is a innovative way to switch them up and create a more interesting finish.

Photo: apartmenttherapy.com

This bathroom has used powder pink subway tiles to give this classic style a millennial makeover, creating a fresh take on a vintage inspired look. If you have a certain design or theme in mind, remember that your tiles alone won’t necessarily make the entire look, but by selecting fittings and accessories that contribute to the design - as with this retro vanity and mirror - you can really make a statement.

Photo: homeadore.com

Creative tiles for small spaces

If you’re tight on space but love an adventurous tile, select one area to create a feature wall and keep the rest of the space simple to avoid a look that’s too busy. This example uses a mix of patterned tiles on the shower and vanity wall only, balanced out with neutral tiles elsewhere.

Although blue and white can sometimes appear cold, the gold accents in the shower and lighting adds to a fresh summer feel.

Photo: studio-lifestyle.com

Break up a tiled wall by keeping the top half neutral, like this small toilet. The grey and white cubist style tiles set a strong tone which could be overpowering if used all over. Paired with a matching sink and limited to just half of the wall adds depth, allowing this small space to confidently carry a bold design.

Photo: apartmenttherapy.com

Go bold or go home

If it’s a bold pattern you’re after, patterned tiles may create a look that’s too intricate. Instead, try using a combination of plain, coloured tiles to design your own eye catching wall that’s completely unique like this amazing pink, blue and grey chevron patterned bathroom.

Photo: insideout.com.au

If you’re more of a maximalist than a minimalist, take inspiration from the Jungalow, filled with vibrant colours and bold patterns, tiles feature heavily in the exotic, jungle inspired interiors. These bold ocean blue hexagonal tiles make a striking statement, paired with a gold shower for a luxe bohemian result.

Photo: jungalow.com

Monochrome tiling for minimalists

Using wall tiles doesn’t have to mean creating an elaborate design. If you’re going for a sleek, minimal bathroom, use tiles to subtly add texture and depth. These smaller geometric tiles in marble feature pale, natural tones to lift the overall design resulting in a mellow feel.

Photo: Phoenix

Dark grouted tiles are a great way to accentuate lines within a wall of white tiles. This works really well with black and white designs, creating a sleek, modern look that’s anything but boring.

Photo: housebeautiful.com

Take inspiration from these beautiful bathroom and design your own unique tiled wall. Visit the Cook & Bathe blog for more renovation ideas and tips.

Find all you need to fit out your new bathroom with our wide range of designer bathroom products, both online and at our Flemmington and Fawkner showrooms.