​​Plaid Tiles Are The Bold Trend That Turns Your Bathroom Into A Statement

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Tiling might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering unique bathroom design ideas, but it's a great place to make a statement. Plaid tiles, in particular, are a trendy option that stands to make your bathroom pop. This pattern has gone through waves of popularity in home decor, and we're in the midst of one of those waves. As tile designer Damla Turgut told Livingetc, "[Plaid and gingham] strike a balance between nostalgia and modernity, and that's why we're seeing these patterns are having a moment right now." In bathrooms, plaid tiles instantly add visual interest and personality to a room that doesn't always get enough attention when decorating. They can also make a tight space look bigger. You can buy ready-made plaid tiles or design your own pattern by pairing smaller tiles in different colors.

When you're ready to ditch those boring white tiles, you'll first need to decide whether you want to go plaid in your shower, on your bathroom walls, or on your bathroom floor. Then, it's time to select your color palette. Whether you go colorful or muted, you'll create a unique backdrop that's both on-trend and classic enough to stand the test of time. With bold tile, other decor details begin to fall into place, like choosing the right shower curtain or fixtures for your bathroom sink.

When selecting plaid tiles for your bathroom, pay close attention to the materials and finish. Beyond color, these two considerations can make a world of difference in the final look and feel of your bathroom's aesthetic. Plaid tiles can be made of many different things, such as ceramic, porcelain, marble, stone, and cement. Glossy ceramic tiles or matte cement ones are two great options. Both look polished, come in a variety of colors, and allow the graphic pattern of the tiling to truly pop. 

Make sure you purchase slip-resistant tiling, particularly if you're swapping out the tiles in your shower or on your bathroom floor. These tiles also protect against mold and mildew growth, which can be a real problem in bathrooms, as mold can start to grow on a damp surface in just 24 to 48 hours. If you opt to install plaid tiles in your bathroom by yourself, take your time. You'll need to be patient and meticulous throughout the process to avoid making common mistakes along the way. (For the record: Approximately four out of five homeowners who renovate their bathroom do lean on the pros, according to Houzz's 2024 Bathroom Trends Survey. There's no shame in that!)

Since plaid is such a timeless pattern, you can pair it with many different design aesthetics. It still packs a punch, though, especially when it's used to cover a relatively large surface area in a small room, such as a bathroom. Unless you're a fan of maximalist home decor, you'll probably want to let your plaid tiles do the talking and surround them with pared-down pieces in a modern or minimalist aesthetic. In that case, spring for simple furniture, fixtures, and bathroom linens, prioritizing neutrals or muted hues like earth tones. You can even use plaid tiles as the sole accent in an otherwise all-white bathroom.

Feeling bolder? Alternatively, you can embrace an eclectic decor aesthetic and further emphasize your plaid tiles with other punchy accents — think incorporating a funky shower curtain in a totally different pattern or painting your bathroom walls a deep, rich hue that complements the color of your tiles. This fun decor style is rising in popularity for bathrooms, per Houzz's aforementioned survey, so you'd be doubling up on trends.