The Tile Trend That's Bringing More Life And Personality To Bathrooms (And How To Achieve The Look)

Making the case for using ceramic tiles in your bathroom is pretty easy. For one, they're durable. They're also easy to maintain and water-resistant if installed correctly. Is your bathroom looking a bit dull? Here's a new tile trend that can breathe new life into your bathroom design: patterns crafted using porcelain or ceramic tiles. A funky, decorative tile pattern is a clever way to liven up any wall in your wet room. You can go bold with a maximalist pattern or make a pattern the centerpiece in a laid-back bathroom with minimalist decor. Whether your interior style leans dramatic or neutral, ceramic tile patterns are sure to make a statement.

Ceramic tiles come in all sorts of sizes, finishes, and even shapes. Which you choose makes a huge difference, aesthetically, in the patterns you can create. You can easily tailor tiles and patterns to your bathroom's existing design. Express your unique style or theme with bold tile shades or quirky tile combinations. This trend isn't limited to a specific location, either. Create your patterns on the floor, up one wall, next to the bathroom vanity, or in the shower. Just make sure, however, that you don't use heavy floor tiles on the wall, nor ceramic tiles (rather than durable porcelain) on the floor.

There are rules to follow when designing a bathroom with tile patterns. First, think about the mood you want to create. A bathroom full of bright, bold colors and eccentric patterns made with large tiles can create an energetic atmosphere. Is that the vibe you're going for? In smaller doses, tile patterns can work as a point of interest in a refined, minimalist-leaning bathroom — think a single wall of ceramic subway tiles in a few alternating hues. Consider, too, the layout of the tiles. Do you like checkered, herringbone, or basketweave? Picking the best bathroom tiles based on your lighting is key. If your bathroom gets a lot of natural light, a shiny finish might be your best option. For bathrooms with artificial lighting, consider using warm-toned light bulbs, which emphasize vibrant colors.

You'll also want to think about the broader tile pattern placement. You're not boxed into using this trend only on the floor. You can bring even more personality to your bathroom by adding a tiled accent wall, drenching the walls of your shower in tiles, or creating a line of tiles behind a bath in your pattern of choice. Bathroom fittings and accessories play a role. The tiles you choose should complement your faucet, vanity mirrors, and lighting fixtures, rather than overwhelm them. Consider using tile finishes and shades that match the fixture materials or aesthetic in some way. For example, if your bathroom leans antique, pair a classic checkerboard floor with a clawfoot tub and pedestal sink. Or adorn the inside of a wood-framed shelving alcove with the same patterned tiles you have on the floor.