Bathroom Tile Trends You Don't Want To Skip In 2026

From repairing water damage after a horrific piping fiasco to the thrill and excitement of purchasing a new home, there are countless reasons to consider replacing the tiles in your bathroom. When it comes to design, experts are always updating homeowners on the best and the worst options for aesthetic, function, and relevance. By staying up to date with the latest trends, you can impress your guests and avoid "dated" decor. Some bathroom tile trends are falling out of style, like glossy tile, which can make a space feel cheaper and over-the-top. And don't worry, there are plenty of bathroom remodel ideas to inspire you to find the right balance of style and function.

Homeowners and designers in 2026 are focused on using bathroom tile on the floor, as a backsplash or accent on the walls, and in the shower — sometimes all four, for a drenched effect. Whether you're looking for the best small bathroom tile ideas to maximize style in a tiny space or luxury bathroom tile ideas for a large bathroom, these are some bathroom tile trends you don't want to skip in 2026. The biggest trends of the year include boho chic, with earth tones and terracotta tiles, hand-painted tiles, and zellige. Each of these bathroom tile trends is taking over the design industry with no signs of going away. One consistent note from designers for 2026 is to be careful with incorporating textures or natural design elements, including plants, out of the shower.

Designers and DIYers on social media are still advocating for the rise of the boho chic bathroom tile trend in 2026. This means tiles with bold, warm colors, lots of textures, and prominent natural materials, like unglazed stone. Generally, you will want to select tiles with a warmer color tone, like shades of red, brown, and orange, but you can use earthy tones, too. This isn't a new trend by any means, but it is still a design that is rising in popularity with homeowners. When looking for ways to create the trendiest boho chic style, consider using locally-sourced materials to go follow boho's sister trend of eco-friendly decor.

There are a few different ways you can incorporate a basket weave tile pattern into your bathroom to be on trend in 2026. A basket weave pattern is a tile design that strategically alternates tile direction to give an overlapping, weave effect. You can either alternate the direction of subway tile or create a more complex, layered weave look by alternating large and small tiles together. In 2026, you can expect to see variations of basket weave tiles used on flooring, accent walls, and showers.

A flooring style that is both classic and on-trend for 2026 is the checkerboard tile pattern. This pattern is expected to continue rising in popularity in 2026, especially with large-scale tiles in luxe materials like marble. The relatively simple design is exactly what it sounds like: white and black tiles that alternate across the floor like a checkerboard. Black and white is expected to remain the most popular option, but other colors and styles can be used to create a similar impact on the space. Most commonly, the pattern is laid out to be square with the room or in a diamond pattern.

Of all the bathroom tile trends that people are talking about for 2026, the use of earth tones and terracotta is at the absolute top of the list. Earthy tones are becoming wildly popular as homeowners seek a bit of respite in their spa-like bathrooms, surrounded by nature and natural materials. This style works particularly well with boho, coastal, or vintage bathroom designs. If you can't afford authentic terracotta tiles, ceramic tiles can also be purchased in a rich terracotta color.

Fluted tiles are another design trend for bathrooms in 2026 that is gaining a lot of attention and praise from designers. Homeowners are leaning toward covering an entire wall in vertical or horizontal fluted tiles. However, several designers on social media have cautioned their clients against installing fluted tiles in the shower, because moisture, soap scum, and other debris can build up in the crevices, which can be difficult to clean.

Another tile trend that's set to take over showers and bathrooms in 2026 is hand-painted tiles. Using the hand-painted technique for tiles is not a new idea. In fact, hand-painted tiled have been around for centuries. However, in 2026, the vintage look is expected to be on trend for a delicate, classic look that adds personality and individuality to the room. Experts like interior designer Ayesha Usman say this trend makes the area more inviting while giving it an expensive, luxurious look.

Herringbone is one tile design that is expected to dominate in 2026. Similar to chevron, herringbone creates a zigzag effect, but instead of pointed joints, the rectangular tiles are set at right angles in a staggered arrangement. Herringbone patterns are continually popular as they make a small bathroom feel larger and are versatile for both shower interiors and accent walls.

Matte tile finishes aren't just a trend in the bathroom; this flooring trend is set to rule homes in 2026, and for good reason. Glossy finishes can get very slick when they are wet, making your luxurious bathroom a health hazard. Not only do matte finishes solve this problem, but they also bring a new kind of refined elegance to the room. It's not just the floors, though, in bathrooms, matte finishes can be used on the walls or as accents to reduce the reflective sheen that glossy finishes bring to the area, making it feel more homey and less commercial. 

Natural stone tiles like marble is something that is always in style, and 2026 is no different. One type of stone in particular that is most likely going to be a trend is travertine, which is a type of limestone. Travertine combines a variety of trending design elements, including the natural tones that work with a boho style, while bringing unique features to the table. Not only is it an elegant, comfortable design choice, but it is also so versatile that it can even be used to create hexagonal, rectangular, and other tile shapes.

Although, on the whole, glossy tiles are on their way out, there is an exception. Zellige tile is an ongoing trend that is expected to continue in 2026. These hand-crafted tiles from Morocco are designed to bring a unique sense of style into your bathroom. Each tile is completely unique and created using traditional crafting methods, rather than industrial manufacturing. This process allows you to bring artisanal style to an array of unique zellige style trend layouts that can transform your space. They are generally used as decoration, rather than for function.