11 Tile Trends You'll Start Seeing Everywhere In 2026

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If you're ready to embark on your next tile project, 2026 has brought about some stunning trends. Whether you want to upgrade your backsplash or bathroom floor, there are tons of unique tile designs, patterns, and colorways to consider. We've consulted top interior design experts to highlight the most prominent tile trends of the year that are slated to last for the foreseeable future. We obtained exclusive quotes for our HouseDigest readers from industry pros like Christopher Boutlier, Artem Kropovinsky, Craig Gritzen, and Cara Woodhouse.

With expert guidance, you can design a space that looks contemporary and reflects your style. Interior design is all about finding the balance of current trends and your unique aesthetic. From authenticity to organic decor, 2026 is highlighting tile trends that focus on a grounded, lived-in feel. According to the experts, these are the 11 bathroom tile trends you don't want to skip in 2026.

Handmade tiles have been trending for a while, but there is a specific kind of handcrafted tile that is gaining popularity. In 2026, designers are embracing perfect imperfection — but not a complete lack of uniformity. Christopher Boutlier, of Christopher Boutlier Interiors, exclusively told us: "Not the overly rustic kind, but tiles with subtle variation and imperfect edges. They bring quiet movement to a space and keep surfaces from feeling flat or overly engineered."

There are several types of tiles that have the perfect amount of visual variation without looking chaotic. For example, encaustic cement tiles can help blend contemporary and classic interiors by giving a modern material a handmade twist. Encaustic cement tiles develop a natural patina over time, and no two tiles are exactly the same. Because they are pressed, rather than heated in a kiln, they can be polished down in the case of any scratches of surface damage. They are also a more timeless alternative to other handmade tiles, like zellige, that may have had their day in the sun. After selecting your tiles, our flooring expert reveals everything you need to know before installing handmade floor tiles.

2026 is all about reconnecting with earthy design. Natural textures and organic decor are taking center stage, and this applies to tilework as well. We exclusively interviewed designer Artem Kropovinsky, owner of Arsight. When it comes to interior materials, he feels that design preferences are trending towards warmer, more nature-inspired color schemes. He says, "We see a move toward warmer palettes — muted greens, browns and clay tones are replacing cooler colors to create more comfortable and timeless feeling in the interiors."

Epitomizing the earthy tile theme, terracotta tiles are a major 2026 trend that is also undeniably timeless. These clay-based tiles can add instant warmth and visible character to your kitchen, bathroom, or living space. There are several beautiful styles of terracotta tiles for your home, and they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Explore a spectrum from soft, luminous gold tones to deep, fiery red hues. If you prefer cooler colors, source clay tiles in shades like moss green or muted olive. These warmer greens will prevent your space from looking cold.

There are major European influences seeping into 2026 decor. This is another reflection of the handcrafted trend, with a heritage-inspired twist. Craig Gritzen, founder and principal designer at Curated Style Collective, exclusively shares with our readers: "Plaster-inspired porcelain tiles will be a top trending tile finish in 2026. These tiles are inspired by European boutique hotels and are part of the broader wellness-inspired trends we are seeing across the industry. These tiles have hand-finished looks that are reminiscent of Venetian plaster with the durability of porcelain." This signals a broader shift toward spaces defined by authenticity.

When it comes to choosing the best plaster-inspired tiles for your space, Gritzen recommends colors like off-white, taupe, and beige for a calming, sculptural feel. He also notes that they can be used practically anywhere, from your bathroom to your fireplace surround. If you're intimidated by grout lines, consider larger format variations. These will strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary design. The goal is to keep the focus on the texture, rather than overwhelming your space with colors or details.

This year's tile trends are moving beyond traditional surfaces into more architectural details. Gritzen emphasizes the importance of an entryway that oozes personality. There is one tile installation that can completely reshape first impressions. Gritzen expands, "Entryways set the tone for the rest of the home, and homeowners are taking a more intentional approach to designing these spaces. Mosaic entry mats and permanent tile rugs are trending in high-end design projects in 2026. These are a bespoke alternative to traditional entryway mats and rugs with the advantage of being durable, non-slip, and waterproof." He also notes that these intricate "welcome mats" can be easily customized to suit your style. Not only are mosaic mats functional, but they are one of the best entryway tile ideas to make your space stand out.

There are several different ways to execute the mosaic welcome mat trend. You can invest in a custom design by a skilled artisan, or opt for a pre-designed mosaic tile rug. Some tile rugs are installed like traditional tile, while others come in removable or non-permanent floor covering formats designed to mimic the look. If you just want to try it out before committing to a full installation, consider testing the style with a product like this mosaic-style Vinyl Floor Mat from Carolina Creekhouse.

If natural stone or mosaic tiles feel too specific stylistically, you don't need to choose between basic builder-grade finishes and highly expressive, artisanal designs. Gritzen actually recommends mixing basic tile with more intricate, trendy tiles. This will add a layer of depth to your space without requiring a full redesign. Gritzen explains, "For 2026, I'm seeing designers mixing slabs with traditional field tile to create a layered look that feels more custom. Instead of one single finish, accents using porcelain or natural stone slabs, or field tile in niches break up the repetitive surface to create visual rhythm and depth to a space." He theorizes that the boutique hotel industry had a major hand in this trend, and that 2026 is all about highlighting layered spaces that aren't matchy-matchy.

There are more than a few ways to mix basic, builder-grade tile with more eclectic, artisanal installations. The backsplash is a popular option, but you can choose even smaller areas to add a pop of visual interest. For example, consider the area between your stove and your oven hood for a stunning mosaic. You can also tile just a niche in your shower with small, handcrafted tiles. Another option is to add artisanal stone tile just around a mirror or fireplace to frame various focal points throughout your home. These small accents are a budget-friendly way to experiment with trendy tiles.

If you're still tempted by the subway tile trend, but you're looking for a more modern interpretation, stacked rectangular tiles are the perfect solution. Gritzen highlights this best-of-both-worlds layout: "Stacked layout patterns are one of the enduring tile layouts that's still trending for 2026. These offer a clean alternative to brick layouts, helping a space feel more minimal and intentional. Stacking the tile in different orientations and with different textures allows you to customize the look of your space." This layout works well in both small and large spaces and offers flexibility in how structured or relaxed the final design feels. It's a simple shift that can change the overall tone of a room without changing the material palette.

There are countless places you can install stacked rectangular tiles, but Gritzen specifically recommends vertical stacks for showers or bathrooms that could use more visual height. If you want your space to look wider, a horizontal layout is best. Rather than a glossy finish, a matte or textured surface can lean even further into 2026 trends. These choices are subtle, but effective, and help adjust the proportions of a space.

Take textured tile to another level with sculptural surfaces. We obtained this exclusive quote from Cara Woodhouse, founder and creative director of Cara Woodhouse Interiors: "Sculptural and dimensional tile applications are going to become much more prominent in 2026. I'm seeing a shift toward tiles that create movement through form rather than color or pattern. Fluted surfaces, carved details, ribbed textures, and three-dimensional relief tiles add depth and shadow play in a way that feels architectural and artistic. They instantly make a space feel more custom and experiential." This approach moves tile beyond a flat surface and turns it into an active, modeled design element. It also allows lighting to play a bigger role in how the material is seen and experienced.

Fluted tiles are a trendy and affordable way to introduce texture. There are tons of beautiful ways to incorporate fluted tile into your bathroom or kitchen. For example, these Ackland Marino Silken Fog Tiles are made from porcelain, making them water-resistant and suitable for wall installations in wet areas. If the fluted trend doesn't tickle your fancy, minimalist tiles with concave and convex patterns are another unique option to consider. These appear like geometric patterns with visible 3D relief and textured surfaces.

Although matte, textured finishes are having a major moment, glossy isn't out altogether. It's all about using it in the right way. There's a specific way to make glossy tiles look modern, and Woodhouse tells us how: "Glossy finishes are making a strong return, especially in unexpected colors and saturated tones." She continues, "High gloss tiles in deep oxblood, emerald, aubergine, or even lacquer inspired neutrals create a moodier, more cinematic effect that feels fresh and modern." Rather than the bright whites and classic subway styles traditionally associated with glossy finishes, these deeper, more unconventional shades give the look a contemporary edge.

If you're hesitant to tile an entire room in high-gloss tiles, you can experiment with this trend in smaller spaces like your guest bathroom or powder room, where the reflective surfaces can add impact without overwhelming the space. Lacquer-style tiles are also an excellent choice for a backsplash, as they are easy to clean and wipe down in case of food or water splashes and spills. Try pairing jewel-toned glossy tiles with matte fixtures and grounding them with neutral cabinetry or stone surfaces, so the color and sheen feel extra intentional.

Tile drenching might not be a brand-new trend, but it's only getting more and more prominent. Designers and homeowners are increasingly unafraid to commit to a certain style, color, or pattern. Woodhouse explains, "Instead of using tile sparingly, designers are taking one tile and fully immersing a room in it across walls, ceilings, shower surrounds, and even integrated shelving. It creates a cocoon-like environment that feels intentional, transportive, and incredibly luxurious when done correctly." There are pros and cons of tile drenching, but in 2026, it's bigger than ever.

Take tile drenching to the next level by extending the same color and style to your surrounding decor. For example, paint the cabinetry in a matching tone or choose countertop materials that have the same shade and finish. You can also echo the tile pattern through decor and textiles, such as using a herringbone layout through patterned towels or woven rugs. Or mimic the actual direction of the tile by introducing surrounding design elements that reinforce its flow, such as elongated mirrors or wall art that mirrors the horizontal or vertical tile layout. The key is to commit to a certain design, pattern, or color scheme in every capacity.

Checkered tiles are trending — with a 2026 twist. Just like several tiles trends this year, 2026 is all about reimagining classic, retro tile concepts. Woodhouse clarifies the innovative, new direction of checkerboard tiles, "Rather than the traditional black and white format, I'm seeing tonal checkerboard combinations, oversized scales, elongated rectangles, and mixed material applications that feel softer and more contemporary. It gives a nod to vintage design while still feeling very current."

Woodhouse isn't the only pro who is a fan of updating the classic checkerboard design. Christina Hall also shared a stunning way to give the checkerboard tile trend a fresh look. The new checkerboard trend is the perfect opportunity to explore modern mosaics. Try laying colored square tiles framed by pale rectangular tiles, with small, darker squares punctuating the corners. For a less ornate option, consider a checkerboard pattern made up of trendy, earthy tones and textured tiles. For example, try matte tiles in colors like off-white and burnt orange or beige and forest green.

Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of a crisp, decorative border. Use smaller tiles to frame your tiled surface. This is similar to the tiled welcome mat trend, but a slightly simpler, cleaner approach. Woodhouse explains the appeal of this geometric, nuanced tile trend: "Instead of feeling overly traditional, they're being used almost like trim work or architectural outlining within a space. Thin stone inlays, contrasting edge details, and unexpected border placements can make even the simplest tile application feel highly considered and bespoke." It's a small addition that makes a big visual impact.

There are several spaces to add tiled borders to your home. They can be used to delineate spaces in an open floor plan, such as a dining area or kitchen. An entryway or foyer is another space that can benefit from a tile border or "frame." Beyond simple square or rectangular borders, you can also create more ornate frames like listellos, checkered borders, or even floral and Victorian motifs. This is also an ideal way to smoothly transition from tile to wood flooring in your home.