20 Bathroom Wall Tile Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation

Bathroom tile is necessary for a functional and easy care space, but it can be much more.

Many bathroom wall tile ideas allow you to have fun with tile by using a variety of colors, patterns, and placements.

Here are 20 ways to use tile that will add flair to any size bathroom, from big and bold to calming and spa-like, depending on your style.

Use these examples to inspire you to take your bathroom from basic to beautiful.

Install Striped Subway Tile

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Subway tile is a classic because it’s affordable and goes with most fixtures and paint colors.

Choose black-and-white subway tiles to add interest to a standard bathroom with this timeless product.

Arrange them in a horizontal stripe pattern for a bathroom wall tile idea that’s a modern play on classic black-and-white bathroom decor.

Keep the rest of the design simple so the stripes don’t feel overwhelming.

A black vanity, clean-lined framed mirror, and low-profile sconces work with the tile for a harmonious look.

Go with a Classic Look

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White rectangular subway tiles work great in a bathroom because they reflect light and make a small space feel larger.

Here, the tiles are arranged in a classic running bond pattern. Dark grout adds interest to the walls and plays off the dark floor tiles.

The wood-planked ceiling warms up the simple palette without taking away from the subway tile’s statement look.

Choose Soothing Marble

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With marble tile, your bathroom will have a spa-like feel. 

Large rectangle tiles run from floor to ceiling behind the vanity, and the hexagon floor tiles are also marble, adding to the luxurious ambience.

Mixing and matching tile shapes in the same color or pattern is a way to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

A wood vanity and dressing table continue the top-of-the-line look.

Pick a Beautiful Blue

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Blue is a relaxing color and a perfect choice for a room with many water-based activities.

For a creative bathroom wall tile idea, blue square floor tiles are used as wainscoting as well as flooring in this bathroom to create a lake-like effect.

The white standalone bathtub breaks up the blue and becomes the focal point in the space. Light grout keeps the tile looking airy and crisp.

Infuse a Bathroom with Bold Color

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Choose a bold color for a bathroom wall tile idea to add dynamic color.

Rectangle tiles in shades of green laid in a contemporary stacked style become an accent wall behind the vanity.

In the shower, white tiles of the same size and shape add function and separate the two spaces without distracting from the statement wall.

The deep brown vanity juxtaposes the cool green to warm the cool hue.

Bring in Big Pattern

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Bold pattern tiles are the star of this bathroom!

They flow seamlessly from the bathroom floor to the shower, and extending the tile up the wall keeps the space playful.

Inside the shower, white subway tiles create a place for the eye to rest without competing with the colorful tiles.

The soft green on the vanity coordinates with the tile color, adding a calm touch to the busy space.

Mix and Match Bathroom Wall Tile Ideas

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Mixing and matching patterns in the same color is a creative bathroom wall tile idea.

Mosaic square tiles are featured as a border, breaking up the larger white wall tiles.

Using the smaller tiles adds color that connects with the larger patterned tile on the bathroom floor without pulling focus from it.

Repeating the patterned tile in the storage nook is a great way to tie the spaces together.

Keeping the oversized pattern on the floor and limited to two colors prevents it from feeling overwhelming.

Catch a Wave

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What’s a nautical look without ocean waves?

Blue and white square tiles come together to make waves in this bathroom.

Containing the pattern to one wall creates an accent wall that’s on theme but not overpowering.

White plank walls and dark floors recede into the background to let the tile command attention.

Stay Neutral

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Patterned tiles in a neutral color scheme are a great bathroom wall tile idea that adds interest without relying on bold colors.

Here, the black, cream, and gray tiles keep the multiple patterns from feeling too busy and coordinate well with the marbling on the vanity countertop and the wood vanity.

Opt for Classic Navy

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Navy subway tiles in this shower add a twist to the classic bathroom tile.

The contrast between the navy tiles and the white grout turns the shower area into the focal point of the bathroom.

Outside of the shower, the same tiles in a vertical arrangement create a border around the bathroom floor and connect the shower area to the rest of the space.

Marble tile trim around the shower doors, the marble sink tops, and marble hexagon floor tiles are neutral counterparts to the deep blue.

Feel French Inspiration

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Mix the patterns to add a fresh take to a French-inspired black-and-white bathroom wall tile idea.

Wall tile in a basketweave pattern above the black beadboard paneling adds interest to the space while keeping with the theme.

The vintage-style flooring and pedestal sinks continue the European feel, while the gold-framed mirrors and statement light fixtures add drama.

Coordinate Tile Patterns

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Arrange tiles in a herringbone pattern to add dimension and direct the eye.

The arrow-like backsplash tile highlights the patterned floor.

The diagonal layout of the herringbone is repeated subtly in the design underfoot, tying together the two different designs in this small space.

The walls are painted the same blue as the floor tile to complete the look.

Feature a Tiled Half-Wall

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Use natural colors and materials to create a relaxing, neutral bathroom.

A tiled half wall in the bathroom looks like exposed brick but is easier to clean.

The marble tile border connects the wall to the bathroom sink above the wood floating vanity, which connects through color to the half wall, creating a cohesive, clean look.

Opt for a Vintage Look

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The pretty pink tile in this bathroom adds color and harkens back to the 1950s pink bathroom trend.

The stripes differentiate the vanity areas from the rest of the space. Gold accents modernize the pink to give the bathroom an updated feel despite its retro hues.

Sticking with the small squares in different colors is an easy way to add interest and stay within the same price range when choosing bathroom wall tile ideas.

Glam It Up a Little

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Gold mosaic tiles highlight the architectural elements around the bathtub and act as both a focal point and a neutral element in this bathroom.

The gold plays off the wood and natural fiber decor throughout the space, which tamps down the glam look but keeps the shine front and center.

Hexagon floor tiles in black and white add a subtle pattern that keeps the focus on the bathtub surround.

Plenty of light streaming in through the large window further enhances the shimmer.

Introduce Something Unexpected

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Switch things up by using unusual bathroom wall tile ideas.

Hexagon tiles are typically seen on bathroom floors, but they add texture when used as wall tiles.

The unique drawer pulls on the vanity are the same chrome as the faucets and light fixtures, which adds a seamless look.

Get Dramatic with Dark Tile

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Add a modern feel to a bathroom that gets a lot of light with black tiles.

White grout between the dark squares reflects the light to keep the space from becoming too moody.

Dark tile like this is a fun design choice, but in a bathroom where people have to do makeup or spend a lot of time in the mirror, make sure to have ample light fixtures since natural light will be at a premium. 

Include lighting above and beside mirrors for the best illumination.

Draw the Eye Up

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Want to make a room feel taller?

Hang tiles vertically to elongate a bathroom with a low ceiling.

Here, a beveled marble tile border along the ceiling adds luxury and is easy to clean.

The marble tile floor and white wall tiles work together to create a traditional space with modern details.

Cover the Walls with Tile

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Add a spa-like experience to your steam shower with floor-to-ceiling tile.

The black, gray, and white marbling throughout the hexagon tile is muted, so the space isn’t overwhelming.

The brass accents in the fixtures, shower nook border, and door handles break up the space.

When designing a shower, include a niche for soap, shampoo, and other necessities before completing the project so you don’t have to add shelving later.

Create a Vignette

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Define a section of the bathroom space with a bold bathroom wall tile idea.

Here, the square tiles work with the eaves of the bathroom walls and flow over the floating sink area to create a design vignette.

The natural brown tones in the tiles play off the brass fixtures.

The luxury vinyl plank floors connect visually to the paneled walls to tie the room together.