Beginning a bathroom renovation or starting from scratch is an adventure, and choosing the right bathtub tile is a crucial part of the process. We’ve curated a list of fifteen inspiring bathtub tile ideas that will inspire you, whether you’re seeking a modern twist on rustic aesthetics or a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere. From the timeless elegance of marble to playful, colorful patterns, the following concepts will help you visualize the possibilities for your center of relaxation—where you’ll unwind in solitude or splash around with your children. Let’s get into it!
1. Rustic Wooden Charm
You can incorporate the warmth of the woods into your bathroom by surrounding your tub with nature-inspired colors that bring a cozy aesthetic to your bathroom space. You can create a beautiful contrast using subdued sandy colors with a warm brown wooden hue provided on adjacent walls, and to ensure a seamless look, select grouting that closely matches the primary color of the tiles.
2. White with Mosaic Accent
Consider surrounding your tub with large white tiles accented by a horizontal strip of small mosaic tiles. We recommend choosing a neutral mosaic color palette that compliments the larger tiles and the overall color scheme of your bathroom to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. It’s perfect for a clean aesthetic focused on simplicity and subtle texture. To complete the look, pair it with dark floor tiles to ground the space and create balance.
3. Elegant Classic Comfort
To create a timeless limestone look in your bathroom floor tile design, cover both the floor and bathtub surround with large travertine tiles. The stone’s creamy beige tones create a sense of spaciousness and can be complemented with classic white cabinetry and a stone tile countertop to enhance the luxurious feel.
4. Polka Dots and Stripes
Transform your child’s bath time into a fun experience with a playful pattern mix, such as polka dots and stripes. You can use vibrant, striped patterns on the side of your tub, echoing a lively border of multi-colored mosaic tiles bordering the wall above. Pair this with crisp white paint on the upper to keep the space clean and bright. This joyful design style will surely spark the imagination and bring a smile to your child’s face.
5. Contemporary Contrast
Returning to a sleek and modern adult bathroom design, consider choosing contrasting tiles for your bathtub area. You can utilize large, dark grey tiles with a matte finish for the main areas and complement them with a strip of mosaic tiles featuring hints of dark blue for a subtle pop of color to add depth and a focal point to the space. We recommend using lighter shades in the rest of the bathroom to maintain a balanced look and achieve a stylish and contemporary aesthetic.
6. Classic Subway Serenity
You can never go wrong with the timeless design of classic white subway tile in your bathtub area. These tiles are perfect for bathtub surrounds, as their clean lines and reflective surface can make the space feel larger and brighter. We recommend using light grey grout to subtly define each tile and add visual interest without overwhelming the space, complemented with simple bathroom fixtures and a hint of color from bathroom accessories or towels, which can add a touch of personal style.
7. Playful Pop of Color
Another child-friendly bathtub tile idea is using vibrant, glossy tiles to create a lively and inviting space. You can start with a base of classic white tiles and anchor the bathtub design with a contrasting band of royal blue, which adds durability and helps to hide splashes and stains. Along the walls, introduce a band of a third color of tile at eye level for a playful splash that can stimulate the imagination and add energy to the room. This approach is ideal for a children’s bathroom that is both functional and fun.
8. Recessed Bathtub Retreat
Design a tranquil oasis by recessing your bathtub into a tiled floor, creating an inviting step-down effect that calls for long, relaxing soaks. Surround the tub with matching tiles extending across the floor to integrate it into the design while adding to the room’s spaciousness. Complement this serene setup with soft walls and natural accents to complete this peaceful environment.
9. Terrazzo Enclosure
Surround your bathing experience with terrazzo tile from floor to ceiling. The speckled terrazzo patterns bring an exciting yet sophisticated touch to the color-filled space encapsulated in a durable and easy-to-clean surface. Pair the design with wooden accents, like a vanity or shelving, to add warmth and balance to the coolness of the stone.
10. Marble Majesty
Another floor-to-ceiling bathtub tile design you can consider is full-slab marble. The natural veining against a solid background adds depth, and movement will allow you to spend your bathing time in a spa-like sanctuary. Complement this with sleek bathroom fittings and features like a heated towel rail for a touch of modern comfort that aligns with the luxurious feel of the space.
11. Vintage Revival
Revive the charm of the past in your bathroom with a bold, patterned tile design reminiscent of the Art Deco style, most popular in the 1920s and 1930s. A terracotta-toned tiles with intricate geometric patterns create a feature wall around your bathtub that pairs well with simple, solid-colored fixtures. To modernize the vintage look, consider a modern bathtub model that contrasts with the classic tile design, offering a unique blend of old and new.
12. Minimalist Elegance
Create an uncluttered space around your bathtub with large, light-beige textured tiles that provide a natural, stone-like appearance that can easily complement a drop-in bathtub. The uniformity of the tiles’ color and size allows for a calming aesthetic, perfect for a relaxing soak. Accent this minimalist approach with a simple, functional towel rack to ensure the space remains practical and stylish.
13. Oceanic Freshness
For a refreshing bathtub and shower area, consider using glossy blue tiles to create a vibrant and clean look reminiscent of the ocean. The bright blue provides a splash of color, and to maintain the fresh and airy feel, keep the rest of the bathroom in neutral tones and add natural textures through wooden accents or woven baskets. This design brings a coastal freshness to your daily bathing, making for a revitalizing start to the day.
14. Sleek Monochromatic Harmony
White marble-look wall tiles with a smooth, veined surface, a smooth, veined surface, transitioning to deep gray floor tiles, set a dramatic stage for your built-in bathtub. This design maximizes the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom and the practical use of space, especially in rooms with unique architectural features like sloped ceilings. Natural light from your bathroom window will enhance the marble’s natural patterns, creating a bright and airy ambiance, while the dark flooring will ground the space with a sense of solidity.
15. Eclectic Staircase Elegance
For a truly unique bathroom design, consider a bathtub integrated into a stepped platform, adding an architectural element to the space. Surround your tub with a vibrant accent wall of patterned tiles to infuse a sense of artistry. The mix of colors and patterns on the tiles behind the tub will draw the eye, turning the bathing area into a focal point, allowing the stairway and accent wall to stand out as a piece of functional art.
Your Bathtub Sits at the Center of Your Bathroom Tile Design
The bathtub and bathroom tile ideas we’ve explored in this article will help you create an atmosphere that resonates with your personal style and your home’s functional needs. Whether you choose the understated elegance of marble or the whimsical charm of bright colors, remember that the tile you select will be the building blocks of your bathing retreat. So, take the plunge into transforming your bathroom tiles with confidence and creativity, and let these ideas guide you to a space you’ll love for years to come.