How to Choose the Right Tile Pattern for Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms are often where the best ideas come to life. And like most homeowners, you probably want it to show off a bit of your personality and style. 

An easy way to bring your vision to life is by choosing the right bathroom tile design. But with so many options, it can feel a little overwhelming, like you’re stuck in a tile store not knowing where to start. 

Don’t stress! In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular bathroom tile patterns and help you find the perfect fit for your remodel. 

Why Does Tile Pattern Matter Anyway? 

First off, why bother with a tile pattern at all? Can’t you just pick any tile and call it a day? 

Well, not quite. 

The pattern you choose has a big impact on how your bathroom looks and feels. Want to make a small bathroom feel more spacious? There’s a pattern for that. Want your shower to be the standout feature? There’s a pattern for that too. 

Tile patterns also help create balance, add movement, and even change how light reflects in the room. So, before you dive into tile shopping, it’s worth thinking about the vibe you want to create. 

Popular Tile Patterns for Bathroom Remodels  

Now, let’s break down some of the most popular bathroom wall tile patterns and help you determine which works best for you. 

1. Classic Subway Pattern

The classic subway pattern is a go-to for anyone who loves a clean, no-frills look. With this design, you have rectangular tiles (usually white, but you can easily switch them up with colors) arranged in an offset, brick-like pattern. You’ll see this style in a wide range of bathroom designs- from traditional to modern. 

One of the biggest perks of the subway pattern is its ability to make small bathrooms feel more spacious. The continuous horizontal lines give the illusion of greater width, making the room feel bigger than it is. Moreover, subway tiles are effortless to clean, so you won’t have to spend your weekends scrubbing away at grout lines. 

Best For: Small bathrooms or anyone who prefers a classic, minimalistic aesthetic.

2. Herringbone Pattern 

If you want to inject some personality into your bathroom, the herringbone pattern is where it’s at. Here, you take standard rectangular tiles and arrange them in a zigzag or V-shape. It’s stylish without being over the top. 

Herringbone is perfect if you want to make a bold statement. It works beautifully as a feature wall in the shower, behind the vanity, or as a stylish backsplash. And if you want to catch people’s attention, use contrasting grout to make the pattern pop even more. 

Best For: Showers, backsplashes, or accent walls. 

3. Chevron Pattern 

Similar to the herringbone pattern, chevron tiles are laid in a V-shape, but instead of overlapping, the ends meet perfectly to form a continuous zigzag. Homeowners often use it to infuse structure into their bathrooms. 

Chevron works beautifully on feature walls but can also be used throughout the whole bathroom if you want to go for something a little more eye-catching. You can mix the look with contrasting colors or materials for a bold statement, or keep it simple with a monochrome palette. 

Best For: A structured, chic vibe that works in both small and large bathrooms. 

4. Basket Weave Pattern 

Want something vintage and unique? The basket weave pattern arranges rectangular bathroom tiles to look like woven fabric. While it’s much more intricate than the subway or herringbone patterns, the final result is stunning. 

Basketweave works best in smaller areas, rather than the whole bathroom. It pairs beautifully with smaller mosaic tiles or classic ceramic options. 

Best For: Adding a vintage, intricate feel to specific areas of the bathroom without overwhelming the whole space. 

5. Large-Format Tiles 

Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines and allow for a smoother, more seamless look overall. You also get the added benefit of less cleaning- always a win! 

Since large-format tiles come in different materials like marble, porcelain, or ceramic, you can go as fancy or as laid-back as you like. Feel free to choose a glossy finish for a polished, luxe fee. 

Best For: Busy bathrooms that could benefit from a more understated vibe.  

6. Penny Tiles 

Penny tiles are exactly what they sound like—tiny round tiles that look like, well, pennies. They’re playful, retro, and can bring a lot of fun to your bathroom, especially if you go for a bold color. 

Being small, penny tiles offer a lot of grip, which makes them perfect for wet areas like showers. Additionally, their textured look adds visual interest to the room without being too overwhelming. 

Best For: Vintage-themed bathrooms or homes with kids/elderly loved ones. 

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Tile Pattern for Your Bathroom 

Choosing the right bathroom tile pattern can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to focus on your style, the size of your space, and how you want the room to feel when it’s done. 

Here’s what to do. 

1. Consider the Size of Your Bathroom

The size of your bathroom plays a big role in your choice of tile pattern. Smaller bathrooms can benefit from patterns like diagonal and subway that create the illusion of more space. 

On the other hand, if you’ve got a larger bathroom, you have more flexibility and can experiment with bold designs to add some structure and interest. 

2. Think About the Overall Style You Want

Are you going for modern and sleek, or do you prefer something vintage and cozy? Your overall design theme should guide your tile pattern choice. If you’re leaning towards a classic look, a simple subway or basket weave pattern might be the best fit. For something more contemporary, consider hexagon or herringbone tiles. 

3. Mix and Match with Patterns (But Don’t Overdo It)

It’s okay to mix different tile patterns to create visual interest, but you want to be careful not to overwhelm the space. For example, you can use one pattern for the shower wall and a different one for the floor. Just make sure the patterns complement each other and don’t compete for attention. 

Pro Tip: Try using a simple pattern for the majority of the space and reserve the more detailed design for an accent wall to keep things balanced. 

4. Play with Grout Colors

Grout may not be the first thing on your mind, but it can completely change the look of your bathroom wall tile pattern. If you want your tiles to blend, choose a grout that matches the tile color. But if you want the pattern to pop, go for contrasting grout, like black grout with white tiles. It adds character and makes the pattern stand out even more. 

5. Consider Maintenance

Some patterns require more upkeep than others. Smaller tiles or intricate designs, like basket weave or penny tiles, have more grout lines, which means more cleaning. If you prefer low maintenance, choose larger tiles with fewer grout lines, like large-format tiles, or simple patterns like subway. 

Bathroom Wall Surrounds: The Easy Way Out 

If you’re looking to revamp your bathroom without going through the hassle of re-tiling, might we suggest bathroom wall surrounds? These large, handy panels (typically made of acrylic or fiberglass) are installed around your shower or tub. Think of them as the fast track to a fresh-looking bathroom. 

But why are wall surrounds so highly recommended? 

• They’re incredibly easy to install. Professional bathroom remodel contractors can have them up in as little as a day. 
• With wall surrounds, there are no grout lines- meaning there’s minimal cleaning required. A quick wipe with a cloth, and you’re good to go. 
• Because wall surrounds are often made from waterproof materials like acrylic or fiberglass, they can help minimize water damage. 
• Wall surrounds come in a bunch of different colors, textures, and finishes. There’s a style to suit every taste. 

Even better, they’re a much more affordable option than custom tile work. If you’re looking for a bathroom makeover that won’t break the bank, this is your golden ticket. 

The Bottom Line 

With the right tile pattern, you can transform your bathroom into a stylish, functional space that you’ll love for years to come. Hopefully, this post has given you the confidence and inspiration you need to pick the perfect one for your remodel! 

At Lifespan Bath & Remodel, we make bathroom remodeling in Salt Lake City simple and convenient. Let us help you elevate your bathroom with stylish wall surrounds that make a lasting impression. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.