Trends in Bathroom Tile

Just like clothes, home fashions come and go—though, gratefully, not as quickly. Technology has made many changes in what we want in our homes. However, a change you may not expect from technology is in tile—especially bathroom tile.

We all remember bathroom tile from our childhood or early-married-life home. It was 4×4 and usually white. Then came colors. I recall the avocado green 4×4 tile of the kitchen in my high-school years. My bathroom at that time was cutting edge with aqua arabesque tile. With the limited tile options available, manufacturers produced a bull-nose edge piece to go with each color available.

Then, for those who wanted something more creative, there were hand painted clay tiles—usually from Italy or Mexico. They were expensive and only used as an accent. They were also very fragile and broke easily, even after they had been laid.

Technological Advances

Now, digital printing allows for all kinds of colors and patterns. We have a variety of faux stone tiles and some dramatic patterned tiles. There is mosaic tile that comes in myriad shapes, styles, and color combinations. Even the basic subway tile now comes with interesting textures and treatments. Additionally, with all these different tiles, manufacturers no longer make a bull-nose tile for every color/pattern. Now, the edges feature a product called Schluter (though there are now several manufacturers that make a comparable product)—a metal edging that comes in a variety of colors/finishes to match your plumbing fixtures.

As a remodeling contractor, I love looking at all the new tiles that seem to come in on a weekly basis. The vast selection can be overwhelming to most homeowners. With this in mind, I always look forward to our annual Parade of Homes. Many communities have something similar. It is a collection of houses built by different builders who are each, essentially, showing off their best work. The homes incorporate the latest and greatest. It is a perfect opportunity to see what is new in product and trends.

Bang for Your Buck

Remodeling a bathroom provides the best return on your money—which is, perhaps, who I do more bathroom remodels than anything else. At the Parade of Homes, I pay extra attention to the bathrooms. In 2023, the Parade of Homes here in Lubbock had two different price points of homes: Average and over-the-top. Regardless of which group of homes I viewed, the trends in bathroom design were essentially the same. If you are looking to update your bathrooms, I hope you will find these observations helpful.

At the 2023 Parade of Homes, there were two main trends in bathroom tile that I observed.

Trends in Bathroom Tile

First, regardless of the price point, not one bathroom on the Parade of Homes had a decorative stripe—neither horizontal (typical in recent history) or vertical. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do a decorative stripe. They will still be done and they will still look good. We’ve done several recently—the homeowners love them. It is just that with newer tiles come fresher trends. All of the photos below (in this section) are jobs we, Triumph Properties Lubbock, did.

Second, the incoming look is to do either an accent wall with an especially interesting tile and a plainer 12 x 24-inch tile on the other walls, or a unique version of a traditional tile, laid in a non-traditional pattern. As I mentioned previously, the classic subway tile, has been reinvented with new finishes and different edge patterns—and it can be laid in creative ways. Additionally, the walls can be more basic, with a pretty tile in the shampoo niche. We’ve done a couple of these recently—both in a super-budget-friendly version and an I-want-what-I-want version.

My Personal Bathrooms

Within the past year, I redid the tile in both the shower for my guest room and the primary bathroom. In the guest room, I did a subway tile that has three different finishes: one is pearlescent, one has some sheen, and the third is matte. The choice I made was to use all creamy white tiles—but laid with one row vertical and the next horizontal—in a repeating pattern. For the primary bath shower, we did a patterned tile on one wall, a plain 12×24 inch tile on the second, and glass one the third. The fourth side is open. 

Budget Considerations

If budget is a consideration, keep in mind that a prefab shower pan will be more cost-effective than using mosaic tile on the shower floor (the needed slope of the shower floor almost mandates mosaic tile). The craftsman doesn’t have to hand lay all that tile. Likewise, installing 12×24 tile is more budget-friendly than subway tile for the same reasons. Surprisingly, then, large-format tile (24×48) generally costs more to set as it requires a special tile-saw. Large-format tile is also about 2-3 times more per square foot.

Age Considerations

For those over fifty, I always suggest a bench where one can sit and shower using a handheld shower head. Both the bench and the handheld add to the cost. But if balance becomes an issue, the added expense is well worth it. Also, consider a curb-less shower that offers easy access for a wheelchair and/or walker—though this requires serious additional cost in a bathroom remodel (and is not advised on second floor bathrooms). In the photos above, done by Triumph, be sure to note the benches and hand held shower head. Read more about benches and hand held showers here.

Resale or Not?

Remember, remodeling your bathroom is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Depending on your age, different factors come into consideration. Is your personal preference most important, or is resale value? What is the value of the surrounding homes in your area?

If you plan to be in your home for several more years, make your bathroom a space that will be your sanctuary—regardless of trends. There are many great options available. If resale is a factor, I suggest you stay fairly neutral with a nod toward current trends. 

You are in there every day. Enjoy it!

---

Marita Littauer Tedder has spent the majority of her adult life working with women—helping them improve relationships, achieve their speaking and writing dreams, and being the best version of themselves they can possibly be. The author of 20 books, this Living Our Best Life Project is her newest effort—through which she hopes to challenge women to be fulfilled where they are.