Being bold and brave with pattern in your home is a key design movement of the moment, being a fantastic way of bringing personality and individuality into to your space. However, finding the confidence to be bold with colour and pattern combinations in traditionally functional areas, such as bathrooms, can be daunting if you don’t know where to start.
Whether you’re working with a compact cloakroom WC or are looking for larger ensuite ideas, the right choice of bathroom tiles offers the necessary practicality while also capturing a particular mood or desired feel. From classic checkerboard flooring designs to bold colour combinations, discover our top bathroom tile pattern ideas to inspire your next home renovation or refresh project.
The Power of Colour and Pattern
Of course, we couldn’t talk about patterned tiles bathroom ideas within interiors without considering the impact of colour. If you’re not sure where to start, think about which colours you are naturally drawn to, using colour theory and pattern design to help determine how you want to feel in your bathroom. For example, soft pastels and botanical designs will create a soothing scheme, while geometric patterns in vibrant hues inject a sense of energy and revitalisation.
Colour and pattern go hand-in-hand in the world design, so don’t feel the need to play it safe with accompanying neutrals when working with patterned tiles. Instead, pick out a colour from within the tile design to use on the wall above for a half-height tile feature. This simple technique ties the space together beautifully while maintaining a cohesive, balanced feel.
Striped Metro Tiles
Recognised as an absolute bathroom staple, metro tiles may seem like a plain option, yet when arranged in a bespoke way they can become anything but basic. One technique that is simple yet effective for creative basin or shower wall tile designs involves laying your brick tiles vertically in alternative colour stripes.
Striped decor on walls not only adds movement and visual interest, but also elongates the height of space, which is particularly useful for those seeking small bathroom tile ideas.
Marlborough Cotton & Marlborough Green
Checkerboard Tiles
Checkerboard patterns have made a serious comeback in the world of home interior trends, being a classic choice for bathroom floor tile pattern ideas. Whether you opt for monochrome or softer tonal shades such as an off-white and cream pairing, this pattern is a classic that never dates.
And you needn't be deterred from this style if your bathroom is slightly on the smaller side. Using large format tiles in a diagonal checkerboard pattern gives a smaller space a more expansive feel by creating an illusion of space. Your eye sees more of each large tile making the room seem more expansive and open.
Firenza Rose & Ivory Checkerboard Tiles
Statement Patterned Features
For those looking to create a bolder feature or statement area within a washroom, using patterned tiles as a vanity feature wall or shower wall tile designs is an instant way of elevating a standard bathroom to a boutique-style space.
Think oversized botanical prints, geometric patterns or Moroccan-inspired designs used on a single wall or floor area, paired with neutral complementary tiles or block-painted walls to balance the scheme. Match accessories like towels and soap dispensers to a colour pulled from the tile design for a curated finish.
Sleek Marble Designs
If you're after understated luxury, marble-effect patterned tiles are a timeless choice that surpass fleeting design trends. These versatile porcelain alternatives capture the same gentle veining that mimics the natural stone, with improved durability and lower-maintenance benefits while being suitable for both walls and floors.
For anyone concerned about prioritising small bathroom pattern tile ideas, use larger format tiles with minimal grout lines to open tight spaces and maintain visual flow.
Of course, it’s also important to consider finishes within your bathroom. Matte tiles are a smart option for bathroom floor tiles to reduce slipperiness underfoot when stepping in and out of the shower. You could ever pair them with polished finish tiles on your walls, as a way of enhancing natural light through reflective surfaces that bounce light around a smaller space.
Gilded Ember Polished Porcelain
Mix-and-Match Tile Combinations
When it comes to patterned decor during this year’s trends, it all about more is more – think clashing patterns, feature walls and blocking areas through differing colour or materials. Knowing how to mix and match tiles within a bathroom creates a well-balanced eclectic, designer look that feels highly considered. For instance, pairing a patterned feature wall tile with a plainer, large-format design introduces visual contrast that feels balanced while maintaining cohesion through a shared colour palette.
Combine pattern tile bathroom ideas for a layered look by sticking to a consistent colour scheme and using different textures for added depth by create zones using various patterns or design styles.
Arabescato Verde paired with Aura Kit Kat Teal & Richmond White
Find your full bathroom tile scheme with us
Nailing the right bathroom tiles go beyond sole functionality, they can be a creative expression of your personal style. From sleek and modern to vintage and bold, there’s no shortage of bathroom decor inspiration over on our home design blog to help you bring your dream space to life.
Explore our full collection of porcelain tiles to discover the latest designs sourced from our network of premium global suppliers, with free samples available to be sent directly to your home.
