There are many ways to make shower tile designs interesting and fun for the viewer. It’s best to begin by selecting the type of tile being used as the field tile, or main tile in the shower. Once that’s been selected, it’s time to accent it in new ways.
Subway Tile Designs
For showers using subway tile, try finding glass subway tile in the same size and thickness as the field tile. Thinner tile or slightly smaller tiles will work well, too, but try to avoid using accents that are thicker or larger than the field.
Lay the subway tile in the traditional running bond pattern, but replace random tiles with the glass tiles. The pattern will stay the same, but pops of color will be scattered and thrown throughout the shower. There are 8 tiles to a square foot in traditional subway tiles, so only a few square feet of glass will need to be purchased, making this a fun way of adding glass while not breaking the bank. For more color, try tiling the shower floor in the same color glass, in a 2" or smaller mosaic.
Mosaic Tiles
If using square tiles, larger tiles, or tiles that do not have bullnose as the field tile in the shower, purchase a few sheets of 5/8” polished mosaic tile, in ceramic, glass or stone, in an complimentary color. These sheets, cut down to single rows, will yield 19 linear feet of material. Use a thin row of material in place of bullnose on the edges of the tile, as well as at the top and base of each wall, and in the corners. This will end up framing each wall in a thin line of color.
For extra color, take extra sheets of the mosaic, and place one sheet behind the shower head, one behind the shower valve, and in a tub, one sheet behind the tub spout. This will give three big splashes of color to brighten the space. If niches are used in the shower, try taking the same mosaic, and placing them on the back wall of the niche as well.
Gradient Color
This design works well if using natural stone, glass or ceramic in color such as green or blue. Begin by tiling the shower floor and bottom section of the shower in the darkest color available. For example, using Verde Mare or Verde Sultan marble as the deepest color.
Then, use progressively lighter tiles as the design climbs higher up the walls. To continue the last example, move on to Verde Quetzal, Cippolini, Verde Luna and Ming Green as the marble travels up the wall. Using sheets of mosaic can help make the transition easier than larger tiles will, but medium sized tiles, like subway tiles, or 4” square tiles will work as well.
Unusual Sizes
Try using multiple colors, or even one single color of tile, in an unusual size to bring interest to the space. Long rectangular tiles, in sizes like 4” x 12” or 6” x 24” can be offset in a running bond, like traditional subway tiles, or stacked on top of one another for a modern look. Try using two or three colors, stacked on top of one another, with a dark color at the bottom of the shower, a light color at the top, and a bright or bold color as a band through the center.
Put a Pop of Color on the Shower Floor
Try using a very strong or bold color on the shower floor, if using a more subdued wall tile, or bathroom floor tile. A bold shock of color, particularly if done in glass tiles, can make a fun surprise for the bather, while not overwhelming the entire bathroom design with color.
Mixing materials and using existing materials in new ways can brighten any shower design. Think creatively, don’t be afraid to use bold colors in small amounts and watch the shower come alive.
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