Start with the Surface
Bathroom tile decisions get a lot easier once you think about each surface separately, because the requirements are genuinely different.
Tile bathroom floor:
- Needs to handle moisture, foot traffic, and cleaning products
- Because of the many grout joints, mosaic tiles provide natural traction for wet areas
- Hexagon and penny rounds are perennial favorites (for good reason)
- Matte glazed and Unglazed porcelain tile are good choice if additional slip-resistance is needed
Bathroom wall tile:
- More flexibility on finish; gloss works beautifully on walls
- Subway, square, and chiclet shapes all shine here
- Pattern tile on a feature wall behind a vanity or soaking tub is having a major moment
Bathroom shower tile:
- Smaller formats like penny rounds and 3/4" mosaics are ideal; more grout lines mean more grip
- Porcelain mosaic tile for shower floors is one of the best performers in terms of durability and water resistance
- Consider carrying your floor tile up the lower portion of the walls for a cohesive, spa-like feel
Picking a Style That Works for You
One thing that sets a bathroom apart is how well the tile style matches the rest of the design. A few directions we see working really well right now:
- Vintage & Victorian: Hexagon patterns, penny rounds, and high-contrast color combinations. Browse our Victorian & Edwardian collection for inspiration.
- Clean and contemporary: 3x3 glazed squares, subway tile, and minimal color palettes
- Bold and playful: Colored penny rounds, geometric Pinnacle patterns, or a pop of unexpected color underfoot
Not sure where to land? Our hexagon tile collection and penny round options are great places to start browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best tile for a bathroom floor?
Porcelain is generally the top choice for bathroom floor tile; it's dense, water-resistant, and built for high-moisture environments. Unglazed porcelain and matte-finish glazed options both offer better slip resistance than gloss finishes.
Can I use the same tile on the floor and walls?
Yes, and it often looks great, especially in smaller bathrooms where a continuous tile creates a more open feel. Just make sure the finish works for both surfaces; some high-gloss wall tiles aren't ideal for floors.
What's the best tile for a shower floor?
Smaller-format tiles are your best bet. Porcelain mosaic tile for shower floors, like penny rounds or small hexagons, provides more grout lines, which adds traction and helps with drainage. Unglazed porcelain is a particularly strong performer here.
How do I calculate how much bathroom tile I need?
Measure the length and width of the area in feet and multiply to get square footage. Then add 10–15% for cuts and waste. For complex layouts or multiple surfaces, feel free to reach out–we're happy to help you work through the math.