Taking on a bathroom remodel can be a daunting task since there are so many different elements to think about. Perhaps you'd like to add a walk-in shower to your design to make your bathroom both functional and a place you actually want to spend time in? Even small bathrooms can benefit from the addition of this luxurious feature. Or, maybe you already have a walk-in but it's looking a little run-down and could use a facelift? In either case, the tile you select for your shower is just as important as the layout and will be one of the first things you see since there won't be a shower curtain.
Not having a shower curtain also means that you won't be able to hide your cluttered toiletries anymore, but that's a small price to pay to show off your new tile design. Keep in mind that opting for darker colored grout, and tiles with some color variation, won't show dirt and water spots as quickly.
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Intrigued? Keep scrolling for 25 eye-catching tile ideas for your walk-in shower that will completely transform your space.
25 Walk-In Shower Tile Ideas
1. Go for high contrast with black and white tiles.
Make your walk-in shower the centerpiece of your bathroom with black and white details, like this one designed by Michelle Dirkse. The classic white subway tile on the shower walls paired with black and white penny tile is a timeless combination that is hard to beat.
2. Make a small bathroom look larger with floor-to-ceiling shower tile.
Make a statement in a small bathroom with a fun graphic tile in the shower area. Follow the lead of designer Jessica Brigham and bring the tile all the way to the ceiling so it doubles as an accent wall. A clear, frameless glass shower door makes the bathroom look bigger and allows the tile to be the star of the show.
3. Add an unexpected pop of color.
Infuse an unexpected pop of color into your guest bathroom with fan-shaped tiles flaunting a vibrant turquoise color, as witnessed in this fun reno by Will from Bright Bazaar. If you're going to pick a bright-colored tile, add in neutral elements like white floor tile and minimalist fixtures to make the space feel balanced.
4. Incorporate a subtle metallic accent.
Adding subtle copper details into your otherwise neutral walk-in shower design is a surefire way to add extra flair. The thin accent spotted in this bathroom designed by Elizabeth Ryan Interiors adds just enough to take the simple mosaic floor tile and white subway tile to the next level. This is a prime example of less is more.
5. Choose a classic element in a bold color.
Installing classic subway tile in an unexpected herringbone pattern, and opting for a bold color, is an easy way to make your shower look like the work of the pros over at A Well Dressed Home. For this sleek bathroom belonging to Cassie from Hi Sugarplum!, they completed the sleek design with a glass shower enclosure and a dreamy freestanding tub — the ultimate blend of cool and classic.
6. Pack a punch with wall-to-wall tile.
A small bathroom might not be ideal for a lot of things, but it's perfect for pulling off this wall-to-wall tile look by Amanda Barnes Interiors. The neutral gray and white color palette keeps the repetitive pattern from overwhelming the small space, plus the natural light from the window paired with the clear glass shower door makes it feel open and inviting.
7. Keep it simple with minimalist hardware.
Solid marble slabs and diamond pattern floor tile make this walk-in shower by Jenna Sue Design quite the showstopper. Brass hardware and simple hinges on the shower door let the marble walls take center stage. It will also be an easy look to keep clean since there are hardly any grout lines to scrub and only one glass panel to wipe.
8. Blend in with a monochromatic color palette.
Mossy shades of green are everywhere right now. Make this ultra-popular hue work in your bathroom by using it as the base for a monochromatic color palette à la interior designer Erin Kestenbaum. The wall-to-wall tile and coordinating paint allow the walk-in shower to blend seamlessly with the rest of the room.
9. Keep it simple with white tile and grout.
Stacked white shower tile, with thin white grout lines, gives this bathroom design from Lisa Dawson Styling a super clean look. Foregoing a shower curtain, or even a glass door, opens up this tiny shower making it feel roomier than it actually is.
10. Don't hesitate to mix metal finishes.
Go for an inviting layered look in your walk-in shower by mixing and matching various metal finishes. This modern gray design by the couple behind Chris Loves Julia showcases a black handheld showerhead and matching window trim, but the brass door hardware and towel hooks add a welcome dose of warmth.
11. Go for an airy vibe with a sleek glass shower divider.
Instead of weighing down your walk-in shower design with a bulky framed door, opt for a single, frameless glass panel, like this minimalist bathroom by Australian interior styling company The Stables. Seafoam green wall tiles and an oversize rain showerhead will make you feel like you're at a luxurious spa every time you step inside.
12. Experiment with different tile patterns.
You can change the entire look and feel of your walk-in shower just by arranging the wall tiles in a different pattern. Don't be afraid to experiment with various arrangements before finalizing the layout. Lauren Dyer Design chose a basketweave pattern in this bathroom for a modern twist on the classic running bond.
Take a page out of JKath Designs' playbook and accentuate your walk-in shower with dark teal tile for a sleek hotel-worthy finish. And thanks to the natural light from a small window, and the floor-to-ceiling tile, this shower stall looks roomier than it actually is. Pair that with a light wood vanity and gray floor tile for a balanced look.
14. Upgrade your design with brass fixtures and marble tile.
This luxurious walk-in shower by the team over at Eye for Pretty has it all, from a matching pair of dual showerheads to marble benches. And to get the uninterrupted look of slabs without the hefty price tag, use thin grout lines with your shower tile.
15. Don't get rid of your bathtub.
If you're short on space but can't decide between a walk-in shower and a tub, then don't. Pull inspiration from this bathroom makeover by Midwest Electric and combine the two for a solution that will keep everyone happy.
16. Add texture and visual interest with a marble tile mosaic.
Turn your walk-in shower into an eye-catching piece of art by installing small square marble mosaic tile, like the husband and wife team that make up Cedar and Suede did in this contemporary design. The neutral gray and white tile paired with the dark wood floors make this dreamy sanctuary feel like a high-end spa.
17. Pull out all the stops with pink shower tile.
This design by Diamond Interiors is not for the timid. The pink color variation in the shower tiles gives the space stunning depth and dimension. And as if that weren't enough, the blush-hued tile is paired with tons of natural light and barely-there glass screens, resulting in a visual treat.
18. Welcome a light and airy coastal vibe with light blue tile.
Who needs paint when you have glossy, light blue wall tile? The team over at Three Birds Renovations gave this bathroom design a light and airy makeover with the help of sky blue herringbone wall tile that extends through the walk-in shower to the adjacent wall for a look that is cohesive and beautiful.
19. Get the marble look for less with porcelain tile.
Get the look of marble tile without going over budget by opting for a porcelain look-alike. The beige variation used in this bathroom by Rebecca Lawson from Malmo and Moss makes the small walk-in shower feel light and open despite its petite size.
20. Choose a statement-making shower screen.
Keep the tile simple and choose a statement shower screen instead. We just can't get over how the bold black paneled divider in this bathroom — from the BFF duo behind Sammy on State — looks paired with the dainty flower-patterned penny tiles and wood vanity.
21. Play with unexpected color combinations.
This colorful bathroom by Kelly from Studio DIY is the design you never knew you needed until now. The unexpected pairing of the shiny emerald green zellige tile in the walk-in shower and the pink patterned floor tile works thanks to the white walls and light wood vanity.
22. Add old-world charm with textured matte tile.
The textured tile used by Lawless Design in this stunning walk-in shower gives the whole space an old-world vibe. By using the same shape and size tile for the entire wall, but keeping the top portion neutral, the shower area looks like something you'd see in a chic European hotel.
23. Choose a classic palette that'll never go out of style.
The white subway tile, marble floors, and warm wood trim is a timeless combination that will always look fresh and sophisticated. This walk-in shower design by Megan and Daniel from Our Handcrafted Life is perfect for those wanting a classic look that will appeal to everyone —should you decide to move later on.
24. Add warmth with beige tile.
Extend basic white penny tile from the bathroom floor all the way up to the ceiling, as seen in this vintage-inspired retreat by Claire Brody Designs. Beige grout complements the copper soaking tub and adds warmth to the space. It will also be easier to clean than standard white grout.
25. Keep it bright with white-on-white tiles.
Natural light and bright white tile make this walk-in shower from Sunny Circle Studio look fresh and inviting. The large glass panel shower door is impressive but, be warned, this one might be trickier to keep clean since the natural light will highlight fingerprints and water spots. The end result will be worth it though!
Just a Few Important Things to Keep in Mind
Choosing to include a walk-in shower in your bathroom renovation plans is a big undertaking, but worth the investment. Incorporating elements like colorful tile, frameless glass doors, and luxurious hardware can help make a big impact in even the smallest bathroom. It may not be the easiest task to keep the large glass shower enclosures free from water spots, streaks, and fingerprints, but a bit of weekly maintenance will keep your new bathroom design looking squeaky clean.
Although any renovation can be costly, if you shop around and compare prices, you'll be able to stick to a budget. Opting for a fun pattern or contrasting grout color are just a couple of easy and cost-efficient ways to make sure your walk-in shower aligns with your personality and style preference.