Bathtub tile design might seem like just another home improvement choice, but trust me—it can completely change the personality of your bathroom.
I’ve seen dull bathrooms turn into jaw-dropping sanctuaries just by swapping out the tile around the tub.
Choosing the right tile is like picking the perfect outfit for your bathroom—it can be classic, bold, cozy, or even a little wild.
1. Classic White Subway Tiles
If you want timeless style, subway tiles are the little black dress of bathroom design. They’ve been around for decades, and for good reason: they’re clean, versatile, and never go out of style. White subway tiles around a bathtub make the space look crisp and bright.
You can keep it simple with a straight lay or add a twist with herringbone or vertical stacking. I once helped a friend redo their bathroom with glossy subway tiles, and the way light bounced around made the whole room feel twice as big. They’re also affordable, which makes them a practical win.
2. Bold Black Tiles
Think of black tiles like the tuxedo of the bathroom world—dramatic, sophisticated, and guaranteed to turn heads. Black tiles around the tub create contrast, especially if the rest of your bathroom is lighter.
Matte black tiles give a sleek, modern look, while glossy ones feel more glamorous. Pair them with gold or brass fixtures, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a luxury hotel.
3. Marble Tiles for a Luxe Touch
Marble is basically the bathroom equivalent of champagne—it’s indulgent, classy, and makes you feel a little fancy every time you use it. Marble tiles around the bathtub give a spa-like elegance.
Yes, marble can be pricey, but there are porcelain tiles that mimic marble beautifully without the high cost or upkeep. If you’ve ever soaked in a tub surrounded by marble, you know it’s a vibe—calm, rich, and luxurious.
4. Mosaic Accent Tiles
If you like detail, mosaics are where the magic happens. Imagine tiny pieces of glass, ceramic, or stone forming a unique pattern around your tub. Mosaic tiles work best as accents or borders to avoid overwhelming the space.
A friend of mine added a strip of turquoise mosaic along her white tub wall, and it looked like jewelry for the bathroom. It’s that little pop that makes people go, “Wow.”
5. Herringbone Tile Layout
Sometimes it’s not the tile itself but the pattern that steals the show. A herringbone layout makes simple tiles look chic and intentional.
Take a basic subway tile, lay it in a herringbone pattern, and suddenly, it feels like something out of a design magazine. It’s one of my favorite tricks for elevating a bathroom without spending more on materials.
6. Natural Stone Tiles
Stone tiles bring the outdoors in, creating a grounding, calming environment. Slate, travertine, or limestone tiles give a rustic and earthy vibe around your tub.
Stone does require sealing and maintenance, but if you’re after that nature-inspired look, it’s worth the effort. I once stayed in a mountain cabin where the bathtub was framed with slate tiles—it felt like soaking in a natural hot spring.
7. High-Gloss Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are classic, but when you go high-gloss, you get shine, reflection, and a clean finish that’s easy to maintain.
The gloss makes the space feel brighter and amplifies natural or artificial light. If you’re working with a smaller bathroom, this is a clever way to make it appear larger without tearing down walls.
8. Geometric Pattern Tiles
Geometric tiles bring personality into the bathroom. Hexagons, triangles, or diamond-shaped tiles add movement and visual interest around your tub.
Black-and-white hexagons can feel retro, while colorful geometrics bring in a playful, modern energy. Think of it as your bathroom wearing funky patterned socks—it just feels fun.
9. Blue Ocean-Inspired Tiles
Blue tiles are perfect if you want your bathroom to feel like a seaside escape. From navy to aqua, blue tiles evoke calm and freshness.
Pair with white grout for crisp contrast or go tone-on-tone for a softer, blended effect. I used deep navy tiles in a small guest bath once, and visitors always commented on how it felt like diving into an ocean retreat.
10. Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo has made a big comeback, and it’s not just for floors anymore. Around a bathtub, terrazzo tiles give a playful, speckled look that hides water spots and stains well.
It’s quirky, fun, and durable. If you’re into something artsy but not too loud, terrazzo is a winner.
11. Vertical Tile Layout
Most people go horizontal, but vertical tiles elongate the walls and make the ceiling feel taller.
It’s a small design trick, but it makes a big difference in compact bathrooms. This works especially well with slim rectangular tiles in soft colors like sage green or dusty pink.
12. Metallic Finish Tiles
Want some drama? Metallic tiles—gold, bronze, or silver—add shimmer and reflect light in interesting ways.
They’re bold, so they work best in small doses, like a strip around the bathtub or a feature wall. Think of them like jewelry—just enough to sparkle without taking over.
13. Neutral Beige Tiles
If bold isn’t your thing, beige tiles are warm, calming, and timeless. They make your bathroom feel like a serene retreat.
Beige works beautifully with natural wood accents, soft towels, and warm lighting. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket but in tile form.
14. Large Format Tiles
The bigger the tile, the fewer the grout lines, which means a cleaner, sleeker look. Large format tiles make bathrooms feel more spacious and modern.
Think oversized porcelain slabs or even stone-look panels. Less grout also means less scrubbing—practical and stylish.
15. Moroccan-Inspired Tiles
If you love bold, colorful patterns, Moroccan tiles are your best friend. They bring energy, vibrancy, and artistry into your bathroom.
Use them sparingly, like just around the tub, to make it a statement feature. Whenever I see Moroccan tiles, I can’t help but feel like I’ve been transported to a faraway, exotic retreat.
16. Wood-Look Tiles
Love the idea of wood but not the water damage? Enter wood-look porcelain tiles. They mimic the look of wood while being water-resistant.
They bring warmth and a spa-like, Scandinavian feel to a bathroom. Around a bathtub, they create a cozy, organic vibe without the maintenance of real wood.
17. Gradient or Ombre Tiles
Want something artistic? Ombre tiles that shift from dark at the bottom to light at the top create a dreamy, waterfall-like effect around the tub.
It’s creative, unexpected, and always a conversation starter. You can go from deep blues fading into pale aquas, or darker grays blending into soft whites.
18. Penny Tiles
Penny tiles are small, circular tiles that give bathrooms a fun, vintage vibe. They’re great for accenting around the tub or even covering an entire wall.
Yes, there’s more grout to clean, but the payoff is in style. My cousin’s bathroom has white penny tiles with black grout—it looks like a retro diner but in the best possible way.
19. Matte Finish Tiles
Glossy tiles shine, but matte tiles bring softness and subtle elegance. They’re less slippery when wet and create a calm, understated vibe.
Matte tiles are particularly beautiful in darker shades, where the soft finish keeps the room from feeling too harsh.
20. Contrasting Grout Lines
Sometimes it’s not about the tile—it’s about the grout. Using dark grout with light tiles (or vice versa) creates striking lines and patterns.
It’s an inexpensive way to add character to basic tiles. Subway tiles with black grout, for example, suddenly feel bold and industrial.
21. Pastel Tiles
Pastels like mint green, blush pink, or powder blue add a playful yet soothing charm to a bathroom.
These colors work well in vintage-inspired designs or modern minimalist bathrooms where you want a hint of personality without being too loud.
22. Textured Tiles
Flat tiles are fine, but textured tiles add depth and tactile interest. Wave-like patterns, 3D ridges, or even hammered effects make the area around the tub feel special.
It’s like giving your bathroom walls their own personality. Plus, textures play beautifully with lighting and shadows.
23. Patterned Cement Tiles
Cement tiles have been trending for years, and they’re not going anywhere. Bold patterns in black, white, or vibrant colors bring artistry and edge around the bathtub.
They require sealing but reward you with a striking, designer look that feels one-of-a-kind.
24. Glossy Colored Tiles
Step away from white and try glossy tiles in bold colors—emerald green, cobalt blue, or deep red. The gloss finish makes the colors pop, creating a high-impact bathtub surround.
I once saw emerald green glossy tiles around a clawfoot tub, and I swear it looked like something out of a design magazine.
25. All-Over Tile Look
Instead of just tiling the area around the tub, tile the entire wall or even the whole bathroom.
It creates a seamless, dramatic look, almost like stepping into a luxury spa. The trick is to pick a tile you really love because it will define the whole space.
Conclusion
Your bathtub area deserves more than just being “that corner where you wash up.” It can be the centerpiece of your bathroom, a place where style meets relaxation.
Whether you lean toward classic subway tiles, bold Moroccan patterns, or soothing natural stone, each choice brings its own mood and personality.