When planning a custom shower remodel, tile choices affect the function and the beauty of a remodeled bathroom. For more inspiration, you can check out some of these bathroom tile design ideas. The trends for 2026 include bold color choices, textured tiles, and smart choices that balance aesthetic with durability and easy maintenance. We wanted to share some of the most exciting tile design trends, and how to make those trends work best with your unique needs and tastes.
Texture & Relief: 3D & Sculptural Surfaces
Flat, glossy tiles will always be the default, but tiles with ridges, fluting, waves, ripples, or carved patterns that catch light and cast subtle shadow will keep growing in demand through next year. These bring richness and movement into a shower wall without relying purely on color contrast.
One variation of this is fluted with its grooved vertical lines, or reeded tile with horizontal grooves. These have gained a lot of traction with our customers as a feature tile for accent walls, and sometimes, entire wet walls.
Pro tip: Use relief tiles in moderation. They have the most effect as a band, niche, or on one wall. This avoids overwhelming the space, and makes it much easier to clean.
Oversized & Large-Format Tiles
To reduce the visual “busyness” of grout lines and make small showers appear larger, oversized tiles or large slabs are more and more common.
These large format tiles create a sleek and almost seamless surface. The good news for homeowners is that with fewer grout lines, the easier maintenance is. But installation must be precise to avoid lippage or misalignment. If you’re looking to install large format tiles, be sure to hire a certified tile installer like FM Pro Remodelers.
Bold Color & Moody Palettes
After years of safe neutrals, many homeowners and designers have embraced color in the shower. Jewel tones, deep blues, forest greens, earthy terracotta reds, and even burgundy are most often used for accents against neutral tile. However, some bold homeowners choose to tile entire showers, floors, and walls in bold colors.
Marble look or stone look tiles with bold, high contrast veins have also become more and more popular. Typically, these ceramic or porcelain tiles are chosen with very dark veins on lighter stone, or vice versa.
If you love color, but worry about a bold color’s appeal when it’s time to sell, just choose a few bold accent tiles to set against a safe neutral throughout the shower. Other options are a single accent wall, or niche.
Mixed Tile Shapes, Patterns, and Colors
Standard neutral subway tile no longer rules bathrooms. In 2025, exotic and unique tile shapes and layouts are chosen over rectangles and squares.
- Hexagons, big and small
- Elongated bar tiles (often called Kit Kat tiles)
- Mixed-shape combinations, such as hexagons set alongside rectangles
- Vertical subway layouts to elongate height
- Diamond and Rhombus tiles are contrasted to create 3D effects
- Mosaic accents, such as micro-tiles used as insets or strips
Combine varying shapes and sizes to create visual interest. Large tiles on the main wall, with a mosaic pattern or smaller tiles on the niche or floor. Accent walls create interest. Wood like tiles are often used to bring the beauty of wood into the bathroom with the waterproofing of tile, but they are not limited to flooring. Consider the gorgeous appearance of a wood look tiled steam shower.
Nature, Earthy, & Organic Inspiration
Tiles that echo natural materials like stone, clay, and terracotta are in demand. These tiles pair particularly well with wood like tile if you’d like the interest of mixing your tile. However, colors and transition must be chosen very carefully.
Sustainability is an important factor in why homeowners are making these choices. Recycled glass tiles, reclaimed or repurposed tile, and sustainable, eco friendly production methods are getting a lot of attention.
Also, handmade tiles with slight variations, irregular edges, or artisanal finishes are a common choice for homeowners who want the character that comes with these imperfections in their home.
Statement Walls & Tile as Trimwork
Designers are using tile more like an architectural element by installing tile trim, tile cornices, wainscoting, and raised bands. Another great example is a tile transition that separates two materials or colors. The idea is to make tile a decorative accent, not just a wall or floor covering.
Textured Floors & Safety
Texture is the key to safety on shower floors. Especially a walk in shower for seniors. Tiles with slight matte finishes, small mosaics with a lot of grout lines, or textured tiles resist slips.
Dark & Dramatic Bathrooms
Bright bathrooms will always have their place in modern homes, but darker, moodier looks are trending in showers. Deep charcoal, black, forest green, or dark navy tile paired with warm accents. Proper lighting is key when dark tiles are chosen.
Minimal Grout & Monochrome Grout
Grout color matters. Typically, grout that matches the tile is chosen. This makes the lines subtle and continuous. But contrasted grout is a great feature to use as a design accent.
In addition, most homeowners lean toward less visible grout. Narrower grout joints are preferred to maintain a sleek, clean look.
Wet Rooms & Seamless Wet Areas
The wet room design concept means that there is no separate shower stall, just a glass partition or open design. These demand full tiling to grade and waterproofing, and is often part of a dream luxury shower build. Wet rooms are chosen for its seamless look.
What’s Fading Out
- Less homeowners choose neutral or white subway tiles. People want to show their personalities in their design choices.
- Narrow, dark grout lines may age poorly.
How to Use These Trends Without Regrets
- Pick one standout element. For example, make one wall your textured or colored focal point, and keep everything else calm.
- Consider the maintenance. Highly textured and deeply grooved tiles look amazing, but are higher maintenance than smooth tiles.
- Balance drama with calm. Pair bold tiles with neutral to avoid overstimulation.
- No matter what the shower tile choices are, good lighting is critical to highlight the design
- Hire a certified tile installer. Precision matters.
- Think long term. Choose designs you won’t tire of.
Visualizing Designs
- A walk-in shower with large format stone look porcelain tiles, one fluted accent wall behind the shower head, and a floor of small mosaic tile for safety.
- Using elongated bar tiles in the shower niche, and choose a simpler shape for the surrounding tile.
- A full wet room with continuous tile from shower floor to ceiling and a frameless glass partition create a sleek, spacious feel.
Wrap-Up
In 2025, shower tile trends are about texture, boldness, personality, and balance. The shift is toward surfaces that surprise and delight rather than blend into anonymously. But smart design makes the space feel elevated, not overdone.
If you’d need help applying any of these trends, please Call FM Pro Remodelers today for a free consultation.
