Picking out tiles for your bathroom remodeling project is not so simple anymore. There is so much variety in design, shape, color, and texture that it can be overwhelming.
A few years ago, tiles were mostly laid down for their functional benefits (resistance to water, durability, low maintenance) but today, their aesthetic impact is just as important as their function. This is why manufacturers have expanded their selections to provide really unique styles for homeowners. With advice from our experts, we have identified the top 20201 bathroom tile trends you should be on the lookout for. They focus on the finishes, colors, shapes, and patterns.
Graphic Tile Patterns
Whether on the floor or the wall it’s the perfect accent tile in any room! Either in soft subtle hues or bold contrasting colors the intricate patterns available for these tiles will lure you in and capture your heart.
This trend is number one on our list because it’s going to be, or should I say, it already is HUGE! Patterned tiles will continue to expand in popularity. From subway tiles to ceramic, it’s safe to say that graphic pattern tiles can be anywhere and everywhere especially your bathroom. This style really gives homeowners the chance to tap into their creative side, or hire a designer to get creative for them. Right now we are mostly seeing encaustic ceramic tiles being a popular choice for those with patterned tiles, however, porcelain styles are coming out with the same thing! Expect to see an array of bold prints and colors all over tiles this year!
Move Over Glossy Tiles, Matte Finishes Are Here to Stay
The popularity of matte finish tiles follows us into the new year. They feature a soft but powerful beauty–style that does not get too overwhelming. An advantage of matte tiles is that they do not show smudges and water marks as easily as glossy tiles. This makes them ideal for the bathroom floor, especially in busy bathrooms. The low sheen makes them easier to maintain. When installing matte finish tiles make sure there is enough lighting, both natural and artificial, as these tiles are not known for reflecting light.
Glossy finish tiles feature a more dramatic effect on the bathroom. They tend to create an elegant, highly polished look and feel. This is why they are still popular. They are especially great for small bathrooms as they tend to reflect plenty of light and create the perception of a space that is larger than it seems.
But because they need more maintenance work and are a slip hazard, glossy finish tiles are often used on walls or low-traffic bathroom floor areas.
If you are looking for understated elegance with unspoken sophistication, go for matte finish tiles. They are also great if you want an earthy style in your bathroom. But if what you are looking for is something a bit more dramatic and attention-capturing, glossy finish tiles are right up your alley.
Neutral Tiles (Especially Whites!)
Contemporary designs make big use of neutral colors and this remains the case for 2021 bathroom tile trends. Bright colors such as blue, red and yellow are not commonplace in the bathroom and will not be the shining star anytime soon. Instead, homeowners are falling more in love with neutrals and especially nude neutrals such as grey and creams. Grey and beige have become super popular as complementary neutrals. So much so, that a new color has emerged by name and featured in product selections. So be on the lookout for:
“Greige”.
For bathrooms that need a bit more brightness, white is perfect. The bathroom is built for relaxing and these colors reinforce this atmosphere. By being neutral, they allow the mind to stay calm and relax creating a sanctuary in the home. You can use these colors from the flooring all the way to the ceiling. To ensure the bathroom doesn’t become lifeless, layer in different shades of neutral colors, textures, shapes and/or finishes to bring everything together in a new and lovely way.
Subway Tiles with More Pizazz
Some may think subway tiles can be boring. Those white 3 by 6-inch rectangles can be quite commonplace. In 2021, subway tiles will get a bit more interesting as the tiles depart from the traditional size and pattern.
Specifically, we are going to see these tiles offered in more colors, larger sizes, and a-typical design patterns (dome, beveled, arched, and sculptural). Subway tiles are getting thicker and longer, with dimensions as large as 8 by 20. Pair that with contrasting grout color and the stage has been set for a marvelous reversal from the common all-white look. You can even couple different colors of tile in vertical or horizontal bands or incorporate different patterned tiles to create a delightful wall mosaic for your bathroom.
It’s even becoming popular to see homeowners using mismatches tiles patterns or textures to get that unique bathroom design we all desire. The possibilities are really endless since subway tiles can be mixed and matched in all sorts of fascinating variations.
Dimensional Tiles
It is not just colors and patterns of tiles that are getting more diverse, manufacturers are also playing around with the shapes. 2021 bathroom tile trends will vary from traditional rectangle to a variety of other geometric shapes. One particular shape that has made a resurgence in recent times is the hexagon. Hexagonal tiles are making their way back into the bathroom in all sizes, colors, and textures especially on shower floors, where they create a uniquely different appearance.
To take it one step further, create unique patterns, using different colored tiles, and repeat through the space. Why stop at the shower floor? You could place these striking tiles on your bathroom floor in big bold graphic tile design patterns, geometric shape tiles and combine with color patterns to create complicated and visually arresting styles.
Geometric tiles can be used on a large scale (all walls or entire flooring) to set the tone for the bathroom or they can be used on an accent wall to create a bold pivot from the rest of the bathroom. In small bathrooms, they help improve the perception of space especially when matched well with neutral colors. In large bathrooms, they form artful accents in places like the spa area or the makeup station.
Wood Planks for Flooring
Wood planks are just beginning to make a splash in the marketplace. Non-traditional tile sizes have been getting popular for some time now. Most people are going larger overall, but with planking, you can customize the size. Most widths are 6″, but the lengths vary from 12″ to 48″ long. Allowing you to create ornate patterns such as herringbone.
While realistic wood grained tiles are most common like oak, maple, & cherry; there are lots of other finishes available to make then seem distressed, weathered, or white washed. Porcelain wood grain tiles, are perfect for the bathroom, since it offers greater stain and water resistance without sacrificing design aesthetics. The wood grain tiles only enhancing the organic feel much needed in a bathroom space. For a more compelling look, you could try mixing natural stone planks and other materials such as concrete with the wood grains. This adds an unexpected but welcome style to your flooring.
Marble Tile Flooring in Soft Tones & Larger Scale Patterns
Marble is a high-end material that is popular for its stunning luxurious beauty. Marble is a natural rock and each piece comes with its own unique coloring and style. The differences in veining and subtle color shading results in an appealing overall look. Despite its connection to palaces and mansions; marble has gradually made its way into our homes, particularly the bathrooms. Thanks to Mother Nature, technology, and improved transportation; homeowners have access to a large variety of different color & patterned slabs to choose from. But like so many other areas of the house, we are seeing a return to soft color tones in 2020. These neutral finishes allow the natural beauty of marble to shine through at its best and without any impediments.
Check out these master bathroom designs to get your juices flowing. To add an interesting twist, marble flooring that features large-scale patterns work especially well in large bathrooms. The floor essentially becomes a large piece of canvas where the natural beauty of the marble complements the interesting pattern embossed onto it. Interestingly, you do not have to get actual marble to enjoy this style.
The marvels of technology allow manufacturers to design porcelain tile to resemble natural marble in almost every aspect. So if you are going for a luxury look on a more reasonable budget, marble-looking tile is something to seriously consider as you plan your 2020 bathroom renovation. A great suggestion for a tile pattern would be either chevron or herringbone.
Textural Tiled Finishes
Add variation, color depth, and surface interest in any area of the bathroom by incorporating textured field tile. Textures can appear subtle or pronounced depending on the material used, finish applied, and the color desired.
Raked sounds just like the name… it’s as if someone pulled a rake over the surface and left all the lines across the surface.
3D dimensional tiles can inspire just about anything, from a feeling to an object or place. But when it’s all said and done, it’s usually considered a piece of art. This category comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles which can be combined into endless combinations for a one of a kind space.
These types of tiles create new focal points in the home using distinctive tile pieces and applications as diverse as a dining room wall. Elegance just isn’t for the rest of the home anymore.
Metallic Finishes
METALLIC?! Yes, metallic, is our soon to be shining star of trendy bathroom remodels. This is at the end of our list because it is more of an up and coming tile trend for your bathroom. However, we’re already in love with it.
Metallic is shiny and reflective, giving your bathroom a gorgeous yet edgy makeover. This modern look isn’t quite there yet, but we expect to see it popping up more and more over the course of the next year.
Large Tiles
Tiles continue to be larger and are getting larger. The wood plank look is still holding but they are now getting larger and go up to 48” long. There are now porcelain large format that can replace stone to be used in shower walls or in a kitchen backsplash. It is a more difficult tile to install and there is a shortage of qualified and experienced installers to install it.
Modern Tile
More modern sleek and clean lines are starting to peek out as well. Even though patterns are still very much a factor they are going with a more modern feel to them. With the way these manufacturers are able to create designs that look like real stone. You will see a boost in tile that looks like something it’s not. Especially concrete looks! Large modern slabs made to look like concrete.