Bathroom Tile Trends Worth It vs Ones You Should Skip

Welcome to Interior Design Tips. I'm Sam, and today we're talking bathroom tile — specifically which trends are genuinely worth your money and which ones you should probably skip if you don't want to be regretting your renovation in three years.

Let's start with a trend I'm fully on board with: zellige tile. These are hand-made Moroccan clay tiles with a slightly irregular surface and a glossy glaze. Each one is a little different, and that variation is exactly what makes them beautiful. They catch light in a way that factory-made tile just doesn't. Yes, they're pricier — usually $25 to $50 per square foot — but used on a feature wall or behind a vanity, even a small amount makes a serious impact.

Another one worth it: large format tiles in neutral tones. We're talking 24 by 48 inch slabs in warm whites, soft greiges, or natural stone looks. Fewer grout lines means the space reads as cleaner and larger. In a small bathroom especially, this approach is genuinely smart design, not just a trend. These have been growing in popularity for a few years now and they're not going anywhere.

Fluted or ribbed tile is also holding up well. That vertical texture adds depth without pattern, which is a nice balance. It works on an accent wall, a tub surround, even a shower niche. It's subtle enough to feel timeless but still interesting.

Now let's talk about what to skip — or at least think carefully about before committing. Extremely bold, high-contrast maximalist patterns on every surface. I'm talking dark grout plus busy encaustic tile plus a colorful mosaic floor all in one small bathroom. Each of those elements individually can be beautiful, but layering all of them together tends to feel overwhelming, and it photographs well on Instagram in a way that doesn't always translate to living with it every day.

The other one I'd be cautious about is all-black bathrooms. Full matte black tile from floor to ceiling has had a real moment, and I understand the appeal — it looks dramatic and moody in photos. But in reality, it shows water spots and soap residue constantly, it makes small bathrooms feel cave-like, and it's genuinely hard to reverse. If you love the dark aesthetic, consider doing a black tile accent wall and keeping the rest light. You get the drama without the commitment.

I'd also pump the brakes on very trendy tile shapes that are tied to a specific aesthetic moment. Scallop tile, for example — it's pretty, but it's so specific that it tends to date a space quickly. Same with some of the more novelty geometric shapes that are everywhere right now. If you're renovating to sell or you just don't want to redo your bathroom in five years, stick with shapes that are more classic: subway, large format, simple hex.

Here's my overall rule of thumb: use trend-forward tile where it's easy and affordable to change, like a small accent niche or a backsplash behind the vanity. Keep your floors and your primary wall tile more neutral and enduring. That way you get a bathroom that feels current and personal without boxing yourself into a look that only works for one specific moment in time.

Tile is one of the most permanent decisions in a bathroom renovation — it's expensive and labor-intensive to change, so it's worth slowing down and thinking it through before you order. Get samples, live with them in the actual room for a few days, and see how they look in your specific light.

Thanks so much for listening today. I hope this helps you make a tile choice you'll still love years from now. See you next time.