Here’s the thing: Tile in a bathroom can make or break whether you’re reveling in spa-inspired bliss or staring down a space that stresses you out. It just has that transformative power.

So whether you’re planning a complete bathroom renovation or simply want to refresh your existing space, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing bathroom tiles.

From floors and walls to showers and vanities, tile in a bathroom sets the mood and the tone for everything else, including texture and color. Tile also plays a vital role in the durability and maintenance of the space.

If you’re new to the tile scene, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin — especially with seemingly endless shapes, materials, and finishes to choose from. You also may be unfamiliar with tile terms like “zellige,” “bejmat,” “honed marble,” and “matte ceramic.” Not to worry. That’s where this guide from Otto Tiles comes in.

Consider this your roadmap for how to choose bathroom tiles that look beautiful and last, what to consider, examples of how to apply them, and where to purchase the best, high-quality options.

Start with the Basics: Where Will You Use Tile in a Bathroom?

Bathrooms must serve two masters: form and function. You want your space to be picture-perfect but also practical. So, before diving into bathroom tile types along with styles and materials, it’s better to begin with some foundational considerations. This will help you narrow your focus and options while avoiding costly mistakes.

Think about where your tiles will go. Every bathroom surface has its own practical needs.

• Floor tiles should be durable, slip-resistant, and moisture-safe.

• Wall tiles can prioritize style and shape since they are up against less wear — and less water.

• Shower tiles should be water- and mold-resistant while being easy to clean.

• Accent areas (like behind a vanity or on a bathtub surround) are chances to get creative and play with color, texture, or pattern.

Now, consider your bathroom’s function and foot traffic. For example:

• Is this a guest bathroom or a powder room that has light use? Is it the primary bathroom or a kid’s bathroom that sees daily traffic? The more frequently you use it, the more durable your tile should be.

• Does your bathroom have underfloor heating, or will you install it? That may restrict tile types or require specific installation.

Learn Your Bathroom Tile Types

When choosing tile in a bathroom, understanding material differences helps narrow your options. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types of bathroom tile, so you can decide how to choose one (or more!) that fits your space.

Ceramic Tile

A standard favorite — versatile, affordable, and available in countless glossy and matte colors — ceramic tile is a common choice for walls, backsplashes, and low-traffic floors.

• Why choose ceramic tile? It’s generally more budget-friendly and easier to maintain — plus, it comes in a wide variety of sizes and finishes.

• What to keep in mind: Ceramic tile comes in both matte and glossy varieties, but it can have a less artisan feel — unless it’s designed to mimic other materials or used in combination with other artisan tiles.

• Where to use: Use this tile anywhere you need an easy-to-maintain surface like shower walls.

Encaustic Cement Tile

Encaustic cement tiles are pressed and pigmented so they deliver bold patterns and rich color depth. They add instant character to any space.

• Why choose cement tile? Cement tiles bring bold patterns and strong artisan character — so they’re great for things like a feature floor in a powder room or a shower threshold.
• What to keep in mind: Cement tiles must be sealed and carefully installed.
• Where to use: Use this tile as an accent wall behind a vanity or as a floor in a guest bathroom.

Marble Tile

Natural stones like marble instantly add organic luxury to a bathroom. Each piece is unique — creating depth and elegance. These tiles need periodic sealing but deliver unmatched sophistication.

• Why choose marble tile? It’s luxurious, timeless, and elegant — ideal for creating a high-end bathroom look.
• What to keep in mind: Marble can be more expensive, may require sealing, and it may be slippery when wet unless honed.
• Where to use: Use as a shower wall or a vanity surround.

Zellige Tile

For a classically authentic, handcrafted vibe, zellige tiles are a shoo-in. They’re handmade Moroccan clay tiles that add shimmer and variation to walls and backsplashes. Bejmat is a type of zellige that is rectangularly shaped — generally 2"x6" — and is known for being sturdier than traditional zellige tile.

• Why choose zellige? With this tile, you’ll get a rich texture and a handcrafted look that adds warmth and an artisanal feel.
• What to keep in mind: The zellige surface is textured — and light can catch differences in the plane. Use it in bathroom zones where texture is appropriate.
• Where to use: Zellige is ideal for walls — especially accent walls or niches. A patterned Zellige tile can also serve as your shower tile that makes a statement.

Terrazzo

Once the darling of interiors, terrazzo has rushed back into the zeitgeist as a trendy option — even for bathrooms.

• Why choose terrazzo? It’s colorful and eye-catching, the most versatile tile in the world — and trend-forward right now.
• What to keep in mind: Check the slip rating for wet zones. Terrazzo can also present some installation complexities, including the need to seal them before and after, as terrazzo tiles are concrete-based, and the surfaces are porous. 
• Where to use: Because of its pebbled appearance, terrazzo is an excellent choice for statement floors and niche walls.

How to Choose Tile in a Bathroom

Equipped with the knowledge of some different types of tile in a bathroom, you can now think about which ones you want to choose for your own space. When you’re contemplating everything from floor patterns to shower tile ideas, here’s a list of things to consider:

1. Think About the “Look” You Want to Achieve

Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer a style that’s minimalist and spa-inspired, classic and luxe, bold and beautiful, or artisan and warm?
• Do you have existing fixtures, lighting, cabinetry, and other finishes to take into account?

Patterned tiles and feature walls — like shower accent walls — are great focal points, but if you already have multiple bold finishes, you may want to go for a simpler tile choice.

Grout color and width absolutely affect the overall look. Contrasting grout makes patterns and tile shapes pop while matching grout creates a more seamless effect.

2. Consider the Diversity of Size and Shape

The size and shape of your tile in a bathroom can dramatically affect how your space looks and feels.

• Large-format tiles create a clean, spacious, and modern look with minimal grout lines. They can offer a seamless look while visually expanding the space.
• Small tiles like mosaics or penny rounds add character, texture, and grip. As such, they are ideal for shower floors. But they may feel too busy for extremely large surface areas.
• Subway tiles are a classic choice for walls and showers. They can be stacked vertically or horizontally — or even designed in a herringbone pattern for a unique twist on the traditional.
• Patterned tiles add a dramatic, statement-making look to bathroom walls, floors, and showers with a range of colors and styles available.

3. Balance Beautiful Form with Necessary Function

At the core, bathrooms are functional, so it’s important to balance aesthetics with practicality. Tile in a bathroom needs to withstand daily humidity, water, and cleaning. You want high design and high performance.

• As a general rule, matte finishes are more appropriate for floors to reduce slip risk.
• If you love the glossy or glazed finish, prioritize these tile types for shower and accent walls. They instantly reflect light and brighten the space.

4. Choose a Hero Tile

It can work well to choose a “hero” tile you love — and then build around it. For example, that hero tile could be a statement-making terrazzo or a patterned cement tile or even just a gorgeous zellige laid in a mosaic pattern. 

Once you know your hero tile, you can complement it accordingly.

Some tenets you can keep in mind:

• Soft white and neutral tones often make small bathrooms feel larger, but you can absolutely use patterned, high-drama tiles in a petite space, too.
  
• Earthy hues like terracotta, beige, and cream bring in warmth and softness.
• Bold, saturated shades create drama and contrast.
• Patterned tiles add personality — but balance them with simpler surfaces.

5. Don’t Forget the Layout

Whether it’s a patterned cement tile, a stunning marble, or a bejmat zellige, the tile layout is critical to bringing the design together. The same tile can look totally different based on its layout.

• Herringbone or chevron layouts deliver modern movement and energy.
• Vertical stacks are used to draw the eye upward — a great trick for small spaces.
• Subway brick orientations bring a classic appeal.
• Grid or modular layouts offer a clean, contemporary look.

Basic Installation Overview

While installing tile is typically handled by professionals — or by hardcore weekend warriors and DIYers — it helps to know the basic steps of the installation process so you can ask the right questions and avoid any surprises.

1. Prepare the surface: A successful bathroom tile installation always begins with the proper preparation to ensure floors, subfloors, and/or walls are clean, level, and waterproofed.

2. Do a test run: Before the adhesive is applied, it’s essential to do a dry layout. This is where tiles are placed to confirm the pattern and the spacing. For natural stones with subtle variations or larger striations of color, this can also help you determine if you like the overall effect — or if you want to move some tiles around.

3. Apply the adhesive: After the dry layout, the tiles are ready to be adhered to the surface. Using the right adhesive is key, and it can vary based on the tile type. For wet areas or stone tile, a premium adhesive is generally required.

4. Apply the grout: Once the tile has been set in place and the adhesive has cured, it is time to grout. A good hack is to choose your grout color early on, so you have time to consider how it looks with your tile.

5. Seal the tile: For more porous tiles, such as natural stone and encaustic cement, it’s necessary to apply a sealant after installation to help prevent water damage and mildew.

Bathroom Tile Maintenance Plan

The type of bathroom tile will determine the best maintenance plan, but by and large, following these steps will help keep your tile looking its best.

• Clean any spills and excess water promptly to avoid stains.
• Put down bathmats or rugs to catch dirt and water droplets.
• Regularly clean your bathroom tile with mild, pH-neutral cleaners to avoid grout discoloration and mildew stains.
• Avoid harsh cleaning products or chemicals that can be harmful to grout or sealers and degrade them over time.
• Re-seal natural stone and cement tile annually, or as recommended.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying Tiles

Whether you’re buying bathroom tiles for a small powder room or a spacious primary bath, there are some things to keep in mind before you “add to cart.” 

For example, before ordering the full quantity of tile, it’s a good idea to order tile samples so you can see the color, texture, size, and how they actually work in your bathroom with your lighting and other finishes.

Also keep in mind that some artisan tiles — especially handmade cement and zellige — may have longer lead times, limited stock, or variant sizing. Confirm availability, shipping, and any minimum orders early in the process.

When purchasing, buy 5-10% extra than you estimate to account for cut-offs, waste, and future repairs.

Your Next Steps

Choosing tile in a bathroom is an exciting and foundational decision. It doesn’t just serve a functional role; it defines your space — whether you’re drawn to the sleek serenity of marble, the soulful imperfection of zellige, or the bold artistry of patterned encaustic cement.

But, just as important is where you purchase your bathroom tile — and it can really inform your project. Otto Tiles & Design is an international brand known for its modern artisan craftsmanship and innovative, design-forward approach.

They offer a wide selection of artisan bathroom tiles online and in their Miami, Florida, showroom. Each tile is crafted with care and precision, combining centuries-old techniques with modern design sensibility.

From helping you decide between types of bathroom tile to exploring floor, wall, and shower tile ideas, to knowing where and how to buy bathroom tile, this guide puts you on your way toward your next project.

Now it’s time to pick your tile, order your samples, and bring your vision to life! And Otto Tiles is here to help you every step of the way.