Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Then, you’re likely on the lookout for the latest tile trends, too. We’ve gathered the most popular solutions at the moment – from the classic metro to the charming zellige – and fun laying patterns to help get your creativity flowing.
I am always curious to discover what the latest styles of tile are and creative ways of using them to bring colour, texture and life into a space. Vertical metro, tiny kit-kats (no, not the chocolate bar), and the timeless herringbone pattern are just a couple of ideas I’ve been spotting while scrolling on social media or flipping through lookbooks.
If you’re also keen to be in the know, here is how you can welcome these popular tiles into your bathroom…
Vertical metro
We love the classic metro tile (reminiscent of New York’s subway stations, London’s Underground and Paris’ Metro – hence the name), but why not turn it on its head to get a completely new aesthetic? “Not only does this create a stylish display, but it can also give the illusion of height in smaller bathrooms,” says Brian Toward, chief executive officer at Wholesale Domestic. “This design technique can be particularly effective in shower enclosures, around bathtubs, or even combined with traditional-style boarding. The vertical stacking of wall tiles brings a visually appealing element to the bathroom and boosts its elegance and character.”
Metro tiles come in a variety of shades, sizes, and finishes, so you are set to find the right solution for your personal style. And, don’t forget to pair yours with coloured grout to take your design to the next level.
Micro mosaic tiles
Micro mosaics, also known as stick, kit-kat or finger tiles, are rising in popularity. These small and slim rectangular slabs are a great way of adding intrigue to your bathroom. “A trend we are seeing across bathrooms and interiors is micro mosaic tiles, specifically kit-kat tiles which are being used as a unique wall covering, offering an impactful and decorative look,” explains Isabel Fernandez, marketing director at Quorn Stone. They come mounted on a mesh sheet to ease installation and are ideal for making certain areas stand out, such as the shower, the tub, or a splashback.
Zellige tiles
Authentic zellige tiles, originating from Morocco, have a beautiful, organic square or rectangular shape, perfect for achieving an effortlessly stylish design. They bring rustic charm to your shower walls or the splashback behind your basin thanks to their uneven edges and subtle colour variations. Available in a wide range of shades, you can stick to one tone or mix and match different hues to create intricate patterns.
However, if your budget is tight and you can’t splurge on real handmade clay tiles, know there are high-quality machine-made solutions (from different materials such as ceramic or porcelain) that recreate the irregularities in shape and glaze of authentic zellige, which are bound to add interest to your bathroom.
Popular laying patterns:
Stripes
For those who don’t know, one style of tiles digital content editor Irina is obsessed with is – drum roll, please – stripes! While my passion is slightly more muted than hers, I can appreciate the statement this pattern can make. So, where will this bold design work? Ben Willis, tile specialist at Willis & Stone, suggests it can work in a wide range of bathroom styles – from an elegant Victorian project to an Art Deco design. To create this look, choose two gorgeous shades and use rectangular or square slabs to piece the pattern together.
What’s more, Ben says stripes are a great way of making a bathroom feel larger and more opulent, too. “Vertical stripes make the ceiling appear higher, giving the room a more spacious feel, while horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider. This optical illusion is particularly useful in small bathrooms, where space is premium,” he adds. Bonus!
Checkerboard tiles
The checkerboard pattern has made a huge comeback in the world of interiors. From the walls to the floors, homeowners can’t get enough of this fun tile idea! This pattern is ideal for zoning your shower, elevating your vanity area or even adding interest to your fitted bath.
Black and white is a classic colour combination, however, we love the look of vibrant shades, mixed and matched, to add a modern twist to this playful design.
Herringbone vs chevron
Herringbone is a popular choice in the bathroom, but chevron, with its distinctive V-shape that resembles a zig-zag, is on the horizon as a fun alternative. You can achieve both laying patterns with the help of large metro-style slabs, and they also work well across both walls and floors – take your pick! “These patterns can be further enhanced by using two differing colours, which introduces a playful contrast or a subtle variation that highlights the geometric design,” adds Ben.
Ready to kick-start your project’s moodboard?
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