26 Small Bathrooms With Arty, Patterned Tiles
Whether porcelain, ceramic or encaustic, patterned tiles make for great features in even the most cramped bathrooms
A little goes a long way – when it comes to patterned tiles. From colourful Peranakan (or Majolica, in other parts of the world) to monochromatic cement tiles, homeowners are asking for extra visual interest in their bathrooms. Here are some designs we think work fabulously in smaller bathrooms.
2. Location: London, UK
Why we love it
There’s designer cred from the hand-painted ceramic tiles by Fornasetti, but the thoughtfully restrained use of it – alternating printed tile with plain ones in a checkerboard pattern, and only on one wall – is more impactful.
Check out the pros and cons of ceramic tiles
Why we love it
There’s designer cred from the hand-painted ceramic tiles by Fornasetti, but the thoughtfully restrained use of it – alternating printed tile with plain ones in a checkerboard pattern, and only on one wall – is more impactful.
Check out the pros and cons of ceramic tiles
3. Location: Singapore
Designer: Takeji Design
Why we love it
Almost faded, in graduated shades of blue, the tiles match the pattern on the basin charmingly.
Designer: Takeji Design
Why we love it
Almost faded, in graduated shades of blue, the tiles match the pattern on the basin charmingly.
4. Location: Sydney, Australia
Why we love it
A tiled feature wall in the shower area adds a splash of sunshine to small bathroom.
Why we love it
A tiled feature wall in the shower area adds a splash of sunshine to small bathroom.
5. Location: London, UK
Why we love it
The Victorian-print blue tiles draw the eye towards the functional storage niches in this small bathroom.
Why we love it
The Victorian-print blue tiles draw the eye towards the functional storage niches in this small bathroom.
7. Location: Singapore
Designer: Black N White Haus
Why we love it
A clever visual trick to make the floor area appear larger is to extend the patterned floor tiles to the same level as the bay window.
Here’s how to make a small bathroom feel more spacious
Designer: Black N White Haus
Why we love it
A clever visual trick to make the floor area appear larger is to extend the patterned floor tiles to the same level as the bay window.
Here’s how to make a small bathroom feel more spacious
8. Location: New York, USA
Why we love it
You’d think that flanking the patterned tiles with plain ones to create a frame effect would make this space feel even narrower than it is, but this was done very cleverly – and adds a luxe look as well.
Why we love it
You’d think that flanking the patterned tiles with plain ones to create a frame effect would make this space feel even narrower than it is, but this was done very cleverly – and adds a luxe look as well.
11. Location: Florida, USA
Why we love it
Large-format patterned tile is used in one line – as border tiles were used in the 80s – to create a visual break on the wall. But here, the effect is magnified; it almost looks like art.
Why we love it
Large-format patterned tile is used in one line – as border tiles were used in the 80s – to create a visual break on the wall. But here, the effect is magnified; it almost looks like art.
12. Location: London, UK
Why we love it
A patchwork patterns and colours extend from the floor up in one smaller band on the wall, highlighting the small-and-sculptural free-standing bathtub.
Why we love it
A patchwork patterns and colours extend from the floor up in one smaller band on the wall, highlighting the small-and-sculptural free-standing bathtub.
13. Location: Singapore
Designer: Nic & Wes Builders Pte Ltd
Why we love it
Monochromatic, patterned tiles double as a frame for the mirror and a statement-making backsplash.
Learn how to get the bathroom tile layout right
Designer: Nic & Wes Builders Pte Ltd
Why we love it
Monochromatic, patterned tiles double as a frame for the mirror and a statement-making backsplash.
Learn how to get the bathroom tile layout right
14. Location: Melbourne, Australia
Why we love it
This is another Victorian-print blue pattern with a faded effect that’s emphasised by the changing of pattern as the function of the flooring – shower versus vanity – shifts.
Why we love it
This is another Victorian-print blue pattern with a faded effect that’s emphasised by the changing of pattern as the function of the flooring – shower versus vanity – shifts.
17. Location: Paris, France
Why we love it
A patchwork of different patterns demarcate the shower area, and is echoed in the backsplash of his-and-her basins.
Why we love it
A patchwork of different patterns demarcate the shower area, and is echoed in the backsplash of his-and-her basins.
18. Location: Washington DC, USA
Why we love it
Because the bathroom’s floor area is limited, you also get a limited amount of what could be a dizzying pattern on the floor. It’s beautifully showcased in the storage niche in the shower.
Why we love it
Because the bathroom’s floor area is limited, you also get a limited amount of what could be a dizzying pattern on the floor. It’s beautifully showcased in the storage niche in the shower.
19. Location: Singapore
Designer: Distinct Identity
Why we love it
Tiling the three adjacent walls in the same pattern make them appear as one surface, leading the eye to believe that the bathroom may be wider than it really is.
Designer: Distinct Identity
Why we love it
Tiling the three adjacent walls in the same pattern make them appear as one surface, leading the eye to believe that the bathroom may be wider than it really is.
20. Location: New York, USA
Why we love it
A cubist pattern used as a feature wall in the bath/shower area echoes the geometry of the vanity cabinet and washbasin, and the shower storage niche reflected on the vanity mirror.
Why we love it
A cubist pattern used as a feature wall in the bath/shower area echoes the geometry of the vanity cabinet and washbasin, and the shower storage niche reflected on the vanity mirror.
21. Location: Mumbai, India
Why we love it
Patterned tile is used almost like wallpaper in this small bathroom, cladding two walls from floor to ceiling to surprisingly remarkable effect.
Why we love it
Patterned tile is used almost like wallpaper in this small bathroom, cladding two walls from floor to ceiling to surprisingly remarkable effect.
22. Location: Dublin, Ireland
Why we love it
The geometry of the tiles is reminiscent of Irish designer Orla Kiely’s prints (what better bathroom than an Irish one to show this off!).
Why we love it
The geometry of the tiles is reminiscent of Irish designer Orla Kiely’s prints (what better bathroom than an Irish one to show this off!).
23. Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Why we love it
Graphic floor tiles (plus a faux zebra head!) add edginess to this sweet, girlish design.
Here’s how to mix & match tile styles
Why we love it
Graphic floor tiles (plus a faux zebra head!) add edginess to this sweet, girlish design.
Here’s how to mix & match tile styles
24. Location: Moscow, Russia
Why we love it
The band of patterned tile on the wall is repeated on the side of the bathtub for visual continuity.
Why we love it
The band of patterned tile on the wall is repeated on the side of the bathtub for visual continuity.
25. Location: Valencia, Spain
Why we love it
Alternating with plain surfaces, the band of patterned tile appears as backsplash, storage niche and border in this otherwise plain bathroom.
Why we love it
Alternating with plain surfaces, the band of patterned tile appears as backsplash, storage niche and border in this otherwise plain bathroom.
26. Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Why we love it
Patterned tiles on the floor draw attention away from the sloping, low ceiling of this small bathroom.
Read more:
Tile Guide: Which Tiles Are Perfect For Your Kitchen & Bathroom?
Tell us:
Which patterned tile design appeals to you? Tell us in the Comments below.
Why we love it
Patterned tiles on the floor draw attention away from the sloping, low ceiling of this small bathroom.
Read more:
Tile Guide: Which Tiles Are Perfect For Your Kitchen & Bathroom?
Tell us:
Which patterned tile design appeals to you? Tell us in the Comments below.
Designer: E & A Interiors
Why we love it
Scallop-shaped tiles create a pink and cream pattern on the floor of this sweet-hued bathroom, and distract the eye from the confines of the narrow space.