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Designing a new bathroom, or simply refreshing an existing space? Either way, browsing the latest bathroom tile trends is a great place to start.
Bathroom tile trends give you not only insight into what’s popular in interior design, but also a launching point for exploring your own personal aesthetic and preferences. Increasingly, we’ve seen homeowners being a bit more adventurous with small powder room designs and making primary bathroom spaces uniquely their own — not merely making a functional space.
So, consider these 2022 bathroom tile trends your first step in choosing a bathroom tile design. Take inspiration from them and let your creative juices flow. And remember — the #1 bathroom tile trend this year is to have fun and not hold yourself back.
1. Ribbons & Slats
Long skinny tiles — sometimes referred to as “ribbons” or “slats” — are one of the latest bathroom tile trends.
Ribbons and slats come in numerous designs, so you have options to choose from when installing them in your bathroom. For example:
- Install them in mosaics.
- Set them between larger tiles.
- Use large tiles that are made to look like slats.
- Lay them in unique patterns, such as the herringbone pattern.
- Incorporate texture, either by choosing textured tiles or laying them in a way that creates a 3D effect.
2. Black and White Patterned Floors
One of the biggest bathroom floor tile trends is black and white patterned tile.
That’s not to say that black and white tile patterns are new — in fact, they’ve long been popular and were actually one of the original bathroom floor tile designs. When bathrooms were first installed in homes, common floor tile designs included hexagon, octagon and dot, and penny round tile in black and white (more on penny rounds below).
[Related: Black and White Designs for Every Space]
3. Zellige Tile
Here’s another current trend in bathroom tile that has shown some staying power: zellige tile.
Zellige tile-making is a Moorish and Islamic tile technique that involves handcrafting tile using great precision and patience. You can still find examples of traditional zellige tile in architecture across Spain, Morocco, and the Islamic world.
Zellige tile is currently trending as a preference for more natural and organic looks grows. But while traditional zellige tile consisted of intricate multicolor mosaics, the modern resurgence is simplifying the designs. We now see primarily monochromatic zellige tile looks, although color blocking and incorporating bold colors is also popular. Mass-produced zellige tiles are now available, broadening the availability of tile options that have a handmade look.
4. Patterned Penny Round Tile Floors
Vintage-inspired designs continue with our next trend. Penny round tile first came on the scene during the Victorian era, around the same time as residential bathrooms themselves. That’s right — they’re one of the original black and white bathroom floor tile designs that influenced our trend above.
In addition to helping shape other modern bathroom tile trends, penny round tile continues to be one of the biggest tile bathroom trends, itself.
Modern penny round tile designs tend to favor patterns over monochromatic looks, such as the diamond design above. Designs incorporating words are a fun way to utilize penny rounds as well!
5. Large-Format Wall Tile
Large-format tiles are not only one of the biggest bathroom tile trends for 2022 — they might even be the biggest.
Tile must be at least 12 inches long to be considered large-format, and you can find gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs as large as 10 x 15 feet.
One of the benefits of large-format tiles is minimal grout lines, which creates a cleaner look that can visually amplify your space. Fewer grout lines can also help create the look of wallpaper or massive slabs of natural stone.
Whatever design or look you choose, large-format tiles are sure to impress.
[Related: Tile Trend Ideas: Gauged Porcelain Tile]
6. Flooring That Continues Into the Shower
Open-concept spaces continue to be the new norm, even in bathrooms. Thus we have our next trend: bathroom tile flooring that continues uninterrupted into the shower.
This trend works especially well with large-format tiles and curbless showers, as it creates a seamless design and minimalist look.
[Related: Choose the Best Shower Tile in 10 Steps PLUS 40 of Our Favorite Design Ideas]
7. Checkerboard Tile
The checkerboard tile pattern is a well-loved and timeless bathroom floor trend that works well with other tile patterns, such as the subway pattern used for the shower in the above image.
When it comes to floor tile trends for 2022, checkerboard tile is at the top of the list. You may instinctually picture checkerboard tile in grand entrances and other regal spaces. However, it’s a great choice to add visual interest to your bathroom in a simple and straightforward manner. The effect this will have depends on the color combination(s) you choose. For a classic or retro look, go with a traditional black and white combination. On the other hand, if you want a softer, more modern vibe, choose shades that contrast less, as in the example below.
This checkerboard floor tile continues halfway up the wall to create graphic interest throughout the room.
Checkerboard tile is also effective at tying together transitional bathrooms, since it works with both traditional and contemporary styles. Keep in mind that smaller checkerboard tiles work better in smaller bathrooms, so you can see more of the pattern.
8. Retro Squares
This bathroom features trending bathroom tile in the form of a grid installation (plus green is also trending).
Classic 2×2, 4×4, or 6×6 square tiles, often with contrasting grout, are trending right now because of this design’s ability to feel both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time. High-contrast grout will emphasize the grid and make the tiles pop, creating a graphic look reminiscent of — well — graph paper.
Because of their smaller size, retro square tiles work especially well in small bathrooms.
Bathroom Tile Trends: 2022 and Beyond
We hope you’ve found some inspiration for your bathroom tile project! Explore even more trends in bathroom tile on our our Pinterest boards and by reading our Complete Guide to Bathroom Tile:
