Have you spent days or maybe even weeks scouring the internet for ideas on how to make your tiny bathroom space appear larger? Do you feel stuck on your design journey and worried your bathroom will never fulfill its potential? If you came across our blog odds are you were searching for an answer to your small bathroom shower tile ideas conundrum.
We often have to compromise when it comes to the size of our bathrooms, which means making the most of the space we do have and working out how to improve it once we get started on our bathroom renovation journey. Think about the storage, floor plan, window, and styling solutions that will help your small bathroom look as good and work just as hard as a spacious master bathroom. Make every inch count, and you will forget how small your bathroom actually is.
If you’ve got a small bathroom space, you most likely have a shower, so one of your focus areas will naturally be the shower. And when this area looks so amazing when tiled, giving it some attention with the best small shower tile ideas around is a total no-brainer to help enhance your bathroom sanctuary on all levels.
Lighter color schemes, pale floors, and as much light as you can direct inside will help lift small bathroom tile ideas also, but one way of emphasizing this key element is by carefully selecting your shower tiles.
Well-thought-out tile shower ideas for small bathrooms will do more than be a practical expansion. They will make the space feel luxurious and welcoming, add decorative details, and even set the tone for the color scheme. If you are looking for small bathroom shower tile ideas, it’s likely that one of your priorities is for the finished effect to be space-enhancing. You can achieve this in multiple ways: with light colors, reflective finishes, large-scale tiles, or a one-tone color palette.
Small bathroom shower tile ideas are the perfect solution when you don’t have much room to work with but want your bathroom to be eye-catching. There’s a huge range of shapes, styles, and colors to choose from to add interest to your small bathroom, and clever use of tiles can even help to create the illusion of a larger space.
The important thing to remember when considering tiling is that you want the final finish to be making a statement, but not overwhelming the space. You should pay special attention to this, specifically when the space in question is small size.
Nonetheless, tile shape, texture, and the tile layout itself have a very important role to play, when you are looking for shower tile ideas for small bathrooms that are specifically made for the shower section. In this blog, we look at the 30 best small shower tile ideas 2023 that cover all the bases and can solve your space problem, and truly be the bathroom styles in NYC that will inspire you and help with decorating in the best way possible.
30 SMALL BATHROOM SHOWER TILE IDEAS THAT WILL ELEVATE YOUR DESIGN
Once you have gathered the fruits of your Google labor on small shower tile ideas, preparing a design for a tiny space means you’ll have to be clever and purposeful with every decision. Your bathroom’s tile is one of the first things you’ll notice when you step into the room. With a few thoughtful modifications and improvements, tiny bathrooms can feel just like a much larger space. To put it plainly; there is an abundance of ways you can make the most of your current bathroom’s small footprint — and we will give you loads of inspiration! Here are some smart ways you can add both function and beauty. Hunting for realistic small bathroom ideas is a challenge that most of us stumble upon. After all, a sound small bathroom design that is practical but still fashionable is key to making, what is usually, the tiniest room in your home.
Whether you are looking to remodel your bathroom in a modern, traditional, or transitional style or searching for powder rooms, ensuite bathroom designs, or a downstairs WC, we’ll create the bathroom of your dreams – elegant, functional, and simply pleasant to use. With tons of professional advice and some gorgeous small bathrooms from real homes, we can prove just how much you can do in a snug space.
1. TIMELESS MARBLE
When discussing small bathroom shower tile ideas we can’t NOT talk about the old-faithful marble shower tile. It’s a staple, a classic, a tile you can always fall back on when in doubt or if you are simply a fan of timeless elegance. Marble tile exudes old-world charm and class. Marble is a great material in nearly any bathroom and a great way to elevate the entire look.
Photo credit: Nora Farah Design
2. SUBWAY TILED SHOWERS FOR SMALL BATHROOMS
Subway tile is a classic and timeless choice for bathrooms, but just because it’s a famous tile doesn’t mean you have to follow the common route. Mix and match for a unique design, try out a pearl-colored subway tile laid in a crosshatch design, pair it with fashionable colors, and add texture to the space. This is a great way to mix things up but still keep your bathroom classic. Subway bathroom tiles make fantastic additions for small showers and they are now a staple option also. The Metro tile is another huge bathroom trend that won’t have escaped your notice. Together with the encaustic-style tiles on the floor and the dark-painted woodwork and grout, the two styles create a stylish look in a bathroom.
3. BLACK AND WHITE CLASS
The black and white tile design is definitely not for the faint of heart, but they are the ideal anchor for a classy and sophisticated space that you can other accents too. This can be one of the best small shower tile ideas 2023 so use the opportunity to jump on the trend! Combine it with a moody floral wallpaper, especially in small spaces and you have a winner on your hands. Floor-to-ceiling tile work can oftentimes make a tiny space feel claustrophobic, so consider tiling only partway up the wall, and using the wallpaper the rest of the way. If you want to dabble in a monochromatic scheme but feel a little unsure, then opt for small changes to start with. Try a graphic black and white statement wall that will flow into the shower and give enough of a ‘wow’ statement without requiring anything else apart from white tiles on the floor. They also distract the eye perfectly from the size of the room.
4. WHITE SMALL BATHROOM SHOWER TILE IDEAS 2023
The first thing you will come across when researching small bathroom shower tile ideas 2023 is all-white bathrooms, we are sure. It has a reputation for a reason. White surfaces can make a room feel more spacious, and nowhere is this more true than in bathrooms with wall and floor tile. Combine white subway tiles installed in a classic stretch-bond pattern with darker floor tiles to create a surprisingly spacious feeling. 
5. BLACK FOR DRAMA
When your bathroom space is small you have two choices, either you go light and bright, or, dark and dramatic. You can give a tiny shower a new lease of life with large black tiles that surround the fixtures. You can soften the look by combining the style with tiles in shades of grey and white which will give the space a decorative finish. For another option, you can feature a rich, dramatic black tile that creates the illusion of more space in the bathroom. Black tiles work on the floor or the wall, but be sure to pick a contrasting color for the rest of the room to avoid your bathroom feeling too dark or dull. 
Photo credit: Morey Remodeling Group
6. MONOCHROMATIC ELEGANCE
For a traditional design classic tiled bathroom choose a stunning luxury renovation featuring floor-to-ceiling tiles in various sizes, but all within the same color family. The varying sizes help to add visual interest while the similar color scheme keeps things uniform and classic. If you want a spa-like bathroom, but don’t want it to feel too coordinated, mix up the tile sizes throughout the room but keep the colors neutral and elegant. From the doors to the free-standing tub, the black and white palette used in a monochrome bathroom is beautifully united in the monochrome style flooring. 
Photo credit: AW Interiors
7. BOLD COLORS SHOWER TILE IDEAS FOR SMALL BATHROOMS
A rich, colored tile is a wonderful choice in any style of bathroom, but be sure to maintain the rest of the space in a fairly neutral color scheme to allow the tiles to take center stage. You can pair the tiles with wooden accents that won’t clash with the bold colors in the shower. Some of the trending small bathroom shower tile ideas are color palettes like aquamarine that are giving off major mermaid vibes in the best way, moody navy tones, or emerald varieties. For a scheme that’s loud and proud, going wall to wall with a bold and colorful encaustic tile is the answer. This is a serious commitment though in a room you’re going to use every day, so think seriously about color and pattern you can live with long term. Tiles are not as easy to change as a quick lick of paint. 
Photo credit: Kimberley Kay Interiors
8. GRAPHIC TILE INSPIRATION
Want an eye-catching look that immediately becomes the focal point of your bathroom? Choose a graphic design as a great way to update a bathroom to give your bathroom a whole new look and feel. Even if you only update the floor or backsplash, a bold graphic tile will transform your space. Limited use is a good policy to follow when using graphic tiles—if you take them all the way to the ceiling, they’ll quickly become overwhelming and disorienting. Despite the bold pattern on the tiles, the soothing shades in this bathroom give an overall feel of stylish serenity.
Photo credit: Gather and Spruce Design Remodel
9. SCALLOPED TILED SHOWER IDEAS FOR SMALL BATHROOMS
If you are looking for something that isn’t too far away from the conventional yet it’s different enough to make an impact-try scallop pattern tiles! We love using scalloped tiles anywhere you want to make a statement. They’re unusual and visually attractive and you can opt for a more neutral color like gray or white with darker grout, and in case you are daring and want something more in-your-face then aqua is a natural choice. Which route you take you won’t regret choosing a tile that is uniquely different.
Photo credit: Rebecca Interiors & Design by Numbers
10. CHEVRON STRIPES
Similarly to a diagonal pattern, the chevron stripe tile will visually elongate the space, adding a sense of depth. If you want to make your bathroom look much larger than it is, combine the chevron stripe tiles and the stark white color palette, or just a neutral color scheme that won’t contribute to any visual clutter. Be careful with your decorating, utilize space for storage, and pick gliding doors where you can and a glass shower wall to further the airy and open look. All these little tips and tricks make for great small shower tile ideas that will make your bathroom seem elegant and bigger than it actually is. 
11. LARGE SCALE TILES
One of the well-used shower tile ideas for small bathrooms amongst designers is that larger-scale tiles can create the illusion of more space, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo using smaller mosaic tiles. To create an enviable bathroom you can decide to use large tile work to draw the eye upward toward the ceiling and open up the space. Pair this with a floating vanity that will take up less square footage and you will be golden! A floating vanity will take up less space than a conventional one all the while cutting down on the clutter aspect. If you decide to do floor-to-ceiling tiling in this look it will cost you a bit more, but stretching your tile all the way to the ceiling is a great way to give your bathroom a lofty look and feel. You can do different variations to this elegant design featuring a standard subway tile with black grout that will add dramatic effect. 
12. TERRAZZO HAVEN
When researching tiled showers for small bathrooms you can be sure that terrazzo is coming back in style in a big way. It adds a lot of visual interest and because it camouflages scratches and dirt, it is easy to keep clean. This glamorous material brings texture, color, and essence of uniqueness to a bathroom – while being extremely practical and hardwearing, too. Terrazzo is set to remain one of the most popular bathroom trends, as we strive to make our homes elegant and cozy sanctuaries. Fascinating, fashionable, bright, textural-it brings everything to the table, all at once. Getting terrazzo in bathrooms right is something of art but it brings so many possibilities for combining on other surfaces and mixing with other patterns and textures for an extremely unique look.
13. GO PINK
Pink has made its way to the top of the list when it comes to small bathroom shower tile ideas 2023. A bubblegum pink bathroom with patterned tiles or tiles in an unusual shape, and accented fixtures is a great way to add a bit of fun to your bathroom renovation and overall house design. As this bathroom proves, a black and white color palette doesn’t have to be boring. You can revitalize the contrasted tiles in this bathroom with a coat of light pink paint, creating a space that feels equal parts feminine and sophisticated.
14. TRY TERRACOTTA TILES
There’s so much to love about clay tiles for your bathroom design. Terracotta isn’t just versatile in terms of color palette – it suits a number of styles, too. Clay tiles are inherently invulnerable to mold and bacteria, so they’re a great alternative in a bathroom. Terracotta vinyl is an amazing and inexpensive alternative to luxury flooring and tiles and it adds incredible style to the space. This Terracotta marvel transports its occupants to another world, thanks to a shapely shower and strategically placed tile. The terra-cotta tiles make all the difference upon entrance, leaving you with a permanent impression. 
15. MOROCCAN TILE ACCENT
Stuck on what seem like outdated and stale tiled showers for small bathrooms? Picture this- washing away your week’s stress in a Moroccan spa-like bathroom. Dream come true, are we right?! You can play with mixing and matching old and new styles like a pure white subway tile paired with a vintage-inspired Moroccan shower tile. This gives the space personality without it being an overwhelming statement, and all the while still keeping it relatively neutral and calming. Try Moroccan bathroom floor tiles but deliberately mismatched for a patchwork effect.
16. PEBBLE SANCTUARY
Here is a small bathroom shower tile ideas-pebble tiles! This is a choice that will give your modern design pebble tiled bathroom a spa-like vibe and your feet a mini massage every time you enter. Use a minimalist design while letting the tile add a bit of texture to your bathroom while maintaining a simple, classic look. Want to add some more nuance to a monochromatic bathroom? Add a wall of pebble tiles in the same color as the rest of your walls. Additionally, the white grout allows the tile to pop and gives the bathroom some additional texture and dimension. 
17. STARBURST STATEMENT
Create tons of visual interest with a starburst pattern tile with this outstanding shower tile ideas for small bathrooms, it’s the perfect combination of modern and trendy. Keep the walls and the vanity simple and neutral, while experimenting with the shower and floor tiles. You can pull the shower tiles through to the floor, making the space feel wider and more open. Keep a scheme cohesive but prevent a bold pattern from becoming too over-powering by tiling the wall just up to the basin in the same design as the floor. This allows the tub to take center stage.
18. EMERALD SHOW-STOPPER
One of our favorite tile shower ideas for small bathrooms is definitely emerald! Deep, moody green tiles can add a layer of drama to any small bathroom. Green is a great choice for bathrooms because it provides a sense of renewal and freshness while adding a bit of creativity. If you are working with a bathroom that is petite try using one continuous flooring throughout the bathroom to visually expand the space.
19. BOLD LAYERING
A layering structure design is a good small bathroom shower tile ideas 2023 and will certainly add interest to a small shower, different tiles will automatically draw your eye in and hence distract from the size of the space. Having a design with bold colors or a shimmery finish will help to bounce the light. In contrast, the floor should feature patterned tiles in lighter hues and act as the most perfect neutral to the darker accents. There’s a temptation when using bold patterns, to tile just a section of space, maybe just an area prone to splashes. But as you can see here, tiling a bold design, from floor to ceiling, whilst teaming with plain bathroom flooring creates a stylish space in which to lie back and relax. 
20. MIX AND MATCH
Another brilliant shower tile idea for small bathrooms is to play around with scale. On the walls, you could opt for rectangular tiles laid horizontally, while the floor tiles are mosaics. The gradual layout really creates a subtle, stylish view. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different tile shapes and designs. When done correctly, mixing patterns can add depth and texture to a bathroom and give it a lot of charm and personality. Penny tile can add a visual impact to your bathroom because of its small size and extra grout lines that truly make it stand out. 
21. WRAP TILE EFFECT
Not every bathroom has windows, in this instance, you will have to find the right small bathroom shower tile ideas to create a shower room that oozes style with tiles that have a stripe effect. Natural shades give a much-needed warmth without making it feel too dark despite its small size. Tiles wrapped around the entire bathroom will add a lot of visual interest and distract from the smallness of the space. The stretch-bond pattern is a great choice—it avoids the claustrophobic feel that a grid pattern can sometimes create, and also visually extends the wall space. 
22. WOODEN SPA
Tiles with a wood effect that give off the feeling of warmth and comfort are outstanding small bathroom shower tile ideas 2023. This style of tiles should be larger than standard ceramic tiles to mimic wood planks. This tile in the chevron pattern will add a touch of visual interest and elevate the entire design of the room, making it look spacious and airy.
23. SMALL TILE CHARM
Small format tiles are an amazing choice to land on when hunting for that perfect small bathroom shower tile ideas. The highly popular subway tiles can be used to enhance the look and feel of a small bathroom. Use them in small size and you can’t go wrong. Choosing a smaller scale tile will concentrate the eye on the design instead of the size of the space, and using white grout keeps the look fresh.
24. MOSAIC SURPRISE
Tile shower ideas for small bathrooms with mosaic tiles used in moderation are a cool pick because too many grout lines can make a small bathroom feel even smaller. Pick a petit area – a nook, the wall behind your vanity unit, or an area in the shower – and make this the focal point. Mosaic tile design can create a picturesque backdrop for your bathroom sanctuary. 
25. CONTEMPORARY GEOMETRICS
One small bathroom shower tile ideas trick to make your small bathroom feel bigger is to cover your floor with patterned tiles, like choosing geometric-style tiles to bring interest to the space. If you choose a patterned floor tile, then opt for simple white wall tiles to create the perfect balance and avoid overwhelming the design of the bathroom. The visual effect of these geometric encaustic tiles is cool and contemporary in this shower room. Make sure your walls and floors are even – not always the case in a period home – if you’re opting for a style like this. 
26. WOW WITH HEXAGON
When working with white walls you get endless opportunities to play with patterns elsewhere, for example, an effective way to introduce a sense of style is through your choice of a patterned tile, which adds both color and decorative interest. Hexagon tiles can balance the room out perfectly without overpowering the space which is an ideal solution when chasing those shower tile ideas for small bathrooms.
27. VERTICAL FORM
Shower rooms come in all shapes and sizes, some smaller than we desire, but there are clever interior design tricks you can apply when tiling a shower to give a more spacious feel. The best way to draw the eye up is by selecting large format tiles and laying them vertically to add instant height. With this shower tile ideas for small bathrooms you can turn a space that’s got awkward proportions by using tiles to help out the situation. 
28. STRIPE TILE SHOWER IDEAS FOR SMALL BATHROOMS
A clever trick to make a small bathroom space appear much larger is utilizing stripes – fixed at eye height, these will make the perfect small bathroom shower tile ideas 2023, to make the area feel wider and deeper. By using stripe design tiles, you can create a space that is modern, fresh, and full of personality.
29. RETRO SMALL BATHROOM SHOWER TILE IDEAS
If you choose to go the retro route the hexagon and subway tiles are great for adding more interest and boosting that playful style element. Patterned retro bathroom tiles are a definite hit. Use geometric tiles to create bold shapes, consider textured tiles and different color scheme combinations to make the space really pop. Embrace color clashing and go bold by using zingy colors such as yellow, turquoise, orange, and pink. If you are in a pinch with ideas consider this gorgeous Bauhaus design bathroom.
30. ATYPICAL SHAPES
Cyberspace is full of interior myths which can often impede and destroy our small bathroom ideas. Using tiles in interesting shapes is a great way to add eye-catching interest to the room, especially if you don’t want to experiment with color. This method can be visually striking, and can also elongate the walls and add a sense of height and space. Rows of geometric patterns interspersed with stripes of plain color have given this otherwise classic space a contemporary spin. The geometric tiles create a sense of division and space, complemented by the taps and washstand. 
FAQ 
WHAT SIZE TILE LOOKS GOOD IN A SMALL BATHROOM?
The best size tiles for small bathroom showers are usually in a large format because, there’s less texture to interrupt the line of vision and with fewer grout lines, they look sleeker. Smaller tiles can work in a petit bathroom space, as long as they are laid in a way that best enhances the proportions of the shower area: a low-ceiling space can be made to feel more elevated with the use of rectangular tiles fixed vertically; a narrow shower area can be made to feel wider with rectangular tiles fixed horizontally.
IS IT BETTER TO USE SMALL OR LARGE TILES IN A SMALL BATHROOM?
A small bathroom can actually benefit from a large format tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expands. This doesn’t mean you have to rule out small tiles. You can mix it up a bit by using different-sized tiles in different zones of your bathroom.
HOW CAN I MAKE A SMALL SHOWER LOOK NICE?
Wooden accents – even something small, like a wooden bath tray, or something more impactful, like timber plantation shutters – look luxurious and chic in a bathroom. A floating vanity looks elegant and also makes a small space look more open. Open shelving in your vanity looks incredibly chic, This not only looks stunning, but it also offers the illusion of more space. An oil diffuser, soft white towels, candles for ambiance – these are small, simple fixes that can really help your bathroom look (and feel) more luxe.
WHAT COLOR TILES ARE BEST FOR SMALL BATHROOM SHOWERS?
Light-colored tiles are best for small bathroom showers as they will make the space feel bigger and lighter. Nonetheless, as long as natural light is good, you can go with darker colors and make sure the space is well-lit at night. Busy patterns should be avoided – instead, choose subtle patterns or textures for interest. 
HOW DO YOU TILE A SMALL BATHROOM TO MAKE IT LOOK BIGGER?
If the shower is narrow, you want to have the tiles installed horizontally so that it visually elongates the width. If the ceiling is low, you’ll want to install the tiles vertically so that it can visually make the ceiling feel higher. In a small bathroom how you lay tile is an important factor for the design aesthetic and it can make or break it.
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF TILE TO USE IN A SHOWER?
Choose ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or quarry tile, which are all part of the ceramic tile family and are perfect for areas exposed to water. Of course, you want your shower and bathroom to be waterproof, and on top of that ceramic tile makes cleaning easy as it is not easily stained and can be cleaned quickly with soap and water — no harsh chemicals required! When you’re scrambling to get your house spotless, your low-maintenance shower will be a source of pride, making your life easier. 
WHAT IS THE EASIEST SHOWER TILE TO KEEP CLEAN?
Opting for a low-maintenance shower tile is just as important as the actual remodel itself. The only downside to tiles though is the grout. Although the shower tiles themselves are pretty painless to clean, the grout might demand some additional attention, especially for light-colored tiles. Luckily, there are shower tiles that require less maintenance. Solid surface tiles are durable, versatile, and extremely low maintenance. Opting for the fog-proof glass variety will help you save up some money on cleaners. Luxury vinyl tile can mimic the look and feel of natural wood but has all the advantages of a low-maintenance material. They’re also quite affordable and durable so they’re ideal if you’re updating your bathroom on a budget. You only need a damp cloth to clean up and deep cleaning is rarely needed.
BONUS IDEA: HIRE ATMOSPHERE KITCHEN & BATH FOR YOUR BATHROOM PROJECT IN MANHATTAN
From colorful, bold patterns to soft, neutral marble or natural stone, it all depends on your individual taste as to what you choose for your bathroom renovation NYC. A touch of gold for a luxurious feel, using your favorite color, or a simple, timeless design, the right tiles can make or break your bathroom. Make sure you choose correctly so they stand the test of time and you can enjoy your space for years to come. Our design services will allow you to have entire control over your bathroom remodel, its personalization, and specifications, ensuring your family’s needs will be fully met, as well as your expectations.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Small shower tiles ideas could give your shower room the wow factor or can bring interest and texture to a neutral room. Is it an en-suite shower? Or does the entire family use it? This should affect which tile idea you opt for. While renovating a bathroom we always keep our clients’ wants a priority allowing us to fit uniquely bespoke bathrooms that work for their individual needs. Our service includes providing anything you may require including all the associated plumbing & tiling, small building works, and decoration. Whether you are working with traditional, modern, or classic transitional, luxury bathrooms we can provide everything from vanities, and cabinetry to countertops and more for your project in New York.
Check out our bathroom portfolio for more. Atmosphere Kitchen & Bath can offer an extensive range of styles, materials, and finishes ensuring the end result you envisioned. As a premier NYC bathroom remodeling company, we have a wide range of suppliers which means that we can offer you the best deals available on a large choice of products. We compiled the best small bathroom shower tile ideas in our list for 2023 that can transform any bathroom into something new and spectacular. From contemporary style to classic looks, explore these trendy bathroom shower tile designs to find popular patterns and cool colors you’ll love. Speak to our designer today!
