Feeling stuck on how to breathe new life into your bathroom? Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective - starting from the ground up. Bathroom floor tile ideas are often overlooked, yet they have the power to completely transform the look and feel of your space.
Whether you’re drawn to vibrant patterns that make a bold statement or subtle textures that quietly enhance your bathroom design, choosing the right tiles can set the stage for a space that is as practical as it is beautiful.
But with endless designs and styles to choose from, finding the perfect tile isn’t easy. To help you navigate your options, we’ve consulted with bathroom flooring experts and curated a list of 15 inspiring bathroom floor tile ideas to spark your imagination.
5 things to consider when choosing your bathroom floor tile ideas
Just as hallways, stairs, and kitchen floors all have specific needs, bathroom flooring requires careful consideration too. Sally Thomas, marketing manager at Direct Tile Warehouse, shares the key factors to keep in mind when selecting the right floor tiles for your space:
1. Consider durability
Bathrooms are high-traffic areas, so choosing durable tiles that can withstand constant use is important. Porcelain tiles are durable, resistant to scratches and chipping, and highly water resistant.
2. Tile size, layout and edges
The size of the tiles can affect the perception of space in your bathroom. Smaller tiles can create more grout lines, whereas large tiles can make a small bathroom feel bigger. If you’re looking for a sleek aesthetic, opt for tiles with precision-cut rectified edges, as this means that grout lines are narrower.
3. Underfloor heating compatibility
Think about keeping your toes toasty. If you plan to install an underfloor heating system, make sure the tiles you choose are compatible.
4. Colour, design and finish
Lighter colours can make a bathroom feel larger and more open, while darker tiles can create a cosy, intimate feel. Matt finishes tend to provide more grip, but gloss will reflect the light giving the illusion of more space. Don’t forget to consider the style of the room, whether it's a modern bathroom, traditional, rustic, etc.
5. Slip resistance
"Slip resistance will be key for accident prevention in a naturally wet environment so look for a good slip rating (the more slip resistance the higher the number)," adds Richard Skeoch, director of Hyperion Tiles. 'If you pick R9 or R10, this is fine for bathroom floors and an R11 rating is suitable for wet rooms."
Sally is the Marketing Manager for Direct Tile Warehouse. As a company, Direct Tile Warehouse has been importing and distributing tiles in the UK for over 45 years. They offer an impressive selection of products, including floor and wall tiles for residential and commercial use, indoors and outside.
Richard is the Director of Hyperion Tiles, a leading Independent Tile stockist of Premium tiles, Porcelain Tiles, Stone flooring and Statement Tiles. Whether you're looking for bathroom tiles, wall tiles, floor tiles, or a simple ceramic tile, they have something for every style and budget.
15 Bathroom floor tile ideas
1. Go bold with statement prints and patterns
"We're seeing a notable increase in demand for bathroom floor tile designs that are bold, bright, and colourful. If you’re keen to create interiors with more personality and pizzazz, patterned tiles are the way forward," says Richard Skeoch.
When using patterned tiles, Richard recommends combining different colours, shapes, and textures to create a unique design statement in your bathroom: "If you’re feeling adventurous, choose bright, multi-coloured, geometric patterns to enhance your bathroom’s visual interest. If you’re worried about overwhelm, choose a tonal colour palette instead."
2. Opt for a sleek all-black scheme
"Another striking trend is all-black bathrooms, where dark tiles and fixtures create a bold, sophisticated atmosphere that feels both luxurious and modern," says Sally Thomas.
Whether you opt for glossy black tiles for a polished look or matte finishes for a more understated aesthetic, black tiles pair beautifully with metallic accents, white fixtures, or natural materials. They are versatile enough to complement modern or traditional bathroom ideas, and they also have the practical benefit of being forgiving when it comes to showing dirt or water stains.
3. Use large format floor tiles in spacious bathrooms
Large format floor tiles are ideal for creating a seamless, expansive look in spacious family bathrooms. These oversized tiles minimize grout lines and are easier to maintain, as fewer grout lines mean less cleaning. Use them to create a cohesive flow from wall to floor, or mix and match them with smaller format tiles for added texture and interest.
In small bathrooms, large format tiles can still work well if chosen carefully, as they can create an illusion of more space by reducing the visual clutter of grout lines. However, the key is to use tiles that fit well within the dimensions of the room to avoid too many cuts and awkward placements.
4. Bring the beauty of nature indoors with natural stone tiles
Whether it’s earthy slate or exotic marble, natural stone can add a luxurious and organic feel to a bathroom. Each stone tile is unique, offering a one-of-a-kind pattern that can range from subtle to striking.
"Travertine tiles are back on trend, nearly twenty years after they last hit the scene," says Abbas Youssefi, director of Porcelain Superstore. "They will help you create a calming, spa-like space that feels timeless yet contemporary.’"
Natural stone tiles are durable and timeless, making them a great long-term investment for your home. The natural variations in colour and texture also help to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for transforming your bathroom into a serene and calming space.
"Coloured stone effect tiles are also gaining popularity, bringing a natural yet vibrant touch to bathroom spaces,' adds Sally Thomas. '"These tiles mimic the rich veining and texture of natural stone, offering a stylish and durable option for a contemporary aesthetic."
Abbas Youssefi, and his brothers Ben and Sam, founded Porcelain Superstore in 2014. The company specialises in the supply of wall and floor tiles curated from around the globe. By working directly with suppliers - some of the largest factories in Europe and some of the smallest artisans – they are able to offer premium quality tiles for less than the high street.
5. Use stripes to create a statement look
"Stripes consistently remain a favourite choice for bathroom floor tiles, as their versatility allows them to seamlessly blend into various design aesthetics, whether one aims to create a modern, sleek ambiance or evoke a sense of classic charm," explains Louisa Swannell, head of creative design at Walls and Floors.
Striped tiles aren’t just for walls though; they can make a bold statement on your bathroom floor too. Whether you choose vertical stripes to elongate the room or horizontal stripes to widen it, striped floor tiles can add a sense of movement to your space.
"The impact of striped tiles is significantly influenced by the choice of colours and the style of the stripes. Bold, vibrant colours can infuse a space with energy and a dynamic vibe, perfect for making a striking statement," says Louisa. "In contrast, muted and neutral tones contribute to a more subdued, traditional scheme, exuding elegance, and understated sophistication. The interplay of colours and patterns in striped tiles ensures they can enhance the visual appeal of any room, making them a perennial favourite in interior design."
Louisa is Head of Creative Design at Walls and Floors. Founded in 1987, Walls and Floors is an award-winning tile specialist with an unbeatable range of tiles and wood panelling, available to purchase online.
6. Replicate traditional floors with herringbone tiles
"Natural stone and ceramic tiles have long been the first choice for bathrooms, however, wood effect, luxury vinyl tiled flooring is a growing interior trend due to the desire to enhance an earthy and natural feel in homes," explains Lorna Williams, head of product design and visual creation at Amtico. "For more contemporary bathrooms, richer, darker woods are an ideal choice. For an elevated air of refinement, traditional oaks are an authentic choice."
"Herringbone tiles continue to be a fashionable and popular choice throughout the home, celebrated for their classic yet versatile appeal," adds Louisa Swannell. "This pattern introduces a sophisticated and dynamic element to any room. The distinctive zigzag arrangement of herringbone tiles creates visual interest and depth, making it an excellent choice for both traditional and contemporary designs."
Lorna heads up the design studio at Amtico, leading in design and development of new products across collections. In particular ensuring product and digital evolution across the Amtico brand.
7. Use warm and rustic terracotta tiles underfoot
Another classic choice for bathroom floors is terracotta. These timeless tiles add warmth and a rustic charm to any bathroom and their earthy tones and natural texture suit a range of bathroom design schemes.
Terracotta pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, and its rich, warm hues can complement both traditional and modern spaces. These tiles are also incredibly durable and can withstand high levels of humidity, making them a practical choice for bathroom floors.
8. Don't be afraid to colour clash
Lovers of eclectic, colourful bathrooms should try colour-clashing with floor tiles. Mix and match contrasting colours and patterns to create a bold, personalised look that’s full of character. This approach works particularly well in a small downstairs bathroom, where the floor can serve as a statement piece without overwhelming the space.
Whether you choose bright, primary colours or more subdued, pastel tones, colour clashing allows you to experiment and showcase your unique style, turning your bathroom into a fun, creative space.
9. ...Or match your floor to your walls
'Matching wall and floor tiles creates a cohesive and seamless look, which can be creatively varied by half-tiling the walls to break up the design and add visual interest,' says Sally Thomas.
A monochromatic approach works well in modern and minimalist bathrooms, where the focus is on clean lines and simplicity. Whether you choose subtle, neutral tones or bold, vibrant colours, extending the same tiles from the floor to the walls can make the space feel larger and more cohesive. Alternatively, opting to clad your walls and floors in the same natural stone or ceramic design can result in an elevated and cohesive look.
In the sophisticated wet room idea above, Patagonia Marble Effect Porcelain Tiles by Mandarin Stone have been used on both the walls and floor to create a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic that feels reminiscent of a five-star hotel.
10. Use terrazzo tiles to make a stylish statement
Terrazzo tiles have been making a big comeback in interior design, and for good reason. These tiles, made from chips of marble, quartz, and other materials set in cement, offer a unique and stylish look that can feel retro or modern, depending on how you use them.
The speckled pattern adds visual interest and texture to your bathroom floor, making it a perfect choice for those who want to make a strong design statement with their space. Plus, terrazzo is durable and easy to maintain, ensuring it looks great for years to come.
11. Nod to the 70s trend with pastels or retro patterns
Vintage bathroom ideas are definitely back in style, and what better way to embrace this trend than with 70s-inspired floor tiles? Think soft pastel hues like mint green, blush pink, and baby blue, or bold, geometric patterns with plenty of retro charm.
Tiles such as those pictured above (Odyssey Grande Penshaw Yellow tiles from Original Style) bring a playful, nostalgic feel to your bathroom floors or walls, perfect for those who love a bit of whimsy in their design. Pair them with refurbished vintage fixtures and bathroom accessories to complete the look, or mix them with modern elements for a unique blend of old and new.
12. Go down the DIY route with peel-and-stick vinyl
For a quick and budget-friendly bathroom update, consider peel-and-stick vinyl flooring. Not only are they easy to install, but you can buy vinyl flooring in a huge variety of designs, from faux wood to intricate patterns, allowing you to transform your space with minimal effort.
Peel-and-stick tiles are ideal for renters or those who like to switch up their décor frequently, as they can be easily removed without damaging the floor beneath. The best part? Despite their easy installation, these peel-and-stick tiles are water-resistant, making them a practical choice for bathroom floors.
13. Jump on the quiet luxury trend with marble-effect floor tiles
Would this really be a list of the best bathroom floor tile ideas if marble-effect tiles weren’t included? Faux marble tiles are perfect for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their bathroom without the high price tag of the real thing.
These tiles realistically mimic the veining and elegance of natural marble and are available in various shades depending on your choice of décor. Their polished finish reflects light beautifully, making your bathroom feel brighter and more spacious.
Plus, they’re more durable and easier to maintain than natural marble, which is ideal for high-traffic bathroom floors.
14. Frame your bathtub with unique patterned tiles
Highlight your bathtub by framing it with unique patterned tiles. This approach creates a focal point in your bathroom without committing to a fully patterned floor. Choose tiles that contrast with the rest of your space to draw the eye, or opt for a complementary pattern for a more cohesive look.
In the bathroom pictured above, Amtico’s Signature Arc Small tiles have been paired with Amtico's Signature Tempus Smooth Tiles to subtly frame the bathtub. This adds depth and interest to the space and the result feels bespoke, without breaking the bank.
15. Play with geometry using hexagonal tiles
Available in a variety of materials, colours, and finishes, hexagonal tiles are versatile enough to suit any style of bathroom. Their unique honeycomb shape adds visual interest and can be used to create intricate patterns or simple, elegant layouts.
Above, these Livid Brighton Stone Split Hexagon Tiles by Hyperion Tiles provide the perfect contrast to the choice of bathroom tiling in the shower. Their unique split design means you can install them in any number of seemingly random ways and still achieve a striking floor design.
FAQs
Do you need to prepare a bathroom floor before tiling?
"There’s a high chance that your bathroom has a suspended timber floor, which needs some preparation before it can be tiled onto," explains Abbas Youssefi. "We recommend fixing a tile backing board onto your floorboards - a foam board will give you better water protection than a cement backer board. You can tile directly onto these boards, although if you’re using underfloor heating mats, we recommend incorporating an anti-fracture membrane, to help reduce the chance of cracks occurring over time."
What is the best grout for bathroom floor tiles?
"Grout is often a rushed last minute decision, so start thinking about it when you’re choosing tiles," urges Sally Thomas. "You can coordinate your choice of grout for cohesion or contrast for a pop of colour. When it comes to bathroom floors, darker grout colours hide stains and dirt more discreetly, and are less likely to show discolouration over time."
"The Fugabella Grout Range by Kerakoll, available at Amazon, is our preferred choice for bathrooms," says Abbas Youssefi. "Unlike other grouts which stick a small neutral palette, there’s a huge range of 50 colours, so you’re guaranteed to find a tone to suit your tiles. It’s also a new type of grout that performs much better than traditional ‘cement-based’ grouts, meaning a huge amount of resistance to water stains over time."
Are all bathroom tiles suitable for use on floors?
"Not all tiles are suitable for floor use - it’s absolutely vital to make sure your tiles can be laid on floors, and they’re not just suitable for walls," warns Abbas Youssefi. "Wall-only tiles are softer and won’t be able to withstand foot traffic.
"And not all floor tiles are made equal either. Make sure you choose a tile that’s resistant to staining and safe for bathrooms - slip resistance is usually key here. Matt porcelain tiles tend to tick all the right boxes, which is why they’re always our first choice for beautiful and functional bathroom floors."
Feeling inspired and ready to transform your bathroom? Make sure you have everything you need to tile a bathroom and consider how much it costs to tile a bathroom before you get cracking. Good luck!
