22 bathroom tile ideas for Australian homes

There's nothing quite as striking as a well-executed monochromatic colour scheme in a bathroom. The courage to select one colour shows confidence that creates a bold impression on anyone who steps inside.

Tiles can easily contribute to this as you’ll have no trouble matching your bathroom colour of choice. Used around your bathtub, basin and shower, you’ll also create a bit of visual continuity that won’t go unnoticed.

Sometimes it's impossible to pick a single favourite colour when considering your tiles. You can ease the pressure on yourself by going for a two-toned look instead.

Take time to think about what your dominant colour will be then research the complementary colours that will help bring out the brightness in both.

Traditionally, tiles only existed on bathroom floors and nothing else. These days, you have the ability to do much more with some exquisite results, such as matching the design of your bathroom floor tiles with the ceiling tiles.

One striking option is to go for a floor-to-ceiling design in your bathroom. Not only will this look gorgeous but it will also make it easier for you to protect your walls from water damage. You’ll also increase your tiling canvas, opening up the options of feature designs and patterns, a great way to make a statement.

Related article: How much does it cost to tile a bathroom in Australia

Squares and rectangles are the traditional shapes for tiles but aren’t the only options to choose from. Alternative designs include a range of different shapes which can help create a visual point of difference in your bathroom design. Hexagonal tiles, for instance, are extremely trendy at the moment and you can even find more unique options like teardrops, which will make your bathroom stand out.

Sometimes we want to draw attention to a specific section of the bathroom. Feature walls are a great interior design strategy to employ which can achieve this with character and charm.

With tiles, feature walls can be realised with mosaic or decorative tiles. You can use tiles of contrasting colours or materials. You can use texture or patterns. No matter what your approach, no one will miss your fully tiled wall, effortlessly creating a wow-factor focal point in your bathroom space.

Patterns and textures naturally lend themselves to tiles with the various types of materials that are available in the market. People can sometimes be afraid or intimidated by the thought of it as elements that are slightly more subjective but your bathroom is a space for you to enjoy and there’s no shame in being selfish with its design.

If you want a bathroom that makes an instant statement, go for a heavily-textured or patterned tile. Maybe even use both!

If you want a bathroom that looks like a palace, look no further than natural stone tiles. These types of tiles, naturally bring a strong presence to a space that exudes quality and luxury.

Marble tiles, for instance, are the classic, luxury choice for this that will also add a touch of elegance that few can match. There are other options to consider too with plenty of natural shades and colours to choose from, each unique to itself.

Related article: How to create your own luxury bathroom renovation

There's something charming about the layered effect of brickwork. Many homeowners use that to their advantage by choosing brickwork tiles for their bathroom designs.

The nice part aspect of these is that can be as textured as you want or painted to be a single solid colour. This gives you a bit of flexibility to adapt them to suit your overall design.

Sometimes we want to break outside the box and try something fun and fresh. That's when you'll want to pick a dedicated colour scheme with which to explore your favourite tile ideas.

There are countless options to consider in this respect but a couple of popular ones include the sunset colour scheme to bring warmth to the bathroom or the peaceful ocean theme, a perfect match for a room that's your sanctuary.

If you don't want a dedicated theme, pick colours that inspire you choosing tiles that will pop and create depth.

Related article: How to choose the best tile colours with timeless appeal and lasting value

Most tiles, like subway tiles, are laid with a landscape orientation but that isn’t an absolute rule that you have to follow. Rotating them at 90 degrees, for instance, is a quick and easy way to create an aesthetic that is unique and interesting.

The great thing about this strategy is that it is fairly subtle and won’t be too unsettling or distracting for people but will demonstrate some creative thinking and style in your space.

Ceramic tiles stand as a versatile and innovative choice in modern bathroom design. With the potential to transport your space to a Mediterranean retreat through hand-painted designs or to encapsulate contemporary elegance with matte neutrals, the possibilities are vast. The adaptability of the ceramic tile allows homeowners to either honour traditional aesthetics or venture into avant-garde territories. 

Whether you're drawn to large format tiles that give an expansive feel or intricate mosaic patterns for visual intrigue, ceramic provides a wealth of options to elevate your bathroom's atmosphere. Its durability and moisture resistance further underscore its suitability for bathrooms, making it a popular and practical choice, particularly for a family bathroom.

If you have a small bathroom, one of the best ways to make it feel large and spacious is to create a clean and simple design. Choosing seamless tiles will ensure that you don't distract from the main features of the room.

With limited texture and pattern, you give your bathroom space to breathe. It'll feel much larger without having done anything drastic.

Porcelain tiles offer an elegant upgrade for those wanting to infuse their bathrooms with a touch of pizazz. Revered for their high density and low porosity, these tiles are durable and resistant to stains and moisture. Yet, it's their visual allure that truly sets them apart. Whether you're gravitating towards a glossy finish that reflects light beautifully or a textured, matte appearance for understated charm, porcelain delivers. The material's innate ability to mimic natural stones, wood, or even concrete means you can achieve various looks without compromising on resilience. 

One of the best things about mosaic tiles is their timeless quality, having stood the test of time across many cultures for centuries. There’s something universal about their appeal which is sometimes hard to articulate but undeniably inherit. With small pops of varying colours throughout their designs, you’ll have something that brightens your space and looks great.

Mosaics are often done with square tiles but don't be afraid to try creating the mosaic effect with other shapes as well!

If you still feel stuck when it comes to choosing the right bathroom tile design, don't worry. Instead, take any of these ideas and turn them into something new. Mix and match the ideas to create something you like even more.

For example, if you love mosaics and patterns, you could create a mosaic to be the background for a small pattern at its centre. Or perhaps a mix of textures is something to consider with natural stone against stately brickwork tiles.

This approach really allows you to experiment and have fun with the process. It might not result in what you ultimately end up going with but you never know until you try.

Related article: Modern bathroom ideas for 2022 and beyond

For a bold and captivating shower area, consider incorporating dark blue shower tiles. This design choice channels the depth and intensity of a stormy ocean, bringing a dynamic and moody energy to the space. The deep blue hue not only adds richness but also creates a serene backdrop reminiscent of nature's powerful and mesmerising water elements. With such tiles, the shower becomes a place that echoes the allure of the deep sea.

Incorporating tiles with intricate patterns can elevate the look of a bathroom. These detailed designs add depth and sophistication, capturing attention without overwhelming the space. Whether drawn to geometric forms, floral motifs, or abstract designs, selecting patterned tiles can offer a unique and memorable touch. The richness of detail showcases artistic flair and adds character, making the bathroom a showcase of design finesse.

Matching your bathroom tile materials with your fixture materials establishes a harmonious tone throughout the space. For example, as you can see concrete tiles with a concrete freestanding bath gives the bathroom a well-planned and cohesive feel, reflecting attention to detail, particularly in modern bathrooms. If you don't want to match the materials of your bathroom fixtures with your tiles, then you could match your shower or wall tiles with the same material as your floor tiles.

Marble tiling in a bathroom stands out due to its unique veins and patterns, imparting a sense of opulence. As a durable material, it provides lasting beauty and requires less maintenance compared to some other options. When used on floors, walls, or countertops, marble adds depth, reflecting light in subtle ways and enhancing the overall ambience with its polished finish.

Mustard tiles have become a sought-after choice in bathroom design for their ability to inject warmth and sophistication. Distinctly reminiscent of the mustard condiment, these tiles provide a balance between earthy and vibrant elements. They pair well with various fixtures, from wooden to brass or chrome, enhancing the overall look of the bathroom. 

Yellow is also associated with feelings of optimism, sunshine and creativity, adding a layer of emotional comfort to its tangible beauty. For homeowners considering a revamp, mustard tiles offer a blend of contemporary style and timeless appeal.

Art Deco green tiles offer a nod to the vibrant and iconic design era of the 1920s and 1930s. Characterised by bold geometric patterns, rich colours, and lavish ornamentation, these tiles infuse spaces with a blend of modernity and classic style. The green hue, often in shades ranging from muted sage to deep emerald, provides a refreshing contrast, especially in bathrooms. When implemented thoughtfully, these tiles can anchor a space, making it feel both traditional and contemporary, while also adding a historical touch.

Clay bathroom tiles bring an earthy, natural warmth to the room. Crafted from organic material, these tiles possess a rustic texture and rich colour variations that resonate with the beauty of nature. Their inherent imperfections and variations in tone create a cosy, artisanal feel. Ideal for those aiming for a more grounded or traditional look that embraces a neutral palette, clay tiles provide durability and a timeless appeal, seamlessly blending with various design themes while offering a tactile experience underfoot.

With these bathroom tile ideas as inspiration, you'll no doubt have thought of some great things to try for your own bathroom renovation or remodel. As already mentioned, it can be a really fun process to go through which can bring about some great results so don’t be afraid to try different bathroom tiles in different ways to see where it takes you.