Adding accent tile to your shower can transform the space from basic to beautiful. Thoughtfully chosen accent tile pops against neutral backgrounds and adds visual interest to any bathroom. With so many sizes, shapes, colors, and designs to choose from, the possibilities are endless for creating a shower that really stands out.

Choosing the Right Accent Tiles

When selecting accent tile for your shower, there are a few key factors to consider:

Complement the Overall Design

Choose accent tiles that work with your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. Is your bathroom modern and sleek or traditional and ornate? Cool-toned colors like grays and blues or warm neutrals like tans and browns? Select accent tiles that fit the design style. Metal, glass, and marble tiles can have a contemporary vibe, while encaustic cement tiles often feel vintage and handmade.

Consider Scale and Layout

The size and layout placement of your accent tile impacts its visual effect. Large statement tiles in bold colors make more of an impact than small mosaics spaced far apart. But tiny mosaic tiles clustered together can also create an eye-catching focal point. Decide if you want your accent tile to be subtle or prominent.

Balance With Neutrals

Accent tiles work best against simpler backgrounds like white, beige, or gray. Don’t choose accent tiles that are too overpowering or busy. Allow neutral tiles to give your eye a place to rest, while the accents provide pops of color, texture, and personality.

Complement Existing Features

Take cues from your shower’s existing finishes when selecting accent tiles. For example, pick up on colors in the countertops, cabinets, or flooring. Or choose accent tiles that align with the style of the showerhead, faucet, or other hardware.

Consider Wet Environments

Since accent tiles will get wet, opt for porcelain, ceramic, glass, or natural stone which resist water damage and won’t easily crack, peel, or deteriorate. Check that grout suits a wet area and select product-specific sealants.

Accent Tile Ideas for Showers

Here are some eye-catching ways to use accent tile in your shower:

Vertical Column

Run a column of rectangular or square accent tiles from floor to ceiling in bold hues like navy blue, marigold, or mint green. This vertical line draws the eye up and makes ceilings feel taller. Place the column off-center to amp up visual interest.

Horizontal Band

Add a horizontal accent band about two-thirds of the way up your shower walls. Carry this row of tiles across the entire back wall for a clean, modern look. A row of small square mosaics or rectangular tiles works well.

Geometric Patterns

Create a geometric focal point by laying contrasting tiles in graphic formations like zigzags, diamonds, or overlapping circles. This makes a big visual impact in a small space. Consider using just two colors, like white tiles with black accents.

Blended Layout

Mix different sized, shaped, and colored accent tiles together for a blended layout. This approach brings lots of visual texture and depth into the space. Include some iridescent glass, metallic tiles, and natural stone for variation.

Floor Inlay

Make the floor a focal point by cutting white or neutral tiles to fit an accent tile centerpiece. For example, add a hexagonal, starburst, or circular mosaic inlay. Use darker tiles to define the shape without too much contrast.

Bordered Niche

Frame your recessed shower niche with accent tiles, using a complementary color to the niche itself. For example, a blue mosaic niche with orange tile borders. This highlights and defines the niche.

Accent Stripes

Add modern flair with vertical accent stripes in bold, contrasting colors like glossy black and matte white. Vary the thickness and spacing between stripes for more interest. Wrap stripes across corners for a three-dimensional effect.

Statement Floor

Cover the entire shower floor with eye-catching accent tiles. For big impact, use larger tiles like 12″ squares or subway tiles in an unexpected color like sea foam green or mustard yellow. Contrasting grout lines will also pop.

Bold Back Wall

Make the back wall of your shower a focal feature by covering it in a lively accent tile. Try emerald green crackled glass mosaics, multicolored handmade cement tiles, or copper penny rounds. Reserve neutrals for the side walls.

Choosing Grout and Sealants for Accent Tiles

To protect the beauty of your accent tiles, pay close attention to grout and sealant selection:

• Choose unsanded grout for grout joints 1/8” and smaller, like with mosaic sheets or tiny tiles. Sanded grout can scratch the surface.
• Contrasting grout colors make tiles pop. Lighter grout accentuates darker tiles and vice versa. Matching grout blends in. Consider the look you want.
• Epoxy grout resists staining and withstands water exposure better than cement grout. It’s a smart option for showers.
• Use a grout release on the surface of the tiles before grouting. This prevents staining and aids clean-up.
• Seal accent tiles before and after grouting to guard against moisture damage. Use a product designed for the specific tile material.
• Reapply sealants yearly or as directed to keep tiles looking their best in wet shower conditions.

Accent Tile Inspiration

To spark additional accent tile ideas for your shower, here are some gorgeous examples to inspire.

Modern Marble and Glass

This contemporary shower features sleek large-scale glass tiles across the walls with inlays of marble hexagon mosaics and marble subway tiles in the floor. The mix of shapes, textures, and neutral tones is elegant.

Vintage Cement Tile

Encapsulating a vintage vibe, this shower pairs traditional white square tiles with fun handmade cement tiles in earthy colors. The wall niche uses cement tile as well for a cohesive look.

Bold Black and White

For modern pop, bold black and white glossy tiles in varying sizes energize this space. The high contrast combination is graphic and eye-catching.

Natural Stone Spa

Inviting and serene, this spa-like shower features Natural stone slate tiles on the walls with marble accents on the floor. The muted color scheme is peaceful and harmonious.

Blue Moroccan Geometric

Moroccan-inspired cement tiles form geometric shapes against white tiles in this artistic shower. The repetitive patterns and cool blue color scheme are mesmerizing.

Minimalist White Brick

Crisp and minimalist, this bright white brick tile shower allows the sculptural form of the space to shine. No accent tiles needed when working with such an impactful tile design.

Eclectic Blended Tiles

An eclectic mix of marble, travertine, glass, and ceramic tiles mingle together in this vibrant shower. The creative blend of colors, shapes, and textures make a statement.

Accent Tile Shower Costs

In general, expect to pay more to add accent tiles versus using a single tile type throughout:

• Budget: $2-$6 per square foot for basic ceramic, porcelain, or glass mosaics.
• Mid-Range: $5-$15 per square foot for handmade or natural tiles like cement, marble, or travertine.
• High-End: $15+ per square foot for semi-precious stone, metal tiles, or custom mosaic design.
• Added Costs: Backerboard, thinset mortar, grout, specialty cutting, and professional installation.

But accent tiles don’t have to break the bank. Strategically using them in smaller areas can make a big visual impact. Compare costs and get contractor quotes before deciding on a final design.

Accent Tile Maintenance

Follow these tips to keep your accent tile shower looking fabulous:

• Seal tiles and grout yearly and reapply as needed, especially for natural stone and cement tiles.
• Use a gentle pH neutral cleaner for regular cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Rinse tiles and wipe down walls after each shower use to prevent buildup.
• Squeegee the shower floor dry after each use to prevent moisture damage and mildew.
• For tough stains in grout, use a specialty grout cleaner per product instructions.
• Re-caulk corners and joints when needed to prevent moisture penetration.

Bring Your Shower to Life with Accent Tiles

With limitless options to mix and match colors, textures, shapes, and materials, accent tile allows you to unleash your creativity in the shower. Carefully chosen accent tiles can bring new energy and visual pop to your bathroom. Just take into consideration your overall design, scale, layout, and maintenance to create an eye-catching accent tile shower you’ll love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accent Tile in Showers

Accent tiles can transform a basic shower into a stunning focal point, but they also present some unique considerations. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using accent tile in shower designs:

What are the best accent tile materials for showers?

Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and glass tiles are great choices for showers since they are impervious to water. Some tiles require additional coatings and sealants for wet areas. Avoid unsealed porous tiles like terra cotta.

How do I create an accent tile layout in my shower?

Sketch ideas to scale on grid paper first. Measure the shower walls and play with accent tile dimensions and spacing. Start with a focal area like a back wall or niche. Repeat patterns or lines for cohesion.

Should I use the same tile on the shower floor and walls?

It’s common to use the same neutral tile on walls and floor. But for more interest, try large statement tiles like hexagons or mosaics on walls and smaller tiles underfoot for grip. Use similar colors.

What size of tiles should I use in a small shower?

In a small space, opt for smaller accent tiles like mosaics or 2×2 inches and under. Tiny tiles help make the shower feel larger. Keep large statement tiles over 4 inches for ceilings or niches to avoid overwhelming.

Can I mix different tiles together in one shower?

Absolutely! Mixing materials like marble, glass, porcelain, and stone together creates visual depth. Just ensure colors and shapes complement each other. Repeat hues across types for cohesion.

How do I properly maintain and clean accent tile?

Seal tiles and grout before install. Use pH neutral cleaners and soft scrub brushes. Reseal yearly or as needed. Squeegee excess water daily. Spot clean stains quickly to avoid buildup in grout.

What kind of lighting works well with accent tiles?

Layer lighting for drama. Overhead rain showers or LEDs wash tiles colorfully. Sconces provide task lighting. Niche lights highlight special features. Use waterproof fixtures and avoid intense heat on tiles.

Should I install the accent tiles myself or hire a pro?

It’s best to have a tile professional install specialty tiles in tricky shower layouts. They have the right tools, experience, and techniques for a quality job with accent tiles. DIY for simple backsplashes.

How can I cut costs when using accent tiles?

Stick to a tile budget by only using accents in key areas like walls or niches instead of covering full floors and surfaces. Also, select affordable porcelain or glass mosaics instead of natural stone or custom tiles.

Conclusion

Accent tiles are an easy way to add pops of color, texture, and interest into any shower design. With the right preparation, creative layout, proper installation, and regular maintenance, accent tiles can make your shower stand out in ways that reflect your unique personal style. Use these tips to accentuate your next shower tile project beautifully and affordably.