Accent Tile Ideas to Make Your Shower the Room's Focal Point

Is your shower looking a little lackluster? Spice it up and make it the star of your bathroom with strategic accent tile ideas. Clever use of eye-catching, decorative tile designs will instantly transform your shower from boring to breathtaking.

Accent tiles add style, color, texture and visual interest to your shower walls, floors, niches and benches. From stunning mosaic patterns to sleek glass subway tiles, the options are endless. Read on for foolproof ideas to make your shower the focal point of any bathroom.

Choose an Accent Tile Wall

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your shower is by covering one wall with decorative accent tile. This instantly creates a stunning focal feature that grabs attention. Use contrasting colors or textures from the surrounding shower walls so the accent wall pops.

For the accent wall, think bold, beautiful tiles like glossy mosaics, shimmering glass and metallic finishes. Natural stone accent walls are also popular, using rich, organic textures like marble, travertine or pebble tiles. Consider continuing the accent wall tile up onto the ceiling for a dramatic effect.

Highlight Your Shower Niche with Tile

Another prime spot for eye-catching accent tiles is in your shower niche or shelving area. Use an accent tile that contrasts from the other shower wall tiles to make the niche stand out. Vintage glass, colorful mosaics or even vivid teal penny rounds are great niche accent options.

To create serious drama, opt for dark, saturated accent tiles inside your niche. Blacks, charcoals and navy blues are timeless choices. Then coordinate with lighter tiles on the surrounding walls and floor for balance. Matching your niche accent tile with other accent elements boosts the cohesive look.

Define Areas with Borders and Stripes

Subtle yet stylish, thin borders and stripes of accent tile can also help define zones and features in your shower design. For example, framing the walls with a border of elongated marble or glass subway tiles would beautifully offset plain wall tiles. Or, add a metallic mosaic stripe at chair rail height for a glam touch of shine.

Stripes and borders on the floor are also an option. Try a contrasting row of encaustic cement floor tiles along the perimeter. Or, outline the floor area with geometric accent tiles like hexagons or chevrons. The linear designs create interest without overwhelming the space.

Consider a Patterned Accent Tile Floor

While wall tile grabs most of the attention, don't underestimate the power of a decorative shower floor. Patterned, textured and artistic accent tiles underfoot make a serious style statement. From bold geometrics to chic mosaics, today's options elevate the floor from boring to brilliant.

When choosing floor accent tiles, make sure the color and style complement the overall bathroom design - modern, rustic, traditional etc. Check slip-resistance and durability too. Porcelain floor tiles rate higher for water-resistance and strength compared to ceramic.

Creative Accent Tile Ideas and Features

Get creative with fun accents that make your shower truly unique. Some ideas:

• Frame or highlight the niche, benches, shelves and fixtures with an accent tile border
• Install an abstract tile art feature wall as the visual focal point
• Use accent tiles on the ceiling for an unexpected pop of color and texture
• Mix different colored and shaped mosaic tiles to create a custom pattern
• Play with light and dark contrasts - lighter tiles with bold, dark grout lines

Your design options are virtually endless, so have fun and make your shower a true reflection of your personal style.

Choose Tile Type and Shape Strategically

An important part of planning your accent tile design is choosing the right tile types and shapes for your shower space. Here are some top options:

• Mosaic - tiny, multi-colored mosaic tiles create visual texture and interest with their ability to form intricate patterns.
• Glass - shimmering glass tiles in an array of hues, finishes and shapes add a sleek, modern vibe.
• Metal - From penny rounds to futuristic finishes, metal tiles give any shower serious shine and style.
• Marble - Elegant and timeless, marble accent tiles bring organic, refined texture.
• Mixed sizes - Combine small mosaics with larger tiles for contrast and dimension.
• Geometric shapes - Hexagons, chevrons, herringbone patterns and more create captivating designs.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Tiles

Choosing the perfect accent tiles for your shower requires balancing practical considerations along with your design style preferences. Keep these factors in mind:

• Color - Coordinate with other finishes like cabinetry, countertops, paint etc.
• Scale/Design - Make sure the tile size, shape and pattern fits the shower properly and enhances the overall space.
• Style - Match the tile style to your desired design aesthetic - modern, traditional, rustic, minimal etc.
• Texture/Finish - Consider gloss, matte, textured, patterned and dimensional finishes.
• Material/Properties - Check proper waterproof and slip resistance ratings, especially for floor tiles.

Visualize the Design with 3D Renders

Seeing tile designs through realistic 3D renderings gives you the best sense of the finished space before installing. Work with an interior designer or tile showroom designer to see your accent tile ideas rendered in different options.

Viewing the designs and tile choices in detailed 3D concepts ensures your finished shower aligns with the overall vision. Refine or adjust the designs until you're fully satisfied, before purchasing and installing tiles.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Proper installation is key to accent tiles looking and performing their best. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use appropriate thinset mortar and grout for each tile type
• Plan the layout to maximize cuts and install efficiently
• Hire professional tile installers for best results
• Follow all manufacturer instructions
• Seal natural stone and grout lines
• Ongoing maintenance like re-sealing required

Create a Mosaic Pattern

Instead of using a single accent tile, consider creating a mosaic pattern using several smaller accent tiles. This can add visual interest and texture to the shower walls, while also allowing for more flexibility in terms of color and design choices. The mosaic tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns, such as a chevron or herringbone pattern, to create a unique and eye-catching feature in the shower.

Use Textured Accent Tiles

In addition to color and pattern, texture can also be used to create accent tiles in the shower. Textured tiles, such as those with a raised design or a three-dimensional effect, can add depth and dimension to the shower walls. This can make the shower feel more luxurious and spa-like, while also providing a tactile element that adds to the overall sensory experience.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Accent tiles can also be used to incorporate natural elements into the shower design. For example, tiles made from natural stone or glass can be used to create a nature-inspired design, such as a riverbed or a forest scene. These accent tiles can transport you to the serenity of the outdoors while you shower indoors.

The shower can be the highlight of your bathroom. Strategically placed decorative tiles create visual impact, interest and style. Tailor the designs and tiles to your personal taste, and don't be afraid to get creative. From mosaics to marble, field tile to penny rounds, the possibilities are endless. Follow this guide to accent tile inspiration, and get ready for a shower space that really steals the show.