10 TOP TRENDS IN BATHROOM TILES DESIGN FOR 2020

Trend #1: Graphic Tile Patterns

Whether on the floor or the wall it’s the perfect accent tile in any room! Either in soft subtle hues or bold contrasting colors the intricate patterns available for these tiles with lure you in and capture your heart. This trend is number one on our list because it’s going to be, or should I say, it already is HUGE! Patterned tiles will continue to expand in popularity.

From subway tiles to ceramic, it’s safe to say that graphic pattern tiles can be anywhere and everywhere especially your bathroom. This style really gives homeowners the chance to tap into their creative side, or hire a designer to get creative for them.  Right now we are mostly seeing encaustic ceramic tiles being a popular choice for those with patterned tiles, however, porcelain styles are coming out with the same thing! Expect to see an array of bold prints and colors all over tiles this year!

Trend #2: Move Over Glossy Bathroom Tiles, Matte Finishes Are Here to Stay

The popularity of matte finish tiles follows us into the new year. They feature a soft but powerful beauty–style that does not get too overwhelming. An advantage of matte tiles is that they do not show smudges and water marks as easily as glossy tiles.

This makes them ideal for the bathroom floor tiles, especially in busy bathrooms. The low sheen makes them easier to maintain. When installing matte finish tiles make sure there is enough lighting, both natural and artificial, as these tiles are not known for reflecting light.

Glossy finish tiles feature a more dramatic effect on the bathroom. They tend to create an elegant, highly polished look and feel. This is why they are still popular.

They are especially great for small bathrooms as they tend to reflect plenty of light and create the perception of a space that is larger than it seems. But because they need more maintenance work and are a slip hazard, glossy finish tiles are often used on walls or low-traffic bathroom floor areas.

Trend #3: Neutral Tiles (Especially Whites!)

Contemporary designs make big use of neutral colors and this remains the case for 2020 bathroom tile trends. Bright colors such as blue, red and yellow are not common place in the bathroom and will not be the shining star anytime soon.

Instead, homeowners are falling more in love with neutrals and especially nude neutrals such as grey and creams. Grey and beige have become super popular as complementary neutrals. So much so, that a new color has emerged by name and featured in product selections. So be on the lookout for: “Greige”.

Check out our design ideas to get inspiration for your project. For bathrooms that need a bit more brightness, white is perfect. The bathroom is built for relaxing and these colors reinforce this atmosphere. By being neutral, they allow the mind to stay calm and relax creating a sanctuary in the home.

You can use these colors from the flooring all the way to the ceiling. To ensure the bathroom doesn’t become lifeless, layer in different shades of neutral colors, textures, shapes and/or finishes to bring everything together in a new and lovely way.

Trend #4: Subway Tiles with More Pizazz

Some may think subway tiles can be boring. Those white 3 by 6-inch rectangles can be quite commonplace. In 2020, subway tiles will get a bit more interesting as the tiles depart from the traditional size and pattern.

Specifically, we are going to see these tiles offered in more colors, larger sizes, and a-typical design patterns (dome, beveled, arched, and sculptural). Subway tiles are getting thicker and longer, with dimensions as large as 8 by 20. 

Pair that with contrasting grout color and the stage has been set for a marvelous reversal from the common all-white look. You can even couple different colors of tile in vertical or horizontal bands or incorporate different patterned tiles to create a delightful wall mosaic for your bathroom.

Trend #5: Dimensional Tiles

It is not just colors and patterns of tiles that are getting more diverse, manufacturers are also playing around with the shapes. 2020 bathroom tiles trends will vary from traditional rectangle to a variety of other geometric shapes. One particular shape that has made a resurgence in recent times is the hexagon. Hexagonal tiles are making their way back into the bathroom in all sizes, colors, and textures especially on shower floors, where they create a uniquely different appearance.

To take it one step further, create unique patterns, using different colored tiles, and repeat through the space. Why stop at the shower floor? You could place these striking bathroom tiles on your bathroom floor in big bold graphic tile design patterns, geometric shape tiles and combine with color patterns to create complicated and visually arresting styles.

Trend #6: Wood Planks for Flooring

Wood planks are just beginning to make a splash in the marketplace. Non-traditional tile sizes have been getting popular for some time now.

Most people are going larger overall, but with planking, you can customize the size. Most widths are 6″, but the lengths vary from 12″ to 48″ long. Allowing you to create ornate patterns such as herringbone. 

While realistic wood grained tiles are most common like oak, maple, & cherry; there are lots of other finishes available to make then seem distressed, weathered, or white washed. Porcelain wood grain tiles, are perfect for the bathroom, since it offers greater stain and water resistance without sacrificing design aesthetics.

Trend #7: Marble Tile Flooring in Soft Tones & Larger Scale Patterns

Marble is a high-end material that is popular for its stunning luxurious beauty. Marble is a natural rock and each piece comes with its own unique coloring and style. The differences in veining and subtle color shading results in an appealing overall look. Despite its connection to palaces and mansions; marble has gradually made its way into our homes, particularly the bathrooms.

Thanks to Mother Nature, technology, and improved transportation; homeowners have access to a large variety of different color & patterned slabs to choose from. But like so many other areas of the house, we are seeing a return to soft color tones in 2020. These neutral finishes allow the natural beauty of marble to shine through at its best and without any impediments.

Trend #8: Textural Tiled Finishes

Add variation, color depth, and surface interest in any area of the bathroom by incorporating textured field tile. Textures can appear subtle or pronounced depending on the material used, finish applied, and the color desired.

Raked sounds just like the name… it’s as if someone pulled a rake over the surface and left all the lines across the surface.

3D dimensional wall tiles can inspire just about anything, from a feeling to an object or place. But when it’s all said and done, it’s usually considered a piece of art. This category comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles which can be combined into endless combinations for a one of a kind space.

Trend #9: Metallic Finishes

METALLIC?! Yes, metallic, is our soon to be shining star of trendy bathroom remodels. This is at the end of our list because it is more of an up and coming tile trend for your bathroom. However, we’re already in love with it.

Metallic is shiny and reflective, giving your bathroom a gorgeous yet edgy makeover. This modern look isn’t quite there yet, but we expect to see it popping up more and more over the course of the next year.

Trend #10. Large Tiles

Tiles continue to be larger and are getting larger. The wood plank look is still holding but they are now getting larger and go up to 48” long. There are now porcelain large format that can replace stone to be used in shower walls or in a kitchen backsplash. It is a more difficult tile to install and there is a shortage of qualified and experienced installers to install it.

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom can be quite a challenge. There is so much variety. You have to choose what color, finish, and shape you want not to mention the material itself. Hopefully, the above information on bathroom design trends for 2020 will help you decide which tiles will look best on your bathroom floor or walls.