When space is limited, design matters even more. The right tile can completely transform a small bathroom, adding personality, depth, and visual openness. Whether you're a homeowner refreshing a powder room, a contractor tackling a compact remodel, or a designer creating a luxurious look in tight quarters, this guide is packed with inspiration and expert ideas.
Ready to transform your bathroom? Shop our full collection of ceramic tile to find the perfect design for your home!
Discover More Bathroom Tile Ideas
- Unique Ways to Style Your Bathroom Tile
- 8 Things I Learned During My Bathroom Tile Renovation
- Handmade Ceramic Bathroom Tile Projects by Mercury Mosaics
How to Choose the Best Tile for a Small Bathroom
Small bathrooms don’t have to skimp on style. Here are a few expert tips to guide your tile selection:
- Go light or go bold: Light, neutral tile colors reflect light and make a room feel larger. Bold, dramatic tiles with thoughtful placement can also create a jewel-box effect that embraces the small size.
- Play with scale: Don’t be afraid of large-format tiles in small spaces—fewer grout lines can make the room feel more open. On the flip side, small tiles can be great for intricate patterns and non-slip surfaces.
- Use vertical lines: Vertically stacked tiles draw the eye upward, visually extending walls and making ceilings feel taller.
- Add contrast and texture: A mix of finishes and thoughtful color blocking can give your bathroom dimension without clutter.
- Highlight with handmade: Handcrafted tile introduces character, depth, and variation—perfect for small bathrooms where every detail matters.
We know sometimes that seeing is believing, so keep reading for 10 examples of our favorite bathroom tile ideas for small bathrooms.
Rich Green Drama in a Powder Room
Deep emerald green hex tiles create a bold, moody backdrop for this modern powder room. Paired with matte black fixtures and brass accents, the tile becomes the star of the space while making the walls feel expansive and luxe. The sharp contrast and reflective glaze help bounce light, which enhances depth and dimension.
Large Hexagons - Vermont Pine
Photography - Sage E Imagery
Styling - Creekwoodhill
Building & Remodeling - Black Dog Homes
Classic White with Built-In Functionality
This all-white bathroom proves that simple doesn’t have to mean boring. White subway tiles with a matching built-in shower niche make the most of every square inch. With clean lines and minimal visual breaks, this tile choice helps the space appear larger and brighter.
Interior Design by Yond Interiors
Photography by Amanda Birnie
Vertical Play with a Shower Niche Accent
A tall strip of hex tiles in varying cool tones draws the eye upward in this otherwise white shower, making the space feel taller and thoughtfully designed. Niches are one of our favorite shower tile designs for small bathrooms. The vertical niche also adds storage without disrupting clean lines. This clever use of accent tile introduces color without crowding the space.
Small Hexagons - Costa Rica, Lagoon, Mint Julep, Blue Bell, Old Copper, Coastal Breeze, 60 Silver Lining, White
Jewel-Toned Maximalism
This small bathroom goes all in with color and pattern—green square tiles line the shower walls, while the floor features our bold Star & Cross in a custom green blend. The result? A space that feels rich, layered, and high-end. Darker tiles paired with natural wood tones create contrast that visually anchors the room.
3"x6" Subway Tile - Costa Rica
London Pattern - Satin Black, Costa Rica, Rainforest, Evening Shadow.
Photography by Emily John Photography.
Light & Airy Fish Scale Elegance
For a subtle touch of texture and elegance, this powder room features soft white fish scale tiles. The delicate curves add movement and light without overwhelming the space. Their soft, scalloped edges contrast beautifully with straight architectural lines, adding interest in a small footprint.
Large Moroccan Fish Scales - Marshmallow
Modern Cabin Vibes with a Dark Twist
Dark tile flooring with strong grout lines adds grounding contrast to the warm wood paneling in this cozy, modern-rustic bathroom. The geometric layout of the tiles helps guide the eye across the floor, giving the illusion of added width in a narrow space. This is one of our favorite examples of utilizing floor tile for small bathroom design.
Jewel-Toned Maximalism
Turn your shower into a showstopper with rich cobalt blue fish scale tiles. This vibrant wall tile choice brings luxurious energy to a compact footprint. The curved silhouette of the fish scale softens the space and creates a fluid, calming effect.
Medium Moroccan Fish Scales - Deep Sea Blend
Interior Design - Elizabeth Bolognino
Photography - Adam Kane Macchia
Mid-Mod Color Pop Wall
Playful color blocking meets clean white space in this retro-inspired small bathroom. Our Mid Mod Squares pattern transforms a simple wall into an artful focal point. The mix of clean white and bold colors balances creativity with spaciousness—perfect for brightening up a small footprint.
Mid Mod Squares - South Beach Blend
Denim Blues Underfoot
Who says floor tile can’t be fun? We love the tiny bathroom tile ideas that came to life in this bathroom renovation. Small hexagon tiles in denim blue give this small bathroom a cozy, lived-in feel with a handcrafted finish that softens the space. The matte surface and soft tones make the floor feel inviting and grounded, adding character without overpowering the room.
Optical Illusion with Cube Tile
This small shower uses cube tile in a mix of cool neutrals to create a 3D visual effect that immediately draws attention. The dynamic pattern adds depth, movement, and personality while working in harmony with the clean white subway tiles around it. The optical illusion effect is perfect for small bathrooms—it tricks the eye and makes the space feel more expansive.
Large Diamonds - Deco White, Grey, Silver Lining, Blue Opal, Cloudy Sky, Vivid Blue
3”x6” Subway - Deco White, Silver Lining
Design a Small Bathroom That Makes a Big Statement
With the right tile choice, even the smallest bathroom can feel open, luxurious, and completely custom. We’re here to support you in your search for the perfect bathroom tiles. Whether you’re looking for shower tile, floor tile, backsplash tile, or a combination of all three, our tile experts can help you find the best tile design for your bathroom.
At Mercury Mosaics, each one of our artisan-made ceramic tiles is a piece of art ready to transform your space. Our custom blends and unique tile patterns allow for endless possibilities to fulfill even the wildest of bathroom design visions. Shop our full collection of ceramic tiles to find the perfect shape for your space. Not seeing it? Schedule a design consultation today for expert guidance no matter what stage of the process you are in.
Stop by our design studio or order a tile sample pack today to see and feel the difference.
