10 Scene-Stealing Feature Floor-Tile Ideas for the Bathroom
Step up the style of your bathing zone by forgoing plain floor tiles and tile layouts in favour of ones that wow
Want your bathroom floor to take a starring role in your space, rather than being relegated to the background? Introducing feature floor tiles to your scheme is an ideal solution for those who wish to elevate the look of their bathing area, but aren’t enamoured with the idea of dressing their space (or even a single wall) in floor-to-ceiling colour or patterns, and would prefer to keep the rest of the zone relatively simple and fuss-free. While feature floor tiles will inject any bathroom with high-impact style, they can also help anchor a room and infuse it with a hearty dose of character, as you will soon see after looking at these striking spaces.
If you’re keen to try this look at home but not sure what tile design to choose for your bathroom floor, look to the 10 scene-stealing feature floor tile ideas below for inspiration. Don’t forget to create an ideabook featuring your favourites so you’re armed with loads of options to show your bathroom designer when you’re finally ready to revamp your space!
Browse popular bathroom design photos
If you’re keen to try this look at home but not sure what tile design to choose for your bathroom floor, look to the 10 scene-stealing feature floor tile ideas below for inspiration. Don’t forget to create an ideabook featuring your favourites so you’re armed with loads of options to show your bathroom designer when you’re finally ready to revamp your space!
Browse popular bathroom design photos
2. Provide visual appeal and tactile pleasure
Textured tiles aren’t for everyone as they do require a little extra patience and elbow grease when cleaning, but if think you’re up to the challenge, they might be the perfect feature tile for your bathroom floor. Want to infuse your space with additional layers of visual interest? Take design cues from this sophisticated scheme, which boasts two different types of uniquely shaped textured tiles in several contrasting shades.
Flaster concrete tile: Ivanka
Textured tiles aren’t for everyone as they do require a little extra patience and elbow grease when cleaning, but if think you’re up to the challenge, they might be the perfect feature tile for your bathroom floor. Want to infuse your space with additional layers of visual interest? Take design cues from this sophisticated scheme, which boasts two different types of uniquely shaped textured tiles in several contrasting shades.
Flaster concrete tile: Ivanka
3. Select striking geometric tile designs
Not a fan of bright or busy patterns? Rather than choosing tiles that feature elaborate motifs or bold hues, try geometric-shaped tiles in classic colours (such as white or black) instead, as they will pack a visual punch and draw the eyes down but won’t be too overwhelming in style. We love the hand-crafted hexagonal tiles used in this chic, airy bathing space.
For those who desire a more dynamic look, opt for geometric tiles in vibrant hues, or use coloured grout to highlight the eye-catching shape of the tile and add extra interest to the scheme.
Handmade hexagonal tiles in black and white
Not a fan of bright or busy patterns? Rather than choosing tiles that feature elaborate motifs or bold hues, try geometric-shaped tiles in classic colours (such as white or black) instead, as they will pack a visual punch and draw the eyes down but won’t be too overwhelming in style. We love the hand-crafted hexagonal tiles used in this chic, airy bathing space.
For those who desire a more dynamic look, opt for geometric tiles in vibrant hues, or use coloured grout to highlight the eye-catching shape of the tile and add extra interest to the scheme.
Handmade hexagonal tiles in black and white
4. Add a burst of bold colour
Brightly toned feature tiles never fail to make a lasting impression. If you want the tiles to be the standout design element of the room, decorate the rest of the space with crisp white or subdued neutral colours, which will allow the floor tiles to shine. Otherwise, introduce pops of the same shade throughout the room for a more balanced and cohesive look, as was done in this playful, contemporary bathroom.
Brightly toned feature tiles never fail to make a lasting impression. If you want the tiles to be the standout design element of the room, decorate the rest of the space with crisp white or subdued neutral colours, which will allow the floor tiles to shine. Otherwise, introduce pops of the same shade throughout the room for a more balanced and cohesive look, as was done in this playful, contemporary bathroom.
5. Try a classic checkered floor
An eye-catching checkered tile floor will instantly lift the look of any bathroom, whether it’s traditional or contemporary in style. To ensure your bath area exudes timeless appeal, we suggest sticking with a classic monochrome or neutral palette (like the bathroom pictured here), rather than using tiles in loud hues that you may tire of quickly or can make a scheme look very dated and kitschy when laid in this distinctive format.
An eye-catching checkered tile floor will instantly lift the look of any bathroom, whether it’s traditional or contemporary in style. To ensure your bath area exudes timeless appeal, we suggest sticking with a classic monochrome or neutral palette (like the bathroom pictured here), rather than using tiles in loud hues that you may tire of quickly or can make a scheme look very dated and kitschy when laid in this distinctive format.
6. Pick an attention-grabbing pattern
Patterned tiles that pack a visual punch are the perfect antidote for a bland bathroom that’s in need of a makeover. Geometric prints (like stripes, chevron or a circular motif like the one pictured here) are a fail-safe option that you really can’t go wrong with. However, if you desire a look that’s not all about sharp angles and gentle curves, consider tiles that feature vintage-inspired motifs, floral patterns, trellis designs or free-flowing abstract prints instead.
Toledo encaustic cement tile (NC224223): The Tile Mob
Read more: Floor Art: 16 Patterned Floors That Pack a Punch
Patterned tiles that pack a visual punch are the perfect antidote for a bland bathroom that’s in need of a makeover. Geometric prints (like stripes, chevron or a circular motif like the one pictured here) are a fail-safe option that you really can’t go wrong with. However, if you desire a look that’s not all about sharp angles and gentle curves, consider tiles that feature vintage-inspired motifs, floral patterns, trellis designs or free-flowing abstract prints instead.
Toledo encaustic cement tile (NC224223): The Tile Mob
Read more: Floor Art: 16 Patterned Floors That Pack a Punch
7. Use dazzling metallic tiles underfoot
Want to infuse your bathroom with a touch of sophistication and standout appeal? Shimmering metallic feature tiles will allow you to do just that, especially when they’re used to line your floor. If you’re worried that a wall-to-wall tiled floor in iridescent shades may look too OTT, use the tiles in a small, defined zone (such as the shower), rather than covering the entire surface area.
This decadent bath zone shows how it’s done. Gleaming copper penny rounds add dramatic flair and a glam touch to the moody scheme. Notice, too, how the small, circular tiles have been used to line the shower floor, transforming the enclosure into a show-stopping design feature, while large format grey tiles are used throughout the rest of the room and help balance the look.
Want to infuse your bathroom with a touch of sophistication and standout appeal? Shimmering metallic feature tiles will allow you to do just that, especially when they’re used to line your floor. If you’re worried that a wall-to-wall tiled floor in iridescent shades may look too OTT, use the tiles in a small, defined zone (such as the shower), rather than covering the entire surface area.
This decadent bath zone shows how it’s done. Gleaming copper penny rounds add dramatic flair and a glam touch to the moody scheme. Notice, too, how the small, circular tiles have been used to line the shower floor, transforming the enclosure into a show-stopping design feature, while large format grey tiles are used throughout the rest of the room and help balance the look.
Desire a more industrial, eclectic or rustic look? Skip tiles that shimmer and sparkle, and opt for metallic feature tiles with a rich, rusty or green patina instead, like the oxidised copper-look porcelain tiles used in this charming beach-style bathroom.
8. Lift the scheme with a look-at-me tile layout
This luxurious bathroom is a study in how to use ordinary tiles to create an extraordinary floor design. Here, three different types of marble tiles have been laid out in a classic herringbone pattern, resulting in a stunning tiled floor that is, without a doubt, the hero of this refined bathing space. Other interesting ways to lay your tiles beyond the basic side-by-side format include pinwheel, basketweave, striped, modular and windmill patterns. You might also like to consider adding an accent tile border or tile rug to your floor design.
This luxurious bathroom is a study in how to use ordinary tiles to create an extraordinary floor design. Here, three different types of marble tiles have been laid out in a classic herringbone pattern, resulting in a stunning tiled floor that is, without a doubt, the hero of this refined bathing space. Other interesting ways to lay your tiles beyond the basic side-by-side format include pinwheel, basketweave, striped, modular and windmill patterns. You might also like to consider adding an accent tile border or tile rug to your floor design.
9. Mix ‘n’ match different tiles
An easy way to ensure your bathroom floor gets the attention it deserves, while infusing your space with personality and visual interest at the same time, is to cover the surface with an array of tiles in mixed prints and patterns. The result? A bath zone that makes a bold design statement, and oozes character and eclectic appeal.
As you can see here, this design technique works particularly well in monochrome schemes, as it allows you to introduce visual interest by way of clashing patterns, without disturbing the pared-back palette of the room.
An easy way to ensure your bathroom floor gets the attention it deserves, while infusing your space with personality and visual interest at the same time, is to cover the surface with an array of tiles in mixed prints and patterns. The result? A bath zone that makes a bold design statement, and oozes character and eclectic appeal.
As you can see here, this design technique works particularly well in monochrome schemes, as it allows you to introduce visual interest by way of clashing patterns, without disturbing the pared-back palette of the room.
Not so fussed on classic black and white combos, but a loyal fan of lively colour? Don’t worry, this high-impact look will also work for you, plus it will add an extra layer of drama and visual appeal to your bathroom, too. Use tiles in the same hue, or take things to the next level by introducing mismatching tiles in clashing colours.
Also, notice how the patterned floor tiles have been laid around and along the side of the tub in this charming pink-tinged family bath zone, which helps anchor the room and further draws attention to the scene-stealing bathroom floor.
Also, notice how the patterned floor tiles have been laid around and along the side of the tub in this charming pink-tinged family bath zone, which helps anchor the room and further draws attention to the scene-stealing bathroom floor.
10. Introduce mosaic floor art
Statement-making art doesn’t just belong on your walls, but on your floor, too. Here, this mesmerising mosaic tile motif commands attention due to its stark monochrome palette and arresting geometric design. Take note of how the tile pattern extends up the wall, which not only creates the illusion of height but also helps showcase the beauty of the arresting tile design underfoot by drawing the eye down so that it lingers on the floor.
Read more: Mosaic Magic: Take Your Bathroom From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Statement-making art doesn’t just belong on your walls, but on your floor, too. Here, this mesmerising mosaic tile motif commands attention due to its stark monochrome palette and arresting geometric design. Take note of how the tile pattern extends up the wall, which not only creates the illusion of height but also helps showcase the beauty of the arresting tile design underfoot by drawing the eye down so that it lingers on the floor.
Read more: Mosaic Magic: Take Your Bathroom From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Desire a feature mosaic floor that’s more fluid and softer in style? Rather than a geometric tile pattern, dress up your floor with a floral, traditional or abstract motif that features curved lines and intricate detailing instead.
Mosaic tiles in red and cream: Bisazza
Mosaic tiles in red and cream: Bisazza
Moroccan tiles in black and white
TELL US
Would you incorporate any of these feature floor tiling ideas into the design of your new bathroom? We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the Comments section.
TELL US
Would you incorporate any of these feature floor tiling ideas into the design of your new bathroom? We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Floor tiles featuring exotic motifs from cultures around the world will take you on a visual journey in more ways than one. Not only do they instantly attract the eye thanks to their intricate, alluring patterns and arresting palette, but they also conjure images of beautiful, faraway destinations, resulting in a soothing sanctuary where you can escape from the world.
Choose patterned tiles in a neutral or earthy palette to create a striking yet understated look (we love the Spanish encaustic floor tiles that are the focal point of this warm, inviting bathroom), or opt for feature tiles in striking tones like spicy red, vibrant orange, royal blue or sea green to make a bold style statement.
Spanish encaustic floor tiles