5 Ways to Mix Bathroom Tiles Like a Pro (and Not Lose Your Mind in the Process)

Let’s be honest: designing a bathroom can feel like a slippery slope, literally. With all the tile options out there (matte! glossy! handmade! marble!), it’s easy to spiral. But mixing bathroom tiles isn’t rocket science, it’s part art, part logic, and a whole lot of fun. Here’s how to pull it off like a designer.

1. Play with Scale

Mixing tile sizes adds instant character. Try pairing large floor tiles with smaller wall tiles, but keep an eye on grout lines and proportions. Larger tiles can make a space feel more streamlined and less busy, but in tight bathrooms, they can also shrink the room visually.

And let’s talk mosaics! They’re not just cute, they’re functional. Shower floors need smaller tiles so water drains properly (unless you’ve upgraded to a linear drain—bravo!). Always check with your contractor about which size works best; they’ll help you avoid a “wait, why is the water pooling there?” situation.

2. Keep Color Cohesive

You can absolutely mix colors, just do it intentionally. Warm tones love hanging out with other warm tones (think taupes, creams, and terra-cottas), and cool tones like grays, blues, and whites keep things crisp and bright. When in doubt, let one color lead and let the others play backup.

3. Get Flirty with Pattern

Mixing patterns is like mixing prints in fashion; confidence is everything. A bold geometric paired with a subtle texture? Gorgeous. A hex next to a subway tile? Yes, please. The trick is balance: one pattern should be the diva, and the others are there to harmonize. Not everyone can be Beyoncé.

4. Embrace Imperfection, Handmade Wins Every Time

We’ll take a perfectly imperfect handmade tile over a factory-perfect one any day. They might be a little wavy, a little uneven, maybe even a little moody, and that’s what makes them magical. Those subtle irregularities add warmth and soul that no machine could ever replicate. 

Bonus Tip: Those dreamy handmade tiles? They like to take their time. Factor in extra lead time so you’re not showering at the gym while you wait. Good design, like good wine, takes patience.

5. Don’t Forget the Details, Trim Is Everything

Tiles are the stars, but trim is the supporting actor that steals the scene. Pay attention to your edges and transitions. Skip the metal Schluter edging and go for real tile trim pieces or have your contractor miter the corners. It’s the difference between builder-basic and custom couture.

Stop Doing These Things (We’re Begging You):

• Stop lining the back of your shower niche with the same mosaic as the floor. It’s giving 2009.
  
• Stop using mosaic tiles as accent bands. It’s… tacky. There, we said it.
  
• Stop choosing contrasting grout. Unless you have a very specific look in mind, let the grout blend. The goal is cohesive and calm, not a grid of distraction.
  
• And please, for the love of all things timeless, stop installing flat white subway tile in a 50% offset. Try a 60-degree herringbone or a stacked pattern instead. 

Bottom line: Have fun with it! Mixing bathroom tiles is your chance to show off your personality and prove that “safe” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” Trust your gut, embrace imperfection, and remember, even the pros break the rules (on purpose).