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For Trendy Ceramic Tile for Shower Walls, Follow These Tips!
Bathrooms are changing—and fast. With new tech, eco-friendly materials, and styles that shift every season, it can be tough to keep up. You’re renovating your bathroom and hoping it’ll age as well as your favourite habits? You’re not alone.
The good news: some design trends stand the test of time without losing their charm. That’s especially true when it comes to ceramic tile for shower walls. The right size, finish and texture can completely change the space—and still look spot-on for years. The secret? Go for timeless materials, well-chosen finishes… and a pinch of boldness (just enough of it).
Think natural, comfy colours
Go for tiles in soft, nature-inspired shades that feel warm and inviting. Think warm grey (greige), sandy beige, olive green or terracotta.
If you’re into a bit more contrast, richer tones like caramel, anthracite, deep burgundy or dark brown (Leather Saddle Brown) add loads of character—especially on an accent wall or inside a shower niche.
Feeling bold but still want to keep things subtle? Powdery shades like pale pink (Tissue Pink), soft yellow or baby blue work great in eclectic or Midcentury Modern styles.
Check out this year’s trending colours from Benjamin Moore!
Small or large? choosing the right tile for the right look
Large tiles—like 24x24 or even 36x36 inches—are definitely in right now, especially in walk-in showers. They give a smooth, clean, and luxe finish. Honestly, it’s the closest thing to having a spa at home.
On the flip side, smaller tiles like mosaics bring a fun visual punch, especially in glass showers with a Midcentury Modern or Scandinavian minimalist feel. The result? A warm, structured, timeless look.
Ceramic lookalikes that always work
You can’t go wrong with ceramic tiles that mimic wood or marble—two forever favourites. Wood-look tiles bring a warm, spa-like vibe that fits perfectly with japandi or chalet-chic styles.
Want something more upscale? Marble-look ceramic tiles—in greige or off-white tones—instantly add a touch of luxury to your shower walls.
Patterns and mosaics: a splash of style where it matters
If you're after a bit of fun without going over the top, geometric patterns or mosaic tiles are a great way to add personality to your space. They look amazing in a niche, on an accent wall or even on the floor. Bonus: smaller tile also gives better grip—less slipping, more relaxing!
Best tile types and finishes for showers
Porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware (a.k.a. grès cérame) is known for being tough, resistant to stains and moisture. It’s made from fine clays fired at high temperatures, making it super dense and hard-wearing. This type of ceramic tile for shower walls can mimic marble, wood or even concrete perfectly—so you get loads of style options without the hassle.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain is one of the best tile for shower walls. It’s made with even finer clay particles, which makes it denser and more moisture-resistant than regular ceramic.
Because it’s so durable, porcelain is a great fit for wet areas like shower walls. Want to learn more? Check out our full article on the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Glossy or glazed finish
A glazed finish adds a shiny, waterproof layer. It’s easy to clean and comes in a huge range of colours and patterns. For instance, Piozzo ceramic tiles add vibrant colour and a bright, textured look—perfect for Mediterranean or boho-style bathrooms.
Matte or lappato finish
On the flip side, a matte finish is totally in right now. It gives off a raw minimalist feel, a moody luxe vibe or a sleek industrial look—depending on your style.
Lappato tiles fall somewhere in between matte and glossy. This semi-polished finish reflects light in a soft, subtle way. It’s a favourite in chic, modern bathrooms where you want a bit of shine, without going full sparkle.
Ceramic ideas for shower walls by style
Scandinavian
This look is synonymous with simplicity, functionality, and light. To achieve this effect, opt for white or neutral-toned ceramic tiles with a matte or slightly textured finish.
Brick-shaped tiles, like the Spinea Mat in Noho Emerald Brick, add a contemporary touch while remaining timeless. Their slightly glossy texture enhances brightness and adds character to the shower walls while being easy to maintain.
Industrial
If you are drawn to industrial style, tiles that mimic concrete or stone are an excellent choice. Gray tones and raw textures create an urban and contemporary atmosphere in your shower.
The Bettola Lappato model is a great example, with its gray hues and natural stone appearance that adds dimension while remaining modern and sleek.
Mediterranean
For a Mediterranean-inspired bathroom, the Casella Mat model, with its terrazzo look, evokes a sunny and warm atmosphere. Its embedded stone chips add a handcrafted and sophisticated touch reminiscent of the floors and walls of Mediterranean villas.
Rustic
For a warmer and more organic style, the Ormea Naturel model is ideal. This wood-look tile recreates the natural appearance of wood without the maintenance hassles. Its elongated format (9.5" x 59") and walnut or oak tones create a cozy and authentic atmosphere, perfect for a chalet-style bathroom.
Modern
The Caresana Poli model, with its imitation Calacatta or Statuario marble, perfectly embodies modern elegance. Its large 24” x 24” tiles create a sense of space and fluidity, while its subtle veins add just the right amount of texture.
Minimalist
The minimalist style focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and the absence of excess. To achieve this look, the Zoppola Lappato model is an ideal choice. With its neutral shades like Cimone Black or Cimone Greige, and large formats (24" x 24"), it offers a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.
Beyond tiles: small details that make a big difference
Because the look of a bathroom isn’t just about the ceramic tile for shower walls, here are a few extra touches that can totally elevate the space.
Tech that brings the comfort
You can now find towel warmers that are sleek and low-key, but super practical. Smart home features have also made their way into the bathroom. Think: remote control for heated floors, lighting, temperature—even your speakers.
Clever storage that blends right in
These days, bathroom storage is all about clean lines and clever space-saving. Instead of multiple little drawers with handles all over the place, you go for one big unit. Open it up, and voilà—hidden drawers, organisers and compartments. Floating vanities are also trending, helping to make the room feel bigger and more open.
Podium baths are back (and better)
We’re seeing a real comeback of podium-style bathtubs—but this time, they blend beautifully with the shower. You can remove walls or use the same tile throughout for a seamless look. The result? Elegant, subtle design that ties everything together.
Freestanding tubs are still very much in style too. Often, they act as the showpiece of the bathroom.
Shower designs that blend right in
Three big shower trends are popping up right now. First, the walk-in shower: flat, open, no step or curb, fully tiled and level with the rest of the bathroom floor.
Second, the glass shower with just one tiled wall—the rest is glass. Both styles aim to make the space feel airy and open. You almost forget the shower’s even there! The idea is to blend it into the room, not box it in.
Third, we’ve got heated tiles… inside the shower. That’s right—warm toes wherever you are. Bonus: they also help dry the water on the floor faster. Luxury and function in one!
Don’t wait any longer to reinvent your bathroom! Contact our experts at Déco Surfaces to find the tiles that will perfectly suit your project and transform your shower into a true masterpiece.