Functionally, there are many things to take into account. When choosing tiles, make sure the tile you pick is suitable for the area you plan to use it – waterproof enough for the bath or shower, and textured and tough enough for the floor.

Here are some pictures of tile use in bathrooms to help you come up with your own bathroom tile design ideas.

Large wall tiles broken up with narrow contrast stripes behind a white vessel sink

The large pale mottled/marbled effect tiles have a quiet, soothing effect, while the contrast stripes are made up of multiple small stone tiles in different colors, and break up the expanse to a more human scale.

Pale blue/grey/silver mosaic tiles behind a white vessel sink

The subtle damask-type pattern in these pale blue-grey tiles sweeps over all the bathroom walls. It gives the walls lots of interest while not being obtrusive, and makes a great background for the natural wood, metal and stone finishes.

Shades of black, grey, white and silver mosaic tiles

This is quite a busy mosaic tile pattern. It might make a good shower or bathtub surround for a morning-use bathroom when you want to be woken up! Alternatively, panels of this pattern surrounded by white would pop out and make a statement without being overwhelming.

Large pale diagonal tiles with narrow striped accent

These are the same pale marbled tiles in the first picture above, with the same small rectangular stone accent tiles, but here the large tiles are set on the diagonal. The swoopy towel ring makes a nice contrast with the straight lines of the tiles.

Of course, you don’t have to copy all the ideas from one bathroom picture – you can mix and match compatible ideas to come up with your own unique bathroom decor style. The textured metal in the first picture, for example, gives a very sparkly look which could be paired with blue granite counters and deep colored walls instead of the natural wood and pale walls shown. The more of your own imagination you can include in your bathroom designs, the better!

Modern bathroom with lots of sparkly textured stainless steel and natural wood.

Antique-style natural wood vanity with white solid-surfacing top, integral sink and gold-finish faucet

Traditional-style bathroom with wallpaper, beige fixtures, bathtub in alcove, light wood double vanity.

Wall-to-wall double bathroom vanity with white vessel sinks, tiled walls and granite counter

A romantic bathroom scene with candles, roses and wine carefully placed on the rim of the set-in tub.

Updated bathroom using old and new materials: natural stone window seat, elaborate but subtly-colored tile mosaic walls, and white vessel sink.

Glass tiles with wide grout lines in many shades of blue

Old but still attractive bathroom in shades of green with white pedestal sink

Romantic-style bathroom vanity with ornate wood mirror, boudoir lamp, granite counter and waterfall faucet

Modern toilet alcove, completely tiled, with built in hand-held shower plus a telephone

Inset tub with columns, swagged curtains, candle-holders; all ready for your romantic evening

Modern toilet alcove with hidden tank, completely tiled walls and floor, stainless steel accessories

Fancy white and gold bathtub faucet, dark blue marble walls, white tub

Grey and green marble and tile, plus natural wood finishes; unusual toilet shape.