Exploring the Tile Shapes Defining Bathrooms in 2025

In 2025, bathroom design is all about creativity and individuality, and one of the easiest ways to achieve a standout look is through tile shapes. While colours, finishes, and patterns play a significant role in the overall aesthetic, the shape of the tiles can have an equally transformative effect. From bold geometric designs to organic, flowing forms, the tile shapes trending this year provide endless opportunities for customisation and personal expression. Whether you’re revamping a small en suite or creating a luxurious spa-like retreat, understanding the tile shapes dominating the scene in 2025 is essential.

The Everlasting Appeal of Subway Tiles

Subway tiles remain a classic choice for bathrooms, but in 2025, they’re being reimagined with modern twists. While the traditional 3×6-inch rectangular format is still widely used, new proportions and creative layouts are bringing fresh energy to this timeless shape. Longer subway tiles, such as 2×10 or 3×12-inch options, are particularly popular for creating sleek, contemporary looks.

Layout plays a critical role in updating the classic subway tile. Vertical stacking, diagonal arrangements, and offset patterns give these tiles a modern edge. For an even bolder statement, pairing subway tiles with contrasting grout colours can emphasise their shape and arrangement, adding depth and texture to bathroom walls and showers.

Hexagonal Tiles: A Geometric Favourite

Hexagonal tiles, often referred to as honeycomb tiles, are a firm favourite in 2025 for their ability to balance tradition with modernity. Their six-sided shape creates a sense of symmetry and order while still feeling dynamic and playful. Hexagonal tiles come in a variety of sizes, from small mosaics to large-format options, allowing homeowners to tailor their use to the scale of the space.

In bathrooms, hexagonal tiles are often used on floors, where their geometric shape adds visual interest. Smaller hex tiles are ideal for intricate patterns or ombre effects, while larger tiles work beautifully in minimalist designs. These tiles are also increasingly being used on walls, either as a full feature or as an accent around mirrors and vanities. Textured or metallic finishes on hexagonal tiles can add an extra layer of sophistication.

Fish Scale Tiles: Organic Elegance

Also known as mermaid or scallop tiles, fish scale tiles are making waves in 2025. Their curvaceous shape brings a sense of fluidity and movement, making them an excellent choice for creating calming and organic bathroom designs. The overlapping pattern of fish scale tiles mimics the rippling effect of water, making them a natural fit for wet areas such as shower walls or splashbacks.

These tiles are often seen in glossy finishes, which enhance their water-inspired design by reflecting light. Soft pastel colours like mint green, blush pink, and baby blue are particularly popular, as they emphasise the serene and airy feel of the tiles. For a dramatic effect, fish scale tiles in metallic finishes or deep jewel tones create a luxurious, eye-catching statement.

Chevron and Herringbone: Timeless Patterns

Chevron and herringbone patterns are not new to the world of tiling, but in 2025, they continue to be a go-to choice for homeowners looking to add texture and depth to their bathrooms. Both patterns use rectangular tiles but differ in their arrangement: chevron tiles are cut at an angle to create a seamless zigzag pattern, while herringbone involves laying rectangular tiles in an overlapping V-shape.

These patterns work well on both walls and floors, offering versatility in their application. For a modern twist, homeowners are opting for oversized chevron or herringbone tiles, which make the patterns more prominent and impactful. Contrasting colours or finishes within the same pattern can further enhance the visual effect, creating a bold yet elegant design.

Penny Round Tiles: Playful and Retro

Penny round tiles are enjoying a resurgence in 2025, bringing a touch of retro charm to contemporary bathrooms. These small, circular tiles are perfect for creating playful and intricate designs, whether used as a full surface covering or as an accent feature. Their compact size makes them ideal for mosaic-style applications, where they can be arranged in various patterns or gradients.

In bathrooms, penny round tiles are often used on floors, where their small size provides excellent slip resistance. They’re also popular for shower niches, splashbacks, and decorative borders. Matte finishes give penny tiles a soft, understated look, while glossy or metallic options add a touch of glamour. For a truly unique design, combining penny round tiles in different colours or textures can create striking custom patterns.

Square Tiles: Back to Basics with a Modern Edge

Square tiles, once considered a basic option, are making a stylish comeback in 2025. Their simplicity allows for endless creativity in their arrangement and pairing with other design elements. Available in sizes ranging from small mosaics to large-format tiles, square shapes offer versatility and adaptability to any bathroom style.

Modern square tile designs often incorporate bold colours, textured surfaces, or hand-painted details, elevating them beyond their traditional roots. For example, combining square tiles with contrasting grout can create a grid-like effect that adds structure and rhythm to the space. Large-format square tiles with subtle veining or marbled patterns work particularly well in minimalist bathrooms, where their clean lines and understated elegance shine.

Diamond-Shaped Tiles: Angular Sophistication

Diamond-shaped tiles bring a sense of angular sophistication to bathroom design. Their unique shape allows for creative patterns, such as starburst or harlequin designs, that add visual intrigue and depth to walls and floors. These tiles are particularly striking when used in contrasting colours or finishes, creating bold and graphic statements.

In 2025, metallic and textured finishes on diamond-shaped tiles are especially popular, adding a touch of glamour and dimension to bathrooms. Whether used sparingly as an accent or across an entire surface, diamond tiles are a versatile and modern choice that makes a lasting impression.

Kit Kat Tiles: Linear Modernity

Named after the iconic chocolate bar, Kit Kat tiles are narrow, rectangular tiles that bring a sense of linear modernity to bathroom design. Their slim proportions create a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, making them a popular choice for feature walls, splashbacks, and shower enclosures.

Kit Kat tiles are often arranged vertically to emphasise height and create a sense of spaciousness. They come in a range of finishes, from glossy ceramics to textured natural stone, allowing homeowners to customise their look. For added impact, contrasting grout colours can highlight the linear arrangement, enhancing the overall design.

Triangle Tiles: Bold and Dynamic

Triangle tiles are a bold choice for those looking to push the boundaries of traditional bathroom design. Their angular shape allows for a variety of creative layouts, from simple geometric patterns to complex tessellations. Triangle tiles can be used to create striking feature walls or to add a playful touch to floors and splashbacks.

In 2025, triangle tiles in bold colours or mixed finishes are particularly popular, offering a dynamic and modern aesthetic. Pairing triangle tiles with neutral tones or natural materials helps balance their strong visual impact, creating a harmonious yet exciting design.

Mixing and Matching Tile Shapes

One of the most exciting trends in bathroom design for 2025 is the mixing and matching of tile shapes. Combining different shapes within the same space adds depth and texture, creating a truly unique and personalised look. For example, pairing hexagonal floor tiles with rectangular wall tiles can create a sense of contrast and balance. Similarly, mixing penny round tiles with square or subway tiles can add a playful and eclectic touch.

When mixing tile shapes, it’s important to consider colour and finish to ensure a cohesive design. Using a unifying element, such as a consistent colour palette or grout tone, can help tie the different shapes together seamlessly.

Practical Considerations for Tile Shapes

While aesthetics are important, practical considerations should also guide your choice of tile shapes. Smaller tiles, such as penny rounds or mosaics, are ideal for areas where slip resistance is a priority, such as shower floors. Larger tiles, on the other hand, can create a sense of spaciousness and are easier to clean due to fewer grout lines.

The scale of the bathroom should also influence your choice. In smaller spaces, compact tiles like Kit Kat or penny rounds can add texture without overwhelming the room. In larger bathrooms, bold shapes like hexagons or diamonds can make a dramatic statement.

Shaping the Future of Bathroom Design

In 2025, tile shapes are more than just functional elements—they’re key design features that can transform a bathroom into a work of art. From classic subway and hexagonal tiles to bold triangles and organic fish scales, the shapes trending this year offer endless possibilities for creativity and personalisation. By exploring new shapes and layouts, homeowners can create bathrooms that are not only functional but also visually stunning and uniquely theirs.