White Shower Tile Ideas Create Bright and Fresh Atmosphere

White shower tiles can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Going with a white scheme creates a clean, bright, and fresh atmosphere that feels both modern and classic. White tile is endlessly versatile and pairs beautifully with any accent colors and materials you want to incorporate.

There are lots of interesting design choices when working with white tile. Playing with different tiles shapes, patterns, textures, and layouts can add visual interest. Adding accent tiles, mixing materials, lighting, and other decorative details can also bring life to your white tiled shower.

Below are some gorgeous ideas to inspire your own white tiled shower oasis!

Why Choose White Shower Tiles?

White tile is a timeless choice that complements almost any design aesthetic you’re going for. Here are some of the main benefits of using white tiles in the shower:

• Brightens the space – White reflects light, making any bathroom feel more open and airy. It can help small spaces feel larger.
• Clean look – White evokes a crisp, clean feeling, perfect for the shower area. Keeping things light and minimalistic also makes the space feel more relaxing.
• Neutral background – A white backdrop allows you to easily incorporate pops of color, pattern, or any style you want through accents.
• Lightens up dark spaces – White bounces light around, helping to illuminate naturally darker areas that lack sufficient natural light.
• Timeless and classic – White tile does not go out of style. It always looks fresh and works with any trend.
• Spa-like ambiance – All-white scheme lends a luxurious, spa-like vibe.
• Easy to keep clean – White hides dirt and soap scum better than darker grout or tile.

White Tile Shower Design Ideas

From subway tiles to hexagons, delicate marble to high-contrast graphic patterns, there are so many options when designing a white tiled shower. Consider the following approaches:

All-Over White Tile

Covering all the shower walls in white tile from floor to ceiling is a simple but dramatic look. It makes the space appear larger and brighter.

For more visual punch, use varying sizes of rectangular subway tiles or experiment with laying them in a herringbone pattern. Large format tiles like 12×24 inch rectangles can also give a seamless look.

Mixing White Tile Shapes

Beyond basic squares and rectangles, explore shaped tiles like hexagons, fishscale, domino, or circular. Shapes add movement and give the white tile a more dynamic look.

Using all of one shape can create an eye-catching graphic tile pattern. Or combine different shapes for an eclectic effect.

Vertical Accent Strips

Add thin strips of contrasting tiles, set vertically between wider fields of white. Dark grout lines also accentuate the stripes.

This can be an impactful look without overwhelm. Keep most of the shower white and clean-looking, and use accent tiles (black, wood, marble, colorful) sparingly.

Bands of Accent Tiles

Another approach is to create horizontal bands of contrasting tile, like a row of marble subway tiles across the shower. Accent tiles can also be worked into the base of the shower or chair rail height.

Use accent tiles and bands to highlight the shower architecture, like capping half-walls or framing niches. This helps zones stand out while keeping the overall scheme light.

Mixing Tile Materials

Pair white ceramic or porcelain tiles with other materials like marble or stone for added texture. Natural surfaces like marble, travertine and limestone have beautiful veining that complements the clean white tiles.

Sleek modern showers often combine glossy white tiles and glass. Frameless glass doors maintain visibility and flow. Using different sizes of white glass and ceramic tile adds interest.

Bold Black and White

For serious drama, pair matte black tiles with bright white. Think marble floor tiles, black grout, and high contrast patterns. Use sparingly to make a bold statement.

Softer gray tiles can provide the same dramatic contrast but are a little less harsh when offset by white.

Natural White Stone Tiles

Natural stone like marble, limestone or travertine with natural white, cream and gray tones are beautiful in showers. The organic variation creates texture and depth.

Use large format stone tiles or small mosaic sheets to keep the look light and airy. Limit dark veins. Distressed, textured tiles work nicely for a rustic touch.

White Subway Pattern

The subway tile pattern with its slim rectangular shape and linear layout remains a classic. Use shiny white for a clean, mirror-like look. Or go matte for subtle texture.

Run the tiles vertically to make ceilings seem taller. Horizontal adds width. Or stack tiles in an offset brick pattern for more interest. A herringbone design also adds visual movement.

White Hexagon Shower Floor

Tiny hexagonal tiles pack together to create a geometric motif that looks fantastic on shower floors. The tiles capture light beautifully, giving the floor dimension.

Pair with any style of white wall tile. Large format rectangles or squares help balance the busyness of the hex floor.

What Color Grout for White Shower Tiles?

Choosing what color grout to pair with white shower tiles impacts the overall look. Here are some top options:

• White grout – Matches white tiles for a seamless monochromatic look.
• Gray grout – From light to charcoal, gray nicely highlights white tile shapes.
• Black grout – High contrast and bold, best used sparingly.
• Bright colored grout – Make tile patterns pop with electric blue, neon green, or other vivid grout colors.

For a softer, clean look stick with white, light gray, or beige grout. Darker grout and bold colors are best used deliberately as accents.

Also consider the tile size. Smaller tiles mean more grout lines. A truly minimalist look means using larger tile sizes and matching grout.

Incorporating Color and Pattern

White tile provides the perfect neutral backdrop for adding pops of color, pattern and visual texture. Here are some fun ways to liven up white tiled showers:

Vibrant Accent Tiles

Brightly colored tiles in small doses enliven an all-white scheme. Accent a niche or boldly stripe a wall with emerald green or cobalt blue glossy tiles.

Metallic Tiles

Mirror-finish metallic silver, gold, copper and bronze tiles lend glamour. Use sparingly as borders or highlights on one wall.

Moroccan Fish Scale Tiles

Intricate mosaic-like fish scale patterned tiles look graphic yet naturalistic. Blue and green colors complement white tile beautifully.

Handpainted Tiles

One-of-a-kind handpainted tiles can provide artistic flair. Use to create murals, patterns or listellos.

Printed & Photo Image Tiles

Tiles can replicate patterns, materials (brick, wood), or incorporate photography. Personalize your space.

Striped Tiles

Bold stripes in contrasting colors immediately energize plain white tiles. Use sparingly for effect.

Woven Tile Patterns

Tiles that mimic woven textures, like boucle, add visual interest and a warm, textural element.

Geometric Patterns

For a retro vibe, look for graphic black and white diamond, square, zigzag, or Officina patterned tile designs.

Terrazzo

Small bits of colored glass, stone or quartz embedded in tile create the timeless terrazzo effect.

Moroccan Zellige

Intricate mosaic-like patterns and vibrant blues and greens inspired by Moroccan architecture beautifully complement white tiles.

Adding Decorative Details

Take your white tile shower to the next level with these types of decorative flourishes:

Niches

Niches carved into the tile provide pretty display space for bath products. Frame with an accent tile or mosaic pattern.

Bands and Borders

Highlight linear architecture with bands of stone, glass or mosaic tiles.

Chair Rail

Add a horizontal chair rail molding in wood or tile at waist height for traditional charm.

Listellos and Inserts

Listellos are vertical strips of decorative tile used to border other tiles or frame the niche.

Shell or Metal Medallions

A round accent focal point can provide traditional flair. Use vintage-style etched metal or colorful ceramic tile.

Decorative Wallpaper

Use removable wallpaper inserts to add temporary color and pattern.

Colorful Caulk

Replace conventional white caulk with black or brightly colored caulk for added flair.

Riverstone

Pebble tiles or real pebbles in an epoxy coating create a soothing natural accent wall.

Wainscoting

Add painted or tiled wainscoting panels (part way up the wall) for a touch of traditional charm.

Mixing Materials in the Shower

Combining different textures and surfaces can give a white tile shower more visual appeal:

• Combine white subway tiles with marble or travertine stone walls and floors.
• Mix white porcelain wall tiles with glass bricks or tiles for aquatic-inspired translucent accents.
• Use organic-looking stone like pebble mosaics or slate on the shower floor.
• Incorporate wood elements like teak shower benches, reclaimed wood shelves, or bamboo-look porcelain tiles.
• Add metal details like a stainless steel or bronze strip where walls meet shower pan.

Incorporating Lighting Effects

Proper lighting showcases all-white shower tiles and makes the space glow. Ideas include:

• Skylights and clerestory windows to flood the space with natural light.
• Sconces, accent lighting and vanity lighting aimed at the tile walls.
• Multiple recessed can lights.
• Waterproof LED strip lighting installed under benches or on ceilings.
• Floating wall shelves with under lighting.
• Backlit or illuminated niches.
• Fiber optic “starry sky” shower ceilings.

Natural and artificial lighting should combine to fully enhance the white tiled beauty of your shower space.

Ideal White Shower Tiles to Consider

With so many white tile types available, below are some top options perfect for shower use:

• White subway tile – Classic 3×6 inch glossy or matte tiles never go out of style. Use brick or herringbone patterns.
• Carrara marble – Elegant white marble with soft gray veining has rich character. Better for low traffic shower walls.
• White penny round mosaic – Small rounds pack tightly together for beautiful light reflection.
• White hexagon tile – Hex shapes add gorgeous geometric impact, great for floors.
• White stone mosaic – Tiny irregular stones like marble or travertine create natural texture.
• White quartz – Non-porous quartzite resists staining ideal for shower floors.
• Porcelain – Durable glazed porcelain available in many shapes, sizes and finishes.
• Glass – Mix with ceramic tiles. Translucent, aquatic look.

Shower Tile Layout Ideas

How you arrange the tiles impacts the overall look. Try these layouts with white shower tiles:

• Stacked offset bricks
• Parquet look
• Horizontal planks
• Vertical stripes
• Herringbone
• Diamond pattern
• Continual grid all over
• Middle horizontal band
• Large rectangles on walls, small mosaic on floor
• Listellos separating tile fields

Also play around with direction. Running subway tiles vertically versus horizontally give quite different effects.

The tile layout possibilities are endless. Choose what complements your shower design and tile choices.

Grouting Tips for White Shower Tiles

Take care when grouting white tiles. Here are some best practices:

• Always use a white or very light gray colored grout with white tiles. Even pure white grout can get discolored over time without proper sealing.
• To keep the brilliant white color, choose an epoxy-based grout which is more stain resistant than cement grout.
• Make sure tiles are sealed prior to grouting so the colorant in the grout does not stain the tile.
• Take precautions not to dirty the tiles when grouting. Immediately clean any grout residue off the tiles.
• After grouting, re-seal both the tiles and grout to prevent staining and discoloration from daily use.
• Grout haze removers can get grout film off tile surfaces. Use caution not to scar tiles.
• Caulk corners and seams for easier cleaning. Choose white silicone caulk.

Properly caring for white grout will help maintain a pristine shower appearance.

Smart Shower Maintenance with White Tiles

White tiles highlight everything – from dirt to water spots and stains. Follow these maintenance tips:

• Install a squeegee and wipe down shower walls after each use. This prevents water spots, soap scum build up and mildew growth.
• Occasionally scrub tiles with a non-abrasive cleaner safe for natural stone if needed. Use minimal pressure.
• Re-apply shower tile sealant annually or as needed to repel stains.
• Check and re-caulk trim areas seasonally. Replace cracked or missing grout.
• For tough soap scum, spray tiles with hydrogen peroxide and let sit before rinsing.
• Brighten grout by scrubbing occasionally with oxygen bleach cleaner.

Staying on top of shower cleaning keeps the white tile sparkling and your shower fresh.

Achieving a Luxury Spa Look with White Tiles

White tile forms the perfect foundation for a relaxing, spa-inspired shower. To recreate the high-end spa aesthetic:

• Go for all-white everything – tiles, plumbing, fixtures, accessories. The monochromatic color scheme is signature spa-style.
• Select white marble, stone or glass mosaic tiles. Natural texture and light reflection feels luxe.
• Incorporate freestanding tubs, chandeliers, and indoor plants and greenery for a bathroom oasis vibe.
• Provide plenty of space. Expand the shower to double size.
• Use slip-resistant porcelain tiles on the floor for safety and durability.
• Add spa-like features – dual showerheads, body sprays, built-in benches, steam, towel warmers.
• Soft, diffuse lighting and candles set the mood.
• Display fluffy white towels and bathrobes neatly. Keep toiletries in well-organized niches or floating shelves.

Clean lines, harmonious white, and high-end finishes make a shower feel like a soothing escape.

Stunning White Shower Tile Design Inspiration

For additional ideas, below are some stunning examples of white shower tile designs:

Classic and elegant, this shower mixes white square tiles on the walls with bands of white marble subway tiles. Horizontal chair rail tiles break up the vertical space.

(Image by Stocksy/Design by Summer Thornton Design)

The high contrast black and white vertical striped tile makes a bold graphic statement in this modern shower design.

(Image by First Class Tile)

This vibrant white glossy subway tile paired with glass shower door and niches makes the space feel open and airy.

(Image by Dabito via HGTV)

The white marble hexagon tile floor packs in lots of dimension and texture against the matching white wall tiles.

(Image by Studio DB)

The Many Benefits of White Shower Tile Designs

Installing white tiles in your shower comes with many advantages:

Light and Bright Ambiance

The reflective white tile will make your shower feel more open and full of light.

Timeless and Relaxing

Crisp white evokes tranquility and will always remain in style.

Easy to Keep Clean

White tile resists showing dirt and is easy to keep looking fresh.

Neutral Background

White tile allows you to add any color accents you like.

Scales the Space

White helps make small shower spaces appear larger than they are.

Spa-Like Feel

White tile gives your shower a clean and luxurious sensibility.

Design Versatility

Mix dozens of white tile shapes, sizes, and textures for unique designs.

Natural Look

Materials like marble, limestone and glass lend an airy, elegant vibe.

Reflective

White tiles will beautifully showcase light from windows or fixtures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to