10 Brilliant 5x9 Kids Bathroom Tile Ideas: Small Space, Big Personality: My Favorite Tile Designs for a 5x9 Kids Bathroom

Last year, a client asked me to make her kids’ 5x9 bathroom look “like a LEGO explosion, but tasteful.” At first, I laughed — but then it hit me: small spaces can actually handle bold ideas if you balance them right. Over the past decade as an interior designer, I’ve learned that tiny bathrooms can be the perfect playground for tile creativity, and I’m sharing my top 10 inspirations here.

1. Chevron Patterns in Pastel

A chevron layout in soft mint, blush, or sky blue adds playful movement without overwhelming the room. I used this pattern in a project where the light bounced beautifully thanks to glossy finishes, making the space feel bigger.

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2. Classic White Subway with a Twist

White subway tiles get a fun upgrade when you swap standard grout for a colored option — think sunny yellow or aqua. I once mapped this out using an online room planner to test color harmony before committing.

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3. Honeycomb (Hexagon) Accents

Hex tiles in 2'' size can turn a small bathroom floor into a charming feature. Mix a few patterned hexes in between solid colors for a “hidden surprise” the kids love spotting.

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4. Two-Tone Wall Break

Use one tile color for the lower half of the wall and a different shade for the top. It’s a budget-friendly way to create dimension — plus, darker tiles below hide the occasional splash mess better.

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5. Mosaic Mural Panel

Dedicate one wall (often behind the vanity or tub) to a mosaic art scene — whales, rainbows, or abstract bursts. I’ve planned these using a free floor plan creator to ensure tile counts and proportions stay in check.

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6. Penny Tiles in Bold Colors

Penny tiles are timelessly cute and slip-resistant — perfect for kids. A deep navy floor with lighter grout can hide dirt and still look fresh.

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7. Vertical Stacking

Arrange rectangular tiles vertically instead of horizontally to make walls look taller — a great trick for narrow bathrooms. Pair with a matte finish so watermarks are less obvious.

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8. Mix-and-Match Shapes

Combining triangles, squares, and hexagons can create a playful patchwork. It takes patience to lay out, but the final look is like a mini art gallery. I tested one combination in a 3D mock-up using a kitchen layout planner even though it wasn’t a kitchen — the tool worked perfectly.

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9. Neutral Base with Pop Borders

Start with a calm, neutral tile, then add thin borders in bright colors. It satisfies both parents (easy to clean, not too wild) and kids (fun accents).

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10. Fish Scale Tiles

Also called mermaid tiles, these create a whimsical, watery feel. In sea green or teal, they’re irresistible for a kids’ bath — just remember they take more skill to install neatly.

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FAQ

1. What size tiles work best in a 5x9 kids bathroom?

Small to medium tiles (2”–4”) help maintain proportion in compact spaces and reduce excessive cutting.

2. Can I use large-format tiles in a small bathroom?

Yes, but choose lighter colors and minimal grout lines to keep the space from feeling cramped.

3. Are slip-resistant tiles necessary for kids?

Absolutely. Look for tiles with a matte finish or textured surface to reduce accidents (see safety guidelines from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation).

4. What grout color should I choose?

Light grout blends in and makes the space calmer, while dark grout hides stains better. It’s a matter of preference and maintenance.

5. How can tiles make a narrow bathroom look wider?

Installing floor tiles diagonally or using horizontal patterns can visually widen the space.

6. Can I mix tile styles in a small bathroom?

Yes, but limit your palette to 2–3 colors to keep it cohesive.

7. Are colorful tiles a good choice for resale value?

For kids’ baths, it’s fine to go bold — you can always re-tile or keep the bold areas small for easier updates later.

8. How do I maintain grout in a kids’ bathroom?

Seal your grout regularly and clean with a pH-neutral cleaner to prevent mold and discoloration.