10 Clever Bathroom Tub and Tile Ideas: Small bathrooms can be stunning – here are my go‑to tub & tile tricks from years of design work.Lena MeadowsSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Subway Tiles with a Twist2. Japanese Soaking Tub3. Mosaic Floor to Tub Wall4. Black Grout Drama5. Built‑In Niches with Accent Tile6. Large‑Format Tiles for Minimal Lines7. Wrap‑Around Tile Apron8. Statement Color Zone9. Marble Look on a Budget10. Mixing Matte and Gloss FinishesFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEYears ago, I had a client who insisted on a clawfoot tub in a bathroom the size of a walk‑in closet. At first, I thought it was impossible – until I realized that small spaces push us to be far more creative. That's when I started experimenting with tub and tile combinations that not only fit but elevated the space. In fact, one of my first wins came after browsing a room planner tool to test layouts before even buying fixtures. Today, I’m sharing 10 bathroom tub and tile ideas that have stuck with me.1. Subway Tiles with a TwistI love classic white subway tiles, but offsetting them vertically instead of horizontally gives a fresh feel. The bonus? It visually raises your ceiling.save pin2. Japanese Soaking TubThese deep, compact tubs save floor space yet feel luxurious. The challenge is plumbing adjustments, but it’s worth it for the spa vibe.save pin3. Mosaic Floor to Tub WallRunning tiny mosaic tiles from the floor right up the side of your tub creates a seamless, custom look. It can be pricier due to labor, but the impact is huge.save pin4. Black Grout DramaPairing white tiles with black grout is striking and hides dirt better. Just make sure your lines are perfectly even – they’ll be very visible.save pin5. Built‑In Niches with Accent TileA recessed shelf with colorful tile inside becomes both storage and art. I often use this in showers behind freestanding tubs to keep counter space clear.save pin6. Large‑Format Tiles for Minimal LinesGiant tiles around a tub minimize grout lines, which makes cleaning a breeze. Tools like a free floor plan creator help test how the scale feels in your space before buying.save pin7. Wrap‑Around Tile ApronInstead of a plain side panel, carry your wall tile right around the tub base. It ties the design together and works especially well in open‑concept ensuites.save pin8. Statement Color ZoneChoosing one bold tile color around the tub creates a focal point. Just keep the rest of the room neutral so it doesn’t compete for attention.save pin9. Marble Look on a BudgetPorcelain tiles that mimic marble give you the same elegance without the maintenance hassles. They also resist staining, which is a win in busy homes.save pin10. Mixing Matte and Gloss FinishesCombining textures adds subtle depth, like a matte wall tile with a glossy tub surround. I learned this trick while testing combinations in a bathroom design tool—it made the “feel” of the room come alive.save pinFAQQ: Can I mix different tile styles in one bathroom? A: Absolutely, just keep one element consistent—like color family—to avoid chaos.Q: Are small tiles harder to clean? A: Yes, because of more grout lines. If you love the look, opt for epoxy grout to make upkeep easier.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE