10 Cheap Bathroom Tile Ideas You’ll Love: Creative, Budget-Friendly Bathroom Tile Ideas from a Designer’s PerspectiveLena ZhuSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Use Subway Tiles in an Unexpected Layout2. Mix and Match Leftover Tiles3. Go Halfway with Tiling4. Use Larger Tiles for Smaller Spaces5. Choose Ceramic over Porcelain6. Accent with a Tile Border7. Paint Old Tiles with Epoxy Paint8. Use Mosaic Sheets Strategically9. Try Wood-Look Ceramic Tiles10. Explore Discount and Outlet StoresFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, a client showed me a Pinterest board full of marble bathrooms and said, “I only have a $300 budget—can you do it?” I nearly choked on my coffee, but it was also the moment I learned small spaces and small budgets can push creativity to its limits. Over 10 years of designing, I’ve found that a tight budget often creates the most surprising results. So today, I’m sharing 10 cheap bathroom tile ideas I’ve personally used and loved.1. Use Subway Tiles in an Unexpected LayoutClassic subway tiles are budget-friendly, but arranging them in herringbone or vertical stack patterns instantly upgrades the look. In one project, I even used leftover subway tiles from a kitchen remodel (kitchen remodel layout) to save more.save pin2. Mix and Match Leftover TilesIf you have random boxes of leftover tiles, don’t hide them—use them to create a fun patchwork wall. It’s eco-friendly, unique, and practically free if you already have the materials.save pin3. Go Halfway with TilingInstead of tiling from floor to ceiling, only tile the wet areas up to shoulder height, then paint the rest. This saves cost while still protecting the walls where it matters most.save pin4. Use Larger Tiles for Smaller SpacesLarge-format tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes even a small bathroom feel open and clean. Contrary to what many think, they can be cheaper per square foot in clearance sales.save pin5. Choose Ceramic over PorcelainIf you love the porcelain look but not the price, ceramic is the perfect compromise. Just make sure they’re rated for bathroom use to handle moisture well—learned this the hard way in my first project.save pin6. Accent with a Tile BorderInstead of an entire accent wall, create a border with patterned tiles. I once used Moroccan-style tiles as a single horizontal strip, and it became the bathroom’s talking point.save pin7. Paint Old Tiles with Epoxy PaintWhen replacing tiles isn’t an option, a fresh coat of epoxy paint can completely transform the look. It’s not a forever solution, but it can buy you years before a full remodel, especially useful when planning with a bathroom layout draft.save pin8. Use Mosaic Sheets StrategicallyMosaic sheets can be pricey, but using them only in the shower niche or as a backsplash minimizes cost while adding visual interest.save pin9. Try Wood-Look Ceramic TilesThey bring warmth without the maintenance issues of real wood in a wet area. I once paired them with matte white walls for a spa-like effect on a budget.save pin10. Explore Discount and Outlet StoresTile outlets, overstock sales, and online clearance sections are my secret weapons. A client once scored designer tiles at a third of the price, and we designed the space using my go-to bathroom design tool to visualize everything before purchase.save pinFAQQ: Are cheap tiles less durable?A: Not necessarily. Installation quality and proper waterproofing matter more than price tag alone.Q: Can I mix different tile materials?A: Absolutely, but stick to similar thicknesses and ensure they’re rated for bathroom use.Q: How do I make a small bathroom look bigger with tiles?A: Use large, light-colored tiles with minimal grout lines for an airy feel.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