10 Penny Tile Bathroom Ideas: Small Tile, Big Impact – Creative Ways to Use Penny Tile in Your Bathroom

One of my earliest bathroom projects involved a client who was absolutely obsessed with polka dots. At first, I thought she was joking about wanting “dots everywhere,” but that little idea led me to rediscover the charm of penny tiles. They’re not just cute — they can completely transform a space, especially when that space is, well, more compact than you’d like. Small bathrooms, I’ve learned, are the perfect playground for penny tile creativity.

1. Full Penny Tile Feature Wall

Covering an entire wall in penny tiles can give even the tiniest of bathrooms a statement piece. It’s bold and crisp yet somehow never feels too heavy. Maintenance-wise, you’ll be cleaning more grout, but the visual payoff is worth it.

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2. Two-Tone Penny Tile Patterns

I once used navy and white penny tiles in an alternating wave pattern — it made the bathroom feel like an art piece. A great resource when planning such intricate layouts is the bathroom design tool that lets you mock up pattern ideas before committing.

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3. Penny Tile Shower Niche

A shower niche lined with contrasting penny tiles adds a pop of personality. It’s also a great way to repurpose leftover tiles from a larger project. Just be sure to seal the grout properly since it’s a high-moisture zone.

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4. Mixed Texture Penny Floors

Mixing matte and glossy penny tiles underfoot gives a subtle shimmer effect when light hits — perfect for adding depth to a small powder room. It does require precise installation to keep the surface level.

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5. Gradient Penny Tile Walls

Creating an ombré effect with penny tiles — from light at the top to dark at the bottom — visually stretches the height of the bathroom. It’s a labor of love for the tiler, but the result is unforgettable. I planned one such layout entirely in a free floor plan creator before starting.

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6. Penny Tile Border Accents

Using penny tiles as a slender border between larger tiles is cost-effective yet impactful. It neatly frames areas like mirrors or vanity spaces, giving definition without crowding the design.

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7. Monochrome Magic

There’s a timeless beauty in all-white or all-black penny tiles. They offer texture without overcomplicating the palette, and they work beautifully whether you love a vintage or modern vibe.

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8. Metallic Penny Tile Highlights

A few gold or copper penny tiles sprinkled among neutrals catch the light and add warmth. I’ve even had clients request these as a subtle “hidden treasure” detail — something guests only notice up close.

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9. Penny Tile Sink Backsplash

For a quick lift on a budget, I’ve added penny tiles just behind the sink area. They instantly bring texture and character without requiring a full room renovation. The trick is to align them perfectly with the basin for clean lines, something I often test-fitted in a 3D floor planner first.

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10. Personalized Mosaic with Penny Tiles

Since penny tiles are small, you can create custom patterns or even letters. I once spelled out “SOAK” in a client’s shower floor — it made them smile every morning.

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FAQ

Q: Are penny tiles slippery for bathroom floors?

A: When paired with proper grout and a matte finish, penny tiles can actually improve slip resistance.

Q: How do I keep penny tile grout clean?

A: Use a penetrating grout sealer and a pH-neutral cleaner regularly to prevent staining.