When it comes to bathroom tile colours, we’ve seen it all- the good, the bad, and the ‘did they really choose that?’.
Choosing the right tile colour for your shower is one of the biggest decisions that weighs on our bathroom repair clients, and trust us, we’ve seen every combination under the sun. After decades in the tiling game, we’ve come across some… interesting choices!
There was that all-yellow bathroom—walls, floor, everything—where you couldn’t tell if it was 70s-inspired or just a very intense homage to mustard. Then there was the hot pink grout phase (yes, that was a thing), paired with black tiles to really make a statement. And don’t get us started on the mint-green and lilac combo that would make you feel like you’re showering in a candy store.
Bold moves like these are great if you’re decorating for yourself. But if you’re thinking about resale value, it might be best to pump the brakes on colour combinations are best left in the realm of art galleries or very brave cafes in Byron Bay.
Now, we’re not here to stifle your creativity—far from it! If you want to imitate this amazing bathroom you’ve seen on the Block, that’s your call. But if there’s even a chance that selling the property is in your future, you’ll want to keep your tile choices neutral enough to appeal to the masses and avoid any nasty rip ups in future, or alas any reno regret for yourself if your taste changes down the line.
It seemed like a good idea at the time…right?
Here’s our director Marco’s advice on picking tile colours that balance style, creativity, and smart investing, so your bathroom stands the test of time—and taste.
Here’s Marco’s seasoned advice on picking the right colors and tiles for your shower:
1. Keep It Simple (Unless You’re Here for the Long Haul)
Marco’s number one tip? Simplicity is your friend, especially if you’re planning to sell the property someday. “If you’re thinking about resale, you’re not picking tiles for yourself. You’re picking them for the buyer. So keep it simple, something everyone can like,” he says.
“Having character is great—if you’re planning to live with it forever. I’ve been to places where someone thought a red feature wall was a great idea. Some people might love it; others will turn up their noses. There is such a thing as too much character.”
2. Neutral Colours Are a Safe Bet
“You can’t go wrong with white walls and grey floors,” Marco advises. “It may sound ‘boring,’ but it’s classic, and it avoids that dreaded ‘70s’ moment where you’re staring at something way past its prime.” Neutral colours keep your bathroom looking fresh, cohesive, and appealing to a wide range of tastes.
3. Add Contrast Between Walls and Floors for Visual Balance
Marco recommends adding some contrast—subtle or distinct—between walls and floors to keep things from looking flat. “Even a slight difference helps define the space and keeps it from feeling sterile or ‘flat’,” he says.
For instance, white walls paired with soft grey or charcoal floors offer a crisp look, while beige walls with slate-coloured flooring add warmth. Even slight variations in tone create a balanced, polished look, making the space feel more thoughtfully designed.
4. Use Big Tiles for Small Spaces
If you’re working with a small bathroom, Marco recommends opting for larger tiles on walls. “Big tiles mean fewer grout lines, which can make a small space feel bigger. Less to clean and less chance of leaks in the grout, too. Bonus!”
Tiles with a marbling pattern throughout look great from floor to ceiling because they really open up the space and make it look taller than it is, which is great for bathrooms with minimal windows.
5. Bring Light into Dark Spaces with Glossy Tiles
For darker bathrooms, consider glossy or semi-gloss tiles. “Glossy tiles give a nice shine and reflect more light around the space, making it feel brighter,” says Marco. The added light can bring out the best in a small bathroom. Just be sure to only put the glossy tiles on the walls and keep it matte on the floors to keep them as non-slip as possible.
6. Matching Grout Colours (And the Black Grout Warning)
“With grout, the goal is to match it as close as possible to the tile colour unless you want the lines to pop—like for subway tiles,” Marco explains. For example, for grey tiles in a shower floor, we use light grey epoxy grout.
He’s got a word of caution for anyone drawn to black grout: “It’s messy, hard to work with, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tiler who’s thrilled to take it on. Stick to matching tones, and you’ll have a cleaner look that’s less hassle.”
6. Planning to Repair Only the Shower Floor? Think Carefully About How to Match the Tiles
If you are in a situation where your shower is leaking and you’re looking at replacing the shower base tiles, this kind of repair will mean replacing the first row of wall tiles to ensure the waterproofing can be applied correctly.
If your wall tiles are unique, if you don’t have spares and can’t source them from somewhere, you may end up with a bottom row that stands out a bit and will be quite obvious to a potential buyer that a repair was done.
For resale value, Marco advises a full shower retile to keep the look cohesive up to the walls. “You don’t want a bottom row that doesn’t quite match the rest of your walls. But if saving some coin is your goal, we’ll do our best with colour-matching to make it look as close as possible.”
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—Marco’s guide to picking shower tiles that won’t make you cringe in five years (or scare off future buyers). Tile color might seem like a small choice, but with the right balance of style and restraint, your shower can look fresh, timeless, and maybe even classy.
And hey, if you’re still dreaming of that neon grout or zebra-striped wall, we won’t stop you—but don’t say we didn’t warn you when your friends start wearing sunglasses to visit the bathroom.
Ready to take the plunge with shower tile choices that stand the test of time? Reach out to us at Allspex Tiling—we’re here to bring Marco’s expert eye (and good taste) to your bathroom renonation or shower repair!
