15 Amazing Herringbone Tile Bathroom Ideas for Perfect Layouts

Okay, let’s talk herringbone tiles – because if you’re anything like me, you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest at 2 AM, wondering if that zigzag pattern would actually work in your bathroom. Spoiler alert: it absolutely does, and I’m here to show you exactly how to nail it.

You know what’s funny? Everyone thinks herringbone is this super complicated, fancy-pants pattern that only works in million-dollar homes. Wrong. I’ve installed these bad boys in everything from tiny powder rooms to master bath suites, and they work everywhere. The trick is knowing which style fits your space and vibe.

So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let me walk you through 15 Herringbone Tile Bathroom Ideas that’ll make your bathroom look like you hired some fancy designer – when really, you just read this article. :

Marble Herringbone Shower Walls

Let’s start with the showstopper – marble herringbone on shower walls. Have you ever walked into a bathroom and just stopped dead in your tracks because the shower looked that good? That’s what marble herringbone does.

I installed Carrara marble herringbone tiles in my master bath last year, and honestly, I still stand there admiring them while I brush my teeth. The natural veining creates this insane movement that makes each tile unique. You get this elegant, timeless look that never goes out of style.

Here’s what makes marble herringbone work so well in showers:

• Natural water resistance when properly sealed
• Reflects light beautifully, making small showers feel larger
• The veining patterns add visual interest without overwhelming
• Works with literally any hardware finish – chrome, brass, black, you name it

The key with marble is sealing it properly. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I skipped the sealer on a client’s bathroom (rookie mistake). You’ll want to reseal every 6-12 months to keep those tiles looking pristine.

White Subway Herringbone Floor

Who says subway tiles are just for walls? White subway tiles in a herringbone pattern on your bathroom floor create this classic-meets-modern vibe that I’m absolutely obsessed with.

I remember walking into a friend’s bathroom renovation and thinking their floor looked expensive AF. Turns out, they used basic white subway tiles arranged in herringbone. The pattern does all the heavy lifting design-wise. Plus, white floors make your bathroom feel massive – even if it’s basically a closet with plumbing.

The contrast grout really makes this pop. Go with a light grey or charcoal grout, and suddenly your basic subway tiles look custom. Just make sure you use floor-rated tiles – wall tiles on floors equals cracked tiles and tears.

Black and White Contrast Herringbone

Can we talk about how dramatic black and white herringbone looks? This combo brings serious personality to any bathroom without trying too hard.

You’ve got options here:

• Alternating black and white tiles for a bold checkerboard effect
• Black herringbone floor with white walls for grounding
• White herringbone with black accent tiles for subtle drama
• Mixed patterns where some sections are black, others white

My personal favorite? Black herringbone floors with white walls and fixtures. It’s like wearing a killer pair of black boots with a simple white outfit – instant sophistication. The contrast creates this visual anchor that makes everything else in the room pop.

Also Read: 15 Chic Grey Tile Bathroom Ideas That Feel Luxurious

Wood-Look Herringbone Bathroom Floor

Okay, real wood in bathrooms scares me (hello, water damage), but wood-look porcelain tiles in herringbone? Game changer. You get all that warm, cozy wood vibe without the maintenance nightmare.

I put these in my powder room, and everyone thinks I’m crazy for having “hardwood” in a bathroom. The joke’s on them – these tiles laugh at water. They come in every wood tone imaginable, from bleached oak to deep walnut. The herringbone pattern adds this sophisticated twist that regular wood planks just can’t match.

Pro tip: Choose longer, narrower tiles for the most authentic wood look. Those chunky square “wood” tiles fool nobody. And please, for the love of good design, run the pattern at a 45-degree angle to your walls. Trust me on this one.

Colorful Mosaic Herringbone Accent Wall

Want to add personality without going full maximalist? Enter the colorful mosaic herringbone accent wall. Pick one wall – usually behind the vanity – and go wild.

I’ve seen people use:

• Gradient blues for an ocean vibe
• Mixed greens for that spa feeling
• Rainbow tiles for kids’ bathrooms (so cute!)
• Metallic mosaics for pure glamour

The beauty of limiting color to one wall? You can change your bathroom’s whole personality with new towels and accessories. That teal herringbone wall looks beachy with white accents but goes full jewel-tone luxury with navy and gold.

Matte Grey Herringbone Tiles for Minimalist Bath

If you’re into that Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic (and honestly, who isn’t?), matte grey herringbone tiles are your best friend. They’re subtle enough to not dominate but interesting enough to prevent your bathroom from looking like a prison cell.

I spec’d these for a client who wanted “boring but not boring” – her exact words. The matte finish prevents that institutional look you get with glossy grey, while the herringbone pattern adds just enough visual interest. Pair with white fixtures and black hardware for that perfect minimalist contrast.

The best part? Grey hides everything. Water spots, dust, the occasional toothpaste splatter – all invisible. It’s the perfect choice for lazy cleaners (no shame, I’m one too).

Also Read: 15 Captivating Zellige Tile Bathroom Ideas for 2025 Decor

Small Hexagon Herringbone Shower Floor

Ever seen those tiny hexagon tiles arranged in herringbone? Mind. Blown. This works especially well on shower floors where you need extra grip.

The small tiles mean more grout lines, which equals better traction. Safety first, people! But here’s where it gets interesting – the herringbone pattern with hexagons creates this almost 3D effect that regular hex tiles can’t achieve.

Color options to consider:

• Classic white for timeless appeal
• Black for drama and easy maintenance
• Mixed grays for subtle variation
• Penny-round alternatives for curved herringbone effects

Just remember: smaller tiles mean more grout to clean. If you’re not into regular scrubbing, go with a darker grout that hides grime better.

Chevron-Style Herringbone Vanity Backsplash

Let’s clear something up – chevron and herringbone aren’t the same thing. Chevron tiles are cut at angles to create perfect V shapes, while herringbone uses rectangular tiles arranged at 90-degree angles. But you know what? Both look amazing as vanity backsplashes.

I prefer true herringbone for most bathrooms because you can use standard rectangular tiles (read: cheaper). But if you want that perfect, continuous V pattern, chevron’s your guy. Either way, extending this pattern from counter to mirror creates this gorgeous focal point that makes your vanity area feel custom.

Glossy Neutral Herringbone Wall Tiles

Sometimes you want shine without the bling, you know? Glossy neutral herringbone tiles – think beige, cream, light grey – give you that light-reflecting surface without screaming for attention.

These work magic in windowless bathrooms. The gloss bounces light around like crazy, making your space feel bigger and brighter. I used glossy beige herringbone in a basement bathroom with zero natural light, and visitors always ask where the window is. There isn’t one – it’s all about that reflective surface, baby!

Also Read: 15 Affordable Penny Tile Bathroom Floor Ideas That Shine

Bold Patterned Herringbone Statement Wall

Ready to go big? A bold patterned herringbone statement wall isn’t for the faint of heart, but wow, does it deliver impact.

Think:

• Moroccan-inspired patterns in herringbone layout
• Geometric designs that play with the zigzag pattern
• Mixed textures combining smooth and textured tiles
• Contrasting colors that create optical illusions

This works best in larger bathrooms where the pattern has room to breathe. In a tiny powder room, you might feel like the walls are closing in. But in a master bath? Pure drama in the best way.

Large Format Herringbone Floor Tiles

Who says herringbone only works with small tiles? Large format tiles (think 12×24 inches or bigger) in herringbone create this modern, streamlined look that’s absolutely stunning.

The bigger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which equals less cleaning (hallelujah!). Plus, large format herringbone has this elegant, understated quality that whispers luxury instead of shouting it. Just make sure your installer knows what they’re doing – large tiles in herringbone require precise cuts and perfect leveling.

Mixed Material Herringbone Bathroom Design

Why stick to one material when you can mix it up? Combining different materials in herringbone patterns creates incredible visual interest.

My favorite combinations:

• Marble and brass inlay for Art Deco vibes
• Wood-look and stone for organic modern
• Glass and ceramic for light play
• Concrete and metal for industrial chic

The trick is keeping the pattern consistent while varying the materials. Use the same tile size throughout, or the pattern gets lost in the chaos. This approach works especially well when transitioning between shower and main floor areas.

Herringbone Tiles with Metallic Accents

Want to add glamour without going full Vegas? Metallic accent tiles mixed into your herringbone pattern add just the right amount of sparkle.

I’m talking about randomly placing metallic tiles throughout your pattern – maybe every 10th tile or creating a border. Gold accents warm up cool grey herringbone, while silver or pewter accents add sophistication to warm tones. The key is restraint. Too many metallic tiles and your bathroom looks like a disco ball exploded. FYI, less is definitely more here.

Pastel Herringbone Bathroom for Soft Look

Pastels are having a moment, and pastel herringbone tiles create the dreamiest, softest bathroom vibes imaginable. Think millennial pink, sage green, or powder blue arranged in that classic zigzag.

These colors work especially well in kids’ bathrooms or powder rooms where you want something playful but not juvenile. The herringbone pattern adds sophistication to colors that might otherwise read as too sweet. Pair with white fixtures and natural wood accents for that perfect Instagram-worthy aesthetic.

Black Slate Herringbone Spa Bathroom

Last but definitely not least – black slate herringbone for that ultimate spa bathroom experience. Natural slate has this incredible texture that feels amazing underfoot (especially with radiant heating underneath).

The deep black color grounds the space and creates this cocoon-like feeling that’s perfect for relaxation. Add some plants, wooden accents, and maybe a rain showerhead, and you’ve basically created your own private spa. The herringbone pattern prevents the black from feeling too heavy while adding sophisticated movement to the floor.

IMO, this works best in larger bathrooms with good lighting. In a small, dark space, black slate might feel cave-like (and not in a good way).

Making Your Herringbone Dreams Reality

So there you have it – 15 ways to rock herringbone tiles in your bathroom. Whether you go classic with white subway tiles or bold with mixed materials, the herringbone pattern adds instant sophistication to any space.

Remember, the perfect herringbone bathroom doesn’t exist in a magazine – it exists in your home, designed for your life. Pick the style that makes you happy every morning when you stumble in there half-awake. Because at the end of the day, that’s what good design is really about – creating spaces that make your daily life a little bit better.

Now stop reading and start planning that bathroom renovation. Your herringbone tiles are waiting!