Ceramic, Glass, or Stone? 15 Bathroom Wall Tile Ideas!

Here on the Sweeten blog, we aim to translate insight from NYC renovators and contractors into information you can use to make better decisions about improving your home. If you are looking to remodel a bathroom, straightforward necessities like the sink, faucet, and toilet are big purchases that rightly deserve your time and money, but wall tile is your best shot at making a big statement and having the most fun! There are endless options and ways to mix and match tile styles, shapes, textures, and colors to set the overall look and feel of your bathroom. This week: we’ve rounded up both classic and eclectic bath wall tiles from Sweeten renovation projects.

Wall tiles are most commonly available in three different materials: ceramic, glass, and stone. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of shapes and patterns that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stain. Glass tiles are known for translucent and opaque designs with glossy or matte finishes that can reflect light and brighten the room. Stone tiles come in a range of natural colors and textures that can create a  lavish or serene feel.

Ellen in Brooklyn went with classic white subway wall tiles laid in a straight set – this stacked approach is a more modern and polished take on a perennial design choice.

An Upper East Side family selected luminous jade manganese Heath subway tiles in a traditional staggered approach on the inner shower walls and added white subway tiles from Daltile to complete the shower surround.

Sweeten Experts Lauren and Adam went with bright gold yellow subway tiles arranged in a vertical stack approach to outfit this playful and contemporary kid’s tub in Williamsburg.

Colin and Orli in Crown Heights chose saturated ceramic fern green square tiles with a hand-painted feel from Complete Tile. Complete Tile also nailed all of the possible tile configurations, allowing Sweeten Expert Pedro and his team to work with rounded bullnose, chair rail, and corner tiles all in the same coordinating hues.

Pepper and Marshall in Washington Heights chose cubed emerald shower tiles from Fire Clay Tile, a San Francisco-based shop that specializes in recycled glass products.

Sweeten Expert Colin contrasted white subway tiles with large-format square ceramic tiles (designed with a Moroccan-inspired cerulean floral pattern) in this Greenwich Village bathroom.

Sweeten Expert Ivan used neutral gray bas-relief honeycomb patterned tiles in this futuristic West Village bathroom.

Ellen and Ben in Kensington opted for round penny tile in a matte white finish that lines the floor, tub, and walls in the same geometric pattern.

Sweeten Expert Alastor brought painterly craftsmanship to this Chelsea bathroom with luminous penny tile, intricately laid from floor to ceiling and throughout custom rounded wall niches.

Howard and Grayzna in the Lower East Side selected a translucent glass tile, in varying widths, lengths, and monochromatic hues to cover the walls, using a horizontal tile placement that evokes an ashlar masonry effect and conjures the color and flow of water.

Megha in Midtown went straight for a look that is part spa and part five star hotel – opting for offset white glass subway tiles from Home Depot and a green-gray grout that tones down the gloss.

Sweeten Expert Graham went with textual Moroccan Bejmat loose mosaic tiles from Mosaic House to play off the skylight and metal beams in this East Village penthouse.

To contrast the straight set handmade ceramic tiles that wrap around the walls and shower ceilings, Sweeten Expert Andrew outfitted a curbless shower threshold with chevron-cut marble in this luxurious bath.

Sweeten Expert Lilian finished a custom shower and soaking tub with floor-to-ceiling marble in this Upper West Side master bath.

Sweeten Expert Gregorio ripped out old tiles and brought in black travertine slabs in this high-end Chelsea apartment.

Sweeten Expert Daniel chose floor-to-ceiling porcelain slabs and a slim strip of accent tile in this Upper East Side bathroom.

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Sweeten handpicks contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your project on Sweeten.