Discover how the right coastal bathroom tile can completely transform your space.
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When we were planning our coastal bathroom renovation, tile was actually one of the first things I looked at inspiration for. There were endless style and color options — from bold mosaics to blues to neutrals — I honestly went from one extreme to the other looking for the perfect tile.
We don’t have the budget to renovate every 5–10 years (wouldn’t that be nice?), so I focused on a design that would stand the test of time and still look classic years down the road. This really became my North Star when designing this coastal bathroom and influenced every decision I made, including the tile. Check out my coastal bathroom tile inspiration below as I walk you through the entire design process from start to finish!
Why Tile Sets the Tone in a Coastal Bathroom
Tile is one of the first details you notice in a bathroom, and it sets the foundation for the entire look. The color, shape, and finish instantly define the style—whether that means making a bold statement with color or keeping things timeless with classic whites. Your tile sets the tone, and everything else builds from there.
Our Coastal Bathroom Tile Selections
I knew from the get-go that I wanted to do a classic white subway tile on the walls and I wanted it to go floor to ceiling in the shower. At one point, I actually considered tiling the ENTIRE bathroom floor to ceiling in subway tile. I mean, can you imagine? You definitely wouldn’t have to worry about the walls getting wet! LOL
Well I nixed that idea and kept the subway floor to ceiling in the shower and wrapped it halfway up the wall around the bath tub, ending at the vanity. I absolutely love a classic white subway tile. I’ve used this in several rooms in every home we’ve ever owned.
In the shower, I opted for two stacked niches (versus the single my contractor was planning). This girl has a lot of products and I wanted to have room for everything without having to use the floor for extra storage.
For the floor, I had my heart set on a gorgeous white and gray hexagon marble tile. The only marble I had ever used was on our fireplace mantle. But in a high traffic area like our bathroom, I needed to do some research. I went to Reddit and read a dozen or so posts on marble bathroom floors and started to have second thoughts. Marble is extremely porous, making is susceptible to staining (say bye to purple shampoo?). Plus, it needs to be sealed every six months to stay protected.
In the end, I decided to go for a low maintenance porcelain tile in a classic white 2×2 hexagon shape. Not only was is a fraction of the price but I actually think I love it more. It’s solid white but when the light catches it, it almost looks different shades of white and gray. It’s absolutely stunning!
I used bright white grout for the wall and floor tile to keep the look seamless and minimalist. Our tile is one of my favorite things about this bathroom and it was very inexpensive compared to other options (bonus!).
The Shower Curb Challenge: Cracked Tile
When it comes to tiling the shower, I really wanted to do a subway shower curb versus having the frameless glass door just go down to the floor. I think it adds a nice visual interest to the space.
The tile installation for the shower curb was a bit of a nightmare. When the shower door was first installed, three of our subway tiles on the curb cracked. This happened not once, not twice, but THREE different times. This caused big delays in finishing the bathroom because our contractor had to retile, then the shower guys would have to get me on the schedule to re-install the door.
After the third time the tile cracked, our contractor opted to go in a new direction. He recommended we replace the top of the shower curb with white Piedrafina, which is 95% natural marble and 5% resin — a super durable option to support our glass door.
Since we could still keep the subway tile across the sides, you hardly notice the solid top. Plus, no more cracking!
Timeless Coastal Style with Tile
The white tile in our bathroom makes the space look bright and spacious. It also creates and elevated classic look that ties in our coastal style so perfectly! I am absolutely obsessed with how beautiful it turned out.
Next in the Series: Fixtures and Finishing Touches
in the next couple posts, I’ll be sharing all the details of the bathroom fixtures I chose. Plus, I will share the finishing touches that put the icing on this cake.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Look forward for more to come!
Coastal Bathroom Tile FAQ
Coastal bathrooms often feature tile that feels light, airy, and timeless. Classic choices include white subway tile for walls and mosaic or hex tile for floors. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and create that crisp seaside look.
Yes—subway tile is a classic that never goes out of style. In a coastal bathroom, it adds clean lines and a fresh backdrop that pairs beautifully with blue vanities, natural textures, and polished nickel fixtures.
Hex tile is not only timeless but also adds subtle pattern and texture underfoot. In a coastal bathroom, it balances the simplicity of subway walls and helps ground the space without overwhelming it.
Shower curbs can be tricky spots where tile sometimes cracks due to shifting or settling. If this happens, it’s often an installation issue and can usually be fixed by resetting or replacing the affected tile. Choosing durable materials and proper waterproofing helps prevent future problems.
It comes down to choosing finishes that are timeless rather than theme-y. Whites, soft neutrals, and natural textures in tile create a fresh, airy foundation that feels coastal without relying on seashells or bright aqua tones.
This post is about coastal bathroom tile inspiration.
