Spacious White Tile Shower Designs

White tile showers never go out of style. With an airy, open look, white tiles make small bathrooms appear larger and brighter. For contemporary and classic appeal, white tile brings a fresh, clean aesthetic to any shower design.

But white tile showers go far beyond basic. Large format white tiles allow for stunning statement designs. Creative tile layouts add appealing texture. Mixing gloss and matte finishes gives white tile dimension. Accent walls in bold colors make white tile pop. Read on for large white tile shower ideas to inspire your next bathroom remodel.

Benefits of Using Large White Tiles in Showers

Gone are the days of basic 4x4 white tiles. Large format white tiles are now available in sizes up to 16x32 or even larger. Oversized white tiles have revolutionized shower design:

• Fewer grout lines. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines interrupting the clean white surface.
• Modern aesthetic. The sleek look of large white tile suits contemporary design styles.
• Spacious feel. Oversized tiles trick the eye, making any shower feel more expansive.
• Quick installation. Large tiles are faster to install with less cutting and grouting.
• Easy maintenance. With fewer grout lines, large white tile is simple to keep clean.

For a seamless look, choose large format white tiles at least 12x24 inches. Go even bigger with 16x32, 18x36, or 24x48 sizes. The minimal grout lines showcase the tile's smooth white surface. Use mosaic penny tile as an accent rather than on entire walls. Keep things clean and bright.

Ideal Tile Sizes and Layout Patterns for Large White Showers

12x24, 16x32 and even larger format tiles

The most popular large format tile sizes for showers are:

• 12x24
• 16x32
• 24x48

For a contemporary vibe, go even larger with oversized tiles up to 4x8 feet. Extremely large tiles make a dramatic style statement. Be sure to consult a professional installer first about weight and support requirements.

Balance practicality with your design vision. Very large tiles may not work on complicated shower designs or curved walls. 12x24 and 16x32 offer flexibility for most layouts and designs.

Brick patterns, herringbone and stacked designs

Creative tile layouts add visual appeal to plain white tile. Classic patterns like brick joints and herringbone add lovely texture. Modern options like stacked or perpendicular layouts make for an eye-catching statement. Some beautiful tile patterns for white showers include:

• Brick joint: Horizontal and vertical grout lines aligned in a classic brickwork pattern.
• Herringbone: Tiles set at 45 or 90 degree angles in a zigzag pattern.
• Stacked: Tiles set in perpendicular rows, rather than staggered.
• Mosaic: Tiny 1x1 tiles laid in decorative patterns with metal divider strips.

Mixing up the orientation of rectangular tiles also adds interest. Setting some tiles vertically and others horizontally creates a modern geometric look. For variety, combine different white tile sizes like mosaics with large rectangles.

Design Ideas for Spacious White Tile Showers

All-white minimalist look

For a serene, spa-like feel, stick to an all-white color scheme. Different tile sizes, patterns, textures, and grout colors provide visual interest. Options include:

• Glossy subway wall tile paired with matching matte floor tile.
• Brick-pattern large rectangles with thin strip mosaics.
• Mixing tile shapes like hexagons and squares.
• Combining polished and textured white finishes.

Keep things clean and simple for a minimalist oasis. Use accent colors and patterns very sparingly.

Contrasting grout colors

Strategic use of colored grout is an easy way to add interest to plain white tile. For subtle contrast, use neutral grout shades like tan, gray, or taupe. Bold brights like navy or charcoal make the white tile pop. Consider grout color when selecting white tile shades:

• Bright white: Pairs well with both light and dark grout colors.
• Soft white: Looks best with light neutral grout shades.
• Cream: Warm cream tile works well with taupe or brown grout.

Use the same grout color throughout for a cohesive look. Or mix it up, alternating bands of different colored grout. Just be sure to seal the grout well for easy maintenance.

Accent walls

All-white can feel sterile. Adding one accent wall in a vibrant hue enhances the crisp white tile. Try these accent colors:

• Deep blue
• Forest green
• Rich brown
• Black

Use natural stone like marble or travertine for the accent wall. Or choose glass tile for brilliant color. Keep the rest white and let the accent wall be the focal point. Place lighting to spotlight your vibrant wall.

Mixing tile sizes

Incorporate different tile sizes to add visual appeal. Combining large and small formats creates depth and interest. Try these mix-and-match ideas:

• Subway mosaic walls with oversized floor tiles.
• Large rectangle walls with a strip of penny tile trim.
• Oversized rectangles on the walls with mosaic niches.
• Bathroom wainscoting using small tile or mosaics.

Install the same tile horizontally on walls and vertically on floors. This tricks the eye, making the space appear larger. Include a decorative border or geometric underlayment as an accent.

Making a Small Shower Look Bigger with White Tile

Don't let a cramped shower deter you from white tile. With clever design, white tile can make a small bathroom feel open and airy. Tricks to enlarge a small white tiled shower include:

• Oversized tile: Minimizes grout lines for a seamless look.
• Glossy tile: Reflects light to create the illusion of space.
• Vertical tiles: Makes ceilings appear taller.
• Clear shower doors: Open up even a narrow stall.
• Niche shelving: Built-in shelves reduce clutter.

Keep the layout simple. Avoid complicated patterns in tight quarters. Stick to classic white subway tile or large rectangular formats. Ensure lighting is bright, not dim. Your petite shower will feel fresh and spacious.

While beautiful, white tile presents some maintenance challenges. Grout lines and textured surfaces easily show dirt, soap scum, hard water deposits, and mold. Follow these tips for keeping white showers looking like new:

• Seal grout and tile regularly to prevent stains and mildew.
• Use a squeegee after showering to prevent soap scum buildup.
• Clean with gentle, non-abrasive cleaners like liquid dish soap.
• Use a soft sponge, nylon brush or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching.
• For tough soap scum, spray with diluted white vinegar and let sit before scrubbing.
• Prevent mold with bath fans and natural anti-fungal sprays.