Tile across the home: expanding beyond the bathroom and kitchen

Article by Sophie Miller - 07/25/2025

30 seconds summary

• Tiles are no longer confined to just bathrooms and kitchens. Today, they’re being used creatively across the home, from living rooms and bedrooms to hallways and outdoor spaces.
  
  
• With their versatility, durability, and vast design options, tiles enhance both aesthetic and functionality. Whether it's using large-format tiles for seamless floors, accent walls for visual impact, or outdoor spaces for stylish patios, tiles provide endless design possibilities.
  
  
• Even in showers, innovative ideas like bold patterns and natural stone create luxurious, customized looks. The expansion of tile use allows homeowners to infuse unique styles into every corner of their home.

Tiles have long been associated with functional spaces in the home, particularly bathrooms and kitchens, where water resistance and durability are essential. However, as trends evolve and design sensibilities expand, homeowners and designers are beginning to explore the vast potential of tile beyond these traditional areas. Tiles are no longer restricted to walls and floors in the wet zones of the house; they are increasingly making their way into living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and even outdoors. This article delves into the creative possibilities of tile design and how you can use it to elevate the aesthetic and functional value of your home in unexpected ways.

The versatility of tile

Tile is a versatile material available in a vast range of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and finishes. Whether you prefer the sleek elegance of modern porcelain, the rustic charm of natural stone, or the bold visual statement made by colorful ceramic tiles, there is a tile type and design that will complement virtually any room. Unlike many other materials, tiles offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Their durability, easy maintenance, and timeless beauty make them an excellent investment for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces.

While traditional applications for tile were limited to bathrooms and kitchens, today’s designs embrace the opportunity to incorporate tiles in various settings throughout the home. From statement floors to accent walls and even furniture, the world of tile design has exploded in creativity, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to make a distinctive style statement.

Tiles in living areas and bedrooms

One of the most exciting developments in home design in recent years is the use of tile in living areas and bedrooms. Historically, hardwood, carpeting, and rugs were the go-to choices for these spaces, but tile is increasingly being recognized as an ideal flooring option due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to be customized to any interior style.

1. Tile Flooring for Living Rooms

While traditional hardwood floors and carpets remain popular for living rooms, tile offers significant advantages in terms of durability and upkeep. High-traffic areas, such as living rooms, often suffer wear and tear, especially if children or pets are present. Tiles, on the other hand, are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading. This makes them an ideal choice for homes with active families.

Tiles are available in an incredible variety of styles that can suit any type of décor, from classic, natural stone tiles to modern, sleek porcelain tiles. Large-format tiles are particularly trendy, creating a seamless, open feeling in living areas. Additionally, tiles can mimic the appearance of wood or stone, providing the visual appeal of these materials while avoiding their upkeep challenges.

2. Tile Accent Walls in Living Spaces

Incorporating tile as an accent wall in living rooms or bedrooms is another innovative way to bring this material into your home. Tile accent walls create a striking focal point that can dramatically change the vibe of a room. Whether it’s an abstract design, a bold geometric pattern, or a sophisticated mosaic, tiled accent walls can infuse a space with character and visual intrigue.

Tiled walls work well in areas where a high-impact design is desired. In living rooms, consider using tiles behind the TV unit or around a fireplace to create a contemporary and luxurious look. In bedrooms, tiles can be used on the headboard wall or along one side of the room for a stylish, textured finish. Furthermore, the reflective quality of tiles, especially glossy or metallic finishes, can help brighten up a room by bouncing light around.

3. Tiles for Bedroom Floors

Tiles are also making their way into bedroom designs, offering an alternative to more traditional flooring options like hardwood or carpet. As with living rooms, tiles provide practical benefits, including easy cleaning and the ability to maintain a fresh and modern aesthetic. Large-format tiles, particularly porcelain tiles that resemble wood, are an excellent option for creating a natural, warm feel without the maintenance associated with real wood.

4. Tile for Furniture

Incorporating tiles into furniture design is a fun and unexpected way to make a statement in your home. Think tables with tiled tops, side tables, or console tables that integrate tiles into their surface design. This unconventional use of tile brings a touch of artistry into your living or dining space, offering a fusion of functionality and visual appeal.

Tiles for hallways and entryways

The hallway or entryway is the first area guests see when they enter your home, and it sets the tone for the rest of the house. This makes it an ideal place to experiment with tiles. Whether it’s the floor, the walls, or even the ceiling, using tile in these transitional spaces can create a welcoming, visually stunning first impression.

1. Tile Flooring for Entryways

The entrance to your home is often exposed to high traffic and dirt. Using tile for flooring in the entryway ensures easy cleaning while also providing a durable surface. Tiles in the entryway can also create a striking visual effect, especially when paired with contrasting materials or bold patterns.

Consider using a pattern that flows into the rest of the house, or make the entryway stand out by choosing a unique tile design that contrasts with the surrounding spaces. This could be a mosaic, patterned tile, or even a striking black-and-white checkerboard design.

2. Tile for Wall Cladding

The use of tile on walls in hallways is another way to elevate a space. Vertical tiles or full-length tile cladding on walls can make narrow hallways feel more expansive and contemporary. Tiles with interesting textures, such as 3D or embossed designs, can add dimension to otherwise plain walls.

Using tile as wall cladding in entryways is not just about aesthetics; it’s also practical. Tiles can help protect walls from damage and stains caused by frequent use. They’re especially beneficial in areas where shoes or outerwear are frequently stored.

Outdoor applications for tile

Beyond the interior, tile can also have a significant impact on outdoor spaces. Many homeowners are now extending their tile designs to patios, decks, and outdoor living areas. Outdoor tiles need to be durable and weather-resistant, which is why porcelain and stone tiles are popular choices for exterior surfaces.

1. Patio and Outdoor Floor Tiles

Tiles are a popular choice for outdoor floors because they are water-resistant, durable, and can withstand exposure to the elements. Porcelain tiles, in particular, are designed for outdoor use and come in a variety of textures and finishes to create a stunning outdoor aesthetic. They are often designed to resemble natural stone or wood, offering the beauty of these materials without the upkeep.

Outdoor floor tiles are perfect for patios, pool decks, and walkways. They can be used to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a cohesive design that flows naturally throughout the home.

2. Outdoor Wall Cladding

Using tiles on outdoor walls is an effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your exterior. Tiled walls around an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace, or a water feature can bring texture and color into the space, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. Whether you use large-format tiles, mosaic tiles, or intricate patterns, tiled walls can become a focal point of any outdoor area.

Ideas for shower tile design

When thinking of tile beyond traditional spaces, it’s important to remember that the bathroom is still one of the most flexible areas to showcase innovative tile designs. However, even within the bathroom, there are many ways to break the mold. One of the most notable areas is the shower. The possibilities for ideas for shower tile design are vast, from striking floor patterns to vibrant, creative wall designs.

1. Bold Patterns and Colors

Shower walls don’t have to be plain. Bold geometric patterns, chevron motifs, or even vibrant subway tiles can turn a mundane shower into an artistic focal point. A fun, modern take might involve creating an accent wall with a contrasting tile pattern, such as Moroccan-inspired zellige tiles or hexagonal tiles.

2. Natural Stone Tiles

For a more earthy, organic look, natural stone tiles such as marble, slate, or travertine can bring texture and sophistication to a shower. The unique veining of marble or the textured surface of slate creates a luxurious, spa-like experience. Combining different textures or tile types can add depth and contrast, further enhancing the design.

3. Herringbone or Chevron Patterns

The classic herringbone or chevron patterns have become very popular in bathroom designs, particularly for shower tiles. These patterns are visually dynamic and add an element of sophistication to the bathroom. They work beautifully with both small and large tiles, creating a stunning visual effect whether you’re tiling the walls or the floor of the shower.

4. Mosaic and Custom Designs

If you’re looking to make a bold, creative statement in your shower, mosaic tiles can help you do just that. They are available in almost any color or pattern and can be customized to suit your unique style. Whether you create a custom image, a geometric pattern, or a colorful blend of textures, mosaic tiles add a unique touch to your bathroom shower.

Conclusion

The versatility and aesthetic appeal of tile make it an ideal material for expanding beyond traditional spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. By using tiles in living areas, bedrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces, homeowners can achieve a cohesive and modern design throughout the home. From statement floors and accent walls to furniture design and outdoor applications, tiles offer endless possibilities for creativity. As trends evolve, tiles continue to be one of the most dynamic materials in the world of interior and exterior design, proving that they are far more than just a functional addition to wet areas.