Rustic style bathrooms are currently one of the most popular decorating trends. The raw, natural elements and textures create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that feels like a spa retreat right at home. Rustic bathroom tile ideas provide endless options for achieving this charming farmhouse or cabin-inspired aesthetic in your space.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about designing a beautiful rustic bathroom with tile. From types of tiles, patterns and textures, to colors, and clever ways to incorporate wood, stone, and other natural materials – we’ve got all the inspiration and tips to create your dream rustic bath!
Why Choose Rustic Tiles for Your Bathroom?
There are many reasons to embrace the rustic tile trend for your bathroom remodel or refresh:
1. Warm and Relaxing Ambiance
The raw, earthy qualities of materials like wood, stone, and terra cotta tiles lend a cozy and inviting feeling to the space. The imperfections and natural variations create depth and character that sets a rustic bathroom apart from the sleek modern style. It’s a calming sanctuary.
2. Blends Vintage and Modern Elements
Rustic style seamlessly incorporates both traditional and contemporary elements for a timeless look. Mixing modern fixtures like metal hardware or vessel sinks with reclaimed wood vanities, handmade tiles, and antique accents strikes the perfect balance.
3. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Despite their aged and worn-in appearance, many rustic bathroom tiles like stone, cement, or porcelain are actually quite durable and easy to clean. Thegrout lines allow grime to be wiped away.
4. Budget-Friendly Options Available
From ceramic to faux wood porcelain to vinyl peel-and-stick, there are so many affordable rustic tile varieties to choose from. Even slate or travertine stones can be an economical choice when using smaller sizes or mosaics.
5. Suits Any Bathroom Size or Layout
A rustic style works beautifully in powder rooms, small spaces, or large luxurious baths. The natural textures complement awkward sloped ceilings, unconventional footprints, and hide flaws effortlessly.
Types of Tiles that Create a Rustic Look
Now that you’re convinced of the many perks of bringing rustic charm to your bathroom, it’s time to explore the endless tile options available! Here are some of the most popular categories and materials to consider:
Stone Tiles
For an authentic rugged vibe, natural stone tiles simply can’t be beat. Timeless and long-wearing, soapstone, slate and travertine are fantastic rustic choices.
- Slate – Available in shades of grey-black, blue, purple, green and red. Offers an uneven split stone appearance.
- Soapstone – Charcoal grey and soft to the touch yet durable. Stains can be removed with mineral oil.
- Travertine – Beige and ivory colors with holes and pits for texture. Fill pits for smoother surface.
- River Rock – Smooth and colorful small pebbles from natural waterways. Great for a stone mosaic.
Wood-look Tiles
Reclaimed barn wood planks are lovely but can be impractical in wet spaces. Wood-look ceramic, porcelain or vinyl tiles realistically mimic the visuals but are water-resistant.
- Ceramic – Glazed surface gives varies gloss levels – matte for rustic look. Edge designs too.
- Porcelain – More durable and harder than ceramic. Realistic grain and color variation.
- Vinyl – Waterproof and extra grippy texture. Quick DIY installation with peel & stick. Easy on budgets.
Terracotta and Brick Tiles
Terracotta is made from natural clay in a range of earthy warm reddish-orange hues. Can be glazed or unglazed. Brick tiles recreate old weathered walls.
- Great for floors, walls or to use as rustic tile inserts among other materials
- Distinguished by the fired clay’s unique fingerprints and markings
- Low porosity makes terracotta tiles very strong and long-lasting
Cement Tile
Concrete and saltillo tiles offer uneven shapes, multi-tonal hues, handmade origins and just the right amount of grit for rustic styles.
- Concrete – Mix of greys, variation in aggregate adds texture. Can be polished smooth.
- Saltillo – Terracotta tiles from Mexico, warm reddish/orange colors, low porosity.
Mosaic Tiles
Tiny tile pieces arranged in decorative patterns are ideal for adding rustic accents. Options are endless!
- Natural stone material mosaics like marble, travertine or slate
- Mosaic “rugs” for floor inlays
- Geometric, floral, animal or scenic motifs
- Decorative borders and trim details
Rustic Tile Shapes, Sizes and Patterns
Beyond the material, the shape and size of your rustic bathroom tiles will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Layout patterns also provide visual interest.
Tile Shapes
- Hexagons – Interlocking six-sided tiles create honeycomb patterns perfect for floors
- Fishscale – Overlapping irregular rounds resemble fish scales, also great on floors
- Subway – Brick-shaped rectangular tiles are a versatile classic
- Octagons and Diamonds – For geometric variety and visual impact
- Mini Tiles – Tiny mosaics used in blends or borders
Tile Sizes
- Large Format Tiles – Planks 6”x24” up to 12”x24” mimic wood boards
- StandardTiles – versitile & budget friendly 4 1⁄4” or 6” square size
- Mosaic Tiles – 1” or smaller let you create customized patterns
Layout Patterns
- Herringbone – Interlocking rectangular or square tiles in appealing angle
- Stacked – Offset tiles build informal staggered look
- Mosaic Inlay – Decorative mosaic “rug” inset in floor or wall
- Geometric – Hexagons, diamonds, octagons combined in patterns
- Linear – Simple classic straight-laid bricks or planks
Rustic Bathroom Floor Tiles
Naturally, floor tiles endure the most wear and tear. Choosing the right rustic look tile for the floor is key to durability. Tile size, texture and color also help set the overall aesthetic.
Durable Rustic Flooring Options
- Porcelain planks with convincing wood-look grain
- Natural stone slate or travertine with grip texture
- Saltillo’s terra cotta strength and low porosity
- Concrete with aggregate for traction and visual interest
Cozy Rustic Floor Colors
- Warm beiges, taupes and tans
- Classic greys or black
- Earthy terracotta red tones
- Cool blues or greens for contrast
Appealing Rustic Floor Patterns
- Large format wood-look planks for excitement
- Geometric mosaic inlay as focal point
- Crosshatch brickwork layout
- Hexagonal shape with octagon accents
Rustic Wall Tiles for Bathrooms
Rustic wall tiles don’t need to withstand foot traffic but do require moisture resistance. Play with shape, color, layouts and materials to make them a stunning decorative focal point.
Water-Safe Rustic Wall Tile Options
- Porcelain, ceramic or glass subway tiles
- Peel-and-stick vinyl and laminates
- Natural stone slate or travertine with sealed grout
- Impervious terracotta or saltillo
Warm Rustic Wall Colors
- Neutrals like sand, beige, ivory
- Brick or terracotta red tones
- Earthy greens and sage tones
- Distressed vintage blues
Eye-catching Rustic Wall Layouts
- Stacked ledgestone slate or travertine
- Horizontal planks with exposed edges
- Herringbone pattern
- Diagonal geometric mosaic
- Decorative inserts or borders
Rustic Tile Ideas for Bathroom Features
Beyond floors and walls, don’t overlook opportunities to infuse rustic charm through tiles on specific bathroom features:
Rustic Tile Shower Surround
Turn up the cozy factor with a slate or travertine subway and mosaic tile shower surround. Use large format wood-look planks on the shower floor.
Rustic Tile Bathroom Backsplash
Tiny glass, marble or ceramic mosaics make for the ultimate farmhouse chic backsplash. Use as an accent behind sinks or toilets.
Rustic Accent Tile Bathroom Niche
Frame your rustic tile shower niche with an ornate mosaic, travertine or brick tile border. Inside, stack slate field tiles.
Rustic Tile Bathroom Borders
Define spaces and transitions from flooring to walls with mosaic, brick, travertine or terracotta tile borders in complementary colors.
Mixing Rustic Tile Materials
One of the beauties of rustic style is mixing complimentary textures and materials for depth and visual interest. Consider clever ways to blend types:
Rustic Tile and Wood
Contrast slim wood planks with oversized travertine floor tiles. Or accent a wood accent wall or vanity with terracotta mosaic tile inserts.
Rustic Tile and Stone
Surround a pebble floor mosaic with larger field stone wall tiles. Or mix porous travertine and non-porous slate tiles together for contrast.
Rustic Tile and Metal
Echo the silver veining in stone tiles by pairing with metal fixtures. Allow bold metal designs or aged patinas complement tiles.
Rustic Tile and Glass
For more modern rustic, combine recycled glass tiles with wood-look planks. Or small glass mosaics with larger natural stone tiles.
Choosing Grout Colors for Rustic Tiles
Don’t overlook the importance of grout in completing your rustic tiled bathroom. Take care in selecting the right grout color.
Grout Color Considerations
- Use matching grout for a seamless monolithic look
- Contrasting grout adds definition around tiles
- Darker grout disguises dirt better
- White can brighten a dark space
Best Grout Colors for Rustic Tile
- Charcoal or dark grey with stone
- Espresso brown with brick or terracotta
- Beige or taupe with wood tiles
- Warm white or ivory with mosaics
Rustic Bathroom Décor Ideas
Once you’ve selected the perfect rustic tiles, accessorize and finish the space with small details to complete your charming farmhouse or cabin-inspired oasis:
Rustic Bathroom Décor Concepts
- Incorporate baskets, crates, and wood boxes for storage
- Display distressed vintage signs
- Use gauzy natural linen curtains and textiles
- Add touches of greenery with plants and flowers
- Showcase found objects like weathered shutters
With the right combination of tile materials, colors, shapes and patterns – plus accessorizing with rustic décor – you can create a bathroom retreat with undeniable cozy character and charm.
FAQs about Rustic Tile Bathroom Designs
Still have some questions about creating the perfect rustic tile bathroom? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are rustic tiles appropriate for small bathrooms?
Yes! In fact, the warmth and texture of rustic tiles can make a small space feel more inviting and expansive. Stick to smaller field tile or mosaic sizes. Include wood elements to add visual interest without overwhelming.
What are the best rustic tiles for bathroom floors?
Porcelain or ceramic wood-look planks, concrete, terracotta, and natural stone like slate and travertine are great rustic bathroom flooring ideas that offer the needed combination of water-resistance, durability, grip and style.
Can you use peel-and-stick tile in a bathroom?
Definitely! Vinyl peel-and-stick tiles are specially formulated with waterproof top layers. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully, use proper adhesive and prepare the subsurface well for best results.
Should rustic bathroom walls have an accent tile?
Accent tiles in rustic bathrooms add beautiful character. Use an accent tile bisecting horizontal planks, as insets, or borders surrounding the room, in the shower, or behind sinks/toilets.
How do you clean and maintain rustic bathroom tiles?
Sweep frequently to avoid gritty buildup in grout lines. For stone tiles, use pH neutral cleaners. Many rustic tiles can simply be cleaned with warm water and mild soap along with occasional re-sealing of grout and stone. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
What kind of lighting works best with rustic bathroom tiles?
Layering lighting is key. Sconces, accent lighting and recessed canister fixtures create a cozy glow. Install fixtures with vintage filament or Edison bulbs to enhance the rustic charm.
Bringing Rustic Charm Home
With countless options for amazing tiles and clever ways to mix designs, you’re sure to find the perfect blend of materials, shapes, colors, patterns and decor to bring the welcoming charm of rustic style to your bathroom.
Visually rich, textured, and inviting – a rustic tile bathroom is a classic way to create a soothing, spa-like retreat right at home. Who wouldn’t adore a space that feels like a warm cabin nestled in the woods or a charming vintage farmhouse?
Rustic style truly stands the test of time. With the right combination of tiles and decor, your rustic bathroom will remain a timeless and beloved space for years to come.