July 24, 2025
2025's Hottest Shower Tile Trends: From Timeless Classics to Bold New Designs
Ready to transform your shower into a stunning sanctuary? The latest episode of the Belk Tile Podcast takes you on a deep dive into what's trending for 2025 shower wall designs, with practical advice that balances beauty and functionality.
Subway tiles—the "little black dress of bathrooms"—continue their reign but with fresh twists. Vertical installations are making waves in smaller spaces, creating the illusion of height while maintaining that timeless appeal. Meanwhile, large-format marble tiles deliver luxury for those seeking a spa-like retreat, though marble-look porcelain offers the same aesthetic with far less maintenance headache (and fewer grout lines to scrub!).
For the design adventurous, geometric patterns are having a moment. Hexagons, Moroccan fish scales, and penny rounds add personality without overwhelming when used as accents in niches or feature walls. Textured and 3D tiles create stunning light play and dimension, though Mike and Abby don't shy away from the cleaning realities—keep that soft brush handy! The conversation gets practical with material comparisons (porcelain still reigns supreme), the epoxy versus cement grout debate, and why proper waterproofing behind those beautiful tiles is absolutely non-negotiable.
Whether you're planning a complete bathroom renovation or just dreaming of upgrading your shower space, this episode delivers the perfect blend of design inspiration and practical know-how. From material selection to maintenance tips, we've got you covered. Have a specific tile question? Reach out and we might feature your question on our next episode! Connect with us at belktile.com or find us on social media @BelkTile.
Chapters
00:41 - Common tile questions answered
01:10 - Introducing 2025's shower wall trends
01:45 - Timeless classics with modern twists
03:04 - Bold patterns and geometric shapes
04:43 - Material choices and maintenance tips
05:30 - Grout considerations and final thoughts
06:53 - Episode wrap-up and contact information
Transcript
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What kind of tile can you put on the wall or shower?
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Do you have to seal tile?
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How much extra tile should I buy for my project?
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What thinset is the best for my tile application?
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How hard is it to maintain natural stone?
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You have questions.
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We have answers.
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Welcome to the Belt Tile Podcast.
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How to style the bathroom, the backyard, the kitchen, how to improve your home style with tiles to make your home absolutely beautiful?
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Welcome to the Belk Tile Podcast.
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Here's your host, Mike Belk.
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Hey everyone, welcome back to the Belk Tile Podcast.
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I'm Mike Belk and, as always, I'm here with Abby.
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Today we're diving into 2025's best shower wall tile designs.
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There's a lot to cover, so let's get right into it.
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Hey, mike, I am so excited for this one.
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I feel like every year we say this is the year of the shower, but honestly, 2025 is bringing some really fun twists on the classics.
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And you know, I still get clients asking for subway tile all the time.
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It's like the little black dress of bathrooms, right?
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Absolutely.
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Subway tiles just never go out of style.
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They're affordable, easy to clean and you can do so much with them.
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But I think what's really cool this year is how people are playing with the layout vertical stacks, herringbone, even mixing in colored grout.
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It keeps things fresh without losing that timeless vibe Totally.
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I just wrapped up a project in New Jersey tiny bathroom, maybe five by seven.
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We went with a vertical subway tile soft sage green and a crisp white grout.
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It made the ceiling feel so much higher the client was blown away.
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It's such a simple shift but it really changes the whole feel of the space.
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Yeah, vertical layouts are a game changer for small spaces.
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And speaking of luxury, large format marble tiles are still huge.
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No pun intended, they just make a shower feel like a spa.
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But you know, not everyone wants to deal with the maintenance or the price tag of real marble.
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Right, and that's where marble look porcelain comes in.
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You get that gorgeous veining, but it's way easier to care for.
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Plus, fewer grout lines, which means less scrubbing.
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I feel like that's a win for everyone.
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Exactly, and with all the advances in porcelain printing, sometimes you have to get right up close to even tell it's not real stone.
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So whether you're a classic subway tile fan or you want that marble spa, look, there are so many ways to put a fresh spin on the classics this year spa.
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Look, there are so many ways to put a fresh spin on the classics this year.
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So let's talk about the fun stuff.
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Patterns and shapes I mean geometric tiles are everywhere right now Hexagons, chevrons, even those Moroccan fish scales.
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It's like if you can dream it, you can tile it.
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Yeah, and I think people are getting braver with their choices.
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I had a customer in Columbus who used penny round mosaics in a shower niche.
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It brought in this vintage charm but because it was just in the niche it didn't overwhelm the space.
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Plus, penny rounds are actually pretty easy to keep clean in those small areas.
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That's such a good point.
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I always tell clients if you're nervous about going bold, use those statement tiles as accents, like do a feature wall or just the back of a niche.
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That way you get the personality without it taking over the whole room.
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And don't forget about texture.
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3d tiles are really making a splash, literally and figuratively.
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You get that play of light and shadow which adds so much depth.
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But I mean you do have to be ready for a little extra cleaning in those grooves.
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Yeah, I always warn people textured tiles are stunning, but you might need a soft brush for those nooks and crannies.
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Still, if you want your shower to feel like an art installation, it's worth it.
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And herringbone layouts are still going strong too.
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Even with simple white tiles, that pattern just elevates everything.
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For sure.
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And hexagons can't forget those.
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They're modern but not too trendy, and you can do so much with color blocking or even just a single color for a subtle look.
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Moroccan fish scales too, if you want something playful or coastal, Just you know, maybe don't do the whole shower in them unless you really love the look.
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Exactly, it's all about balance.
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Use those bold shapes and patterns to create a focal point and keep the rest of the space a little more subdued.
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That way, your shower feels special, but not overwhelming.
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All right, so we've talked about the fun design stuff, but let's get real.
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Materials and maintenance matter just as much.
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Porcelain is still the king for shower walls.
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It's durable, low maintenance and you can get it in just about any look, from marble to wood grain.
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Yeah, and glass tiles are gorgeous, especially for adding light and color, but they do show water spots.
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I always tell people, if you go with glass, keep a squeegee handy.
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Natural stone is beautiful, but it needs regular sealing at least once a year, sometimes more if your water's hard.
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And textured tiles, like we mentioned, need a little extra attention.
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A soft brush and a pH neutral cleaner go a long way but honestly, if you keep up with weekly cleaning, most tiles will look great for years.
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Okay, mike, I get this question all the time.
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What's your take on grout epoxy?
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Yeah, that's a big one.
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Epoxy grout is super water resistant and doesn't stain, so it's great for showers, but it's a little trickier to install.
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Sealed cement grout is more traditional and easier to work with, but you have to keep up with resealing.
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I usually say, if you're doing a DIY project, go with cement and just stay on top of the maintenance.
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If you're hiring a pro, epoxy is worth considering.
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And grout color makes such a difference too.
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Contrasting grout can really make a pattern pop, but lighter grout gives you that seamless, spa-like look.
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Just remember lighter grout will show dirt faster, so be ready for a little more cleaning.
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And don't skip the waterproofing step.
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I know we've said it before, but a good membrane system behind your tile is non-negotiable.
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It protects your investment and keeps mold at bay.
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It's not the glamorous part, but it's what makes all those beautiful tiles last.
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Absolutely and honestly.
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A little maintenance goes a long way Weekly wipe downs, ph neutral cleaners and keeping an eye on your grout and sealant.
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It's not glamorous, but it keeps your shower looking brand new.
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All right, I think that's a wrap for today.
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We covered a lot timeless classics, bold new trends and the nitty gritty of keeping your shower looking great.
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Abby, always a pleasure talking tile with you.
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Same here, mike, and thanks to everyone for tuning in.
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If you have questions or want us to cover a specific topic, let us know.
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We'll be back soon with more Tile Talk.
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Take care, mike.
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Take care Abby, See you next time, everyone.
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You've been listening to the Belk Tile Podcast.
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When it comes to creating a beautiful home using tile, this is the podcast for products, design ideas and tips.
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We hope you got some useful, practical information from this show and we'll be back soon, but in the meantime, reach out.
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The website is wwwbelktilecom.
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Our store phone number is 614-543-8334.
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Find us on Facebook and Twitter at Belk Tile, and on Instagram at Belk Tiles.
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Make sure to leave a rating and review and if you have questions or comments, reach out and we'll talk about it on the next show.
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Till next time.
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