5 Bathroom Tile Trends You’ll Probably Regret in 5 Years, According to Designers

12″ x 24″ Oversized Tile

“Whenever I’m asked about trends, I look at what’s available everywhere,” says designer Lisa Simopoulos, founder of Simopoulos Designs. “Right now for bathrooms, I immediately think of the 12×24 tile.

Simopoulos explains that this large rectangular tile is reminiscent of the 12” square tiles that were everywhere in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “These are, without a doubt, today’s default field tile,” she says. “I’d estimate 80% of my clients are asking for them.” 

Does that mean they’re a bad choice? Not necessarily. As Simopoulos notes, these oversized styles are versatile and practical. Plus, their larger format means fewer grout lines. But they’re also over-used, and that ultimately will affect their staying power. 

“Because they’re so pervasive, I think 12x24s will end up feeling like one of the most defining, and, eventually, most dated looks of the mid-2020s that people will be anxious to replace,” says Simopoulos. Just some food for thought as you plan out your ideal tile choice.

 Zellige Tile

While zellige is known for its unexpectedly imperfect, unique handmade look, it’s now become a go-to tile that can be found nearly anywhere. But Simopoulos isn’t so sure it should be so ubiquitous. 

“While beautiful, zellige has a rustic, old-world look that doesn’t suit every home, and its porousness makes it higher-maintenance than most people want,” says Simopoulos. “For homeowners who prioritize low-maintenance living, I predict many will eventually opt to replace it.” 

Certain Hex Tiles

Timeless hex tiles have their roots in ancient times, and they saw a resurgence in the 1920s. But they’re having another comeback in the 2020s — and a certain high-contrast hex and grout combo is perhaps making them seem too of-the-moment for some designers.
 
“I’m all for a classic hex, but the tiny glossy white hex with dark grout is starting to show its age,” says Sonia Chauhan, founder and principal designer at Marble & Marigold. “It shows every grout line, it’s busy around outlets, and it can make the whole space feel louder than it needs to be.”

Luckily, she says, there’s an easy switch to make hex feel less trendy. Go for a lower-contrast grout, and the tile will feel as if it’s been there for years rather than straight out of 2025.

Patterned Floor Tiles

Patterned floor tiles have been growing in popularity for several years now, with farmhouse-inspired vintage patterns taking hold in modern farmhouse bathrooms and traditional homes alike. But these geometric patterns may finally be waning. A few years from now, the look could find itself stuck in the 2020s.

“Bold floors are eye-catching, but a busy, high-contrast pattern can fight with cabinetry and other elements,” says Chauhan. “It’s easy to get tired of, and printed patterns can show wear at traffic lanes and grout lines.”

Faux Material Tiles

If you’re renovating a bathroom, your top priorities are probably water resistance and durability. That can quickly lead you away from natural materials (think: stone, which can get slippery when wet, or hardwood, which is easily damaged by moisture). But don’t get any big ideas that putting in ceramic or porcelain tile that resembles these natural materials is a lasting substitute — particularly when it comes to style.

“If there’s one tile trend I’d steer you away from, it’s anything faux, like faux wood, faux stone, faux cement,” says Megan Mays, designer and founder of Ravenhouse Interior Design. “I totally get the appeal; these materials are often more durable and easier to maintain. But they rarely bring the depth, texture, or warmth of the real thing. And over time, that lack of authenticity starts to show.”