Selecting Shower Tile – Tips
This post is sponsored by Floor & Decor. My favorable opinions on their products and free design services are 100% my own!
We’ve done a lot of work around our Florida house since we moved in back in October. In fact, I think we’ve slapped up paint on every single wall in every single room, except for one. The most offensive room in our hasn’t even been touched. I remember when I first walked through the house and I saw the floral wallpaper in the bathroom, I couldn’t even imagine how to transform it without completely gutting the entire thing and that was a scary thought. We bought the house despite the awful bathroom and we’ve even lived with the awful floral wallpaper for the last seven months! We’re finally ready to bring our master bath into the new millennium and we’re starting with the shower.
A couple weeks ago I visited my local Floor & Decor while on the hunt for new shower tile. I ended up getting a grand tour of the store and was completely in awe of the incredible selection and amazing prices. Not only that, I was stunned to learn that Floor & Decor is a one-stop shop for all of your tile needs. Not only do they sell tile but they sell all of the products you would need to DIY the job including, tools, grout, and sealers. When I first arrived, I felt a bit overwhelmed because of the sheer vastness of inventory.
hello all of the gorgeous marble mosaic!
My overwhelm was calmed right away when I learned that Floor & Decor offers free design services. It was only because of this design service that I was able to narrow down the perfect tile selection. I brought in a few photos of my current shower situation + measurements, as well as some inspiration photos to my design appointment. From there, my designer, Christen, was able to pull samples that she thought I might like based on the size of my shower + the inspiration photos I shared. This was so helpful. Instead of me wandering aimlessly through their 400+ tile options, she was instantly able to pull tiles she knew would fit the look I’m hoping achieve.
My top choices:
I loved the look of the pebble shower floor. So Christen pulled this gorgeous pebble mosaic. I would use it as a waterfall feature on the wall along with the beveled subway tiles, and then the pebble on the floor.
White subway tile is timeless, and after sharing with Christen that our home will likely be a rental at some point we pretty much decided that having the timeless look of white subway tile was the best option. Since we used a marble backsplash in the kitchen, I really liked the idea of bringing a little marble into the master bath as well. This penny tile is a showstopper for sure. For this option I would use it on the floor, again the beveled subway tile on the walls with the glass tile mosaic as a waterfall feature.
When I first walked into Floor & Decor I was pretty sure that I wanted blue glass subway tile with a store shower floor. After seeing samples I started leaning away from that but I still loved the mix of the blue glass subway with the marble penny tile floor.
I did decide on two options. Is it really a decision if you pick two? And with my measurements, Christen was able to figure out all that I would need including grout and all and give me a rough estimate of supplies and cost. I loved this because once I decide between option 1 and option 2, I can just bring my estimate and pull everything and be ready to go because they carry a large stock of all items right in the store.
Some tile tips I walked away with after my design appointment:
Light and bright is best in a small space. This is probably a reason why white subway is so timeless. It’s a clean look that makes the space look larger.
Take the tile all the way to the ceiling. I was already planning on doing this but our current shower doesn’t have tile all the way to the ceiling. This will make the space feel larger.
Consider the durability of the materials.
Go with the white grout. It will make the tile pop.
Using an accent tile will create more visual interest and give the shower more dimension.
Since the tile is so reasonably priced, we’ve decided to hire out the tiling job. We’ve been interviewing/talking to contractors and getting estimates. This is a bigger DIY than we feel comfortable tackling with two kids in the middle of summer so we’re handing it off to professionals. If you know someone who does tile in the Jacksonville, FL area email me! I’m also still waffling between option 1 and option 2 but I think that will end up being a game-time decision because I don’t think I can really go wrong with either one! I’ll keep you updated, of course! Happy decorating!
Hi Chelsea! I just love your blog. My dad was a licensed professional handyman for years. One of the things he always has said about stand up showers is, if not tiled correctly they can leak. Even the pros have trouble making sure that doesn’t happen. So be sure to keep an eye out for water after the project is finished. Good luck. I like your tile choices.
Thank you, Mary! Very great insight!
I really like the suggestion to consider the durability of the materials you want to use. Remodeling is a great option, but you want it to stand up to the test of time, right? I’ve been planning to do something very similar to this for the last several years, but this made me want to actually go out and get the stuff. Thanks for sharing!
I really like the idea of taking the tile all the way to the ceiling. It would be nice to have a shower that feels bigger. I think my wife would really like it as well. I know she loves the look of tile instead of just a plastic tub.
Thank you for sharing your tips. Lots of good information and examples. I have got much clear idea regarding from this piece of information. You did a great job. Keep posting.