7 beautiful herringbone shower tile ideas

7 elevated herringbone tile shower ideas

1. zellige herringbone for depth and texture

zellige herringbone tile brings a unique dimension and texture to a walk-in shower, blending traditional moroccan craftsmanship with a contemporary layout. the natural imperfections, subtle tonal variations, and glossy finish of handcrafted zellige tiles add a dynamic surface quality that feels both artisanal and elevated.

when arranged in a herringbone pattern, the irregularity of the tile amplifies light reflection and creates a sense of motion, transforming even a minimalist shower into a richly layered design element. this merging of old-world material with architectural geometry offers a refined, design-forward aesthetic that’s ideal for sophisticated spaces.

2. terracotta herringbone for warm, rustic spaces

terracotta tiles laid in a herringbone pattern bring warmth, texture, and a rustic elegance to shower spaces, making them feel both grounded and artisanal. the rich, earthy tones of terracotta evoke a sense of timeless charm, while the dynamic layout of herringbone introduces a unique design feature.

this combination is especially striking in bathrooms with natural wood, stone, or plaster finishes, where the terracotta can echo and enhance the organic palette. the pattern elevates the humble material, giving it a curated,boutique look that suits mediterranean, farmhouse, and bohemian-inspired interiors alike.

3. cement herringbone for modern impact

cement tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern offer a bold yet refined statement in a walk-in shower, blending artisanal texture with modern edge. their matte finish, graphic lines, and various sizes create a contemporary backdrop that plays well with minimalist fixtures or industrial accents. the herringbone layout injects movement and architectural interest, making even neutral-colored cement tiles feel dynamic and curated.

ideal for those looking to infuse modern bathrooms with handcrafted character, cement herringbone brings both style and substance—merging form, function, and visual rhythm in one impactful design.

4. ceramic herringbone for a classic, clean finish

ceramic herringbone delivers a classic, pristine finish. with their crisp edges and smooth surface, ceramic tiles highlight the precise geometry of the herringbone layout, bringing subtle sophistication to even the most minimal spaces.

go for bright white for a fresh, spa-like atmosphere or try soft neutrals for a warmer effect. ceramic herringbone creates a sense of order and elegance. this versatile option works seamlessly across traditional, transitional, or contemporary bathrooms—proof that simplicity, when thoughtfully executed, can make a lasting impression.

5. natural stone herringbone for understated luxury

natural stone tiles add a refined balance of texture and sophistication to a herringbone layout, making it a go-to choice for understated luxury in the shower. the organic variation in veining and tone—whether in marble, limestone, or travertine—adds depth and natural beauty.

when paired with the timeless geometry of the herringbone layout, these materials create a sense of quiet elegance that feels elevated yet grounded. natural stone works very well for spa-inspired bathrooms or serene retreats and brings a tactile richness that only improves with age.

6. brick tile herringbone for an industrial edge

brick herringbone sets up an industrial aspect with a refined twist, making it a standout choice for modern shower spaces that nod to urban aesthetics. the raw, textural quality of brick—especially in deep reds, earthy browns, or soft whitewashes—adds warmth and authenticity, while the herringbone layout introduces interesting dynamics.

this unexpected combination fuses rugged charm with structured elegance, creating a visually compelling focal point. it’s a solid option for those looking to blend character-rich materials with a design-forward sensibility.

7. metallic herringbone accents for reflectivity and contrast

metallic accents bring a striking blend of reflectivity and contrast to the shower, offering a luxurious, light-catching element. used as a full feature wall or a subtle border within a larger tile layout, metallic finishes—like brushed brass, copper, or silver—add shimmer and sophistication.

the angular nature of the herringbone pattern amplifies the play of light on these surfaces, creating depth and dimension. this design choice pairs beautifully with both moody palettes and minimal neutral schemes, introducing drama and polish.

frequently asked questions

what is a herringbone pattern?

a herringbone pattern is a classic and visually dynamic layout where rectangular tiles are arranged in a zigzag formation, resembling the bones of a fish, like a herring—hence the name. each tile is laid at a 45-degree angle to create a v-shaped, interlocking design that adds movement, texture, and sophistication to a space.

in a shower, herringbone patterns for tile can be used to draw the eye upward, add architectural design elements, or create a centerpoint, making it both a stylish and functional choice for modern and traditional bathrooms alike.

can you use herringbone tile on a shower floor?

yes, you can use herringbone tile on a walk-in shower floor, and it can make a stunning design statement with a range of types of tiles. the herringbone pattern, with its recognizable design, adds a dynamic and sophisticated look to the area.

when using it on a shower floor, consider choosing small-format tiles, such as subway tiles, as they fit well within the pattern while also accommodating the floor’s natural slope for drainage. smaller tiles provide more grout lines, which enhances the visual appeal of the herringbone design. grout lines also improve traction, making the floor safer and less slippery. in small showers, herringbone can make the space feel more layered, while in larger ones, it adds architectural intrigue.

however, there are a few things to keep in mind when installing herringbone tile on a shower floor. first, the layout of the pattern must be carefully planned to ensure it aligns properly with the floor’s slope, ensuring water flows efficiently to the drain. additionally, choosing the right tile material is key—opt for slip-resistant finishes like matte or textured tiles to prevent slipping.

while herringbone adds elegance and a unique touch to a shower floor, the installation process may require more attention to detail, so it’s recommended to hire a professional to achieve the perfect design while ensuring proper functionality.

is herringbone tile trendy or timeless?

like penny tile mosaics or subway tiles in a classic offset pattern, herringbone tile has long been considered a time-honored pattern, admired for its elegant, geometric design that transcends trends. originating in ancient roman architecture, the pattern’s distinctive arrangement has been utilized for centuries in both flooring and walls.

its versatility allows it to work well across a wide range of design styles, from classic to modern, making it a design choice that never feels overly trendy. the enduring appeal of herringbone lies in its ability to bring sophistication and depth to any space, whether used in a traditional or contemporary context.

while herringbone is timeless in its roots, it has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, leading some to view it as a “trendy” design choice. the pattern has found new life in modern interiors, especially with the introduction of diverse materials such as glass, marble, cement, and wood, which add fresh dimensions to its classic form.

despite this recent spike in popularity, herringbone continues to retain its timeless essence. its ability to blend seamlessly with various materials and design aesthetics ensures that it remains relevant, even as trends evolve.

here‘s a guide to bathroom tile ideas that can help you find the right types of tiles and patterns for your shower and surrounding bathroom.

what pattern goes well with herringbone?

when paired with herringbone tile, patterns that complement its dynamic design without competing with it tend to work best. subtle and simple patterns, such as a grid, vertical stack, or straight lay provide a grounding contrast to the intricate angles of the herringbone.

for example, using a simple subway tile in a traditional brick pattern can create a beautiful balance, allowing the herringbone to shine as the focal point while the more restrained pattern adds a design foundation. neutral tones and soft textures, like marble or polished stone, also enhance the elegance of the herringbone pattern, creating a sophisticated and cohesive look.

for a bolder approach, you can pair herringbone with geometric patterns like chevron or diamond tiles, which echo the angular design of herringbone but in different directions. that works well when you're looking to create a space with more visual energy, such as in a modern bathroom. for added contrast, consider mixing herringbone with a solid color or a pattern that uses similar or complementary hues.

a marble herringbone wall combined with a matte black or white geometric floor pattern can create an arresting contrast while maintaining harmony within the space. used on the floor or walls, these thoughtful pattern combinations allow the herringbone to stand out while bringing additional layers of dimension to your design.

adding depth, texture, or bold contrast, herringbone tiles create a big impact while remaining endlessly versatile. at clé, design and craftsmanship are the basis for a curated collection of handcrafted, high-end tiles that work fabulously with a wide array of tile patterns and transform showers into true works of art. with an emphasis on artistry and architectural value, clé is the go-to source for those seeking inspired tile designs that will not only stand the test of time but also bring a unique, bespoke touch to any space.