Goodbye boring white bathtubs, all the chicest bathrooms I'm seeing right now feature this unexpected tile design instead

It's time to ditch your boring side panel and embrace the tiled bathtub trend if you want to take your bathroom from basic to utterly chic. It's an approach designers are loving – and it's easier to do than you might think.

Now, we aren't suggesting fully tiled bath ideas (although it's a fun way to create a retro design), but swapping out a plain white side panel on an alcove bathtub for a fun bathroom tile design can instantly make your space feel bespoke.

Here's everything you need to know about the bathroom trend from designers who have tried it (and swear by it) so you can easily recreate the look in your own scheme. And trust us – it's anything but fleeting and a feature you will never regret.

It's sort of become standard to introduce a white panel to the side of your bathtub. But there's something about covering that visible edge with tiles that really brings a bathroom scheme to life.

'A tiled bathtub side instantly makes the tub look custom and built-in. It's a fantastic way to tie the bathtub into the overall design of the bathroom, using the same or complementary tiles from the walls or floor to create a high-end, cohesive space,' says Jamie Chappell, VP of brand and marketing at Fireclay Tile.

'I think it's trending because it directly addresses the desire for personalization and unique design moments, even in smaller spaces. People are moving away from standard, off-the-shelf looks and are embracing creative ways to add character, and a tiled tub side is a relatively simple way to achieve a high-impact, custom feel.'

It's also an incredibly versatile look that not only transcends trends, but styles too. Whether you have a traditional bathroom filled with classically elegant materials, a contemporary space with sleek lines, or a retro bathroom scheme with vibrant contrasts, it's a look that feels seamless. And it's all in the tile choices.

'An integrated bathtub can feel both modern and traditional, depending on how you "dress" it. For a fun, fresh take, we love to tile drench a room and run the tile in front of the bathtub. For a more traditional look, you could even panel the front of the bathtub,' adds interior designer Laura Jenkins.

It's a really simple way to make your bath feel more intentional in your overall design. It gives the tub a sense of permanence and looks as though it's actually been considered in your design, rather than the rest of the scheme being designed around it.

'The biggest consideration is planning the tile installation to create as many cuts as possible, meaning you want to create the height of the front apron with full tile dimensions,' Laura notes.

'You can elevate this application but using a stone top for the drop-in bathtub, and could even do stone on the front as well. We do this in all tile colors and stone; it is such a fun way to add style that emphasizes the color and pattern versus your typical apron front bathtub.'

6 ways to introduce a tiled bathtub

From tonal schemes to contrasting tub designs, and even choosing the right finish, these spaces have totally embraced the tiled bath look – and prove it's the 1 feature your bathroom is missing.

1. Tile drench for a bold look

If you want to create a truly impactful scheme with a tiled bath, it doesn't get much better than tile drenching. With one consistent tile design covering the floors, walls, and bathtub, it's a quick way to create a seamless, bold design.

As Laura mentioned, it's a fun, fresh take on the tiled bath trend, but it's an oh-so-effective one. This bathroom is a perfect example – the green square tiles covering every surface gives the room a chic, uniform look.

Plus, opting for a color like green or even orange can be a fun way to create a retro bathroom scheme that feels timeless and nostalgic, rather than a shrine to bygone eras.

2. Install the same tiles as used around the tub

You don't have to introduce a bold or maximalist bathroom design to get the look. In fact, some of the most successful schemes feature a tiled bath panel that matches other tiles in the room.

'The best way to introduce this trend is to make it feel like a natural part of the room’s architecture. I’d recommend extending the same tile from the bathroom walls and/or floor to the tub side profile for a seamless architectural feel,' says Jamie.

If you're unsure of the best tile to match your bathtub with, particularly if you have a few different tile options in the room, the tiled surface nearest is a great place to choose for a cohesive look.

'A great place to start is by simply using the same tile for the tub side profile as you do for the tub surround, which will instantly make the tub feel integrated and intentional rather than a separate element.'

3. Introduce contrasting tiles

Alternatively, if you do like a bolder scheme, your bathtub is a great place to introduce contrasting tiles, like in this design. 'For a bolder statement, contrasting tiles can be a great option. Just ensure the colors or textures complement the surrounding space rather than compete with it,' suggests Jamie.

Three different tiles have been used in this scheme, from the marble-look ones on the wall to the geometric design in the shower nook. To bridge the gap between the different tiles and create a sense of cohesion, fluted tiles have been added to the side of the bath, adding texture while simultaneously tying together the different tones around the room.

4. Take the opportunity to create a statement tile mural

Tile murals are by no means a new design feature, but they are one that is often overlooked, especially in bathroom schemes. However, a tiled bath is a striking way to bring the look into your home.

It's one of those details where you really have to go big or go home – don't just limit the mural to your tub, but carry it onto the walls to create a truly unique focal point. If you're not sure how, take this bathroom as inspiration.

A delicate blossom mural has been created out of mosaic tiles, and travels from the shower enclosure, around the walls, and onto the side of the bath. It's been done in such a way that the space still feels traditional and totally charming.

5. Use glossy tiles in a small bathroom

The tiles you choose to cover your bath panel with will depend on your style and the size of your space. In a small bathroom, a smaller tile in a glossy finish is always the most impactful choice, as shown in this transitional bathroom scheme.

'I decided to tile the bathtub area as we wanted to make the bathing and shower area feel as seamless as possible. It's not an enormous bathroom, and we felt that having the same backdrop helps to blend both areas and helps make them feel part of the same space,' explains interior designer Fiona Duke.

'These tiles have a wonderful gloss element, and not only is the room quite small, but it's also quite dark as it's in the middle of the home. The gloss tiles bounce light into the room, and the shape of the tile makes the room feel taller as they're a slightly longer tile than the average 'metro' tile.'

This particular tile choice was key, especially as the green and white checkerboard floor tiles were a bolder choice. The simplicity and neutral color of these tiles add balance and a calming finish.

'Although the floor is quite a statement design as it adds pattern and color, choosing this wall tile design with matching grout is a soft balance to the flooring and gives the whole space a calm, soft, balanced feel,' she adds.

6. Create interest with a classic pattern

A tiled tub is a fun opportunity to create a charming bath nook, and what could be more timeless than introducing a classic tile layout or pattern? In this space, a white and beige checkerboard pattern has been introduced, to great effect.

'For this bathroom, the space was for young twin girls. We wanted to create a whimsical space, but also a style that would grow with the girls. This is a Jack and Jill bathroom with entries on both sides of the vanity,' explains Laura.

'I love a checkerboard pattern, which we ran on the floor and then ran the pattern up the front of the bathtub as well as the shower wall. This type of application takes a lot of planning, but it creates such a charming room!'

There are so many types of tiles to introduce to your bath to give it a more custom, elevated look, no matter the size or style of your home. Whether you go bold with a tile drenched space or keep it classic with a stripe tile layout, this is your sign to give your tub the attention it deserves.