Shower Wall Accent Tile and Slab Ideas

Image: 3D White Wave Matte Ceramic Accent Shower Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

A nice shower can enhance the design of any bathroom. When we are thinking about wet rooms, walk-in showers, luxury showers, and steam showers, there are ideas to factor in like functional benefits, visual appeal, and functional features.

When it comes to the material to use, natural stone slab or tile—porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone—are wonderful, durable options that will last a very long time. There are endless color and style options to fit best with your style preferences.

Shower Type

Depending on your needs and arrangements, choosing a particular shower type will be the first thing to consider when designing your bathroom. After you have a design, it will be time to select a material that suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. With so many quality options, there are a plethora of colors to match the décor in your bathroom, and even throughout the entire home.

Image: Vetri Bianco 4×12 Glazed Porcelain Accent Shower Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

A shower does not have to be “basic,” unless that’s what you desire, of course; but if you are redesigning or building a new home, the world is your oyster for creating an in-home oasis. Here are a few options to consider:

Image: Tru Marmi Extra Matte 4 Inch Hex Porcelain Shower Tile Floor & Ivory White Honed Quartz Bathroom Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

• Wet room: A wet room is an open space within the bathroom that houses the shower and tub (if one is desired), often with a door that separates it from the rest of the bathroom. This shower area sits at the same level as the rest of the room, with a floor drain. This type of space is wonderful for people with mobility concerns.
• Walk-in shower: A walk-in shower is a similar idea to a wet room because it sits at the same level as the remaining room; however, this space only hosts a shower. It provides a minimalistic look with its lack of doors and curtains but may have a glass partition.
• Steam Shower: Steam showers are fully enclosed behind glass walls to contain steam. This steam aids in personal wellness and has been a proven therapeutic method for centuries.
• Luxury Shower: Really, a luxury shower could be any of the aforementioned. A luxurious shower has high-end finishes and quality surface material that makes the shower feel spa-like. Nothing says luxury like marble. CS-Terra Nova is a beautiful neutral-toned, cream-colored marble with soft organic details throughout with options that can be used on shower floors and walls.

Image: CS-Terra Nova Hex 4 Inch Mesh Marble Shower Accent Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

Slab or Tile

You have surveyed your design options; now it’s time for aesthetic appeal, maintenance, and durability. One huge bonus about a slab wall in a shower is that maintenance is very low. Without grout lines, there is one less thing to worry about keeping clean. There is also no place for soap scum or grime to build up without grout lines making for less area to clean. While the day-to-day is easier, the upfront cost may be more, so there are pros and cons to weigh. Despite any of these drawbacks, the beauty and ease of maintenance may win you over! A stunning slab that would transform your shower is Mont Blanc quartzite. Resembling marble, but much harder and more durable, this creamy white stone will dazzle you with its grey and taupe veining.

Image: Mont Blanc Quartzite Slab Accent Shower Wall from Arizona Tile

Porcelain and ceramic tile are popular options. Both are durable, low-maintenance, and come in a very broad selection of colors and shapes. This versatility allows creativity with your shower wall accent tile. When you choose tile, it is easier to incorporate a pattern, a shift in tile, or accent areas—like a recessed shower shelf. Here are some tile options that may catch your eye:

The Paloma ceramic tile is appropriate for shower wall installation, this tile is offered in neutral and smokey color hues, glossy or matte finish, and has seven shape options.

Image: Paloma Steel Glossy Rhomboid Ceramic Shower Accent Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

• The Alpi series is a wood-inspired tile that comes in warm and cool tones. An aesthetic that contains a wood-look, won’t ever go out of style. This tile is even suitable for steam showers.
• The Vetri series offers a look of texture with darker edges to create a pillowing illusion. With a glass-like appearance, an added feature of luxury is presented in this tile, yet, since it is porcelain, it is more durable.
• Chymia changes up the vibes with its printed design. In all black, all white, or a mix of each, this porcelain tile will give your shower wall accent tile ideas a run for their money. This tile is well-suited for shower walls and steam showers.

Image: Chymia Mix 1 White Porcelain Accent Shower Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

Guidance

All these options presented are low-maintenance materials that will last a lifetime. Natural stone, like marble, does need to be sealed but other than that it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth or pH balanced cleaner. Porcelain and ceramic tile are even easier to maintain because sealing is not needed and the cleaning process is the same. There are so many great options!

At your convenience, stop in at an Arizona Tile store or slab yard for help choosing the stone or tile that will be right for you and your shower wall accent tile vision. While you’re thinking through your options, try our Just Imagine – Tile Visualizer to see your selection in a variety of spaces.

As always, please reach out to the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Arizona Tile to best assist you.