8 Sides of Style: Mastering Octagon Tile in Your Bathroom Design

In the world of interior design, bathrooms have evolved from purely functional spaces to stylish sanctuaries that reflect personal taste and sophistication. One trend that has been making waves in recent years is the use of octagon tile in bathrooms. This classic yet versatile geometric shape can add visual interest, create unique patterns, and elevate the overall aesthetic of your bathroom remodel. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways to incorporate octagon tile into your bathroom design, discuss suitable materials, and offer creative suggestions to make your space truly stand out.

Why Choose Octagon Tile for Your Bathroom?

Octagon tiles, with their eight-sided shape, offer a perfect blend of geometric interest and timeless elegance. Here are some reasons why octagon tile bathroom designs are gaining popularity:

Versatility: Octagon tiles can be used on floors, walls, or even as accent pieces, allowing for endless design possibilities.
Visual interest: The unique shape creates an eye-catching pattern that adds depth and character to your bathroom.
Timeless appeal: While trendy, octagon tiles have been used in design for centuries, ensuring your bathroom won’t look dated in a few years.
Customization options: With various sizes, materials, and color combinations available, you can create a truly personalized look. Larger tiles work well on bathroom floors while smaller tile can look stunning on shower walls or backsplashes.

Design Suggestions for Octagon Tile Bathrooms

1. Classic Black and White

One of the most iconic uses of octagon floor tile is the classic black and white pattern, which works well in both traditional and modern bathrooms. Use large white octagon tiles in Carrara marble with small black square inserts for a timeless look. This design creates a striking contrast and can make small bathrooms appear larger.

2. Monochromatic Elegance

For a more subtle approach, consider using octagon tiles in varying shades of the same color. A monochromatic gray scheme, for instance, can create a serene and contemporary atmosphere. Use lighter shades for larger areas and darker tones for accents or borders.

3. Mixed Materials

Combine octagon tiles with other shapes or materials for a unique look. For example, pair ceramic octagon tiles with small marble square inserts for a luxurious touch. Alternatively, use octagon tiles as a border around larger square tiles to create a framed effect on your bathroom floor.

4. Accent Walls

Create a stunning focal point by using octagon tiles on a single bathroom wall, such as behind the vanity or in the shower niche. Choose bold colors or metallic finishes to make the feature wall tile truly stand out.

5. Ombré Effect

For a modern twist, arrange octagon tiles in an ombré pattern, gradually transitioning from light to dark shades. This works particularly well on shower walls or as a backsplash behind the sink.

Types of Tile That Work Well for Octagon Patterns

When it comes to octagon tile bathrooms, various materials can be used to achieve different looks and functionalities:

Ceramic: Affordable and versatile, ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. They’re easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for bathroom floors and walls.
Porcelain: More durable than ceramic, porcelain tiles are excellent for high-traffic areas. They’re also highly water-resistant, making them perfect for shower floors and walls.
Natural stone: Materials like marble, granite, or slate can add a touch of luxury to your octagon tile design. Keep in mind that natural stone requires more maintenance and may need periodic sealing.
Glass: Glass tiles can add a touch of shimmer and elegance to your bathroom. They work well as accent pieces or as mosaic tile on feature walls. 
Cement: For a more rustic or industrial look, consider cement tiles. They offer unique patterns and colors, and their slightly textured surface can provide good slip resistance. 

Sizes and Proportions

Octagon tiles come in various sizes, allowing you to create different effects in your bathroom: 

Small octagon tiles (1-2 inches): These work well for creating intricate patterns or mosaics. They’re ideal for shower floors or as accent borders. 
Medium octagon tiles (4-6 inches): This versatile size is perfect for bathroom floors, walls, or backsplashes. They create a balanced look that works in both small and large spaces. 
Large octagon tiles (8-12 inches): Use these to make a bold statement on floors or walls. They can make small bathrooms appear more spacious and work well in modern, minimalist designs. 

When selecting the size of your octagon tiles, consider the scale of your bathroom and the overall design aesthetic you’re aiming for. 

Installation Tips for Octagon Tile Bathrooms

Octagon tile installation requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to ensure a successful installation:

1. Plan your layout: Before installation, plan your bathroom tile layout carefully. Use graph paper or digital design tools to visualize the pattern and determine how many tiles you’ll need.

2. Start from the center: Begin tiling from the center of the room and work your way outwards. This ensures a balanced look and helps avoid awkward cuts at the edges.

3. Use spacers: Maintain consistent spacing between tiles using plastic spacers. This is especially important when combining octagon tiles with square inserts.

4. Choose the right grout: The color of your grout can significantly impact the overall look. Light grout with dark tiles will emphasize the octagon shape, while matching grout colors create a more seamless appearance.

5. Consider hiring a professional: Due to the complexity of working with octagon shapes, it may be worth hiring a professional tiler to ensure a flawless finish. 

Maintenance and Care

To keep your octagon tile bathroom looking its best:

Seal natural stone tiles regularly to protect them from stains and moisture.
Clean tiles regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the surface or grout.
Re-grout as necessary to prevent water penetration and maintain a fresh look.
Use bath mats in high-traffic areas to protect floor tiles from excessive wear.

Create Visual Interest with an Octagon Tile Bathroom

Incorporating octagon tiles into your bathroom design can transform the space from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you opt for a white tile with black dot pattern for a classic look or a solid color for bold accent wall, octagon tiles offer endless possibilities to express your personal style. By carefully considering the size, material, and layout of your octagon tiles, you can create a bathroom that is not only visually stunning but also functional and durable.

Remember, the key to a successful octagon tile bathroom is in the details – from the choice of grout color to the careful arrangement of patterns. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and consult with design professionals to bring your vision to life. 

With their timeless appeal and versatility, octagon tiles are more than just a passing trend. They’re an excellent choice that can add value and character to your home for years to come. So why not take the plunge and give your bathroom a geometric makeover with beautiful octagon tiles? Browse our large selection of ceramic, porcelain, cement, glass and artisan tiles and get inspiration for your next home improvement project.