5 Shower Tile Trends for 2025 That Longmont Homeowners Love

Tile is the most visible element of any shower remodel, and the right choice can turn a basic bathroom into a standout space. Here are the five tile trends we're seeing the most demand for in 2025 from homeowners across Longmont, Boulder, and the surrounding communities.

1. Large-Format Porcelain Slabs

The biggest trend in shower design right now is using large-format porcelain tiles — think 24" x 48" or even bigger. These oversized tiles create a sleek, contemporary look with minimal grout lines. Less grout means easier cleaning and a more seamless visual flow across the shower walls.

Large-format tiles work especially well in neutral tones like warm gray, greige, and soft white. They mimic the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost and weight.

2. Vertical Stack Bond Subway Tile

Subway tile isn't going anywhere, but the traditional brick-lay pattern is giving way to a vertical stack bond. Instead of offset rows, tiles are stacked straight on top of each other for a clean, modern look. This works beautifully with elongated formats like 4" x 12" or 3" x 12" tiles.

Pair vertical subway tile in white or cream with dark grout (charcoal or black) for a look that adds graphic punch without being trendy in a way that feels dated quickly.

3. Natural Stone Accent Walls

Full natural stone showers are gorgeous but expensive. A popular middle ground is using natural stone — marble, travertine, or quartzite — as an accent wall behind the showerhead or inside a niche, while tiling the remaining walls in complementary porcelain.

This approach delivers the luxury feel of stone where it's most visible, while keeping costs manageable and maintenance simpler on the other surfaces. Colorado homeowners in particular gravitate toward stones with warm, earthy tones that complement the mountain surroundings.

4. Zellige and Handmade-Look Tiles

Zellige tiles — handmade Moroccan clay tiles with an irregular, glazed surface — continue to be one of the most requested materials for shower projects. Their imperfect edges and variable color create a rich, artisanal texture that mass-produced tiles can't match.

True zellige is hand-cut and can be expensive, but several manufacturers now produce machine-made tiles that capture the same handcrafted aesthetic at a more accessible price point. These look particularly striking as a full shower surround in soft blues, greens, or warm whites.

5. Penny Round and Hexagonal Floor Mosaics

On the shower floor, small-format mosaics remain the best choice for both safety and style. Penny round tiles (1" circles) and hexagonal mosaics in matte finishes are the most popular options right now. Beyond their visual appeal, their small size means more grout lines, which provides better traction on wet surfaces.

We're seeing a lot of clients choose a contrasting floor mosaic — like a dark charcoal penny round paired with light walls — to create a grounded, spa-like feel.

Choosing What's Right for You

Trends are helpful for inspiration, but the best tile choice is one that fits your taste, budget, and lifestyle. A shower should feel timeless and personal. We always encourage our clients to pick materials they genuinely love rather than chasing what's popular this season.

Want to see tile samples in person and discuss your shower design? Schedule a free consultation or call (720) 864-1053.