
Punchy decorative tiles have long been a design staple in modern bathrooms. But lately, one popular iteration of this trend is giving ho-hum ceramic stalwarts a run for their money.
We're talking about glass tiles, especially in unexpected pairings: set against matching wood tones, contrasting matte textures, and patterned penny tiles.
While glass might seem like a fragile material that's challenging to work with, many of these so-called glass tiles are just ceramic with a glossy sheen and glasslike appearance.
To help you better visualize what your bathroom might look like under the spell of this latest trend, we selected several standout looks from Instagram to illustrate all the chic ways you can incorporate glass tiles into your space.
So consider these five glass-tile styles for the ultimate wow factor in your bathroom.
These subway tiles have come a long way from their plain Jane, all-white ancestors. Set vertically, these extralong glass tiles featured by @smukke.hjem are made even more elegant with contrasting rows of black tile.
"These tiles are popular because of their bespoke look," says designer Devin Shaffer, of Decorilla. "This particular color resonates with people the same way rose gold iPhones do—there's a magic in the color, especially when mixed brilliantly with metallics and black."
Get the look: Serve up some simmering magic in your bathroom by shopping for this exact tile from Mandarin Stone, the Loki Pink Gloss Tile.
There's something to be said for taking a color—like the rich jungle green of this tile from @morphed_studio—and creating an entire theme around it. Namely, this earthy chic oasis of a bathroom is a real stunner.
"The glossy finish of the green tile is such a beautiful moment in this bathroom that pulls you in with its captivating color," says designer Megan Nelson, of @nestwiththenelsons. "The understated simplicity of the matte finish of the concrete allows your eye to rest and feel totally Zen in this swoon-worthy space."
Get the look: Create an eye-catching space by pairing these Wabi Sabi Emerald Green Tiles with this concrete wall finish.
Another smashing idea for glass tiles? Pair them with a busy mosaic tile, as we see in this design from @heidicaillierdesign.
"We're seeing an uptick in the rise of the pink bathroom," says designer Carmen Smith, of Living Letter Home. "Now we're seeing it paired with patterned mosaic or penny tile and a coordinating wallpaper. It's a really fun and unique twist that's both nostalgic and classic."
Get the look: Go for the vintage vibes by setting this Park Hill Pink Tile against this Marrakesh tile.
Sometimes, great design originates with a single color. In this case, it's a blue-green from @thehouseondolphinst that works as well on tile as it does for wainscoting.
"Create an Instagram-worthy bathroom with a touch of marble and a vertical board-and-batten look in a pop of your favorite color," says Nelson.
Get the look: Couple this Lake Basil Glazed Tile with the Lake White for the ultimate green-on-white checkered backsplash. Then, grab a can of Oakmoss for your wainscoting to complete the look.
Find the perfect glass tile for nearly any bathroom by starting with the earthy hues, like the ones we see in this look from @hw.interiors.
"Shiny wood tones are a great play on the monochromatic look," says Smith. "This style is great for smaller bathrooms and works best with places that either have a lot of natural light or plenty of warm lighting to give that extra dimension to an all-neutral space."
Get the look: Have a small bathroom that would do well with glossy wood tones? Shop the collection of brown bathroom tiles at TileBar, or opt for a light-toned pick like this Paint Terracotta Glossy Tile.
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/glass-tile-looks-for-your-bathroom/

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