7 Outdated bathroom tile trends to avoid, according to experts

Stone mosaic flooring: a spa look that's dated

Interior designer Ellie Stein is deterred by stone mosaic flooring in the shower, a look often associated with spas. 'Not only does it look super dated, but it is a pain to clean,' she says. 'It just always ends up looking a little off.'

Wood-like porcelain tile: when deception isn't chic

Stein also urges people to avoid wood-like porcelain tile in the bathroom. 'Just go with wood or go with tile—please don't combine the two,' she implores. The grout lines make it obvious that real wood wasn't used, and the feel of the porcelain is unpleasant, being often cold to the touch.

Pastel-colored tiles: a retro look that doesn't age well

Kitchen and bath director Shannon Kadwell at Anthony Wilder Design/Build considers pastel-colored tiles a major no-go. 'Unless you're doing a full mid-century restoration, these hues often make a bathroom feel dated,' she says, noting they don't easily complement modern styles of hardware.

Diagonal floor tile layouts: busy and outdated

Co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling Mary Gordon finds a handful of floor tile layouts to read as dated, with the diagonal layout being one of them. 'It was once used to make small bathrooms look and feel larger, but diagonal tiles now look dated and busy,' she says.

Checkerboard tile flooring: too theatrical for most

'A solid black-and-white checkerboard floor can look charming in the right historic setting, but in most bathrooms it feels a bit theatrical,' Kadwell says. In a smaller room, it can just be overwhelming and make a space feel busier than it is.

Decorative racing stripes: cheap and dated

Those stripes, once popular accent tiles within the shower or along the wall, now unappeal to many, Gordon says. 'Those stripes interrupt the visual flow and feel cheap within an otherwise elegant tile selection,' she says. 'Buyers associate them with a builder-grade update from decades past.'

Subway tile: no longer the top choice

Subway tile, once ultra popular, is less of a top choice today, Gordon says. 'Homeowners today have so many tile options that traditional subway tile is taking a back seat,' she says. 'Now feels predictable and uninspired.'

What to choose instead

Experts recommend opting for simple, cohesive, single-tone or large-format tiles for a modern look. 'Continuous tile in a single tone or subtle variation feels more cohesive, timeless, and luxurious,' Gordon says.

From classic whites to rich naturals, today's bathroom tile trends focus on clean, timeless designs that work well in any style Home. By avoiding these outdated looks and embracing modern options, homeowners can create bathrooms that stand the test of time.