Designing Your Dream Shower: Custom Tile Features to Consider

December is the perfect time to dream a little bigger. The year is winding down, the holidays are here, and many of us are already thinking about fresh starts for the new year. What better way to treat yourself than designing the shower of your dreams?

Your shower isn’t just a place to rinse off—it’s where you wake up in the morning, unwind after a long day, and sneak in a few quiet minutes just for yourself. With the right custom tile design, your shower can become a personal retreat that looks amazing and works perfectly for your lifestyle.

At Jake Bennage Flooring, we love helping homeowners bring their ideas to life. If you’re ready to plan your dream shower, here are some tile features and design ideas to inspire you.

1. Mosaic Tile Magic

Want your shower to feel like a piece of art? Mosaic tiles are the way to go.

• Accent walls: Use a bold mosaic pattern on one wall to create a stunning focal point.
• Borders and inlays: Frame your shower with a mosaic border or add a subtle inlay along the floor.
• Custom patterns: Think beyond basic squares—geometric shapes, pebbles, or even waves can add character.

Mosaics are great for mixing color, texture, and creativity. They let you express your personal style while keeping the rest of your tile simple and timeless.

2. Built-In Niches for Storage and Style

Nobody likes shampoo bottles cluttering the floor or balancing on a tiny shelf. That’s where shower niches come in.

• Function first. Niches give you storage space built right into the wall, so everything stays neat.
• Design bonus. Line your niche with contrasting tile, like a glass mosaic, for a stylish pop of color.
• Custom fit. Niches can be sized for your favorite products or even stacked for extra space.

It’s the little details—like a perfectly placed niche—that make your shower feel both polished and practical.

3. Go Bold with Tile Shapes and Sizes

Custom showers aren’t limited to plain subway tiles (though those are classics too). Playing with tile shape and size can completely change the vibe of your shower.

• Large-format tiles: Fewer grout lines mean a sleek, modern look that’s easy to clean.
• Hexagon or herringbone patterns: Add energy and movement to your design.
• Mix and match: Combine different shapes in complementary colors for a one-of-a-kind style.

The right tile layout can make your shower look bigger, brighter, and more luxurious.

4. Luxurious Tile Materials

If you’re ready to splurge a little, consider materials that add a touch of spa-like luxury:

• Natural stone: Marble, slate, or travertine tiles create a timeless, upscale feel.
• Glass tile: Perfect for adding shine, color, and a light-reflecting finish.
• Porcelain and ceramic: Durable, water-resistant, and available in endless designs (including stone or wood-look finishes).

Each material brings its own personality. Stone feels warm and classic, while glass feels modern and bright. Choosing the right material sets the tone for your entire bathroom.

5. Statement Floors

Your shower floor doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it’s one of the best places to show off unique tile.

• Pebble stone floors: Bring a natural, spa-like feel with texture underfoot.
• Mosaic floor designs: Small tiles can form stunning patterns while also providing slip resistance.
• Contrasting colors: A darker shower floor paired with lighter walls makes the space feel grounded.

Not only do these designs look great, but they’re also functional. Smaller tiles on shower floors improve traction, making your shower safer.

6. Mixing Textures for Depth

Design isn’t just about color—it’s also about texture. Combining different finishes can take your shower design from nice to next-level.

• Glossy + matte tiles: A mix of shine and softness adds dimension.
• Smooth + textured surfaces: Pair sleek walls with a stone or pebble floor.
• Subtle contrast: Stick with one color family but play with different textures for an elegant effect.

Texture is one of those small design tricks that make your shower feel custom and unique.

7. Don’t Forget Lighting and Layout

Tile might be the star, but lighting and layout complete the look.

• LED accents: Backlight a niche or highlight a mosaic wall for dramatic effect.
• Glass doors: Let all that beautiful tile shine through instead of hiding it behind a curtain.
• Open layouts: If space allows, consider a walk-in or barrier-free shower design for maximum comfort and accessibility.

When you combine the right tile with the right lighting, your shower becomes more than just functional—it becomes a feature you’ll want to show off.

Final Thoughts

As the year wraps up, why not give yourself something to look forward to in the new one? Designing a custom shower is about more than just picking tile—it’s about creating a space that feels like yours. Whether you love bold mosaics, sleek niches, or the natural beauty of stone, the possibilities are endless.

At Jake Bennage Flooring, we work with first-quality materials and professional installation techniques to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming big or keeping it simple, your perfect shower is closer than you think.

So go ahead—close out the year with inspiration, and step into the new one with a shower design you’ll love every single day.