Coastal Vibes: Walk-In Shower Tile Ideas That Make Your Bathroom Feel Like the Beach
Coastal Vibes: Walk-In Shower Tile Ideas That Make Your Bathroom Feel Like the Beach
There’s something magical about stepping into a space that immediately calms your mind and transports you somewhere serene. That’s exactly what a coastal-inspired bathroom can do—and the walk-in shower often sets is the centerpiece. Whether you're renovating a cottage near the ocean or simply bringing the beachy vibe inland, choosing handmade artisan tile can make your bathroom a unique work of art.
From soft ocean blues to handcrafted textures that reflect natural light, we've gathered some of our favorite walk-in shower tile ideas to help you design a coastal bathroom that feels fresh, modern, and deeply relaxing. And if you’re planning a beach bathroom remodel in Long Beach (or anywhere the tide calls to you), these ideas are a great place to start.
At Living Walls Tile, every piece we create is handmade—crafted with intention, inspired by nature, and designed to elevate your space.
1. A Horizon of Blues
Imagine standing in your shower, surrounded by deepening shades of blue that blend like the ocean meeting the sky. That’s the effect of a well-executed tile design, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to introduce a coastal theme into your bathroom.
We love using our Beach Themed Bathroom Tile Mural for this look. Each tile is slightly different, with layers of glaze that ripple and shift in the light—just like water.
2. Inspired by The colors of Water, Sky and Sand
Ceramic Glaze has a way of capturing the beauty of water like no other medium can. Our Bermuda Blue, Caribbeaan Turquoise, Deep Blue, Seaglass Blue capture the same visual effect of light penetrating trasnclucent color that the sun, water and sand do.
If you’re looking for walk-in shower tile ideas that evoke peace and clarity, this palette is a timeless option. It works beautifully with light wood, stone, or even white oak vanities, and the luminous finish brightens up the whole room.
3. The Beauty of Handmade Texture
There’s a reason why artisan tile stands out—because it’s made by human hands, not machines. We use a technique developed in the 1800's at Sherwin and Cotton Tileworks by designer George Cartlidge, called Emaux Ombrants. The Émaux Ombrants technique, also known as "shadow enamels," is a ceramic process used by Sherwin and Cotton, among others, to create tiles with photographic-like effects. This technique involves molding a design in intaglio (engraved) into a tile's surface and then applying a transparent glaze.The glaze flows into the recesses, creating tonal variations that mimic light and shadow, resulting in a design that appears to emerge from the surface.
If you're remodeling a beach bathroom, especially in design-savvy areas like Long Beach, adding handmade tile gives your space a unique feel that sets it apart from commercially produced tile.
4. Add Character with Coastal Motifs
Looking to add a personal touch to your shower design? A mural or patterned tile accent might be just what you need. Even something as simple as a horizontal band of our Little Fishes Tile can completely change the look and feel of your walk-in shower.
Designers often use this technique in high-end beach bathroom remodels—it adds texture and movement without overpowering the space.
5. Warm Neutrals Inspired by Sand and Shell
Blues might be the dominant color in coastal bathrooms, but don’t overlook the power of neutrals. Soothing grays and sandy tones bring a sense of airiness and calm. Our Stone Gray and Wicker glazes offer a grounded, natural feel while still feeling modern and clean.
These hues pair well with brass fixtures, rattan accents, and light-toned wood—ideal for anyone leaning into a minimalcoastal aesthetic.
6. Let Nature Be Your Guide
At the heart of every beach-inspired bathroom is a connection to nature. That’s why we’re such big fans of biophilic design—the idea of weaving natural elements into our spaces in ways that nourish and restore.
For example, our Lush Grass Tile features soft, undulating textures reminiscent of wet, green grass. These are ideal choices for those who want their coastal bathroom to capture the feel of a moist, tropical atmosphere.
7. Modern Meets Coastal
Coastal doesn’t have to mean kitschy or overdone. In fact, some of the most striking beach bathrooms we’ve seen are also the most minimal. Think oversized tiles, clean lines, and a monochrome color palette with just a hint of ocean influence.
Our Border and Field Tile captures this perfectly. We use the same handmade glazes as our patterned tile on the border and field tile. Use it to frame a tile mural, or as a perfect compliment in another part of your bathroom. It creates a modern vibe while still tying back to the natural world. It’s a great option if you want a more refined coastal look.
The Takeaway: Your Walk-In Shower Can Be a Daily Escape
The best walk-in shower designs make showing a stimulating and uplifting experience. Stepping into your shower feels like your own personal beach-themed art instalation.
If you’re working on a beach bathroom remodel in Long Beach, or simply want to bring coastal calm into your home, our collection of luxury artisan tile is made to help you do just that—beautifully, and with intention.
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