When you’re designing a space, the right wall tile can completely change how a room looks and feels.
In a kitchen, for example, an authentic, handmade zellige backsplash can add warmth and luminosity. A dramatic marble wall in a bathroom turns the space into an elegant, spa-inspired retreat. And a patterned fireplace surround? It can create an instant focal point.
But choosing the best wall tile isn’t just about aesthetics. Different rooms have different needs, and the tile that works beautifully in one room may not translate as well to another.
This guide explores the best tiles for wall applications throughout the home, including types of tile materials, how to coordinate tile with your style, what to know before installation, and how to keep your tile looking beautiful for years to come.
No wallflowers allowed!
Why Wall Tile Makes a Statement in Interior Design
Tile on wall surfaces can go far beyond the practical duty of shower wall tile and backsplashes — and, as such, it does more than protect walls from moisture and heat. Wall tile adds texture, depth, color, and personality to a room in ways that paint simply cannot touch.
The right wall tile can make a petite powder room feel more dramatic and expansive. It can add contrast and visual interest to minimalist spaces, and it can introduce artisan craftsmanship in modern homes.
Today’s artisan tiles for wall applications range from classic subway tile to handmade zellige and encaustic cement, to natural stones like marble and more. The key is matching the tile material and finish to the room's function.
Wall Tile for Bathrooms
Bathrooms may be the first place you think of when it comes to wall tile — and, indeed, it’s one of the most common places to use it. Tile, of course, plays a functional role in protecting walls from moisture. But, more interestingly, it defines the overall mood of the space and can make quite a statement.
The best bathroom wall tile for you will depend on the look you want to achieve and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Popular bathroom wall tile choices include zellige for texture and variation, marble for an elegant and luxurious feel, and ceramic tile for versatility.
And wall tile for bathrooms isn’t relegated to the showers, either. Look at this statement wall — an incredibly romantic moment, courtesy of Norwegian Rose 6”x12” marble tile, which is emboldened by copper accents and lighting.
Another marble moment, this one translates completely differently. Bathed in Bardiglio, the beauty of Bardiglio Grey Light 18”x18” marble lies in its continuous spectrum of grey tones, adding subtle contrast and depth.
Beyond marble, happy days are here again with this Sunny Days pattered ceramic tile that brings everyday radiance into real life. It’s playful and energizing.
You don’t even need a caffeine kick when it comes to this shower. The Goldfinch 4”x4” zellige sets the tone for an energized morning to get you ready for the day ahead.
Wall Tile for Kitchens and Bars
Kitchen wall tile is often a centerpiece that needs to balance beauty with practicality. Backsplashes do a lot of heavy lifting. They protect walls from splashes, grease, and heat — but they are also a design feature that can set the tone for the entire space.
Whether your kitchen leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, the right kitchen tile backsplash can pull everything together in a way that feels intentional.
When choosing tile backsplash kitchen options, start by thinking about how you use your kitchen. If you cook often, durability and ease of cleaning are going to mean something, so you may gravitate to ceramic. If your kitchen is also an entertaining and gathering place, this is a great opportunity to introduce texture, color, or pattern that gives the room personality, so natural stone, cement, and zellige may be appealing.
Handmade tiles — like authentic Moroccan zellige tiles — are especially popular for kitchen wall tile because of their stunning character and subtle variation. No two tiles are exactly alike, which adds depth and warmth without feeling overwhelming. Light reflects differently across the surface, giving even neutral palettes a sense of movement.
A great example is Snow White 4”x4” zellige. It’s softly luminous yet far from bland or one-note, because it tends to mirror its surroundings, deepening color and light in subtle, shifting ways.
This golden moment comes courtesy of Goldfinch 2”x6” Thin Bejmat zellige tile. The warmth, texture, and a little golden hour energy grounds this kitchen in effortless style.
For another understated — but not unnoticed — look, Azru Grey 4”x4” Moroccan Limestone brings a natural richness to even the simplest moments, as in this bar area.
An option you may not initially consider for a tile backsplash in the kitchen is travertine. This natural stone delivers a lovely textural element and a sense of refined warmth. Here, the Beige Travertine Cabochon Pencil Mosaic backsplash brings depth, character, and a natural finish.
And don’t forget about cement tile and ceramic tile on the backsplash, either. Both patterned cement tiles and patterned ceramic tiles can visually anchor the kitchen, especially when paired with simple cabinetry or natural stone countertops.
When selecting tiles for wall applications in kitchens, don’t forget to take into account the overall design of the space. Your wall tile should complement your cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and lighting — rather than compete with them.
Wall Tile for Other Spaces
Wall tile doesn’t have to be reserved for just the bathrooms and kitchen of a home. Let your imagination wander and consider a tiled fireplace instead of a traditional brick one.
With tile, this focal point of a home can become a very visually striking element. Marble, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and zellige can all work beautifully depending on your design style. Vertically stacked layouts, full-height fireplace surrounds, and richly textured handmade tile are especially popular in modern interiors.
You don’t have to stay inside for wall tile either. You may want to bring the wall tile outside for an outdoor deck or patio. That said, outdoor wall tile installations do need to be able to withstand weather, temperature changes, and moisture exposure.
For patios and exterior walls, certain cement and natural stone options — like terrazzo and breeze block — can also perform well outdoors when properly sealed and maintained.
How to Choose the Right Wall Tile for Your Space
As you can see from the examples in this guide, there are many wall tile ideas and options available. So, narrowing down the right wall tile can feel more than a little overwhelming.
Here are a few considerations we suggest to help homeowners guide their wall tile decision-making process.
Think About the Room’s Function: A shower wall tile installation obviously has different functional needs than a decorative wall. Start with practicality first and narrow down the best tile materials for it, then move to aesthetics.
Consider the Maintenance: Natural stone and handmade tile options sometimes require slightly more care and maintenance. Routine sealing is generally required, too. If you’re up for that, great! If not, you may want to look at ceramic tile, which is generally easier to care for.
Coordinate With Your Existing Materials: Your wall tile should complement the surrounding finishes in a room, like wood tones, countertop materials, paint colors, cabinetry, and lighting fixtures. It doesn’t have to match perfectly (and it probably shouldn’t!), but it should play well with others in the space.
Don’t Forget About Texture: One reason wall tile feels so special is the range of texture and variation it brings to a room. Keep in mind that matte, uniform tile creates a different visual effect than handcrafted or patterned surfaces with movement and depth.
How to Install Wall Tile
Proper installation of your wall tile matters just as much as the tile itself — because it can really impact the finished effect. While many homeowners decide to bring in the professionals, understanding the basics helps ensure better results.
Basic Wall Tile Installation Steps
If you already have tile, you’ll need to know how to remove tiles from a bathroom wall. The process generally goes something like this:
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Remove the grout around the tile.
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Carefully loosen tiles with a proper pry tool.
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Scrape away adhesive.
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Repair drywall or backer board if necessary.
Learning how to remove tiles from a bathroom wall safely (or bringing in a professional) can help minimize damage.
Once any old tile is removed, here is what generally needs to happen to install the new tile.
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Prepare and clean the wall surface.
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Measure and plan your layout carefully. (It’s helpful to do a practice layout to ensure you like the color and variation mix before the application begins.)
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Apply thin-set mortar evenly across the back of the tile.
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Install tile and use spacers to ensure uniformity of grout lines.
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Allow the mortar to cure.
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Apply grout, and make sure to clean up any extra that found its way onto the tiles.
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Seal the tile, if needed.
Because handmade wall tile products, such as zellige, have variation in thickness and texture, professional installation is often recommended for the best finish. The same goes for intricate or patterned tiles, as with encaustic cement tile.
How to Clean and Maintain Wall Tile
Different tile materials require different care routines, but here are some general rules of thumb.
Ceramic tile is relatively easy to clean with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh acidic cleaners that can damage grout over time. Sealing is generally not required.
Natural stone and handmade wall tile may require periodic sealing, and it’s important to use pH-neutral cleaners and softer cleaning tools to avoid any dulling or damage to the surface.
Finding the Best Wall Tile for Your Home
The best wall tile for your home is always going to bring you joy while also being practical and functional. The examples celebrated in this guide are only scratching the surface of the possibilities.
A durable ceramic tile may be ideal for a busy family shower. Handmade encaustic cement tiles can add pattern and artistry to a kitchen backsplash. Marble can add elegance to a powder room, while textured zellige transforms wall tile into an authentic statement piece.
The good news is there’s no right answer — only the right fit for your space.
Ready to start perking up your walls with a whole new tile life? If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can easily visit Riad’s Dallas tile showroom to see our artisan tiles and so much more in person.
We welcome designers, homeowners, and contractors alike — and we're happy to provide samples on-site. Among Dallas tile stores and across the country, we boast some of the best prices. You can find our showroom at 5200 E. Grand Avenue #520, Dallas, TX 75223.
If you’re not local to Dallas, you can browse our full collections of tiles online — they are all available for nationwide shipping straight to your door. You can order samples directly from our product pages, too.
Need help choosing or wondering what wall tile will work best for your space? Contact us anytime, or shop and order your sample today!
