Bathroom Design Ideas Using Cement Tiles for Floors and Walls
When it comes to creating a bathroom that feels like a personal retreat, few materials deliver the style, versatility, and artisan quality of cement tiles. From minimalist spaces to boho sanctuaries and vintage-inspired powder rooms, these handmade tiles bring color, texture, and warmth to both floors and walls.
Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a simple refresh, this guide from Original Mission Tile will show you how to use cement tiles in smart, creative ways to make your bathroom beautiful and functional.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles—also known as encaustic cement tiles—are handcrafted using a mixture of cement, marble dust, and mineral pigments. Unlike ceramic tiles, they’re not fired in a kiln. Instead, they’re hydraulically pressed and air-cured, giving them their rich matte finish and artisanal appeal.
Each tile is made by hand, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. Their charm lies in these subtle variations—and in the fact that they’re durable, eco-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Why Use Cement Tiles in Bathroom Design?
Bathrooms need to balance beauty and practicality. Cement tiles are an ideal choice for:
✅ Durability
Strong enough for high-traffic floors and moisture-prone areas when sealed properly.
✅ Slip Resistance
Their matte finish offers more traction than glossy alternatives, making them safer underfoot.
✅ Style Variety
Available in endless colors, patterns, and shapes—from Moroccan tiles to modern geometrics.
✅ Customization
At Original Mission Tile, we offer full custom tile design services to match your vision.
✅ Artisan Appeal
Each tile is handcrafted with care, adding depth, texture, and personality to your space.
Cement Tile Style Inspiration by Bathroom Type
1. Modern Bathrooms
Use black-and-white patterned tiles for a clean, high-contrast floor or accent wall. Pair with floating vanities and matte black fixtures.
2. Farmhouse Bathrooms
Incorporate floral or vintage tile designs in muted earth tones. Perfect for floors or wainscoting.
3. Rustic or Ranch Style
Choose warm neutrals and geometric patterns to complement wood beams and natural textures.
4. Spanish/Mediterranean Bathrooms
Use encaustic cement tiles with intricate scrollwork in deep blues, terracottas, and greens.
5. Contemporary Bathrooms
Highlight clean lines and color blocking with large-format or minimal geometric tiles.
Floor Tile Ideas for Bathrooms
Cement tile floors can become the centerpiece of your bathroom. Here are some ideas:
Geometric Cement Tile Rug
Create a framed “rug” pattern under the vanity or tub using bold borders.
Monochrome Minimalism
Use solid-colored handmade tiles in soft gray, ivory, or black for an elegant, understated look.
Traditional Checkerboard
Perfect for vintage or farmhouse bathrooms—try charcoal and white, or two warm neutrals.
Warm Terracotta Tones
Give your bathroom a cozy glow with terracotta tiles in soft clay or peach hues.
Wall Tile Ideas for Bathrooms
Don’t stop at the floor—cement tiles add instant wow to bathroom walls.
Shower Walls
Use a vibrant encaustic cement tile as a feature wall inside the shower. Patterns can add depth and energy to small spaces.
Vanity Backsplash
Frame your mirror with a striking Moroccan tile backsplash for a boutique hotel vibe.
Half-Wall Wainscoting
Use patterned tiles on the bottom half of your bathroom wall, topped with a trim edge.
Floor-to-Ceiling Statement Wall
Choose one wall—behind the tub or vanity—and go bold with pattern and color.
Custom Tile Options with Original Mission Tile
Want to match your tiles to cabinetry, wall color, or an inspiration photo? Our custom tile services let you personalize every detail:
- Choose your own color palette
- Reproduce antique or vintage designs
- Add logos, monograms, or brand elements
- Match a specific shape or finish
🎨 Start your custom tile design
Comparing Cement Tiles to Other Bathroom Tile Types
| Tile Type | Cement Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | Zellige Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte | Glossy/Matte | Glossy/Matte | Glossy |
| Customizable | ✅ High | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No |
| Handmade | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Water Resistance | ✅ With sealing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ May absorb |
| Ideal for Showers | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Needs care |
Expert Bathroom Design Tips with Cement Tiles
- Use bold patterns on the floor and keep walls neutral
- Pair with brass fixtures for a timeless look
- Don’t mix too many patterns—let the tile speak for itself
- Use a light-colored grout to keep the pattern clean and defined
- Seal tiles properly to protect from water and stains
- Add texture with finishes like wood, matte metal, or stone
Room-by-Room Case Study Inspiration
Small Powder Room
- Black and white geometric floor tiles + white walls + statement lighting
Spa-Inspired Ensuite
- Beige or light green cement tiles on both floor and shower walls
- Complement with wood vanities and natural accents
Kids’ Bathroom
- Playful starburst or checkerboard floor tiles
- Easy-to-clean, slip-resistant surface
FAQs About Cement Tiles in Bathrooms
Are cement tiles waterproof?
Not inherently, but sealing makes them water-resistant and suitable for showers.
Do cement tiles stain easily?
Without sealing, yes. But with proper sealing, they’re easy to maintain.
Are they slippery?
No—they have a naturally matte finish that improves traction.
Can I use them on both floor and wall?
Yes! Many of our clients use matching or contrasting tiles across both surfaces.
How do I clean them?
Use pH-neutral, non-acidic cleaners. Avoid bleach or vinegar.
How long do they last?
With proper care, 50+ years. Cement tiles age beautifully over time.
Do they fade?
Not when sealed and maintained. Our mineral-based pigments are long-lasting.
Can I create a custom pattern?
Absolutely. We’ll help you match colors, adjust layouts, or design from scratch.
How to Order Bathroom Tiles from Original Mission Tile
Ordering your perfect cement tiles is simple:
- Visit originalmissiontile.com
- Browse in-stock bathroom tile collections
- Explore our custom tile design tool
- Order samples to test at home
- Work with our team to finalize patterns, borders, and layout
📞 Contact us for help with design, samples, or technical questions.
Final Thoughts: Design a Bathroom That Feels Like You
Cement tiles bring soul, style, and strength to bathroom design. Whether you’re aiming for modern minimalism, old-world romance, or playful patterns, these artisan-made tiles adapt to every style and space.
With Original Mission Tile, you get access to hundreds of ready-to-ship patterns plus the ability to create your own. It’s more than tile—it’s a design experience that helps you tell your story, one room at a time.
Ready to start? Explore our collections today.
