Penny Tile Ideas for Bathrooms, Backsplashes & More

Looking for an unconventional backsplash? These small but mighty tiles add a retro flair to your kitchen and make every meal you cook look even better. Whether you opt for a classic white tile or go bold with black or colors, it’s a charming way to make your backsplash stand out.

Penny tiles are a perfect way to introduce texture to a bathroom floor and provide a unique design. Their small size makes them ideal for navigating tight corners or sloped surfaces, and they offer excellent slip resistance thanks to the many grout lines. Choose a neutral shade for timeless appeal or a bold pattern for a fun, vintage vibe.

These round tiles can make a big statement when used as a bathroom backsplash. Their shape and subtle texture add depth and character, especially when paired with modern vanities or vintage-inspired fixtures. It's a simple update that can completely refresh your bathroom’s look.

Penny tile is a smart and stylish choice for shower floors. Its small size allows it to follow the slope of the shower pan easily, and the abundance of grout lines provides natural traction, making it a slip-resistant option even when wet. For even more safety, choose a matte or textured finish.

Penny tile isn’t just for floors—it makes a stunning accent on shower walls and niches too. Use it to highlight a single feature wall, line the inside of a niche for added texture, or create a full wraparound look with floor-to-ceiling coverage. The small scale of penny tile brings a sense of intricacy and visual interest, while its curved edges soften the overall aesthetic.

Penny tile makes a great accent detail, whether you're outlining a shower, framing a mirror, or creating a “tile rug” in an entryway or bathroom. These small tiles are easy to shape into borders or patterns that add personality without overwhelming the space. Use them to break up large surfaces and bring a playful, custom touch to your design.

Penny tile may be small, but your design choices around it make a big impact. One of the most important decisions? Grout color. Choosing white grout with white penny tiles gives you a smooth, seamless look that feels clean and classic, which is perfect for minimalist spaces or vintage-inspired bathrooms. Want to highlight the tile’s shape? Go for a dark grout to make the circles pop and add bold contrast.

When it comes to color and materials, consider what’s already in your space. A bronze or copper penny tile pairs beautifully with wood vanities and warm-toned floors, while marble penny rounds bring elegance to modern bathrooms, especially when paired with large-format marble tiles on the walls for a high-end, layered look. You can also use penny tile to play with pattern: black-and-white flower designs are a nod to the Victorian-era origins of this classic, and a timeless choice for bathrooms that lean traditional.

The bottom line? Penny tile isn’t just stylish—it’s flexible. Whether you want something neutral and subtle or bold and vintage, you can make it work with the right combination of color, grout, and surrounding finishes.

Penny tiles aren’t hard to install, but they require patience and precision. Penny tiles come in mesh-backed sheets but getting them to line up perfectly takes planning. Before you break out the thinset, try dry laying the sheets first. This gives you a full view of the pattern and lets you adjust the layout to avoid any awkward seams or misaligned rows. Take your time—even a minor misalignment can be noticeable once the grout goes in.

If you’re comfortable with detailed work and have a steady hand, installing penny tile can be a rewarding DIY project. But if you’re on a tight timeline or want a flawless finish, hiring a pro might be the better route.

Penny tiles aren’t hard to clean and is typically very durable, but it does require a bit more care than larger tiles because of the extra grout lines. More grout means more places for dirt, soap scum, or mildew to settle, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and showers.

That doesn’t mean it’s high maintenance, though. Regular sweeping and mopping with a gentle tile cleaner or vinegar-and-water solution will keep the surface clean, while occasional scrubbing or steam cleaning helps tackle buildup in the grout. For long-term upkeep, sealing the grout every year or two is highly recommended. It helps repel stains, makes cleaning easier, and keeps your floors or walls looking their best.

Penny tiles are a classic mosaic that provides form and function. Shop dozens of penny tile and grout color options to transform your space and create a look that is all your own.