15 Stunning Penny Tile Bathroom Floor Ideas to Try

Alright, let’s talk bathrooms. Specifically, let’s talk about the one surface that literally holds everything up: the floor. You’ve stared at those boring beige tiles for years, haven’t you? You’ve dreamt of something with more personality, something that doesn’t scream “builder-grade special.”

But you’re also not trying to break the bank or commit to a trend that’ll look dated faster than a avocado-colored appliance.

Enter the humble penny tile. This little hero has been around since, well, almost since pennies, and it’s having a massive moment for all the right reasons. It’s classic, it’s durable, it’s surprisingly versatile, and it brings a texture and charm that larger tiles just can’t match.

I finally took the plunge and used penny tiles in my own guest bathroom reno last year, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the thing everyone compliments first.

So, if you’re flirting with the idea of a bathroom refresh, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve scoured design blogs, haunted home improvement stores, and made a few of my own mistakes so you don’t have to.

Let’s jump into 15 stunning penny tile bathroom floor ideas that will make your space anything but small change.

15 Stunning Penny Tile Bathroom Floor Ideas

1. Classic Black and White Penny Tile Flooring

You just can’t go wrong here. This is the little black dress of bathroom flooring—timeless, elegant, and always appropriate.

A classic black and white penny tile floor instantly gives your bathroom a dose of vintage charm, reminiscent of old-school pharmacies and classic hotel lobbies.

The beauty of this combo lies in its stark contrast. The small, circular tiles create a soft, almost fabric-like texture that plays beautifully with the graphic punch of the black-and-white pattern. It’s a dynamic look that never feels static or boring.

Why it works so well:

Timelessness: This look has been in style for a century. It’s not going anywhere.
Hides dirt: Let’s be practical. That busy pattern is a master at camouflaging stray hairs and a bit of dust. A lifesaver for anyone with pets or, you know, who sheds like a human.
Pairs with everything: Whether your style is ultra-modern, farmhouse, or art deco, a black and white floor provides the perfect neutral-yet-interesting foundation.

Pro Tip from my Reno: I went with a bright white grout for a super crisp, graphic look. It looks amazing, but it requires a bit more vigilance to keep clean. For a slightly softer, more forgiving look, consider a light gray grout. It still provides contrast but won’t show every single speck of dirt.

2. Bold Geometric Patterns with Penny Tiles

Think penny tiles are just for simple sheets? Think again. Designers are getting incredibly creative, using individual penny rounds to craft stunning, custom geometric patterns.

We’re talking chevrons, herringbone, sunbursts, and intricate borders that turn your floor into a true work of art.

This approach is for the bold, the person who wants a one-of-a-kind bathroom that reflects their personality. It’s a statement, and it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

How to pull it off:

Plan, plan, plan: This is not a DIY project for the faint of heart. It requires meticulous layout planning. I’d seriously recommend working with a designer or a very experienced tile setter.
Color is key: You can create these patterns with classic black and white, or introduce a third color for even more drama. A navy blue or emerald green used in a geometric pattern can be absolutely breathtaking.
Keep the rest simple: With such a busy floor, you’ll want to balance the space with clean lines, simple fixtures, and relatively neutral walls. Let the floor be the star of the show.

3. Soft Pastels for a Relaxing Bathroom Oasis

Who says bathroom floors have to be neutral or dark? If you’re dreaming of a serene, spa-like retreat, soft pastel penny tiles are your secret weapon.

Imagine a floor of barely-there mint green, powdery blue, blush pink, or soft lavender. It’s a way to inject color without overwhelming the senses.

This look feels fresh, modern, and incredibly calming. It’s perfect for a small powder room where you want to make a sweet, memorable impression, or in a master bath to create a genuinely relaxing atmosphere.

My favorite pairings:

Blush pink penny tiles with matte black fixtures and plenty of green plants. Trust me, it’s a vibe.
Seafoam green tiles with natural wood accents and crisp white wainscoting. It feels like a cozy beach cottage.
Powder blue tiles with chrome fixtures and fluffy white towels for a clean, airy feel.

A quick warning: Pastel colors can sometimes read as… well, dated (think 1980s bathroom suite). The key is to balance them with very modern elements. Think sleek hardware, minimalist vanities, and contemporary lighting to keep the look fresh and not retro.

Also Read: 15 Elegant White Tile Bathroom Designs for Timeless Style

4. Mixing Penny Tiles with Large Tiles for Contrast

Can’t decide between the cozy texture of penny tiles and the sleek, clean look of large-format tiles? You don’t have to! Combining them is a brilliant design trick that adds depth and visual interest to your space.

The most common way to do this is to use the penny tiles as an accent border or a “rug” effect in the center of the floor, framed by larger tiles.

Alternatively, you can use large tiles on the walls and penny tiles on the floor to define the different planes of the room.

Why this contrast works:

Defines spaces: In a larger bathroom, a “rug” of penny tiles can visually define the vanity area.
Adds texture: The smooth, uninterrupted surface of a large tile makes the textured feel of the penny tiles pop even more.
Practicality: Maybe you love the look of pennies but worry about cleaning a whole floor of grout. Using them as an accent gives you the best of both worlds.

5. Customizable Border Designs with Penny Tiles

This is where you can really get creative without committing to a full, intricate geometric pattern. Using penny tiles to create a custom border is a more accessible way to add a personalized touch.

You can create a simple frame around the perimeter of the room using a contrasting color. Or, you can get fancy with a more complex Greek key or dentil pattern.

Many tile manufacturers even sell pre-made penny tile border sheets to make the process easier.

Ideas for your border:

A simple two-row border in a metallic penny tile (like copper or nickel) can add a subtle gleam.
Use a dark border to frame a light field of tiles, effectively making the room feel more contained and cozy.
A brightly colored border can inject a massive dose of fun and personality into a kid’s bathroom.

6. Vintage-Inspired Penny Tile Designs

If your home has historical character, or if you just adore the look of a bygone era, penny tiles are your authentic ticket to a vintage-inspired bathroom. These were literally the original tiles used in early 20th-century homes.

To nail this look, lean into the color palettes of the time. Think deep, moody greens, rich burgundies, or mustard yellows.

Pair the floor with a clawfoot tub, a pedestal sink, cross-handle faucets, and an antique-looking mirror.

The goal is to tell a story and create a space that feels collected over time, not bought in a single weekend at a big-box store.

Also Read: 15 Creative Hexagon Tile Bathroom Ideas for a Trendy Vibe

7. Marble-Look Penny Tiles for a Luxurious Touch

Let’s be real, we’d all love a bathroom floor made of solid Carrara marble. But our bank accounts? Not so much.

Enter the genius solution: marble-look penny tiles. These are typically made of porcelain but are printed with hyper-realistic veining patterns that mimic the real thing.

You get the opulent, high-end look of marble with the durability, affordability, and lower maintenance of porcelain. It’s a total win-win.

The small scale of the penny tiles also means the veining is broken up into a beautiful, subtle texture that feels less overwhelming than a huge slab of busy marble.

What to look for:

Avoid tiles where the pattern repeats too obviously. The best ones have random variation.
Use a light gray or off-white grout to blend seamlessly with the tile and enhance the luxurious, continuous look.

8. Mixing Penny Tiles with Wood for a Natural Look

Warm wood and cool tile? A match made in design heaven. This combination is perfect for creating a bathroom that feels organic, modern, and incredibly inviting.

The contrast between the natural grain of the wood and the uniform, man-made circles of the tile is just chef’s kiss.

How is this done? Usually, it involves wood-look tile or waterproof luxury vinyl plank on the main part of the floor, with a shower area or a wet zone defined by penny tiles.

This is not only stylish but also supremely practical, putting the water-resistant material where it’s needed most.

Why I love this look:
It completely shatters the notion that bathrooms have to be cold, sterile places. The wood brings instant warmth and a tactile quality that makes the room feel like a true sanctuary.

9. Minimalist White Penny Tile Floors

You might be thinking, “White? On a floor? Is she crazy?” But hear me out. An all-white penny tile floor is the ultimate trick for making a small, dark bathroom feel infinitely larger and brighter. It creates a clean, expansive, and serene canvas.

The magic is in the texture. A solid sheet of white large-format tile can feel a bit clinical, like a laboratory.

But the countless little circles and the grid of grout lines in a white penny tile floor create a soft, nuanced surface that catches the light beautifully. It feels organic and interesting, not cold.

The non-negotiable for this look:
You MUST use a high-quality, epoxy or stain-resistant grout in a color that matches the tile as closely as possible. This minimizes the visual grid and, more importantly, makes maintenance a thousand times easier. A white floor with dirty gray grout lines is a sad sight.

Also Read: 15 Bold Black Tile Bathroom Inspirations for a Sleek Look

10. Bold and Bright Color Combinations

Feeling adventurous? Ditch the neutrals and go for a high-impact, colorful penny tile floor. We’re talking emerald green, cobalt blue, sunny yellow, or even a rich terracotta.

This is a powerful way to express your personality and create a bathroom that is bursting with joy and energy.

A bold-colored floor automatically becomes the focal point. It’s confident, it’s fun, and it proves that a bathroom doesn’t have to be a boring, utilitarian space.

How to balance the boldness:

Keep the walls and fixtures neutral. White walls, a simple white vanity, and chrome or black fixtures will ground the space and let the floor truly sing without giving you a headache.
Pull the color elsewhere. Choose one accessory—a piece of art, a vase, a towel—that has a hint of the floor’s color to tie the whole room together.

11. Penny Tiles for a Subtle Shimmering Effect

Want to add a touch of glamour without going full-on disco ball? Metallic penny tiles are your answer.

Think iridescent glass pennies, or tiles with a soft metallic glaze in copper, bronze, or nickel. These tiles catch the light in a magical way, adding a subtle shimmer and depth to your floor.

This effect is especially beautiful in bathrooms with lots of natural light or with well-placed accent lighting.

As you move around the room, the floor seems to change and glint softly. It’s luxurious and incredibly chic.

A word of caution: Because these are often made of glass, they can be more slippery when wet than ceramic or porcelain. Make sure to choose a variety with a textured finish or a high coefficient of friction (COF) rating for wet areas. Safety first, glamour second 🙂

12. Penny Tiles for a Bold Floor-to-Wall Design

Why stop at the floor? For the ultimate immersive experience, continue your penny tiles up the wall.

This works spectacularly well in a shower niche, as a full shower wall, or even on the entire lower half of the bathroom (a penny tile wainscot, if you will).

A floor-to-wall application creates a seamless, cohesive, and incredibly impactful look. It makes the space feel designed and intentional from the ground up.

In a small bathroom, this can actually make the room feel larger by eliminating visual breaks.

Consider this: Using the same tile on the floor and wall is a masterclass in making a small space feel bigger and uncluttered. It’s a powerful, designer-approved trick.

13. Rustic Penny Tiles with Earthy Tones

Not every home calls for glossy and bright. If your style leans more toward farmhouse, rustic, or organic modern, there are penny tiles for you.

Look for tiles in earthy, muted tones: think warm grays, clay reds, sage greens, and muddy browns.

These colors, especially in a matte or honed finish, feel grounded and natural. They pair perfectly with shiplap walls, a live-edge wooden vanity, wrought iron hardware, and concrete countertops. It’s a way to get the charm and texture of penny tiles without a vintage feel.

14. Ocean-Inspired Blue Penny Tile Floors

Bring the calming, refreshing energy of the sea right into your home. An ocean-inspired blue penny tile floor can range from a pale, watery aqua to a deep, mysterious navy. This is a fantastic theme to commit to, as it’s both timeless and evocative.

Pale aqua with white fixtures and lots of natural rattan creates a coastal cottage feel.
A mix of blue shades in a single sheet can mimic the dappled light of the ocean.
Deep navy is dramatic and sophisticated, especially when paired with brass fixtures and white subway tile—it feels very nautical and chic.

15. Using Penny Tiles for a Statement Wall

Okay, I know this article is about floors, but this idea was too good not to include. If you love the look of penny tiles but are nervous about committing to them on the floor (maybe you have a wonky subfloor or just can’t face cleaning the grout), put them on the wall instead!

A penny tile accent wall behind the vanity or in the shower creates an incredible textural focal point.

It adds so much visual weight and interest without any of the wear-and-tear concerns of a floor.

You can go bold with color or metallic here without a second thought, as it’s much easier to change out a vanity or mirror than a floor if you ever tire of the look.

So, Which Penny Will You Pick?

Phew, that was a lot! But honestly, we’ve only just scratched the surface of what these tiny tiles can do.

From the timeless elegance of black and white to the daring fun of a geometric pattern, there’s a penny tile look for every style and every level of bravery.

The best part? Penny tiles are a relatively affordable way to get a high-design, custom look. They remind us that sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest impact.

My reno was a hassle, sure, but every time I walk into that bathroom and see that floor, I get a little jolt of happiness. It transformed the whole room.

I’m dying to know—which of these ideas has your brain buzzing? Are you a classic b&w person, or are you ready to tile a geometric masterpiece?

Whatever you choose, just remember the two golden rules: invest in a great tile setter, and for the love of all that is holy, don’t skimp on the grout.

Now go forth and create a bathroom you’ll absolutely love stepping onto every single morning