1. Standard 3x6 Subway Tiles — Is Subway Tile Outdated?
These subway tiles aren't making a lot of headlines this year! They feel outdated, and monotonous, and may come off as traditional with respect to the new-age architectural elements. The subway tiles with a greater length are more likely to make a statement as compared to the former tile option.
Why It's Shifting: So, are subway tiles out of style? Not entirely — but the standard 3x6 format was the default choice for so long that it now reads as "builder-grade" in many kitchens. Designers are moving toward longer, slimmer formats that feel more intentional.
What to Try Instead:
- Elongated subway tiles (3x12, 4x12, or 2.5x16)
- Stacked vertical layouts instead of traditional brick pattern
- Textured or handmade-look subway tiles with surface variation
The classic subway shape isn't going anywhere — it's just evolving. Explore longer formats in our Subway Tile Collection.
2. All-Glossy Finishes
Why It's Shifting: High-gloss tiles dominated bathrooms for years, but the trend has moved toward matte, satin, and textured finishes. Glossy surfaces can show water spots, fingerprints, and cleaning streaks more easily. They can also feel more "commercial" than the relaxed, spa-like aesthetic many homeowners want today.
When Glossy Still Works: Glossy tiles aren't wrong; they're just being used more selectively. A glossy accent wall or backsplash can add beautiful light reflection. The shift is away from entire glossy bathrooms, not glossy tiles altogether.
What to Try Instead:
- Matte or satin finishes for a softer, more organic look
- Textured surfaces that catch light without the shine
- Mix glossy accents with matte surroundings for balance
3. Cool Gray Color Palettes
Why It's Shifting: Cool grays dominated kitchens and bathrooms for the past decade, but the pendulum has swung toward warmer tones. Spaces with gray floors, gray walls, and gray cabinets can feel cold and impersonal. Designers in 2026 are embracing warmer neutrals that create more inviting environments.
When Cool Gray Still Works: Gray isn't disappearing — it's being warmed up. Greige (gray-beige) and warm grays with brown undertones still work well. Pure blue-gray and charcoal are the tones falling out of favor.
What to Try Instead:
- Warm taupes and beiges
- Greige (gray with warm undertones)
- Soft creams and warm whites
- Earthy tones like terracotta, olive, and clay
Explore warmer options in our Terracotta Look Tiles and Porcelain Tile Collection.
4. Heavy Grout Lines
Why It's Shifting: According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2026 report, 89% of homeowners want to minimize or eliminate visible grout lines. Grout is difficult to keep clean, stains over time, and creates visual "noise" that breaks up the flow of a space. The trend is toward seamless, continuous surfaces.
When Traditional Grout Still Works: Grout lines aren't always bad — they can add character to handmade tiles, create deliberate geometric patterns, and help with slip resistance on floors. The shift is away from excessive grout, not all grout.
What to Try Instead:
- Large-format tiles (24x24 or larger) with fewer grout lines
- Matching grout color to tile for a seamless look
- Rectified tiles with minimal grout joints
- Consider porcelain slabs for shower walls
See our Large Format Tile Collection for options that minimize grout.
5. Plain White Bathroom Floors
Why It's Shifting: Plain white floor tiles were the safe, default choice for years. But they can feel clinical, show every speck of dirt, and lack the warmth and personality that homeowners want in 2026. Designers are calling this look "builder-grade" — functional but uninspired.
When White Floors Still Work: White floors aren't inherently bad — they just need character. Textured white tiles, patterned white tiles, or white tiles with warm undertones still work beautifully. The shift is away from flat, featureless white.
What to Try Instead:
- White tiles with texture or handmade variation
- Warm whites and creams instead of stark bright white
- Patterned floor tiles for visual interest
- Stone-look porcelain in light tones for natural warmth
Explore Zellige Tiles for white tiles with beautiful handmade variation, or Patterned Tiles for floors with personality.
Final Thoughts
Tile trends evolve, but your home should reflect what you love — not just what's currently popular. If you're renovating and want to avoid outdated kitchen tile trends, consider these shifts: longer tile formats, warmer color palettes, textured finishes, and fewer grout lines.
But if your current tiles still make you happy? Keep them. Trends cycle, and what's "outdated" today often comes back around. The best tile choice is always the one you'll love living with.
Need help choosing? Order samples to see tiles in your actual space before committing.
