“Tile Drenching” Is the Design Trend That Makes Any Bathroom Feel Like a Spa

Tile drenching—the application of tile on the floor, walls, and ceiling of a room—is all over the interior design world right now. Admittedly, this isn’t a groundbreaking concept, but there’s a reason it’s stuck around. “Tile drenching is not a new technique, but it has endured over the years, because it is as practical as it is timeless in a bathroom,” says interior designer Jeff Andrews.

Clearly, pro decorators can’t seem to get enough of tile drenching, and for good reason. “In a world craving both simplicity and sensory richness, this technique strikes the perfect balance,” says Laura Lubin, founder of Ellerslie Interiors. “By enveloping an entire room—walls, floors, even ceilings—in the same tile or tonal family, designers are creating spaces that feel both intentional and immersive.”

So, wondering how you can tile drench like a pro? Keep reading for insights from top designers.

How to Tile Drench

How should you go about tile-drenching your space so that it truly shines? “Making sure scale, color, and pattern are all in proportion is the best way to ensure a perfect result,” says Molly Torres Portnof, founder of DATE Interiors.

While you don’t have to use the exact same type of tile all throughout the room (though you certainly can), Lubin recommends sticking to a cohesive palette. If you wish to bring some variety into your space, she suggests using the same type of tile in different formats or finishes—doing so, she notes, “can add depth without visual clutter.”

You will also want to be thoughtful when it comes to your grout. “Matching the grout color to the tile creates a seamless envelope, while contrast grout can make the geometry pop,” Lubin says. The choice you make all depends on the look you wish to achieve.

Where to Tile Drench

Tile is most commonly used in areas of the home like the bathroom and mudroom, and Lubin explains that the aforementioned rooms, as well as sculleries, are also the best places to go all in with drenching, as they’re “where durability meets drama.”

Saying yes to tile drenching in these spaces is also an excellent way to elevate them, the designer adds. “Beyond function, it’s the mood it sets that clients are responding to: it feels spa-like, sculptural, and quietly luxurious,” she says.

You can even think slightly smaller scale and tile drench in just your shower, as designer Gray Walker did in the bathroom shown above. “It transforms a simple space into a striking, seamless statement,” she says. “Using one tile—floor to ceiling—keeps the look bold yet cohesive, perfect for smaller bathrooms that need big impact.”

Lubin notes the special consideration that you will need to keep in mind once you have completed your tile drenching: proper lighting. “A fully tiled room reflects light differently,” she says. “Layering in soft, indirect lighting helps avoid a sterile feel.”