Get lost in the beauty of a summer getaway right in your bathroom by designing with glass tile. Brightly colored glass tile, like shimmering ocean blues, bright yellows, or shades of sea green evoke the feeling of sun-kissed beaches and ocean breezes, and with American Olean’s large selection of glass mosaic shapes and styles, you can create your private escape.

From tranquil blues, jewel-toned turquoise, or warm amber hues, beautiful glass tile designs preserve the warmth of a summer retreat in your space year-round.

1. Bring in the Blue

Blue is always a great choice for beach bathroom decor. Whether you’re creating a navy and white striped nautical theme or replicating flowing water with lighter blues, blue mosaic tile can create the look you want.

To create stunning backsplashes or shower surrounds, use Color Appeal's Pacific Coast Blend, which combines moonlight blue and pearl-colored glass tiles with marble. If you want to create an even more serene spa-like bathroom, consider Jubilance Esprit glass and stone mosaics, that feature a calming natural palette in shades of blue. To add depth to neutral decor, use bolder blue tones as decorative accents.

One or two rows of sapphire blue glass tile trim threaded throughout a room, for example, can create a unique sophisticated look, while a bright blue glass mosaic tile backsplash behind a painted white vanity can infuse a sea-inspired pop of color without overpowering the room.

Additionally, incorporating a few blue glass tiles within a white tile shower pattern or scattering them throughout a white floor design are also ways to add coastal charm.

2. Use Glass to Add Contrast to Muted Décor

If your bathroom design is a little on the plain side, incorporate glass tile to add interest and brightness without abandoning your original design. Glass tile has a reflective property that can give a room a beautiful glow and using glass tile in small installations can recreate that sunny shimmer that will spruce up your existing bathroom décor with a summery feel.

White color schemes are also a popular choice for beach house designs, and while all-white bathrooms look sleek and pristine, sometimes they can be a little too stark. Adding colored glass tile on the walls or floors can break up the monotony and add balance to an all-white bathroom while still maintaining a clean look. A slight contrast of color using glass tile can enhance the monochromatic design, and a simple sparkle from just one or two rows of tile around your bathtub can modernize the look of your bathroom in a snap.

Other simple ways to add contrast:

•  If your shower needs a little pizzazz, add brightly colored glass tile accents within shelving or niches.


•  To make a bold color statement, carry neutral color flooring up through the bottom half of the wall, then add a pop of color using glass tile to the top half. The light reflecting over the glass tile will create a sense of depth and movement that only glass tile can bring to your bath area.


•  Incorporate a unique tile pattern. It’s not only a great way to add artistry and personal style to your décor, but it also adds contrast.

Lastly, use colored glass tile to break up different areas of a large, open master bath by transitioning from one flooring type to another. For example, create a tile rug design or add a few rows of random mosaics in front of a shower or bathtub. If you choose a color scheme that mixes ocean-inspired bright colors with neutral colors, you'll be able to bring the entire room together while also adding a bit of flair.

3. Create an Accent Wall of Color

Even with limited wall space, bathrooms are perfect spaces to create bold designs that won't overpower the eye. For example, extend a glass tiled backsplash into a full colored accent wall or add glass mosaic tile to a partition that separates your tub and shower. And if you love the natural, unique look of sea glass, the fluidity of the Color Appeal glass mosaic tile series will become an instant favorite.

Glass tile placed on an accent wall can also draw attention to a focal point. For example, surrounding an antique tub with a blue glass tile mosaic provides a dynamic backdrop. Another option for designing beautiful feature walls is to create a calming waterfall effect by using a few linear columns of bright tile from the Abstracts series mixed with a darker tile on your shower walls.

A summer-inspired bathroom design provides a fabulous opportunity to experiment with bright colored glass tile. Make the most of the natural light in your bathroom by incorporating glass tile. It will not only capture and reflect light but add brilliance to your space. Even if you're thousands of miles from the beach, you can still recreate a summer respite at home with the use of glass tile.