12 Sleek Ways to Use Penny Tile Around Your House

The humble penny tile, like the humble penny coin it's named for, is all but insignificant on its own. Paired with other penny tiles, though, it's a dynamic, eye-grabbing bathroom tile design option. Round penny tiles can be used for a bathroom backsplash or a shower floor; they can be all one color, a rainbow of colors, or a carefully arranged pattern of just one or two colors. Sometimes, they can even be actual pennies.

Penny tiles carry a certain retro vibe, but they can be used in ways that minimize the look—as kitchen backsplash tiles, for example. Good-looking penny tile ideas prove that penny tiles can go anywhere: In the kitchen and bathroom, sure, but also in laundry rooms, mudrooms, and staircases.

When picking penny tile, the final look partly relies on color. White penny tiles with black grout are the classic retro look, while black or gray penny tiles have a chic, contemporary look, and blue penny tiles are delightfully unexpected. Of course, a mix of round penny tiles in any of these colors is also an option. Part of the revived penny tile trend includes creating mosaics out of the tiles—charming sayings, words of welcome, and cheeky phrases are popular variations. Classic penny tiles are ceramic, but marble penny tiles have a certain luxe look to them, while glass variations are glossy and sophisticated.

Installing penny tiles can seem daunting, but it doesn't necessarily need to be. Many tile stores sell them in squares or sheets, so installing the tiles one round at a time isn't required. Of course, anyone who wants to dive straight into DIY can tackle the job for a more custom look. Another practical consideration: Penny tiles have a lot of grout, which can inspire tile cleaning fears. Some installations place the tiles close together, so there's minimal grout to clean, though the classic penny tile look calls for more widely spaced tiles.

If penny tiles still sound like something you'd like to try, take a peek at the below ideas for nearly any style or type of room. The idea that penny tiles can only be in the bathroom isn't true anymore—and these inspirational shots prove it.

Penny Tile Shower Wall

Penny tile shower floors are already a top use of the dynamic tile choice, but putting them on the shower wall(s) still feels fresh and new. Only one tiled wall serves as an accent feature, while full-shower coverage feels a little more luxurious.

Stepped-Up Tile

Try installing penny tiles in an unexpected spot, like on stair risers, for a bold look that visitors will love.

Green Penny Tiles

A bold shade—like emerald green—can be used all over with penny tiles (without feeling overwhelming), thanks to an abundance of white grout to temper the color.

Laundry Room Tiling

Penny tiles in a contrasting color can spell out playful phrases, reminders, and more, for a bespoke look.

Penny Tile Backsplash

Black penny tiles with white grout are a playful twist on the classic white tile, black grout look. Pair the backsplash with metallic accents for a more high-end feel.

Black Penny Tile

While black penny tiles with white grout look playful and polka-dot–esque, black tile with black grout is fully contemporary cool.

Striped Penny Tiles

Using thick strips of penny tiles in alternating shades creates a pretty, chic look without too much design expertise.

Metallic Penny Tiles

Penny tiles in a metallic or reflective finish have a maximalist, luxe look that can be blown out into a whole room or focused into a small pop of vibrancy.

Mirrored Penny Tiles

Reflective, mirrored tiles surrounded by deluxe white marble tiles are the perfect balance of contemporary and traditional elegance.

Blue Penny Tiles

A blue penny tile bathroom backsplash paired with wallpaper of the same shade establishes a polished look without the trouble of installing a full wall of tile.

Gray Penny Tile

A slightly eclectic look with penny tiles of different shades of the same color—in this case, gray—looks both creative and refined.

Red Penny Tiles

Red and orange penny tiles interspersed across white grout seem both fiery and slightly feminine.