The Outdated Bath Trend That's Coming Back In Style

You may have seen these trending tiles popping up on Tiktok or Pinterest or maybe they recently had a feature on your favorite home renovation show. They're called kit-kat tiles, and these slim and vertical tiles (which, you may have guessed, look a lot like a certain candy bar) were all the rage back in the 70s. And now, they're set to be one of the biggest bathroom trends for 2025.

But kit-kat tiles today are less about a nostalgic throwback and more about clean lines and texture. They work especially well in small spaces, like powder rooms or showers, where the vertical effect draws the eye up to make the space feel bigger. While white is always a safe bet for bathrooms, opting for soft pastels, earth tones, and even stunning black bathrooms are a great way to make your wash space feel current, not kitschy. And consider choosing your tiles based on your lighting: tiles with a glossy finish will bounce extra light around whereas matte versions could add a quieter sophistication to a darker space.

To make kit-kats work best, make sure you also choose a grout color that blends with the tile to keep your aesthetic cohesive. Pair black tiles with white grout and your bathroom will quickly look a bit like a barcode. Spacing and layout also matter: you can stack the tiles vertically or horizontally, so play around with the design to see what works for you. Just try not to overthink it — kit-kat tiles are meant to be fun, not fussy.

DIYers and designers alike are really able to get creative with kit-kat tiles, taking advantage of their long skinny shape and textured appearance to elevate even the most simple bathrooms. One smart move, beyond just tiling the walls with them, is to use them as an accent or a feature. Imagine a strip of kit-kats around a vanity mirror, wrapping the base of a bathtub or allowing you to lean into the bathroom floor tile trend that will dominate 2025.

When it comes to these whimsical tiles, texture is the real star, so your color choices can stay more subtle if that's your vibe. Tone-on-tone styles (like terracotta on clay or soft white on ivory) will work to give depth in a way that will still feel calm and well thought out. But if you want more drama, you can also go full monochrome. Consider opting for moody shades like forest green or dark charcoal, letting the contrasts of light and shadow in your room work for you. Kit-kat tiles also shine when paired with clean, minimalist materials — think natural stone, wood, or concrete — where the contrast in texture adds a sophisticated edge. However you use them, just remember that balance is key: they're small but they sure do make a statement.