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Can I use feature tiles in wet areas like showers?

Yes, but ensure the feature tile is rated for wet area use. Some decorative tiles (particularly encaustic or handmade tiles) may not be suitable for direct water exposure. Your tile supplier or builder's selection consultant can advise on suitability.

Do feature tiles cost more to install?

Feature tiles can cost more to install if they require pattern laying (like herringbone), if they're small format mosaics (more fiddly to lay), or if they require careful matching at edges and corners. Ask your builder about installation charges for your specific feature tile choice.

Should feature tiles match or contrast with surrounding tiles?

Both approaches work. Matching creates a subtle, textured look, while contrasting creates a bold feature. Many display homes use contrasting feature tiles to create focal points. Consider your overall colour scheme and whether you want the feature to stand out or blend in.

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Tiles, Flooring & Finishes

Feature Tiles: Where to Use Them and What to Budget

Where to use feature tiles, popular design ideas, and what to budget for this increasingly popular upgrade.

5 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

Feature tiles add personality and visual interest without tiling an entire room
Popular locations include kitchen splashbacks, shower niches, accent walls and entry features
Feature tiles are typically priced per square metre and can be significantly more expensive than standard tiles
Even a small area of feature tiles can transform the look of a room
Consider coordinating feature tiles with your overall colour scheme and cabinetry

Feature tiles — sometimes called decorator or mosaic tiles — are a way to add personality and visual interest to your home without the cost of upgrading every surface. A small area of striking feature tile can transform a kitchen, bathroom or entryway, making it feel custom-designed rather than standard.

Where Feature Tiles Work Best

Kitchen splashback — the most popular location; a feature tile can define the entire kitchen's style
Shower niche — a small inset feature tile inside a shower niche adds a premium detail
Bathroom accent wall — tiling one wall (e.g. behind the bath or vanity) in a feature tile
Entryway — a feature tile panel in the foyer creates a strong first impression
Laundry splashback — a fun, patterned tile can make a utilitarian space feel considered
Outdoor alfresco — a feature tile on a kitchen or BBQ splashback

Popular Feature Tile Styles

Patterned / encaustic tiles — Moroccan, geometric and traditional patterns in muted or bold colours
Mosaic tiles — small format tiles on mesh sheets, including penny rounds and hex mosaics
Marble-look tiles — large format porcelain with veining that mimics natural marble
Subway tiles in herringbone — a classic tile laid in a pattern for visual interest
Textured / 3D tiles — tiles with dimensional surfaces that create shadow and depth
Contrasting colour — a bold colour against neutral surrounding tiles

What to Budget

Feature tiles are typically priced per square metre and can be significantly more expensive than standard tiles. However, because they're usually used in small areas, the total cost may be manageable. A kitchen splashback might only be 3–5m², while a shower niche feature might be less than 1m².

Example Feature Tile Costs

Item	Example Cost
Feature/mosaic tile (per m²)	$80–$200+
Kitchen splashback feature (3–5m²)	$240–$1,000+
Shower niche feature (<1m²)	$80–$200
Entry feature panel (2–3m²)	$160–$600+

Real-world examples only. Costs vary by builder, tile specification and design complexity.

Tip

Feature tiles are one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home feel custom. Because they're used in small areas, you can choose a premium tile that would be unaffordable across an entire room. A $200/m² feature tile in a 3m² splashback costs $600 — the same tile across a 30m² floor would cost $6,000.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

What feature tile ranges does the builder offer within the standard allowance?
Can I supply my own feature tile for a splashback, and is there an installation fee?
Is the feature tile I'm considering suitable for wet areas if I want it in a shower niche?
What's the installation cost difference between a smooth and a textured feature tile?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using textured feature tiles behind the cooktop where grease is hard to clean
Choosing encaustic or handmade tiles for wet areas without checking water suitability
Overdoing feature tiles in multiple rooms — they lose impact when used everywhere
Not coordinating feature tile colour with benchtop and cabinetry selections

Builder Tips

Feature tiles in small areas deliver maximum visual impact for minimal cost
A kitchen splashback is the most popular and impactful location for feature tiles
Use a premium $200/m² feature tile in a 3m² splashback — affordable; the same tile across a floor would be $6,000
Coordinate feature tiles with your overall colour scheme and cabinetry finish

Tile Layout Patterns Guide

Stack bond, brick, herringbone and chevron — how pattern affects cost and look.

Read the Guide