If you are thinking of renovating your bathroom and want to add a shower tile border, you may be wondering what the proper height should be to install it. Decorative tile borders set the tone for the entire room. In fact, it can make or break the design of the tile itself. There are many places to use a creative border, so read on to see which option best suits your space.

A decorative tile border can add beauty and style to your bathroom remodel. With so many options, knowing where to place the border is one question many homeowners ask.

Adding a tile border puts the finishing touches on the shower, so it is especially important that they are installed at the right height, based on the look you are trying to achieve.

Rooms that have an open floor plan are more restricted when it comes to color. However, bathrooms are one of the few places in your home where you can use any color or pattern design you like because it is separate from the other rooms in the house. Here are a few suggestions of placements that will work in different situations.

Tiling the wall: If your tile in the shower is the same as the border will be, consider one of these options for the best results:

• Select a border tile in a contrasting design for solid color shower tiles appropriate for wainscoting (approximately 30 to 36 inches). This is a classic method used in many homes to open up a space without making too many changes.

• Another option is to use mosaic or other types of accent tile to create a border. If you choose to go this route, make sure to cut the tiles so the border height is at least 3 inches tall.

Places For Shower Tile Borders

Eye Level

Many times, customers will opt to start the tile border at eye level, especially if the tile will carry through (meaning tiling the wall or chair rail). Installing the border between 59 and 64 inches is the perfect height for eye level. It’s the right height for most people and gives an aesthetically pleasing look.

Waist Level

Installing accent tile at waist height is a good way to create a wainscot-style design that you may already have in your bathroom. Look at the height of your ceilings. If you have low ceilings, place your border a little lower than waist level so it doesn’t appear as if the space is being cut in half, which can happen in low spaces. If the ceiling is high, go a little higher than waist level to prevent the same effect. When you have decided where to place it, mark the height on the wall with a pencil prior to installation and stand in the doorway and look at it. Make sure you are happy with the placement before installing the tile.

Baseboard Level

Placing accent tiles at the very bottom of your shower stall to create a border is similar to adding trim in other rooms. You may also choose to create a border parallel to the perimeter of your shower on the floor instead. It is a minimal way to add a touch of style to the space without it becoming overwhelming.

Floor to Ceiling

 For a fresh, modern look, floor-to-ceiling bathroom wall tiles are the way to go. The tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The design lends a contemporary feel to the space, and adds height, making the ceilings look higher and the space larger. This is an extremely popular look in bathroom decor and will stand out as unique, should you decide to sell your home in the future.

Don’t Forget the Shower Curb!

When renovating a bathroom, you always need to install some sort of curb at the bottom to catch any excess water to keep it from leaking out onto the floor. The curb is essentially the divider between the base of the shower pan and the bathroom floor.

How tall should a shower curb be? The standard height measurement for a shower curb in the U.S.is 2 inches above the top of the drain. The building code states that you must have a 2 inch drop from the drain to where you step in. This is also a backup in case the drain gets backed up from a clog. It will keep the water contained until you can get it fixed.

Shower Curbs Can Be Made Of Various Materials

Shower curbs can be built or bought. It is usually made of wood or concrete, but it can also be made out of rubber to be waterproof. Shower curbs help prevent water damage and should be installed according to building code regulations.

One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to purchase a manufactured shower curb and then have it customized to fit your shower afterwards.

Pro Tip:

When placing shower tile, it is important to prevent tile drift. That means a line of tile that isn’t lined up properly and slowly inches away from the wall or the other tiles. To avoid tile drift, use a thin spacer between each tile to keep them from moving and maintain a straight, uniform look.

There are many types and styles of shower tile borders that can be placed anywhere you want them for a custom design. If you want the best results for your shower remodel, call a professional. Let Affordable Remodeling Solutions help you with your next tile or shower installation. We offer free estimates and can give you valuable tips for your next project.