Penny tiles, like brick walls, have stood the test of time. In fact, we’ve been using them in our homes (especially our bathrooms!) for more than a century—and after you scroll through these pictures from the WL archives, you’ll understand why.

Photo: Janis Nicolay

Pretty Penny

Light blue penny tiles not only give this bathroom a modern and serene look, but also help the space appear larger than it is; applying the tiles all the way up the wall emphasizes the sloped ceiling and creates a sense of movement. “The material lets the eyes roam around and allows the room itself to talk,” says designer Negar Reihani. Learn more about this small-yet-special space.

Photo: Brianna Hughes

Two Sides, Same Coin

The team at Ministry of Interiors wanted this Edmonton home to have a mix of Scandinavian-, Spanish- and French-inspired design elements. “There was no way we were going to be able to stick to one particular style,” says designer Shannon McClelland.

But though the influences are broad, there’s a cohesion to the overall space. Both the primary ensuite and powder room feature penny tiles, for instance. In the former, they’re applied in a subtle style and colour…

Photo: Brianna Hughes

…but the latter is much bolder. Here, pretty (and pink!) penny tile wainscotting complements a custom-designed wallpaper from Edmonton’s Vanguard works. Check out the rest of this playful and aspirational family home.

Photo: Janis Nicolay

Made of Money

Designer Marianne Amodio tripled down in this Vancouver bathroom, covering the ceiling, walls and floors with metallic penny tiles. Since geometrics played a big role in this project (the bathroom is accessed via a circular door), she also made sure to emphasize the room’s angles with LED strips. See the before and after renovation photos.

Change Room

This cobalt blue tiled bathroom, also designed by Marianne Amodio, was inspired by Indian spas, Turkish baths and The Life Aquatic. “It was my husband’s idea,” says homeowner Jennifer Lindberg. “We saw some wet rooms on a trip to Europe and it just made so much sense. It seems really clean—no nooks and corners, just smooth lines everywhere.” Find out how to get this look at home.

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn is a design-obsessed writer, editor and content manager based in Vancouver. When she's not busy swooning over gorgeous homes, you can find her reading, hiking and befriending as many dogs as possible.