Pony walls and tiles are the perfect combination of practicality and design. Pair the tile's water-resistant finish with the pony wall's discreet coverage, and you've got a chic shower that surrounds you with unforgettable style.
Whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation or just seeking some design inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re exploring 15 fresh pony wall shower tile ideas that showcase the beauty and versatility of this workhouse in the bathroom. But first, let’s answer a few common questions about pony walls to get everyone on the same page.
Pony Wall FAQs
What is a pony wall in a shower?
A pony wall, also known as a short wall or knee wall, is a partial wall that typically separates two spaces while allowing for an open and airy feel. In the context of a shower, a pony wall is often used to separate the wet area from the dry area without completely closing off the space. It's a fantastic design element that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your bathroom.
What is the standard height for a pony wall in a shower?
The standard height for a pony wall in a shower can vary but it's typically a minimum of 3 feet tall, often around 36 to 42 inches tall. This height strikes a balance between creating a barrier to contain water and maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere. Of course, the exact height can be customized to suit your preferences and design goals.
What are the benefits of a pony wall?
Pony walls offer several benefits in a shower design. They can create a sense of separation between the shower and the rest of the bathroom while still allowing light and airflow to circulate. Additionally, pony walls can serve as a decorative element, providing a canvas for stunning tile designs. They also offer practical uses, such as providing a ledge for toiletries or a seating surface for those who want to take a moment to relax in the shower.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the inspiration!
1. Scandinavian Style
Tile: 2x6 Feldspar + Dolomite | Design: Veneer Design | Image: Charlotte Lea
Embrace the clean lines and minimalist charm of Scandinavian design with a pony wall clad in neutral Ceramic Tile. The soothing colors and timeless patterns transform this shower into a serene oasis bathed in natural light.
2. Built-In Bench
Tile: 2” Hexagon + 3x9 Flagstone | Design: haywoodmade interiors | Image: Paper + Pate Photography
Make your shower even more inviting by incorporating a built-in bench into your pony wall. The bench addition offers extra storage space for soaps, loofas, and other shower essentials. Style plus storage? That’s a win-win.
3. Pretty in Pink
Tile: 6x6 Evening Glow, Star & Cross Daisy | Design: Dawn Pauline, The Little Market | Image: Yoni Goldberg | Installer: The Little Market
Using the same tile throughout your shower and pony wall can have striking results, as demonstrated by The Little Market’s adorably pink shower and pony wall. The square tiles in a gridded pattern create a modern monotone look with a touch of whimsy.
4. Checkered Charm
Tile: 4x4 Dolomite + Feldspar, 2x8 Tusk | Design: Natalie Myers, Veneer Designs | Image: Jessica Alexander Photography | Installer: Lion Builder
Create a classic and timeless look with a checkered pattern. This versatile design choice can add a touch of vintage charm to your shower or a contemporary vibe with a cool grey and white color story.
5. Bold Blue
Tile: 4x4 Lake Tahoe, Kite Alpaca | Design: Organic Interiors Co. | Image: Khoi Ly
Make a statement with deep blue like our mesmerizing Lake Tahoe glaze. A splash of vibrant blue will infuse your shower with energy and personality.
6. Make it Moroccan
Tile: 8” Hexagon Tidewater, Summit in White Motif | Design: Faith Blakeney | Image: Justina Blakeney
Transport yourself to another world with a Moroccan-inspired bathroom. Justina Blakeney’s hammam-inspired shower features a top-to-bottom stunning matte teal Hexagon Tile pony wall and shower wall design.
7. Mosaic Masterpiece
Tile: Ogee Drop + 1x6 Mesa | Design: Rise Up Home | Image: Sen Creative | Installer: The Frampton Family
Customize your pony wall with Mosaic Tile that reflects your personal style. 1x6 Sheeted Tile in dusty pink Mesa decorates the side and top of the pony wall in this mermaid-esque bathroom, matching the fish scale tile in the rest of the shower.
8. Handpainted Whimsy
Tile: 6x6 Oyster Shell, 6x6 Dot Dash 2, 3, 6, 7 Plein Aire Motif | Design + Image: Claire Thomas
Bring the tranquility of the beach into your bathroom with beach-inspired colors. From serene blues to sandy neutrals, the fun color story from the pony wall to the confetti floor creates a coastal paradise in this bathroom.
9. Art Deco Glamour
Tile: 4x4 Daisy + Tusk, Large Diamond Tusk, Basalt, Seedling | Design: Emily Vallely | Image: Madison Kim-Poppen
Evoke the sophistication of the roaring 20s with geometric patterns and a crisp color story. We love how the patterns in Foxcroft Estate’s bathroom are complemented by a classic white pony wall.
10. Spa-Like Sanctuary
Tile: 2x8 Salton Sea | Design: Michelle Lisac Interior Design | Image: Ellen Vanessa
Transform your shower into a space of tranquility with calming colors and soothing textures. A glaze color with high variation creates a mesmerizing underwater feel that will surround you when you step between the pony wall and shower surround.
11. Beautiful Brick
Brick: Saguaro | Design + Image: Claire Thomas | Installer: Bryce Dallas Howard
Capture the rustic charm of exposed brick walls with our Glazed Thin Brick, available in a variety of hand-mixed colors–including pink! Brick isa beautiful choice for Bryce Dallas Howard’s pink and green primary bathroom shower and pony wall designed by Claire Thomas.
12. Blue & White
Brick: Great Smoky Norman, Tile: 3” Hexagon + 6” Hexagon Calcite | Design: Anita Yokota | Image: Anita Yokota, Sara Ligorria-Tramp
More zen, please. We love the contrast of organic materials like blue brick and wood cabinetry with classic white hexagon tile to create a bright yet warm and inviting space.
13. Serenely Stacked Glass
Tile: 4x4 Warbler Matte | Design: Victoria Ninette Interiors | Image: Victoria Ninette
Create a modern and sleek look with stacked Glass Tile in a refreshing blue-green shade. The radiance of glass adds a touch of sophistication to your shower and pony wall design. Plus, our Glass Tile is impervious to water making it an ideal choice for the inside of a shower.
14. Herringbone Haven
Tile: 2x8 Calcite, 3” Hexagon + 8” Hexagon Basalt | Design: Hygge & West
Give your pony wall a dynamic and visually engaging pattern with a herringbone layout. This timeless design choice adds a touch of luxury to your shower.
15. Don’t Forget The Pups!
Tile: 3x6 Nautical, 1x4 Tusk | Design: Noz Design | Installer: O'Reilly Tile Design Inc.
Your furry friends deserve a special spot, too. Use a pony wall to create a dog-friendly shower area complete with easy-to-clean, pet-friendly tile.
Get Free Design Assistance
Pony walls offer endless design possibilities for your shower, and we’re here to help you bring your vision to life whether you’re aiming for a Scandinavian retreat, a Moroccan escape, or a spa-like sanctuary. Fill out the simple form below and we’ll be in touch to assist with free sampling, realistic renderings, personalized design advice, and more.