Matte porcelain tile can give a shower a softer, less reflective look than glossy tile, but the right choice depends on where you plan to install it. Mosaic sheets offer more grout joints and can be easier to fit around a sloped shower floor, while larger squares create a cleaner, simpler pattern. Below are five options in different sizes and colors, along with practical notes to help you compare them.
| Product | Style and size | Best suited for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenedos Arctic White Penny Round Mosaic | White, 3/4-inch penny rounds | Shower floors and decorative areas | Ten mesh-mounted sheets cover about 10 sq. ft. |
| Tenedos 4×4 Matte White Porcelain Tile | White, 4-by-4-inch squares | Shower walls and backsplashes | Sold in a box of 10 tiles |
| Tenedos 2×2 Matte Porcelain Mosaic | Black or white, roughly 2-inch squares | Shower floors and walls | Mesh-mounted sheets measure 12.5 by 12.5 inches |
| Tenedos Matte Black Penny Round Mosaic | Black, 3/4-inch penny rounds | Shower floors and accent areas | Ten mesh-mounted sheets per box |
| Tenedos Black 2-Inch Grande Penny Round Mosaic | Black, 2-inch penny rounds | Showers and decorative surfaces | Available in one- or five-sheet packs; each sheet covers about 0.85 sq. ft. |
Table of Contents
Our Picks: Best Matte Porcelain Tile In Shower reviews
1. Tenedos Arctic White Penny Round: A Light Mosaic for Shower Floors
This white porcelain mosaic uses small 3/4-inch penny-round pieces set on mesh sheets. Its matte finish gives the surface a subdued look, and the product description identifies it for wet areas, including bathrooms and showers. The light color can also help keep a small shower looking bright.
Each sheet measures 11.8 by 12.56 inches and covers about 0.99 square feet. A box contains 10 sheets, with total coverage listed at about 10 square feet. Small mosaic pieces can be useful when a floor needs to follow a slope toward a drain, though the installer still needs to confirm the layout works with the specific shower design.
The main trade-off is the number of grout joints. They create the classic penny-round pattern, but they also mean more grout lines to install and maintain than with larger tiles. The product description calls the matte finish slip-resistant, but that does not replace checking the tile’s suitability for your project and using a properly built, waterproof shower assembly.
Pros:
- Small penny-round pieces suit detailed layouts.
- Matte white finish works with many bathroom styles.
- Mesh-mounted sheets can help with consistent placement.
- Coverage is listed at about 10 square feet per box.
Cons:
- Many grout joints require careful installation and upkeep.
- White grout may need more frequent cleaning to keep its appearance.
Verdict: Choose this mosaic if you want a bright, small-format tile for a shower floor and are comfortable maintaining its many grout joints.
2. Tenedos 4×4 Matte White Tile: A Simple Square for Shower Walls
This 4-by-4-inch porcelain tile offers a straightforward square shape and matte white surface. It is listed for shower walls, floors, backsplashes, and accent areas. The restrained size and color make it a flexible option if you want a clean pattern rather than a decorative mosaic.
The product is described as water-resistant and scratch-resistant, and it comes in a box of 10 tiles. The supplied details do not state the box’s total square-foot coverage, so measure your wall or floor and confirm the package coverage before ordering. Allow for cuts and breakage when estimating how much tile you need.
Compared with the mesh-mounted mosaics here, individual 4-inch tiles give you more control over the layout but require you to set and space each piece. They may work particularly well on shower walls, where the surface is generally flatter than a sloped shower floor. For a floor, check with your installer that this size and the product’s specifications suit the slope and drain arrangement.
Pros:
- Simple square shape fits both modern and traditional designs.
- Matte white surface avoids a high-gloss look.
- Listed for shower walls, floors, and backsplashes.
- Individual tiles allow flexibility when planning a pattern.
Cons:
- Box coverage is not provided in the supplied product details.
- Individual tiles take more placement work than mesh-mounted sheets.
Verdict: This is a practical option for a simple matte-white shower wall, provided you confirm the package coverage and installation requirements before buying.
3. Tenedos 2×2 Matte Mosaic: A Versatile Square Sheet in Black or White
This matte porcelain mosaic is made of small square tiles measuring about 1-15/16 inches on each side. The pieces are mounted on 12.5-by-12.5-inch mesh sheets, which can make a repeating square pattern easier to lay out than setting every small piece separately. It is offered in black and white.
The product details list it for bathroom floors, shower walls, and other indoor surfaces. Porcelain is described as dense and water-resistant, but the tile itself is only one part of a shower installation. The waterproof layer beneath it and the details around the drain, corners, and seams remain essential.
Its 2-inch format sits between the very small penny rounds and the larger 4-inch square option in this lineup. That makes it a useful middle ground if you want a compact pattern without the rounded look. The listing does not give a coverage amount per box, so check how many sheets you are ordering and calculate coverage from the sheet dimensions.
Pros:
- Available in black or white for different design plans.
- Mesh-mounted sheets simplify handling and alignment.
- Small square format can suit floors and walls.
- Matte surface keeps the look understated.
Cons:
- Coverage per package is not specified in the supplied details.
- Small tiles create more grout joints than larger square tiles.
Verdict: Pick this option if you want a compact, square mosaic in black or white and can verify the package quantity and coverage for your project.
4. Tenedos Matte Black Penny Round: A Dark, Classic Mosaic
This tile pairs a classic 3/4-inch penny-round pattern with a matte black finish. The dark surface can create contrast against light walls or fixtures, or add a more dramatic look when used across a larger area. The product is described as porcelain and listed for showers, laundry rooms, backsplashes, and accent walls.
Mesh-mounted sheets measure 12-5/8 by 11-3/4 inches, and the box contains 10 sheets. The description does not specify the total square-foot coverage, so measure the sheets and confirm the box coverage before placing an order. Its small rounded pieces may also require extra care around edges and transitions to maintain a neat finish.
Like the white penny-round option, this tile has many grout joints. That creates a detailed pattern, but grout color will have a strong effect on the finished look: a close match can soften the pattern, while a contrasting grout can make each round stand out. The product description calls the tile stain-resistant and suitable for wet areas; it does not provide a specific slip rating.
Pros:
- Matte black finish makes a strong design statement.
- Small penny rounds add visual texture.
- Mesh-mounted sheets support a more consistent layout.
- Listed for shower and other moisture-prone areas.
Cons:
- Package coverage is not stated in the supplied details.
- Dark tile and grout may show some residue differently than a light finish.
Verdict: Choose this black penny-round mosaic for a bold shower-floor or accent design, but confirm coverage and grout choices before committing to the full layout.
5. Tenedos 2-Inch Grande Penny Round: A Larger, Rounded Pattern
This option uses 2-inch penny rounds, larger than the 3/4-inch circles in the other penny-round pick. The bigger circles create a more open pattern, while the matte finish keeps the surface from looking glossy. The listing identifies black, white, and brown color options, although the supplied product title is for the black version.
The sheets are mesh-mounted for placement with standard thinset mortar. Each sheet covers about 0.85 square feet, and the product is sold in one- or five-sheet packs. Those smaller pack choices can be useful for a limited accent area, but make sure you select enough sheets for the full project and allow for cuts.
The listing names showers among its uses, but does not provide a slip rating or detailed floor-performance information. As with any tile underfoot, ask your installer to confirm that the format and installation system suit your shower floor. Compared with the smaller penny round, this tile has fewer circles per area and a more prominent individual shape.
Pros:
- Larger penny rounds give the pattern a more open appearance.
- Mesh backing helps with sheet placement.
- Black, white, and brown options are listed.
- One- and five-sheet packs suit smaller jobs or samples.
Cons:
- Each sheet covers about 0.85 square feet, so larger projects need careful quantity planning.
- The supplied details do not include a slip rating.
Verdict: Consider this mosaic if you like a larger penny-round pattern or need a small pack for an accent area, and confirm floor suitability with your installer before using it underfoot.
How to Choose Matte Porcelain Tile for a Shower
Decide where the tile will go
Shower walls and shower floors have different needs. A larger square tile can make a simple wall pattern, while smaller mosaics may be easier to fit around a sloped floor and drain. Check the product’s stated uses and ask your installer whether the tile size and shape suit the exact location.
Look beyond the word “matte” for floor safety
A matte finish is less reflective than a glossy one, but the finish alone does not tell you how slip-resistant a tile will be. Check for a slip rating or other relevant product information, especially for a shower floor. The white penny-round listing describes its finish as slip-resistant; the other supplied descriptions do not give a specific rating.
Choose a size and pattern you can maintain
Small mosaics create more grout joints than larger tiles. Those joints contribute to the pattern and can help a sheet follow changes in a floor, but they also add grout to clean and maintain. Penny rounds create a softer, rounded design, while square mosaics give the surface a more regular grid.
Plan coverage before ordering
Measure the area and compare it with the coverage listed for each sheet or box. The white 3/4-inch penny-round tile is listed at about 10 square feet per box, and the 2-inch grande penny round covers about 0.85 square feet per sheet. The other supplied product details do not give total package coverage, so confirm it before you buy. Include extra material for cuts and breakage.
Think through color and grout together
White tile can keep a shower looking light, while black tile provides contrast and a stronger visual statement. Grout changes the effect: grout close to the tile color tends to make the pattern feel less distinct, while contrasting grout can emphasize each tile. Consider the grout color, cleaning routine, and rest of the bathroom as one design choice.
Confirm the full waterproofing system
Porcelain is described as water-resistant, but tile and grout do not by themselves make a shower waterproof. The waterproof membrane, seams, corners, drain, mortar, and installation method all matter. Follow the shower-system instructions and use a qualified installer if you are unsure about the assembly.
Check the details on the exact product listing
Before ordering, confirm the selected color, sheet or tile dimensions, quantity per package, coverage, and intended use. These details can vary by product and selection. Also check that the tile thickness and edge details work with nearby surfaces and trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is matte porcelain tile a good choice for a shower?
It can be a suitable choice when the specific tile is listed for the location and installed as part of a properly waterproofed shower. For floors, verify the tile’s suitability and any available slip information instead of relying on the matte finish alone.
Are small mosaic tiles better for a shower floor?
Small mosaics can be easier to arrange around a drain and a sloped floor because the sheets contain many small pieces. The right choice still depends on the tile’s specifications, floor layout, and installer’s guidance.
Can I use these tiles on shower walls?
The supplied descriptions list several of these products for shower walls, including the 4-by-4 tile and the 2-by-2 mosaic. Check the exact product details and confirm that your wall surface and setting materials are appropriate.
Does matte porcelain tile need grout?
Yes. These mosaics and individual tiles need grout as part of the installation. Follow the tile and grout manufacturers’ instructions for joint width, grout selection, sealing if required, and cleaning.
How much tile should I order?
Measure the surface area, check the coverage per sheet or box, and include extra material for cuts and breakage. Coverage is stated for some options here but not all, so verify package coverage for the exact product before ordering.
Which option has the most understated pattern?
The 4-by-4 matte white tile has the simplest square design in this selection. For a smaller square pattern, the 2-by-2 mosaic offers a more compact grid; for a rounded look, consider one of the penny-round options.
Final Recommendation
For a bright shower-floor mosaic with stated slip-resistant features, the Tenedos Arctic White 3/4-inch Penny Round is the clearest fit among these choices. If you prefer a bold dark pattern, compare the two black penny-round styles and confirm their package coverage and floor suitability. For shower walls, the 4-by-4 matte white tile offers a cleaner square look, while the 2-by-2 mosaic gives you a more compact pattern. In every case, verify the product specifications and the full waterproofing plan before installation.
