DIY Bathroom Floor Makeover: Timeless Harlequin Pattern Using Peel and Stick Tiles

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Our bathroom was about as plain and dated as it gets—no charm, no character, and certainly nothing classic about it. It was easily one of my least favorite spaces in our home.

As much as we love and appreciate a well-done renovation, that kind of investment in this bathroom just didn’t make sense right now.

Instead, I focused on a few thoughtful updates we could tackle to make the room feel more polished, personal, and true to the classic style we love.

In this post, I’m sharing the simple process I used to transform this dated bathroom flooring into something rich in character and far more charming.

So if you’ve been dreaming of a beautiful, timeless bathroom but aren’t ready for a full renovation, this one’s for you.

From Basic to Beautiful: Our Bathroom Flooring Makeover.

Updating the flooring was the first step in a series of updates to this bathroom. As you can see above, this space originally had the small 4x4 white ceramic tiles you see in many older homes. It was bright, sterile, and lacking warmth.

So, while my husband was away on a work trip, I decided to surprise him by giving the floor a complete makeover. Inspired by the classic European look I’ve always loved, I transformed the plain white tiles into a timeless harlequin pattern using affordable peel and stick tiles.

Keep reading to see how it turned out, and whether I think this project is worth trying yourself!

Materials And Tools Used:

• Peel and Stick Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring, Alpine Stone

• Peel and Stick Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring, Mystic Marble

• Liquid Nails

• Caulk Gun

• Carpenter’s Square

• Tape Measure

• Utility Knife

• DEWALT Orbital Sander

• Thinset Tile Mortar

• Grout Float

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Measure your space: Start by measuring your space to determine how many tiles you’ll need. The tile product pages include a calculator to help with this. Once you know your total square footage and the total number of tiles you will need to complete the space, divide that number in half; buy half your tiles in Alpine Stone and the other half in Mystic Marble to achieve the two-tone harlequin pattern.

2. Remove quarter round molding: If your space has quarter round molding, carefully pry it off so the new tiles can sit flush against the baseboards.

3. Prep the surface: Lightly sand the existing tile to rough up the surface a bit—this helps the new tiles stick better. Then give everything a good vacuum to clear away dust and debris.

4. Level the tile surface (if needed): Because our original 4x4 tiles had small dips in them, I wanted to even things out before laying the new tiles. I mixed a small batch of tile mortar until it had a peanut butter-like consistency, and then used a grout float to spread a thin layer over the entire floor, filling in the dips and grout lines. I let it dry overnight, then vacuumed again before I began laying down the new tile.

5. Lay the new tiles: Start at the main entrance to your space and center your first tile in the doorway. Place it on a diagonal to begin the diamond (harlequin) pattern, then secure each tile with Liquid Nails, alternating colors as you go. Lay all the full tiles first and save the cut pieces for the next step.

6. Cut and fit edge pieces: Once all the full tiles are in place, measure and cut the remaining pieces to fit around the walls and any permanent fixtures. Take your time with this step, as precise cuts make all the difference. Press each cut piece firmly into place, using Liquid Nails to ensure a strong hold.

7. Add trim for a finished look: After the tiles are set, reinstall or replace the quarter round trim around the perimeter of the room to complete the look.

>> Video: Watch Me Transform Our Bathroom Floors <<

Is This DIY Worth It? My Honest Take.

This bold yet elegant update instantly brought the warmth and charm this space was craving, and I’m honestly so obsessed with how it turned out.

The best part? It was simple, affordable, and completely doable.

This one change transformed the entire space, adding warmth, character, and that touch of old-world charm we love.

If you’re looking to give your room an easy, budget-friendly update with timeless style, this project definitely gets my stamp of approval.

More Bathroom Updates in This Series:

Looking To Add Even More Charm To Your Renovated Space? Try Layering In Timeless Vintage Accents.

MORE DIY PROJECTS →

Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.

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