We're also ending our shower tiles at 8 ft in our new build with 10 ft ceilings. The tile we chose for one of our showers has a coordinating bullnose that we'll use. For the other showers, we'll use Schluter jolly trim.

@jkent9024
I know we could use bullnose or schluter. I'm talking more about "decorative" tile work at the "edges". Example is our current tile is 12x12 but has smaller rectangular pieces "framing" the edge of the shower.

Maybe post some pics of ideas you have IMO it depends on the style of the bathroom not just the tile I like a nice simple schluter edge clean looking and you never get tired of it. I like simple tile layouts matchinh bathroom floor to shower walls and not subway tile with the many grout lines and the big question how are you planning on cleaning the tile that is 8’ high. Maybe show us a picture of your bathroom you like.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting

I've had a hard time finding examples because most people have 8ft ceilings and just take their tile all the way up. The current tile is only a few inches lower now and the tile guys we have
gotten quotes from say it's a pretty standard shower. I'd think that high, like any other shower I've had, never really gets wet or dirty the way the lower half does.

Here is some of the "framing" I was talking about but with smaller tile.

One shows a more decorative strip, would this ever be used as an "end" piece? It kinda reminds me of crown molding and I'm wondering what "molding" corresponds to in the bathroom tile world. I'm looking for large scale 12x24 stagger examples with "end" and edge options other than Schluter or flat basic bullnose.

You could use pencil tile for framing.

Your first picture is using bullnose. The second picture has a chair rail separating the running bond and herringbone set. Is that what you are referring to? You can use the chair rail instead of the bullnose at the top and side edges, if you like the look.

@catbuilder yes. I am trying to find the terminology and examples of what is popular/expected for "finishing" the tile. because it's is so tall and can end at exactly 7 or 8 feet, the debate is just to have the final tile have bullnose or stop the tile at 7 and use a decorative edge like pencil or "frame" the edge with cut tile etc.es. I am trying to find the terminology and examples of what is popular/expected for "finishing" the tile. because it's is so tall and can end at exactly 7 or 8 feet, the debate is just to have the final tile have bullnose or stop the tile at 7 and use a decorative edge like pencil or "frame" the edge with cut tile etc.

If you're thinking about white glossy 12 x 24 tile for the shower surround, that's going to give it a more modern look. Is that what you're going for? If so, using Schulter trim for the edges is your best bet.

If you're doing something more traditional, like subway tile or marble tile, then a pencil liner or a "crown molding" type of trim piece would be more appropriate.

@Sabrina Alfin Interiors

I like modern but not SUPER modern (To me I think things like curved couches, white glossy flat panel kitchen cabinets). Our home's community was designed in an "industrial loft" style so we have high ceilings, metal stairs, metal beams, concrete floor, but went with modern extra white walls so it's coming off as both. I know Schluter comes in different colors but our current tile has a small ledge and the silver Schluter that used (and badly installed) looks horrible so I'm kinda turned off to it and wanted alternatives.

Theres only so many options. youve covered most here, and learning a geeat lesson in design/planning. !!!

We always discuss this detail and have it planned for and written into the scope of the job at the estimating stage, early on..

when people dont like bullnose or Metal Jolly flashings, we offer mitered returns or push the client to choose a thru body porcelain that we can then polish to a factory finish edge onsite.

both these latter options require a skilled tiler that can fabricate in the field. AKA the Rare breed of tile pro in these hgtv diy days

good luck....

I hate to tell you this but yes those tiles get dirty any time there is moisture in the air combined with even small bit of dust floating you will get dirt.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting

in the bathrooms I've had, and I've asked a couple other people too to see if I'm an exception or a dirty person lol, have never had to really worry about the dust or dirt that high. a duster and a wipe down for those high tiles is probably all it will need. I doubt the grout will be getting super gross or even noticeable when it never directly touches water. if it does a step stool could do it. my parents home had lower tile than this and more grout and the high area never looked near as bad or bad at all vs the ones that water touched every day.

@Mint tile Minneapolis
what about pattern of tile for the edges/"frame" though? that's what I can't get more info on, how to end the stagger at the edge. just flat? rotate a thinner cut tile and "frame" it? are there other options?

You seem to be overthinking this and making it harder than it actually is. Your options are a bullnose tile (or chair rail molding, pencil molding or some other tile molding) or a metal or plastic profile (Schluter is just one brand of profile, there are others). If you are using a through-body porcelain (the color is the same all the way through, no glaze) or glass, you can also create your own bullnose by polishing the edge. Google "bullnose tile" images and you will see what bullnose tile is. I suspect you don't really know what it is.

@catbuilder I think I am just not describing it well because I don't know the terminology. I'm NOT just asking about the actual finished edge of the tile itself but the pattern and options on how to end patterns and "frame" the tile. we don't want to use other color tile except for the floor so we aren't looking for an "accent" ban or stripe more like a pattern or visual "texture" change in tile at the top or side edges of the shower (not necessarily actual 3d texture but the illusion due to the pattern change or size of tile). here's an example that is much more wide and about being an accent band vs framing the edge of the shower. the niche is framed and instead of just being smaller tile squares off around the edges they mitered(?) and angled the corners off which seems nicer than flat edge against flat edge butting up against each other. these details are the things I'm trying to find out if there are more options for in the tile world.

The tiles at the top and around the niche are bullnose. The tiles around the mosaic band are some sort of tile molding. Different tile lines carry different molding profiles. It sounds like you need help designing your tile layout. I suggest you go to a real tile showroom and ask the designers there for help. They can show you different tile lines and their available trim pieces. The design help is free. I'm talking about a real showroom with real designers on staff, not Floor & Decor or The Tile Shop.