Designing a Hidden Gem: Tile Ideas for Your At-Home Speakeasy

What Is a Speakeasy Bar?

Dining area with black marble look rectangle floor tile, blue subway tile in herringbone pattern on back wall, gray walls, four white chairs, round glass table, and large window showing outdoors.

Let’s go back for a second. The original speakeasies popped up in the 1920s during Prohibition, secret bars hidden behind unmarked doors or disguised as other businesses. These clandestine spots were all about mystery and mood, with dim lighting, luxurious textures, and moody color palettes setting the tone for whispered conversations and jazz melodies.

Today, speakeasy decor takes those rich details, think deep navy or emerald walls, brass hardware, velvet accents and brings them into the modern home. Whether you’re working with a full wet bar or a tiny corner under the stairs, you can create that same sense of escape.

The World’s Smallest Speakeasy (Yes, Really)

Cupboard under the stairs with black stone look square floor tile, white and black wall tile, brown cabinet, and bookstack on cabinet.

Clarasea

Couture CL92

Theoretical Evolved

Abstract Black TE99

Let’s start tiny: that unused hall closet? It's your golden opportunity. Line the back wall in a dramatic high-gloss deep red tile or something richly textured with 3D appeal. Add a floating shelf for your favorite spirits and tile the floor in a classic checkerboard or black and white motif to give the space structure and flair. A slim pendant light or art deco sconce adds just the right glow.

Bonus points if the entrance is hidden behind a murphy door or paneling just like the real speakeasies of the 1920s. Keep it secret, keep it chic.

Transform a Tired Wet Bar into a Deco Dream

Bar with clear bar chairs, dark wood walls, and square gray wall tile on back and back wall.

Foyer

Summit FY02

Studio Haven

Fog SN73

Already have a bar space that’s more “meh” than moody? Let’s fix that. Look to the vintage glam of LA’s The Varnish, where deep reds, glossy blacks, and velvet textures define the vibe. Cover your bar surround in a glossy black subway or mosaic tile, then bring in pops of bold red with accents or artwork. Bring it all together with a metallic tile backsplash that bounces light while adding that hint of prohibition-era opulence.

Pro tip: Marble look tile on the floor adds elegance and holds up beautifully over time.

Max Out That Cupboard Under the Stairs

Cupboard under the stairs with green harlequin mosaic tile on back wall niche, black cabinet, white marble look countertop, white walls, and white encaustic floor tile.