Much depends on your taste how tall the shower head is and whether you want extra protection from mold or potential splashes on the paint that could eventually cause problems.
Tile half wall height.
The minimum should be 6 feet from the base.
Calculate your ideal height for the half wall which typically ranges between 30 to 40 inches.
If your wall is 96 then 48 is half.
Variables to consider include the size of your planned field tiles including grout width as well as.
I have seen it done as a fully tiled wall but ours will be only half way up.
I am exploring ideas for our guest bathroom and thinking of larger rectangular tiles let s say 10x17 or 11x17 installed horizontally in a subway pattern.
I believe your title or question answers it s self.
For a truly classic look finish the top with a decorative trim or a bullnosed edge.
Tile half wall height how to finish the top other than bullnose.
A classic offset or straight set pattern in a standard field size tile works best for this wall height.
Standard tub and shower walls the minimum code height for a tub or shower enclosure s waterproof covering is 6 above the finished floor.
Factoring in the grout lines this meets the minimum with a bit to spare.
Some people like to go all the way to the ceiling.
The classic design feature is usually between 34 and 54 high with 36 being the average height.
Half the wall is half the wall.