Discover Which Bathroom Tiles Are Perfect For You
Overwhelmed by the choice of tiles for your bathroom floor? This guide will help you pick out the best style to suit your needs
Tiles, tiles, tiles galore… With so many choices available, it can leave one gasping for breath and struggling to make a decision.
The ‘tile’ has been made by man for at least 4,000 years, having been used for practical and aesthetic reasons everywhere from ancient Egyptian, Arabian and Greek buildings, to the mosaics of Spain, Portugal and Renaissance Italy. The tile is intrinsically linked to art, decorative features and architecture, and to this day tiles continue to enter our homes for their practical and aesthetic features.
But for our own homes, it begs the questions: Which tiles make a big space look warmer or a small space look larger? In which pattern should the tiles be laid? And what colour grout should I choose? Here I hope to shed some light on your tile dilemmas.
The ‘tile’ has been made by man for at least 4,000 years, having been used for practical and aesthetic reasons everywhere from ancient Egyptian, Arabian and Greek buildings, to the mosaics of Spain, Portugal and Renaissance Italy. The tile is intrinsically linked to art, decorative features and architecture, and to this day tiles continue to enter our homes for their practical and aesthetic features.
But for our own homes, it begs the questions: Which tiles make a big space look warmer or a small space look larger? In which pattern should the tiles be laid? And what colour grout should I choose? Here I hope to shed some light on your tile dilemmas.
Wow with woodgrain
If you love the look of floorboards but want to be practical in a wet area, then woodgrain tiles are the answer. Just like floorboards, these tiles come in a variety of shades, lengths, widths and grains.
This bathroom has the white-washed antique effect, which reflects light around the room, suits a neutral palette and has a slight texture, so it’s non-slip.
If you love the look of floorboards but want to be practical in a wet area, then woodgrain tiles are the answer. Just like floorboards, these tiles come in a variety of shades, lengths, widths and grains.
This bathroom has the white-washed antique effect, which reflects light around the room, suits a neutral palette and has a slight texture, so it’s non-slip.
Choose chequerboard
The black and white tile effect is a classic. In porcelain or ceramic tiles, it creates an elegant feel in a formal setting. For retro in the bathroom or kitchen, have fun with vinyl tiles – they are easy to lay and can be cut to size.
The black and white tile effect is a classic. In porcelain or ceramic tiles, it creates an elegant feel in a formal setting. For retro in the bathroom or kitchen, have fun with vinyl tiles – they are easy to lay and can be cut to size.
Glam up with glazed tiles
Shiny glazed tiles are undoubtedly glamorous – but can be slippery. So if you want that dash of drama in your bathroom, stick to decorative walls and feature tiles rather than floors and countertops.
Discover how to dazzle with mosaic tiles
Shiny glazed tiles are undoubtedly glamorous – but can be slippery. So if you want that dash of drama in your bathroom, stick to decorative walls and feature tiles rather than floors and countertops.
Discover how to dazzle with mosaic tiles
Pay attention to size
When choosing tiles, size does matter. I recommend smaller tiles for smaller areas, such as spashbacks or feature walls. As smaller tiles require more grout, they can be harder to keep clean, especially on the floor.
In regards to the look you want to convey in your home, large tiles do offer a sense of space and, used in a small area, can work wonders.
To really open up a tight space, I recommend rectangular tiles laid vertically (portrait orientation) for the illusion of height, and to match the grout and tile colour so the look is seamless.
If you want variety in your tiling and design cohesion, mix square with rectangular; or hexagonal with metro; but keep the tiles in the same colour throughout – the interest will be come through the texture and shape.
TIP If you are limited on space but want to use large tiles, lay them diagonally.
When choosing tiles, size does matter. I recommend smaller tiles for smaller areas, such as spashbacks or feature walls. As smaller tiles require more grout, they can be harder to keep clean, especially on the floor.
In regards to the look you want to convey in your home, large tiles do offer a sense of space and, used in a small area, can work wonders.
To really open up a tight space, I recommend rectangular tiles laid vertically (portrait orientation) for the illusion of height, and to match the grout and tile colour so the look is seamless.
If you want variety in your tiling and design cohesion, mix square with rectangular; or hexagonal with metro; but keep the tiles in the same colour throughout – the interest will be come through the texture and shape.
TIP If you are limited on space but want to use large tiles, lay them diagonally.
Be bold with black pennyrounds
The ‘pennyround’ is back in black. It’s both cool and functional, and suits floors, walls and splashbacks.
It is available in sheets, which makes laying it easier, and throws out that installation pattern problem (because there only is one pattern).
Pennyrounds are gorgeous teamed with marble. A dark pennyround and a neutral, natural stone show up each other’s different textures – structured rounds versus the organic unique colours and veining of marble.
TIP If you do decide on marble, ensure it is honed and sealed, otherwise it will soak up every little splash.
The ‘pennyround’ is back in black. It’s both cool and functional, and suits floors, walls and splashbacks.
It is available in sheets, which makes laying it easier, and throws out that installation pattern problem (because there only is one pattern).
Pennyrounds are gorgeous teamed with marble. A dark pennyround and a neutral, natural stone show up each other’s different textures – structured rounds versus the organic unique colours and veining of marble.
TIP If you do decide on marble, ensure it is honed and sealed, otherwise it will soak up every little splash.
Pick a pattern
Choosing the right installation pattern is another big decision – the pattern can affect the visual effect of room size and the décor scheme, and some tiles look better in certain patterns.
A general rule is that laying tiles horizontally will make a wall or room appear wider, while laying them vertically will make a room appear longer.
TIP Purchase a few sample tiles from your chosen supplier and use the above as a trial to lay them out and to see what appeals to you.
Choosing the right installation pattern is another big decision – the pattern can affect the visual effect of room size and the décor scheme, and some tiles look better in certain patterns.
A general rule is that laying tiles horizontally will make a wall or room appear wider, while laying them vertically will make a room appear longer.
TIP Purchase a few sample tiles from your chosen supplier and use the above as a trial to lay them out and to see what appeals to you.
Consider classic metro tiles
These tiles are so versatile – they can look retro, traditional, country or industrial.
The look can be affected by the laying pattern and the grout used – whether you want your eye to move up or across effortlessly, or want to frame each tile.
Charcoal grout with white tiles offers a contemporary look in which the tiles become the feature. Metro tiles are available in a range of colours, edges and in matt or gloss.
See 10 different ways to use classic metro tiles
These tiles are so versatile – they can look retro, traditional, country or industrial.
The look can be affected by the laying pattern and the grout used – whether you want your eye to move up or across effortlessly, or want to frame each tile.
Charcoal grout with white tiles offers a contemporary look in which the tiles become the feature. Metro tiles are available in a range of colours, edges and in matt or gloss.
See 10 different ways to use classic metro tiles
Think about grout
Grout is important and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. Grout is the glue that bonds the tiles together, making them durable, but it also plays an aesthetic role and will determine whether you want to feature individual tiles or the tile pattern as a whole.
My general rule of thumb is to choose a grout in the same colour as the tiles if you want a cohesive look.
TIP If you want to stick to a white grout on the floor, go with an alabaster or off-white so that discolouration is not as obvious.
TELL US…
Which kind of tiles do you like? Share your thoughts and tips in the Comments below.
Grout is important and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. Grout is the glue that bonds the tiles together, making them durable, but it also plays an aesthetic role and will determine whether you want to feature individual tiles or the tile pattern as a whole.
My general rule of thumb is to choose a grout in the same colour as the tiles if you want a cohesive look.
TIP If you want to stick to a white grout on the floor, go with an alabaster or off-white so that discolouration is not as obvious.
TELL US…
Which kind of tiles do you like? Share your thoughts and tips in the Comments below.
Porcelain floor tiles are a great choice for wet areas, as they are impervious to water and are highly durable, so recommended for high traffic zones. They’re also handy for doggie or baby zones, as these tiles don’t absorb odours or bacteria.
Charcoal is my personal fave when it comes to tiles for the floor, as it doesn’t show stains; you can go with dark grout, which won’t discolour, and the charcoal on the floor will mix perfectly with white tiles on the wall.
If safety is a priority for you and your family, opt for tiles with a matt or textured finish, as they’re less slippery when wet.