Choosing bathroom tiles can be an overwhelming task and it’s difficult to know where to start. Options are many and varied in terms of size, style, colour and the different materials tiles are made from.
Our advice? Ask the experts. Consult your interior designer but also make time to visit a tile showroom where you’ve seen something you like and talk to the sales team to ensure you’re across all of the options. Elements to consider start with style but also extend to how tradespeople will view your choices.
How do I choose the best bathroom tile?
The first place to start is at the end, says interior designer and The Block judge Shaynna Blaze. “I always start with emotions you want to feel when you are in there. What colours and patterns will create this for you? Once you have that, you can build on the look and style.”
Functionality is also key, however. Many people fall into the trap of choosing tiles based purely on aesthetics, without considering how they will be installed and how tiles will perform in the bathroom for years to come. It’s important to choose tiles that are easy to clean, non-slip where necessary and can stand up to the constant moisture and humidity of a wet room.
“It is intimidating when there are so many choices out there but my biggest tip is look at the texture of tiles that work together,” says Shannya. “If one has a high pattern or texture, make sure the adjoining tile doesn’t compete with that texture. Always look at the hero tile and let the other one or two tiles complement and support that look.”
1. Tile size
A contemporary home may call for large format tiles, while in a heritage home, the scale of smaller tiles generally makes more sense. There are no hard and fast rules but it’s important to keep the scale of the space in mind and mock it all up in the showroom to get a sense of how your choices will look together.
2. Tile material
Porcelain tiles are harder and denser than ceramic tiles so absorb less water but are more brittle too, so are a good choice for a simpler design. Ceramic tiles are more affordable so designs are more varied and tend to reflect changing trends. Ceramic tiles are also easier to install than porcelain. Encaustic tiles are more porous – made from compressed cement and often by hand, upping the price tag.
3. Tile colour
This is where the fun starts – the endless combinations of coloured bathroom tiles can be a playground for colour and pattern play. Grab your moodboard and remember to factor in the colour options for grout too!
4. Tile patterns
Don‘t be afraid to experiment with the laying of your tiles – the brick pattern is the most popular, but straight (or stack bond) tile patterns can also make a strong statement, particularly in a modern setting.
5. Tile style
Modern spaces need smooth, seamless finishes and neutral colours, or bold banks of mosaic tiles. A heritage bathroom lends itself to handmade or textured tiles or patterned floor tiles inspired by Moroccan and Portuguese aesthetics. Encaustic tiles are growing in popularity too, bringing a soft, matte finish from yesteryear into modern bathrooms.
There is no question that marble is making a welcome return to bathrooms – often en masse. With many homeowners wanting a monochromatic colour scheme, marble tiles work really well. Modern homes don’t stop at monochrome and are moving beyond Carrara, with its grey-white base and veins of dark charcoal to bolder options such as green marble and the dramatic viola marble.
Should the floor and shower tile be the same?
For a sleek, contemporary look or in a small bathroom, using the same tile on the walls and floor can be an effective design tool to create the illusion of space, but can sometimes be too much, says Shaynna. “We are under the illusion to make a bathroom feel high end we need to tile all walls to the ceiling, but in fact this can make a space feel overwhelming and physically cold. Tiling to only the wet areas can give the space another area for texture in paint rather than just tiles.”
Otherwise, there’s nothing to say floor and shower wall tiles should be the same. “A mix of surface finishes from matte, gloss and textured so there is variation,” suggests Shaynna. In fact, mixing and matching can also define areas in the space – whether or not colour is a factor.
7. Tiled feature walls
Even if you want a simple colour scheme in your bathroom, there is no reason not to break out with a stunning tiled feature wall. The standout heritage green gloss tile in Shaynna’s master ensuite adds glamour and indulgence in a simple step. “The pattern on the flooring is a very old and traditional pattern that you will see all over the world,” says Shaynna of the winning combination. “Having [the floor] tiles in a very neutral and low contrast colour palette set the ‘calm’ tone for the rest of the colours on the walls and vanity. This base then allowed me to add a strong colour for impact.” It’s also a great way to rein in the budget as feature tiles can be expensive!
