Our handy guide on how to choose bathroom tiles provides a step-by-step overview of all the things you might want to consider when selecting porcelain or ceramic tiles for your bathroom renovation or refurbishment. As rooms go, bathrooms are often the smallest in the home and that presents its own set of challenges. It also makes it all the more important to make the right tile decisions. But with so many tile options available and so many possibilities about where or where not to tile, getting it right can be tricky!
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are used extensively in bathrooms and both are a great choice. Having said that, these materials do differ so it is important to understand the differences.
Ceramic tiles are generally lighter than porcelain tiles so can be a really good option for walls. Because of their make-up and the fact they aren’t fired at such high temperatures as porcelain, ceramic tiles are not only lighter they are also easier to cut and generally more affordable than porcelain tiles. This can make installation faster.
Porcelain tiles offer better durability than ceramic tiles. They are made from a mix of fine clays and minerals and are exceptionally hardwearing. They are also highly scratch and stain resistant making them ideal for busy bathrooms.
The latest tile trends have definitely moved more towards warmer vibes, with taupes and toasty tones making their way into our homes. Having said that, we think grey will never have had its day because it is such a versatile colour and covers such a broad spectrum from silver greys to moodier charcoal notes.
Lighter porcelain tiles like whites, off-whites and creams can help create a lovely open and airy feel. Neutral tones like there are timeless and can make small bathrooms appear bigger and brighter – so especially good for bathrooms without lots of natural light or very small spaces. Because these tones are so neutral and timeless they can also help with resale value.
Warmer tones such as taupe, sand, ecru or mushroom notes can make spaces feel cosy and snug. They also pair brilliantly with natural materials like hessians or jutes and wood tones. These are colours that are practical yet also bringing a warm, inviting feel to spaces. Because they add a soft, natural look, warmer tones are also great if you are looking to create a spa like feel to your bathroom.
Grey tones including silver greys and darker greys are a great canvas for bathrooms and offer a lovely blend of versatility and elegance. Lighter silver-grey tiles can really make a bathroom feel more spacious and airy whilst darker greys can add a more bold, dramatic touch. Grey pairs brilliantly with everything from woods to bright pops of colour – think pinks, oranges, yellows. Or you can keep it monochrome.
Darker shades including charcoals, navys, rusts or anthracites can add a sense of drama to spaces. These luxurious and sophisticated tones can be used to create a wonderful ambience that is further enhanced with the right lighting.
Tile design has developed in leaps and bounds in recent years. The days of a marble tile with just one or two patterns are well and truly gone. Tile technology now means that tiles are mimicking other materials to incredible standards, so much so it can sometimes be tricky to tell a porcelain tile from the real material.
Our Serenity wood effect porcelain tiles are a good example. With over 40 patterns per tile and designs that trace all the knots and gnarls of real wood intimately for ultra realism, this is a collection that works brilliantly across large and small spaces and really does look like wood.
Once you have an overall idea of colour then consider pattern. Porcelain and ceramic tiles generally fall into categories:
Whichever style of tile you prefer, look for your overall chosen colour ie the background colour – this is also usually the colour you will match grout to if you want to match to the tile. Even a stone effect tile with subtle veining or a marble tile will have a “base” colour.
Patterned tiles are a great way to add a stamp of personality to spaces. They can create visual intrigue and a focal point to draw the eye. From floral patterns to geometric shapes, a patterned porcelain or ceramic tile can also be perfect for creating a feature in a bathroom and pairing them with neutral tones will really help make them stand out.
If you want to create a feature wall but don’t necessarily want to go for pattern then another option is to use a simple but stylish tile to add a splash of colour, for example a feature tile in a bold, bright tone. Or for a more muted look and feel, small brick tiles can be superbly effective.
This is a really important aspect of our guide on how to choose bathroom tiles and is often overlooked. Texture plays a crucial role in interior design and the texture of a tile will have a considerable impact on the overall feel of your bathroom.
Texture adds depth and warmth as well as visual interest. Smooth or glossy surfaces tend to reflect light and that can make a space feel cooler whereas matt or more tactile surfaces will make a space feel cosier. As tiles are the foundation on which dream rooms come to life, getting the colour, tone and texture right is important. From there you can layer different textures through thoughtful design.
Texture also plays an even more crucial role and that is from a slip rating perspective. This is especially important in wet rooms where a textured antislip slip tile may be required for the floor. Read more about slip ratings here.
The size of tile you choose will also hugely impact your space. The latest tile trends have seen larger format tiles make their way into our homes. These larger tile sizes can help create a sense of spaciousness because there are fewer grout lines and this in turn can make a space feel more contemporary. In addition, tiles with rectified tile edges mean grout lines are just a few mm and therefore super slim.
The term “large format” really covers a spectrum of sizes from 600 x 600mm and upwards – so tiles that are 1200 x 600mm, 800 x 800mm, 1m x 1m or 1200 x 1200mm are considered large format. But a 600 x 600 or 600 x 300mm tile format can work brilliantly in small bathrooms too and there is generally less wastage with these sizes.
Smaller tiles and little feature tiles can be a great way of adding a splash of colour to walls. Opting for a tile with a glossy uneven surface can add even further interest as light plays across the tile surfacing. Or looking for tiles that have varying shade is also a great way of adding interest to feature walls.
At the very least, tiles are designed to create a barrier against water ingress and are therefore needed where water is present eg the floor, shower area, around the bath, around the sink.
At the other end of the scale is choosing to tile everywhere to create a stunning look to your bathroom space.
Or you may choose to do something in between. You can opt to leave some walls to paint or even choose to tile half height to walls with a WC, basin and even potentially around the bath.
Grout plays a key role in how your installed tiles will look. Co-ordinating grout colour to tile colour helps create a seamless look across spaces. Or if you want to highlight or make a feature of your tiles then you may want to opt for a contrasting grout. Whatever you do, try your grout on a small area first. Read more about choosing grout options.
Ordering tile samples is a great way to start your journey to new bathroom tiles. It helps you to compare and contrast tile options and put your very own moodboard together. Before finally choosing tiles check them out in your bathroom with different lighting and at different times of the day. And if you are still not sure then see if you are able to buy or borrow a full tile sample.
We hope our guide, on how to choose bathroom tiles, has inspired you to find your perfect tiles with us. Hop onto our website and start exploring! You can order up to 6 free samples and we operate a larger sample service too. We are always on hand to help with any advice and design options so please do get in touch with us!
Lunga – New Collection coming soon!
Metro Cement Look Porcelain Tile – Bone
Click the images with a description underneath to head straight to these tiles on our website.
Working on a project? We’d love to help! Get in touch and let us start searching for beautiful tiles with you!
If you would like to know more, please get in touch...
The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
GET IN TOUCH
Call, Text, WhatsApp: 07395 011861
Landline: 01536 856 108
Email: hello@thetileportfolio.co.uk
Visit Us: The TilePortfolio Showroom, Glebe Farm,
A14, Junction 7, Kettering, NN16 8XF
Company No. 13033923
VAT No. 376573947
Reg. Office: Headlands House 1 Kings Court
Kettering, Northants, NN15 6WJ
2024 © Copyright The TilePortfolio Limited
