How To Choose The Perfect Bathroom Tiles For Your Space

Whether you are ripping out your bathroom and starting again from scratch or are making small changes to revamp its appearance, the opportunities to create a unique and stunning space are truly endless. As one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, having an inviting bathroom space can enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your home. 

How you style your bathroom depends on your aesthetic preferences and needs. However, one crucial aspect of bathroom design is the use of bathroom tiles, which offer a practical, hygienic and easy-to-clean solution with many customisation options.

In this article, we will walk you through how to pick the perfect wall and floor tiles for your bathroom, taking into consideration factors such as colour, size, and functionality. By having a thorough understanding of your options, reaching a final decision should be easier.

Bathroom Wall Tiles vs. Floor Tiles

While wall and floor bathroom tiles share some similarities in design and material, their differing durability requirements mean they cannot always be used interchangeably. Understanding this distinction ensures you select tiles that not only look great but are fit for purpose.

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Rating is a key indicator of a tile's resistance to wear and tear, rated on a scale from 0 to 5. Tiles with a rating of 0 are suitable for walls only, as they are not designed to endure any foot traffic. On the other hand, tiles rated 5 are strong enough to handle heavy and frequent use, making them ideal for high-traffic flooring areas like kitchens or bathrooms.

Bathroom wall tiles do not require the same strength as bathroom floor tiles, which is why they are often lighter and thinner, with aesthetics being a key factor. For instance, decorative ceramic tiles or mosaics are often used on walls to create striking patterns.

Materials

The choice of material significantly impacts the performance and longevity of your bathroom tiles, especially with floor tiles, where durability is vital. Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for tile flooring due to their high density and resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms.

Additionally, dense natural stones like marble or granite offer exceptional durability and create a luxurious feel to any space, however, these materials may require sealing for adequate stain protection.

Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are less dense and more susceptible to chipping or cracking under pressure, making them better suited for walls or areas with limited wear and tear. Ceramic tiles often boast intricate designs, making them a favourite for creating feature walls.

Colour

The colour palette of your bathroom depends on the environment and atmosphere you want to create for your bathroom. For a peaceful, natural-inspired bathroom that evokes a sense of peace and sanctuary, you might want to stick to neutral and muted coloured tiles like sand, whites, and light greys. If you like to take the time to rest and relax by soaking in the bath, these colours will help you to wind down after a long day.

Alternatively, if you want your bathroom to offer striking grandeur, you might want to opt for bold-coloured tiles like bright reds, verdant greens or deep purples. These colours are guaranteed to make your bathroom stand out and provide a contemporary look.

Consider the Size of Your Bathroom

The size of your bathroom plays a crucial role in tile selection. In larger bathrooms, bigger tiles create a sleek, modern look while enhancing the expanse of space. Conversely, in small bathrooms, large tiles may overwhelm the room, making it feel cramped. 

For smaller bathrooms, smaller tiles, such as mosaics or rectangular tiles, can make compact spaces appear more detailed. Their smaller size allows for intricate designs that add depth and style to tight spaces. Always consider the room’s size and layout to select a well-balanced tile-to-wall ratio.

Shape

Tile shapes can transform the look of a bathroom, providing many opportunities to create creative and inspiring patterns. The way these tiles are arranged on the wall can dramatically influence the ambience of a room, with horizontal layouts emphasising width and vertical designs drawing the eye upward for a sense of height.

Classic rectangular subway tiles are incredibly versatile and can be arranged in various layouts, such as offset, stepladder, stacked horizontal, stacked vertical, herringbone, or basket weave, each bringing a unique character to your space. These arrangements allow you to play with symmetry and shapes to suit your style.

Horizontal and vertical stacked tiles, for example, create a clean and modern appearance, while herringbone patterns evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication. Basketweave and offset patterns, on the other hand, add depth and a touch of classic charm to your walls.

Alternatively, you may wish to choose a more contemporary tile, like hexagonal tiles, which provide a geometric flair, or fish scales, which add a playful, creative touch.

The shape and pattern you select should align with your desired bathroom style, ensuring it complements the overall theme and adds personality to the design.

Designs

Bathroom tile designs significantly influence a bathroom’s visual appeal. Simple block-coloured tiles provide a clean, minimalist look, while intricate designs add character and depth. Tiles that mimic natural materials, such as marble, wood, or stone, offer a luxurious, high-end aesthetic while being more practical and durable without the maintenance challenges of genuine materials.

Marble-effect tiles bring elegance and sophistication, wood-look tiles introduce warmth and a sense of nature, and stone-inspired designs create a rustic appeal. These imitative tiles provide the beauty of natural finishes while being water-resistant, easier to maintain, and more cost-effective, making them a popular choice for modern bathrooms.

For a stunning focal point, consider having a few walls with neutral, sleek bathroom tiles and a single feature wall that incorporates intricately decorated tiles. This creates a fun and playful design without making the space feel too busy.

Finish

Bathroom wall and floor tiles are available in a range of different finishes, including matte, semi-matte and glossy, each offering unique aesthetic and functional benefits. 

●      Matte tiles provide a subtle, understated look and excellent slip resistance, making them ideal for floors. 

●      Semi-matte finishes strike a balance between the muted appeal of matte and the sheen of glossy tiles, offering a versatile option for both walls and floors. 

●      Glossy tiles, with their high-shine surfaces, enhance light and create a sense of space, perfect for smaller bathrooms. However, they may be slippery when wet and require regular cleaning to maintain their sheen.

Grout Lines

The size and number of bathroom wall and floor tiles you have will dictate the number of grout lines in your bathroom. Larger tiles require fewer grout lines, creating a more seamless and clean effect. Smaller tiles, on the other hand, mean more grout lines and a more detailed, intricate tiled effect.

If you want your grout to blend in seamlessly with wall or floor tiles, opting for a similar colour can create a uniform look. However, particularly with bold colour tiles, a bright white grout can make the colour pop, further enhancing the tile’s impact.

Bathroom Wall Tiles Across the UK

At Tiles Universe, we specialise in supplying high-quality tiles across the UK, offering an extensive range that includes wall tiles and floor tiles for bathrooms and kitchens. Our collection features a variety of coloured tiles, from classic neutrals to vibrant hues, catering to diverse design preferences. 

We pride ourselves on providing durable and stylish porcelain tiles suitable for any space, whether you're renovating a bathroom or enhancing a living area. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted choice for all your tiling needs.

For assistance in selecting floor and wall tiles for delivery in the UK, get in touch today! Our helpful team are ready to listen to your requirements and help you understand your tile options.