6 THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS WHEN CHOOSING BATHROOM TILES
BATHROOM TILE GUIDE: 6 Often Overlooked factors When Choosing Tiles FOR A Bathroom
When choosing bathroom tiles, it’s easy to get caught up in color, shape, or that perfect material that first grabs your attention. But tiles are a long-term choice, so it’s definitely worth considering a few more factors to ensure they both look great and work well in your space.
Here’s a look at 6 essential details that are easy to miss but can make a huge difference for your bathroom’s overall look and feel.
01. How the level of Gloss Impacts Your Bathroom
One thing people often overlook when choosing tiles is just how much the gloss level changes the overall vibe. Glossy and matte tiles might look similar in color, but they interact with light—and the space around them—very differently. Here’s how:
Glossy Tiles: Glossy tiles reflect more light, which can make smaller bathrooms feel brighter and a bit larger. If your bathroom doesn’t get much natural light, glossy tiles can help brighten things up. But remember, glossy floor tiles can be slippery, so they’re usually best for walls.
Matte Tiles: Matte tiles absorb more light, creating a soft, even look. This style works well in larger spaces or bathrooms where you want a cozy, calming feel.
Quick Tip: Consider your bathroom’s lighting before choosing between glossy or matte tiles—lighting can drastically change how each finish looks and feels.
Glossy tiles next to a window enhance the natural light beautifully
02. a Slip-Resistant Floor Tile for Safety
Safety might not be the first thing that comes to mind when picking tiles, but in a bathroom, it’s essential. Bathroom floors are often wet, so it’s smart to consider slip-resistant options from the start. Remember this:
Texture Matters: Choose tiles with enough texture to help prevent slipping, even when wet. Matte finishes or slightly textured surfaces often provide better grip.
Small Tiles in the Shower: Using smaller tiles in the shower or even on the whole floors can help, too. The extra grout lines between smaller tiles add traction, making the floor less slippery.
Smaller scale tiles are less slippery due to more grout lines, something that’s especially useful on shower floors
03. How Colors, Shapes, and Layout Play Together
A small tile sample can look completely different once it’s laid out across a larger surface like a wall or floor. Looking at the bigger picture beforehand helps the design come together exactly as you want.
Visualize the Final Look: Think about how the color, shape, and layout of the tiles you’re considering will work together across the entire room. Sketch out or visualize where each type of tile will go.
Balance Shapes and Colors: If you’re drawn to a bold tile shape, like hexagon, consider using a more neutral color to avoid the risk of it feeling like too much. Or, if you prefer a traditional rectangle shape, you’ll have more room to play with standout colors or finishes without the risk of it feeling cluttered.
04. Take Bathroom Size Into Account
The tiles you choose can make your bathroom feel either bigger or smaller, depending on the colors, patterns, and sizes you choose. For example:
Light Tiles for a Spacious Feel: Lighter tiles can often help a compact bathroom feel more open and spacious. Plus, larger tiles mean less grout lines which also create a more seamless look that makes walls and floors appear more expansive.
Bolder Choices for Bigger Spaces: In larger bathrooms, you often have more flexibility to experiment with colors and patterns. Just remember to balance your bolder choices with some neutrals or traditional layouts to keep the overall look cohesive instead of busy.
Falling in love with a tile sample? Make sure to visualize how it will appear across the entire surface before making a final decision
05. How Floor and Wall Tiles Work Together
When tiling both the floor and walls, thoughtfully coordinating color, layout, and texture will help elevate the look and create a custom feel. Here are some quick tips:
Use Contrasting Colors: For example, darker floor tiles with lighter wall tiles add depth and help each surface stand out more. For a more calm overall look, keep the shades more tone-on-tone.
Play with Texture and Shape: Try matte tiles on the floor with more glossy tiles on the walls, or mix rectangular floor tiles with square wall tiles for a cohesive yet varied look.
Experiment with Layouts: Consider different arrangements, like a grid pattern for wall tiles and a herringbone layout for floor tiles. This subtle contrast makes each surface truly shine.
PS: If you’re only tiling the floor and opting for wallpaper, paneling, or paint on the walls, these tips still apply. It’s all about balancing varying qualities so each surface brings something unique while staying in harmony with the rest of the room.
Thoughtfully varying things like scale, sheen, shape and material on different surfaces gives your bathroom a custom look and feel
06. Durability and maintenance
Bathroom tiles come in various materials, each with unique qualities that impact their durability and upkeep. Here’s a short guide on the most common ones:
Natural Stone Tiles: Marble, granite, travertine, and other natural stones provide a classic and high-end look. But keep in mind that they’re typically porous and require regular sealing and maintenance to remain water- and stain-resistant.
Ceramic Tiles: Made from clay and other natural materials, ceramic tiles are a popular choice for bathrooms. They’re often affordable, available in many colors and shapes, and easy to clean. They usually work best for walls, as they may not hold up as well when exposed to lots of water and pressure, such as on shower floors.
Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic but it’s fired at higher temperatures, making it denser and more durable. It’s a great choice for both bathroom walls and floors, even in showers. Porcelain tiles often come in styles that mimic natural stone, offering a high-end look without the extra maintenance and higher price tag.
Quick Tip: Before choosing, consider the level of maintenance you’re prepared to commit to, as some materials require more upkeep than others.
