The best bathroom tile for your space depends on what you value most in terms of practicality and style. One of the most beautiful bathroom tiles is made of natural stone, like marble, limestone, or onyx. Ceramic and zellige tiles are two of the most stylish bathroom tile designs available. In terms of practicality, porcelain tiles are the best bathroom tiles due to their low maintenance and durability.
Big bathroom tiles create a streamlined classic look that’s perfect for big bathrooms. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, we suggest going for a small format bathroom tile so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Any tile with high porosity and moisture absorption should not be used in a shower. Natural stone tiles like travertine, basalt, and limestone are porous, so they should be sealed before being installed in showers. Additionally, avoid glossy tiles, like glazed ceramic tiles, for shower floor installations since they can be very slippery.
Any tile with a slightly rough or textured surface will have an anti-slip surface that is perfect for shower installations. Leathered, matte, and chiseled finishes all have a rougher finish. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are now available in anti-slip finishes, making them suitable for wet areas. When in doubt, avoid glazed or glossy finish tiles.
Smaller, more intricate tile patterns are ideal for small bathrooms since they do not overcrowd the space. A classic checkerboard or daisy mosaic patterns are a timeless classic for small bathrooms. Penny round patterns are another versatile pattern perfect for small bathrooms.
Minimalist tile patterns make bathrooms look better and more spacious. Go for a monochromatic, light-colored tile design to make your small bathroom feel more airy and open
To create a more uniform, clean look and ensure a long-lasting design, it is best to tile the floor first under the toilet. However, if you have to tile around the toilet, you will need to cut your tile in a curved shape and use a silicone caulk or grout to seal the tile near the base of the toilet.
Most commonly, bathroom floors are darker than the walls since it makes the space feel larger and more spacious. Dark walls and light floors can make the room feel smaller and more compact. Moreover, dark bathroom tiles hide any stains, dirt, or imperfections.
Going for classic color combinations is the best when it comes to choosing the best color tile for bathrooms. Classic white bathroom tiles have a timeless, clean look that will be in style for years to come. Or consider going with a traditional black-and-white bathroom tile design. If you prefer more color, we recommend leaning towards light, airy blues, or cream tones.
One of the biggest bathroom tile trends in recent years has been subway tiles. These timeless tile designs have a minimalist look and are easy to clean. Moreover, they come in a huge variety of colors, styles, and materials.
One of the biggest tile trends of 2023 is Zellige tiles. These handmade Moroccan tiles have an artisanal feel that is big in 2023. Zellige tiles are perfect for bathroom vanity backsplashes and shower wall installations, and they come in an array of gorgeous colors and designs.
Any dark-colored tile shows the least amount of dirt. If you want your space to look flawless, go for black or charcoal gray colored tiles. White and other vibrant tiles show every imperfection and are higher maintenance as a result.
We recommend choosing matte, anti-slip finished tiles for seniors. Any glossy or polished tile is more slippery, especially when wet, which increases the risk of falling. Browse our anti-slip finishes and other matte natural stone or porcelain tile flooring options.
Porcelain tiles are more practical for bathrooms since they are hardwearing and less likely to chip over time. However, ceramic tiles have a wider range of beautiful designs or patterns.
Matte tiles offer anti-slip resistance that’s perfect for shower floor installations. There are many matte tile options available, especially matte porcelain tiles and matte ceramic tiles. Polished tiles are popular for shower wall installations since they create a brilliant shine and are easy to clean.
Bathroom tiles play a crucial role in defining the aesthetics, functionality, and hygiene of the space. They come in various materials, colors, and finishes, offering versatility for different design preferences and practical needs. Here, we explore the different types of bathroom tiles, focusing on floor tiles and wall tiles, followed by key takeaways.
Bathroom Floor Tiles
Bathroom floor tiles are designed to withstand moisture, provide slip resistance, and enhance the overall look of the bathroom. They are typically made from durable materials such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and vinyl.
Features and Benefits
Durability: Bathroom floor tiles are built to last, resisting wear and tear from daily use.
Water Resistance: These tiles are designed to handle high levels of moisture, preventing damage and mold growth.
Slip Resistance: Many bathroom floor tiles have textured surfaces or special coatings to reduce the risk of slipping.
Easy Maintenance: Most bathroom floor tiles are easy to clean and maintain, requiring simple wiping or mopping.
Aesthetic Variety: Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for customization to match any bathroom decor.
Popular Materials
Ceramic Tiles: Affordable and versatile, available in many styles. They are mostly for residential walls. Although you can use ceramic tiles on bathroom floors, it should be limited to light residential bathrooms.
Porcelain Tiles: More durable and water-resistant than ceramic, ideal for high-traffic bathrooms. There are no limitations on which type of bathroom tiles these can be used.
Natural Stone Tiles: Such as marble, granite, and slate, offering a luxurious and unique look. Natural stone tiles come in all kinds of grades and varieties. Some harder stones like granite tiles can be used on floors and walls. Other types of natural stone tiles like marble tiles should be used with caution.
Vinyl Tiles: Cost-effective, easy to install, and comfortable underfoot. We don't recommend this for any bathroom tile.
Bathroom Wall Tiles
Bathroom wall tiles protect the walls from moisture and stains while adding a decorative element to the space. They are typically made from materials like ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone. There are all kinds of colors, shapes and styles of ceramic and stone to choose from.
Features and Benefits
Moisture Protection: Wall tiles create a barrier against moisture, protecting walls from damage.
Aesthetic Appeal: Available in various designs, from classic subway tiles to intricate mosaics, enhancing the bathroom's visual appeal.
Easy Cleaning: Smooth, non-porous surfaces make wall tiles easy to clean, maintaining hygiene.
Durability: Resistant to stains, scratches, and humidity, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
Ceramic Tiles: Popular for their affordability and variety. Endless rich and artistic glaze colors are possible.
Porcelain Tiles: Known for their strength and moisture resistance. Their substantial sizes, affordable cost, and expansive format are significant advantages.
Glass Tiles: Provide a sleek, modern look and reflect light beautifully. They are the easiest tiles to clean.
Natural Stone Tiles: Offer a unique, natural aesthetic but require sealing to prevent moisture absorption. They are unique, timeless, and stunning.
Benefits
Versatility: Square tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in various patterns such as straight, diagonal, or checkerboard.
Classic Appeal: They offer a timeless look that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
Common Uses
Flooring: Popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
Wall Cladding: Used in bathrooms, kitchens, and as accent walls.
2. Rectangular Tiles (Subway Tiles)
Benefits
Modern Look: Provide a clean, modern aesthetic, especially when used in a horizontal or vertical stack.
Ease of Installation: Their shape makes them easy to install in various patterns such as brick, herringbone, or vertical stack.
Common Uses
Backsplashes: Commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Shower Walls: Popular for their sleek look and ease of cleaning.
Subway tiles can be used for floor and walls, shower walls, shower floors, bathroom floors, and anywhere tile is used.
3. Hexagon Tiles
Benefits
Geometric Interest: Create a visually appealing and unique look with their geometric shape.
Variety of Sizes: Available in various sizes to suit different design needs.
Common Uses
Flooring: Used in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways for a striking look.
Accent Walls: Adds a modern touch to feature walls and backsplashes.
4. Penny Tiles or Penny Round Tiles
Benefits
Vintage Charm: Offers a retro, vintage look that is making a comeback in modern designs.
Slip Resistance: The numerous grout lines provide better grip, making them ideal for wet areas.
Common Uses
Shower Floors: Popular in showers due to their slip-resistant properties.
Backsplashes: Adds a unique texture to kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.
5. Herringbone Tiles
Benefits
Dynamic Patterns: The zigzag pattern adds movement and visual interest to any space.
Versatility: This can be used with various rectangular tiles to create different looks.
Common Uses
Flooring: Ideal for creating eye-catching floors in living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.
Backsplashes: Adds a sophisticated touch to kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.
6. Chevron Tiles
Benefits
Elegant Patterns: Similar to herringbone but with a more seamless, arrow-like pattern.
Modern Appeal: Provides a contemporary, stylish look.
Common Uses
Wall Cladding: Used in bathrooms and kitchens for a chic, modern look.
Flooring: Adds elegance to entryways, living rooms, and dining areas.
7. Fish Scale (Mermaid) Tiles
Benefits
Unique Shape: Their scale-like shape adds a whimsical and unique touch.
Visual Interest: Perfect for creating eye-catching feature walls.
Common Uses
Backsplashes: Adds a playful element to kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.
Accent Walls: Ideal for creating statement walls in bathrooms and powder rooms.
8. Diamond Tiles
Benefits
Geometric Sophistication: Adds a sophisticated, geometric element to any space.
Pattern Flexibility: This can be arranged in various patterns to create different visual effects.
Common Uses
Flooring: Used in bathrooms and kitchens for a modern, dynamic look.
Wall Cladding: Adds interest to feature walls and backsplashes.
Key Takeaways of Bathroom Tiles