How to choose bathroom tiles
Once upon a time, choosing bathroom tiles was simple, but now there’s an endless array of tiles to choose from.
Do you go for a pattern? How about tile size? Colour? At London Tile Co. we understand the stress that often occurs when it comes to finding the right tiles for your home, and we’re here to help. From top trends to top tips, we have everything you need to help you create your perfect bathroom space.
How to choose bathroom tiles for a bathroom?
Set your budget; this will determine what tiles you pick. There are a wide variety of tiles which vary greatly in cost, from expensive natural stone tiles to affordable ceramic. Within your budget you should also allow for samples. Samples allow you can see the actual tile in your room. Whilst eliminating samples can be time consuming, when you get down to that perfect tile, we promise it’s worth it.
Aside from setting a budget, we recommend choosing tiles that suit your preferred style. This doesn’t mean playing it safe; it means knowing which styles you return to and inspire you. Let your house be a helpful guide, but don’t let it restrain you. Create mood boards, get on Pinterest, and look at trends to get inspired. Once you know what look you’re trying to achieve, you’ll feel more comfortable choosing the perfect tiles.
Can I use different floor tiles in different rooms?
There are no hard-and-fast rules that says tiles need to be the same throughout the house. If you want to create an open-plan living area, you might want your bathroom to have the same floor tiles as the rest of the house. To put it simply, pick the tiles best for the room, that may be the same tiles used elsewhere in the house, or it could be something completely unique to that room. It’s always a good idea to use porcelain tiles on a floor.
Should bathroom wall and floor tiles match?
Much like the above question, there is no rule that says wall and floor tiles need to match. A uniform look from floor to wall will make the space feel bigger and more open, whilst contrasting floor tiles can help define the space. But, why not mix & match? Placing two types of tiles in one space is a great way to make a statement.
Which tiles are best for a small bathroom?
There are many myths about tiles and small bathrooms, so we thought we’d shed some light on the whole situation.
The first myth is that small tiles shouldn’t be used in small bathroom spaces. Generally, larger tiles will make the space feel bigger and fewer grout lines make them easy to clean. However, if you’ve found some small tiles or mosaics that you love, don’t be afraid to use them! Pairing small and large tiles can actually help make your space feel larger as the smaller tiles will add definition and depth, tricking the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it is.
The second myth is that you should only use light colours. Light colours will make a room feel bigger by bouncing light around the space. However, much like pairing small and large tiles can add depth and dimension, so too can pairing light and dark colours. If you are leaning towards a darker colour palette, use the darker colours in clearly defined spaces like shower areas and splash backs.
One thing people are often told to avoid in small bathrooms is patterns. Now, while we wouldn’t suggest covering the room in patterned tiles, every tile has its place in the bathroom, and patterned tiles are no exception. Use them in small areas or as accent tiles, let the pattern be as bright and colourful or as darkly classic as you want, then keep the rest plain.
What are the current trends in bathroom design?
We’ve tracked the top trends in bathroom design to help inspire you.
Patterns are back
On the floor, the wall, shower floors, patterned tiles are everywhere – and we can see why. Whether in bright hues or soft shades, they are the perfect way to accent any space, especially the bathroom. They give you a chance to get creative and add some character to your home. 2021 sees a surge in popularity in encaustic patterned tiles and wow factor mosaic tiles. These tiles are widely available in both ceramic and porcelain, in beautiful geometric patterns.
Who said neutrals are boring?
Neutral tones are often given a bad rep as plain and boring, but this year see a modern revival. The minimalist look is favouring nude tones like cream and beige, while contemporary bathrooms are pairing grey with beige, creating gorgeous, relaxing atmospheres that are both fresh and timeless. Alongside these are the classic white and black neutrals. They can give a bathroom a bright lift, a striking look, or be paired together in the classic monochrome that will forever remain trendy.
Dimension Jumping
Move aside standard tiles, 3D tiles are entering the show. As the market becomes more saturated, manufacturers have had to start thinking outside the box. The result? Beautiful, unique tiles that will inject fun and character into your bathroom. These tiles can vary from the subtle to the show-stopping, but all of them will create movement and texture to your bathroom. This is a relatively new trend but one we think you should keep your eye on.
Wood, in the bathroom?
Wood is not often the material of choice for a bathroom, but porcelain and ceramic tiles have now perfected the wood-effect look and we’re going mad for it! From oak to maple, these tiles have even got the distressed, weathered, and white-washed looks down. This means that the natural beauty and rustic charm of real wood is finding its way onto bathroom floors and walls without any of the worry. More and more homeowners are including wood-effect tiles in their bathrooms in 2021.
Think Pink
Pink bathrooms are making a comeback, and we couldn’t be happier. This colour doesn’t belong to any one gender and the variety of shades can complement any interior design. Vibrant, fresh, and on-trend, if in doubt, think pink.
Meet you at the Metro
Metro tiles are not a new trend and have been around for years. Lately they’ve been given a contemporary twist though. The classic white look is giving way to an explosion of bold colours. Homeowners can even mix & match their metro tiles, laying different colours in different patterns, to create a look that’s truly their own. The options are truly endless with metro tiles, and we don’t see this trend going anywhere but up.
Other tips & tricks to creating your perfect bathroom space
If you have a small bathroom play with how you lay your tiles. A diagonal pattern tricks the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it is by drawing the eye to the longest dimension of the room. Chevron and herringbone designs can do this too! If you’re not a fan of a diagonal pattern, brick bond might be a better fit. It breaks up the grid-pattern and gives the illusion of more space.
If you’re tiling a small bathroom try metallic, glossy, or mother-of-pearl finish tiles. These will enhance a space by giving it much grander proportions than a simple light tile.
Gone are the days where grout only comes in one colour. Today, grouting can become an added design element in your bathroom. Pairing a dark grout with white tiles makes them a feature. You can even match your tile and grout colours! This will give your bathroom a seamless, luxurious look and the illusion of a bigger space.
Okay – Schools out for today – why should I listen to you?
Here at The London Tile Company, we know a thing or two about bathroom tiles having supplied them for over 60 years. You won’t find any cheap and nasty tiles on our site or in any of our showrooms, we only import the finest ceramic and porcelain tiles from well-known European factories. This means that when you shop London Tile, you’re getting a quality of tile, and a quality of service you won’t find anywhere else, all at a price you’ll love!
If you’re looking to renovate or refresh your bathroom, why not order some smaples of our kitchen tiles straight to your door? Alternately, pop into one of our branches across the South of the UK and speak to our friendly team.