How to choose the perfect bathroom tiles for your dream bathroom

1. Understanding the Cost of Bathroom Tiles and Setting a Broad Budget

The cost of bathroom tiles depends on what materials you choose, how many different materials and the quantity of tiles required. You also have to factor in cost of installation into your budget. After settling on the layout, have your contractor calculate the size of the area you want to tile in the bathroom, including floors, walls and accent elements. Don’t forget features like tiled storage niches or the tiled support framework for an inset bathtub. This will guide you in how many tiles you will need. Once you have a general idea of the square footage, you can factor in the cost of the tile according.

2. Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your Bathroom Interior Design

There are a few schools of thought regarding washroom tile sizes vis-à-vis the size of your bathroom. While some say smaller bathrooms need smaller tiles and bigger bathrooms need bigger tiles, others say the size of your bathroom has very little or no bearing on how big or small the tile should be. Keep in mind, the smaller the tile, the more visible grout lines you will have. This helps with friction of the bathroom floor tiles if the tile is slippery. If you are looking for a more homogenous look, larger tiles provide a more seamless appearance. 

You could also amp up the visual with accent tiles in areas like the vanity or behind the mirror, one shower wall, the framework for the inset bathtub or storage alcoves. You could also consider having the bathroom floor tiles run half-way up the walls and switch to a complementary tile above the dado level.  You also have some play in how you lay your tile, for instance elegant white bathroom tiles like subway tiles can become an interesting feature if laid in a chevron pattern while square tiles can be amped up if laid in a diamond shape.

4. Finishes for Bathroom Tiles

Tiles come in a variety of finishes from ultra-glossy to gritty matte. The finish you choose will not only depend on aesthetics but also functionality. Glossy finishes and materials like glass tiles reflect light and can be great options for bathroom wall tiles, especially in smaller spaces. The glossier the finish, the easier the tile is to clean on a regular basis. You can definitely use the same tile/design on the walls and floors but make sure your bathroom floor tiles are matte finish, textured bathroom tiles or have an anti-slip coating.

Different Types of Bathroom Tile Materials

When it comes to the material, factors like cost, durability, porosity, water and stain resistance, mildew resistance, maintenance and sealing come into play. There are some materials which work better as bathroom floor tiles while other can be slippery to walk on especially when they get wet. Washroom tiles that naturally have a matte or coarse surface or even those that require plenty of grout lines create friction and are ideal for flooring. Here are some of the most popular choices available in the market for bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles.

3. Cement Tiles for Modern Bathroom Tiles

Gaining immense popularity, concrete flooring is an ideal option for designer bathroom tiles. Concrete, made from cement, rocks, river stones and granite chips among other hardy materials, is extremely durable. Modern bathroom tiles made from cement come in a host of colours, patterns and texture effects. The finishes range from a raw and gritty matte to a glossy, polished effect. The mix-and-match patterns of cement tiles make for some of the most interesting and stylish floors, walls and accent elements. These also need proper sealing especially in wet areas.

6. Modern Bathroom Tiles – Glass Tiles and Mosaic Tiles

Glass tiles add a sense of luxury to a space. They reflect light, are water and mildew resistant and very easy to clean. However, they are difficult to install, are susceptible to scratches and repairs are costly. While textured glass tiles can be used as bathroom floor tiles, we recommend using them on the walls, vanity counters or accent elements. Many materials including glass, porcelain and ceramic can be used as mosaic tiles to mix-and-match and make beautiful colour and pattern combinations. Keep in mind, mosaic tiles with their multitude of grout lines, require frequent cleaning and upkeep.