Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by teamobn
When choosing your bathroom tiles, there’s so much you need to consider, from the type of tile to the size, colour, pattern, and more. For your bathroom, you want a tile that won’t just add to the aesthetic of your home, but due to the nature of activities performed in a bathroom, you also want them to be practical.
In this guide, we’ll chip away at the challenge and give you the best tips for choosing the perfect tiles for your bathroom.
How Do I Pick the Best Tiles for My Bathroom?
To choose the best bathroom tiles, you need to consider the size of your bathroom, the tile material, practicality, and grouting.
This can seem overwhelming, but considering each component individually allows you to narrow your search and find the perfect tiles. We have outlined each category below to show you what to consider.
Choose Your Tile Type
For those wondering where to start when it comes to choosing your bathroom tiles, think practically and take your pick from the different types of tiles.
Here are the best types of tiles to use in a bathroom:
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made to endure thanks to them being durable, highly water-resistant and sturdy. These tiles don’t scratch or stain easily – perfect for the bathroom!
These tiles come in a huge array of colours, and can even be made to look like wood or stone. They also come in a matt or high-gloss finish.
Ceramic Tiles
Consider ceramic tiles as of the same calibre as porcelain tiles – this is largely due to them being made of similar materials, just less finely ground.
This type of tile is also hugely popular due to the range of colours they’re available in. They’re easy to maintain, and they’re incredibly cost-effective. However, they are slightly less durable than their porcelain counterparts.
Vinyl Tiles
For a highly-practical option, it’s worth looking into tiles for your bathroom. They can take a surprising amount of wear-and-tear, while also being extremely cost-effective. And, if the above benefits aren’t enough to pique your interest, add that they can provide a wonderful aesthetic.
Pebble Stone Tiles
Pebble tiles, or river rock tiles, are brilliant for those wanting to create a natural aesthetic in the bathroom – brilliant for a holiday theme. Pebble tiles add an interesting texture to your design. They come in sheets of pebbles that are held together by grout when laid.
Marble Tiles
For those who desire a luxurious feel to their bathroom, you don’t get better than the timeless marble tiling. This stunning tile adds a subtle texture to your bathroom design with the veins of colour.
Whether you’re going for something more traditional or modern; marble is perfect, but it does require quite a bit of maintenance to keep it in pristine condition as it does stain relatively easily.
Glass Tiles
Anyone wanting a highly customisable tile to help make your bathroom design your own, then glass tiling is the way to go. Glass tiles also come in a wide selection of colours and shades and they’re excellent for reflecting light and making your bathroom feel more spacious.
Consider Size
The size of your bathroom will play a role in the size of your bathroom tiles. For smaller bathrooms, you’ll want to avoid making the floor look too busy or small. Smaller bathrooms can benefit from a large tile because, with fewer grout lines, the floor appears less cluttered and creates the appearance of a bigger bathroom.
Glossy finishes will brighten your space, especially if you choose a light tile colour. Hexagonal or other shaped tiles can also create the illusion of a bigger space, although you might have more grout lines to contend with. 
Consider Tile Patterns
Patterned tiles are a brilliant way to make a statement in your bathroom. You could use patterned floor tiles or create a pattern with your wall tiles to make a feature in your shower. Colour, shape, and texture are wonderful ways to create patterns in your bathroom. Choose a variety of different-coloured tiles or those with a bright pattern.
Bathroom tiles come in a variety of patterns and colours, including traditional Victorian-style tiles and abstract patterns. Mosaic tiles are also an excellent way to add patterns as a border around your wall tiles without overwhelming the space.
Pick a Tile Colour
If your bathroom has more natural light filtering through, don’t be afraid to dabble with darker hues, but to create a warm and spacious environment, you can’t go wrong with light tiles.
Pick a Grout Colour
Yes, the actual tiles are the main feature, but don’t forget about the grout! This key component also adds to the whole look and feel of the bathroom.
For a more cohesive look, choose a grout that matches the colour of the tiles, but to add some drama, consider using contrasting colours. To play it safe you can always go for the neutrals like grey, cream and beige.
Think Practically
Everyone loves a stunning tile design, but as pretty as they come, you want them to be practical, too. You won’t think they’re so beautiful when a new stain appears every time someone goes into the bathroom.
Specifically, when looking for the perfect tiles for your bathroom, you need something that is easy to maintain and offers good slip resistance. This is great for keeping the area clean and essential for ensuring longevity and safety. A bathroom floor can get wet easily; you don’t want children or elderly relatives to slip and injure themselves.
You should also consider how the tiles feel underfoot, avoiding any that will feel harsh or uncomfortable while barefoot.
Consider Cleanliness
You should also consider how easy the tiles will be to clean. Smooth tiles are easier to clean, whereas textured tiles have more gaps where water can rest, making them more time-consuming to clean. When choosing the material for your tile, it’s worth researching how easy they are to clean.
Final Thoughts
You’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money on your project, so when you’re choosing the best bathroom tiles, you want to be equally as intentional with your choice. It’s worth taking the time to consider not just how they look but also how easy the tiles are to clean, whether they are safe to use in a bathroom, and whether a pattern will suit the space.
