When we bought our home, it was still being built, so I was involved in the design from the start. On the day I was supposed to go pick out the tiles for the house, I was feeling really weird and wasn't focusing well and didn't do a great job (turns out I was at the beginning stage of an illness that literally kept me in bed for the next two weeks) because of that. I didn't pick out the "right tiles" for my bathroom, to the extent that I started really hating the bathrooms once the tiles were installed, and I only made my peace with my bathroom tiles once I figured out how to incorporate their colors into a beach theme.
Bathroom tiles can really make a big difference to the feel of your house. And if your tiles are old and breaking, you can even replace them yourself for a budget DIY home renovation, and make a big difference with a small amount of money. If you're considering doing this yourself, here are some ideas from a reader on what you might want to consider when choosing how to tile your bathroom.
What Materials To Choose From?
Although the wet nature of a bathroom limits some of the materials that can be used, there are still plenty of lovely choices to choose from. Some popular options include natural stone and man-made tiles, which vary in terms of budget and maintenance needs as well.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles are popular for their nature and character. For example, marble tiles are known to stand out due to the veins of colour running through the rocks, which can contribute to a unique beautiful look in your bathroom. They also come in different tones and the colour varies depending on the batch, which allows for the opportunity to pick and customise these tiles to your liking. We recommend having polished marble on the walls instead of the floors as the material can be very eye-catching and distinct.
Another natural stone material that is popular is travertine. Similar to marble, it bears warm tones and is known for its natural pits. We recommend looking to filled travertine and having it sealed to prevent water from penetrating in and weathering the stone. Travertine can be used for both the floors and walls. There are also popular options such as limestone and slate which are both distinct on their own. Our opinion is that limestone is more stylish which its pale and warm tones, while slate is more mellow with its darker sleek colours.
Man-Made Materials
If you are not into natural stones, there are always man-made materials to choose from as well. One of these is ceramic tiles which are not only affordable but also easy to maintain and take care of. They can be implemented on the walls and floors as long as it suits your tastes. For those who are looking for a sturdier material, we recommend porcelain tiles for their denser quality. Both materials are easy to look after.
On the other hand, glossy tiles may be a little more high maintenance due to the smears that may turn up on their shiny surfaces. But all you need to do is wipe them down, and they’ll easily steal the show with how shiny and colour-popping they are. If you are someone who prefers something more mellow and neutral, there is also the option of matt tiles to choose from. Matt tiles incorporate natural looks from materials such as cement, stone and wood; which can really change the feel of your bathroom. Not to forget, they are also non-glossy and easy to clean.
How To Choose Tiles For The Walls And Floors
Now that you know which tiles are available, the next step is to choose which tiles to use for your bathroom space. Most materials can be used for both the floor and walls — natural stone and porcelain tiles are popular picks for this choice. If you are looking to give the illusion of a bigger bathroom, we recommend opting for pale colourways. And while gloss stiles may be beautiful, there is also the danger of slipping on their glossy surfaces. So we recommend also looking into other tiles within the same colour palette such as matt tiles that help to provide some safe friction when in the bathroom. Another tip is to also lay tiles in different and unique formations for some added variety in the space. Not to mention, tiles often come in a variety of shapes to choose from. Overall, we recommend having a good balance of aesthetic and functionality when it comes to your bathroom tiles.
Decorative Effects
You could also turn bathroom tiles into a feature in the space rather than for some extra creativity points. For instance, there is the option of having patterned tiles on one side of your shower wall, which helps to highlight and draw attention to that particular space. You could also look into mosaics for something a little more exotic and interesting to look at. Different coloured and textured tiles can make for a mini piece of art in your bathroom space.
Small Bathroom Options
If you find that your bathroom is smaller than the average sizes, don’t worry as tiles can also be used in these spaces. And yes, we mean even the big ones. With fewer grout lines along your walls and floors, it will help to give the illusion of a bigger and more minimal space. We also recommend going for tiles that help to reflect light such as gloss and lighter colourways.
The Best Grout For Your Bathroom
While white grout is still the most common colour used, coloured grout along your bathroom tiles can help to give the space an extra subtle colour pop. Especially when used with complementary colours such as dark grout with light tiles or brightly coloured grout with white tiles — the possibilities are endless. One tip is to also go for mould-resistant grout to making cleaning much easier in the long-run.
Conclusion
Whether you have a big or small bathroom, there is no doubt that adding some interesting bathroom tiles to space is one way to frame your bathroom in a unique and aesthetic manner. With so many options to choose from, don’t be afraid to have a nicely designed bathroom along with good functionality because even on a budget it’s possible!