How To Select Bathroom Tiles

How To Select Bathroom Tiles

how to choose the perfect bathroom tile

Throughout history, people have tiled their bathroom floors. Nowadays, however, many are finding new and innovative ways to design an interior with tiles. You are likely familiar with a few types of tiles such as ceramic, porcelain, and marble, but when you discover the wide variety of shapes, materials, and patterns available, you may feel overwhelmed. The different options can make remodeling your bathroom seem like a daunting task. However, Decor Aid’s interior designers are here to provide you with expert advice in this weekly interior designer’s guide to help you choose the perfect bathroom tile.

The materials:

Everyone looks for tiles that look good, that goes without saying. Do not forget, however, that you should also choose your tile based on durability, tile hardness, porosity and laying. As you can probably guess, each tile variant is different from one another. Hence, it is best to know all of the options and then choose the right one depending on your budget, bathroom layout, and the overall bathroom style you want. We have divided tiles into three main types: glass, natural and ceramic. Read on to learn which ones are best for your interior design project.

Glass

Bathroom glass tiles

Glass tile, a type of mosaic tile, has been used throughout history in buildings and homes that date back to the Byzantine Empire and have maintained their popularity. Due to the lack of porosity, glass tiles are completely waterproof, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms. These tiles are great for adding pops of color and can be colored in a variety of color variations. With glass tile, you don’t have to worry about fading or discoloration. Glass tiles easily retain their color for years. These tiles are perfect for those who want to add charm and personality to the bathrooms of their home.

Image via: N. Nature

Naturally

Bathroom natural tiles

Natural tiles are used in both residential and commercial buildings. Cut out of the earth, this makes natural tile reliable, tough and scratch-resistant. However, these tiles are more porous than glass or ceramic tiles. Natural tiles offer a unique option as no two stones look exactly alike. These tiles are practical and will last a long time, unless you like banging on rocks! If you want to be environmentally friendly and tech savvy, natural tiles are excellent conductors. Placing them over underfloor heating systems can reduce your overall heating costs. Worldwide, natural tiles are great for those who want to add a bit of luxury and nature to their bathroom design.

Image via: UK Tiles Direct

Ceramics

Bathroom ceramic tiles

All made from clay, there are different types of ceramic tiles, such as porcelain, terracotta, glazed and unglazed. Ceramic tiles are both practical and visually appealing. Ceramic tiles, like glass tiles, come in a variety of colors and patterns, yet are affordable. Ceramic tiles become strong and durable after glazing. After glazing, they are less likely to discolor from constant contact with water. Ceramics like porcelain are excellent because they lose posterity through the firing phase. Ceramic tiles are a perfect fit for those looking for an affordable yet chic bathroom design for their home.

Image via: Digs Digs

Shapes and designs

Once you’ve decided on the type of tile material you want in your bathroom, it’s time to start thinking about tile sizes and designs. Next you need to determine where exactly you want the tile to be placed. This is guaranteed to help you narrow down to at least a few sizes that should work. Irregular shapes of bathroom tile can help create a fantastic and distinctive look. However, these forms are more difficult to install than the standard tile forms. You should order sample tiles to ensure that the tiles will work well in your bathroom.

Plank tile

Bathroom plank tiles

With the new technology for printing bathroom tiles, plank tiles are a new take on the standard rectangular tile. This new technology also enables patterns to be printed on ceramic tiles. A popular trend is the use of floor board tiles that are very similar to wooden boards or stones. Usually smaller than wooden planks, most choose to place floor board tiles in elaborate patterns like herringbone to fool discerning eyes.

Image via: Anston Architectural / Dan Gayfer Design

Subway tile

Bathroom subway tiles

Not only have you probably heard of subway tiles, but I’m sure you’ve seen them before. Simple, eclectic, and elegant, these bathroom tiles take their name from the walls of subway stations in New York City. These tiles come in a variety of sizes, and most designers incorporate subway tiles into kitchen backs in kitchens and bathrooms. However, as floor tiles, they can be quite chic.

Image via: Best of Décor Aid Master Bathroom

Mosaic tile

Bathroom mosaic tiles

Tied to antiquity and mostly made of glass. However, you can find mosaic tiles made from materials like natural stone and ceramic. The small dimensions of mosaic tiles are smaller than plank and subway tiles, making these tiles versatile, which is why they can create a number of different patterns. Mosaics are a great way to add texture to your interior, as the size makes the grout lines more prominent than regular square tiles.

Image via: Pinterest

Penny tile

Bathroom penny tiles

The exact opposite of traditional square tiles are circular tiles, which have become increasingly popular in interior design in recent years. Available in various designs and made from all three tile materials. Although smaller than your average square tile, these penny-like bathroom tiles require a little more work, but like mosaic tiles, they incorporate texture into your space. Penny tiles are great in bathrooms because of their slip resistance.

Image via: Pinterest

installation

Bathroom marble tiles

When looking for the perfect tile for your home bathroom, be sure to check out the installation process for each type. Installation is a factor in the decision-making process and also determines whether or not you need professional help. Tiles like stone do not necessarily have to be laid with mortar, but ceramic tiles do require mortar. If you are working with glass tiles, you should find the ones that come pre-assembled on a back mesh. The installation of unmounted glass takes a little longer.

Depending on the color scheme in your bathroom, consider using both glass and ceramics to go with earth-tone or darker-colored grout. This will help mix up dirt. You need to clean lighter colored grout almost every day. When in doubt, always consult a professional. It is better to get help before installing and avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling incorrectly installed tiles. If you are unsure about your installation skills, partnering with an interior designer like Decor Aid guarantees professional results and a complete design experience for your entire project.

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