Hello there, young DIY enthusiasts and curious minds! Today we’re diving into the splashy world of bathroom tiling. Whether your family is planning a bathroom makeover or you’re just interested in home design, understanding the choices for your bathroom walls and floor tiles is actually quite fascinating (and not as complicated as grown-ups make it seem)! After all, the bathroom is arguably the most important room in the house when it comes to tile choices.

 

Why Bathroom Tiles Matter

Let’s be honest – bathrooms get wet, steamy, and sometimes downright soggy. That’s why high quality tiles are the superhero material of choice for bathrooms! Unlike carpet or standard wood (imagine that soggy mess), proper bathroom floor and wall tiles stand up to water splashes, humidity, and all those shower singalongs in walk in showers or over your shower bath.

When your family decides it’s time for a bathroom renovation, the tiles you choose will:

• Set the overall look and feel of the space
• Determine how easy it is to keep clean (important when parents are nagging about chores!)
• Affect how safe the bathroom is when wet
• Impact how long the bathroom will last before needing another update

 

The Main Types of Bathroom Tiles

Just like there are different types of snacks for different cravings, there are different types of tiles for different bathroom needs. Let’s break them down:

 

Ceramic Tiles

These are the most common bathroom tiles and for good reason! Ceramic tiles are:

• Affordable (meaning more money left over for other fun stuff)
• Water-resistant (though not completely waterproof)
• Available in loads of colours and patterns, from simple black and white to bold designs
• Extremely easy to clean with just a quick wipe
• Fairly easy to install on both flooring and walls

According to the Tile Council of North America, ceramic tiles are made from clay that’s been shaped and fired at high temperatures.

 

Porcelain Tiles

Think of porcelain as ceramic’s slightly fancier cousin. Porcelain tiles are:

• More waterproof than ceramic (they absorb less than 0.5% water)
• Denser and more durable
• Suitable for both walls and floors
• A bit pricier than ceramic

 

 

 

Natural Stone Tiles

For a more earthy, unique look, natural stone tiles bring the outdoors inside:

• Materials include marble, granite, slate, limestone and travertine
• Each tile is unique with natural patterns
• Generally more expensive but adds a touch of luxury to any bathroom floor
• Creates a stunning look that makes the room feel special
• Requires more maintenance (regular sealing) but worth it for the natural beauty

 

 

Tile Size Matters!

Believe it or not, the size of tiles can make a huge difference in how your bathroom looks and functions. Here’s a quick rundown:

 

Small Tiles (Mosaic: 2.5cm × 2.5cm to 10cm × 10cm)

• Create more grippy surfaces (good for not slipping!)
• Work brilliantly in shower areas and walk in showers
• Mosaic tiles can make a small bathroom feel cosy yet interesting
• Perfect for creating feature walls or decorative borders
• Have more grout lines to clean (not so fun, but worth it for the look!)

 

Medium Tiles (10cm × 10cm to 30cm × 30cm)

• The most common and versatile size
• Balance between style and practicality
• Work well in most bathroom sizes
• Easier to handle for DIY installation

 

Large Format Tiles (30cm × 30cm and larger)

• Make small bathrooms appear larger
• Have fewer grout lines to clean (hooray!)
• Create a sleek, modern look
• Can be trickier to install correctly

 

Tile Size and Room Size Relationship

Bathroom Size	Recommended Tile Size	Why It Works
Small (under 3m²)	Small to medium (10cm × 10cm to 20cm × 20cm)	Keeps proportion without overwhelming the space
Medium (3-6m²)	Medium (15cm × 15cm to 30cm × 30cm)	Balanced look without too many grout lines
Large (6m²+)	Medium to large (30cm × 30cm to 60cm × 60cm)	Creates clean lines and spacious feel

Colour Choices: More Than Just “What Looks Cool”

Picking tile colours isn’t just about your favourite shade – it affects how the bathroom feels:

 

Light Colours

• Make small bathrooms feel bigger and airier
• Show water spots and dust more easily
• Create a clean, fresh feeling
• Reflect more light (good for bathrooms with small windows)

 

Dark Colours

• Add drama and sophistication
• Hide dirt better (less obvious when cleaning is overdue!)
• Can make small spaces feel smaller
• Create a cosy, warm atmosphere

Bright/Bold Colours

• Add personality and fun
• Can brighten up windowless bathrooms
• Might not appeal to everyone (something to consider if your family might sell the house someday)
• Work brilliantly as accent tiles

According to colour psychology experts at the Colour Affects System, blue and green tones in bathrooms can create a calming, spa-like atmosphere.

 

Tile Patterns: The Art of Arrangement

The way tiles are arranged can completely transform your bathroom! Any good bathroom designer will tell you that the pattern is just as important as the tile itself. Here are some popular patterns that work wonderfully for bathroom walls and floors:

 

Grid Pattern

The classic arrangement with tiles lined up in neat rows and columns. Simple, clean, and timeless.

 

Brick/Subway Pattern

Tiles are placed like bricks in a wall, with each row offset by half a tile. This pattern adds visual interest and can make walls appear wider.

 

Herringbone Pattern

Tiles placed at 45-degree angles creating a V-shaped pattern. Adds movement and sophistication to your bathroom.

 

Diagonal Pattern

Standard grid pattern but rotated 45 degrees. Makes small spaces appear larger!

A study by Houzz found that the subway/brick pattern has become increasingly popular in recent years because it combines classic style with modern appeal.

 

Practical Considerations: The Stuff Adults Worry About

 

Slip Resistance

This is super important in bathrooms! Look for tiles with texture or those specifically rated for bathroom floors. The Health and Safety Executive recommends bathroom floor tiles have a slip resistance rating of at least R10.

 

Maintenance Requirements

Some tiles need more TLC than others:

• Ceramic and porcelain: Easy to clean with regular bathroom cleaner
• Natural stone: Needs special cleaners and periodic sealing
• Glass tiles: Show water spots easily, require frequent wiping

 

Durability

Think about how long you want the tiles to last:

• Porcelain is extremely durable and resistant to scratches
• Ceramic is strong but can chip more easily than porcelain
• Natural stone varies – granite is very hard, while limestone is softer

Cost Considerations

Bathroom tiling costs can vary widely:

Tile Type	Average Cost per Square Metre	Durability Rating
Ceramic	£15-£50	Good
Porcelain	£30-£100	Excellent
Marble	£50-£200+	Good (requires maintenance)
Granite	£70-£250+	Excellent
Glass	£25-£150	Good (but can scratch)
Mosaic	£20-£150	Varies by material

Remember these are just the tile costs – for a complete bathroom renovation quote, you’ll need to factor in installation, grout, adhesive, and other materials.

 

Environmental Considerations

Thinking about our planet is important too! Here are some eco-friendly tiling options:

• Recycled glass tiles: Made from reclaimed glass bottles and windows
• Reclaimed stone or terracotta: Repurposed from old buildings
• Sustainable porcelain: Some manufacturers use recycled content and energy-efficient processes

Installation: DIY or Professional?

While many adults might tackle simple tiling projects themselves, bathroom tiling can be tricky because of:

• The need for precise waterproofing
• Complicated cuts around toilets, sinks, and pipes
• The importance of proper slope for drainage

For complete bathroom renovations, professional installation by experts like Andrade Renovations ensures the job is done properly, with warranties and peace of mind.

Trendy Yet Timeless Choices

Want a bathroom that looks cool now but won’t seem dated in a few years? Consider these options:

Terrazzo

This speckled material contains chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass in a cement or resin base. It’s making a huge comeback from the 1970s!

Wood-Look Porcelain

Get the warm look of wood with the waterproof properties of porcelain. According to Tile Mountain, today’s wood-effect tiles are so realistic that it’s hard to tell them from actual timber!

Geometric Patterns

Bold geometric patterns add personality without being too trendy.

Final Thoughts

Choosing bathroom tiles might seem like a small detail in home design, but as you’ve seen, there’s quite a lot to consider! The right tiles can transform your bathroom from merely functional to absolutely fantastic.

Remember that bathroom renovations are a significant investment in your home. Whether your family is planning a complete makeover or just refreshing the tiles, it’s worth taking time to explore all options.

For professional advice and installation, contact the bathroom renovation experts who can help bring your bathroom vision to life!

What tiling style would you choose for your dream bathroom? From classic subway tiles to bold mosaics, the choices are endless – and now you’ve got the knowledge to understand why each option might be brilliant for your space!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Tiling

We’ve gathered some of the most commonly asked questions about bathroom tiling to help answer any lingering queries you might have!

Can I put tiles directly onto plasterboard in a bathroom?

In non-wet areas of the bathroom, you can tile onto moisture-resistant plasterboard (the green kind). However, for bathroom walls in shower areas, walk in showers, or around the shower bath, you’ll need special waterproof backing boards. According to British Gypsum, standard plasterboard isn’t suitable for areas with direct water contact.

How long do bathroom tiles last?

With proper installation and maintenance:

• Ceramic and porcelain tiles can last 20+ years
• Natural stone tiles can last 25+ years if properly sealed
• Glass tiles typically last 15+ years

The grout usually needs refreshing or replacing before the tiles themselves wear out.

What’s the difference between wall and floor tiles?

When choosing tiles for flooring and walls, it’s important to know they’re not always interchangeable!

Floor tiles are:

• Thicker and stronger to handle foot traffic on your bathroom floor
• Have higher slip-resistance ratings (super important for a room in the house that gets so wet!)
• Often slightly more textured for better grip
• Designed to handle the weight of bathroom fixtures

Wall tiles for bathroom walls are:

• Usually thinner and lighter to reduce pressure on the wall structure
• May not be strong enough for floor use
• Often glossier and smoother, making them easy to clean
• Come in a wider decorative range as they don’t need to be as durable

Using floor tiles on walls is fine (though might look a bit chunky), but using wall tiles on floors can be dangerous as they might crack or create slip hazards!

Are mosaic tiles hard to clean?

Mosaic tiles add a gorgeous touch to bathroom flooring and walls, but there’s a catch! Because mosaic tiles have more grout lines, they do require a bit more cleaning effort. However, modern sealants make them much more easy to clean than they used to be.

Using a sealed grout and regular cleaning with a soft brush can help keep them looking fresh. Some people use an old toothbrush to clean grout lines – a perfect chore for younger family members! Black and white mosaic patterns are particularly popular and can create a classic look that makes any room in the house feel special.

What’s the most waterproof tile for a shower?

Porcelain tiles are considered the most waterproof option for showers, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. The UK Tile Association recommends fully vitrified porcelain for wet areas.

How do I choose grout colour?

There are three main approaches:

• Match the grout to your tile colour for a seamless look
• Choose a contrasting grout to highlight the tile pattern
• Use a neutral grout (grey or beige) that won’t show stains easily

Darker grouts are practical for floor areas as they show less dirt over time.

Can I tile over existing tiles?

Yes, in many cases you can! This process, called “overlay tiling,” can save time and mess. The existing tiles need to be:

• Firmly attached to the wall
• Clean and free of soap residue
• Relatively flat (not heavily textured)

You’ll need to use a special primer and appropriate adhesive. BAL Adhesives offers specific products for this purpose.

How do I calculate how many tiles I need?

1. Measure the height and width of each wall to be tiled in metres
2. Multiply these numbers to get the area in square metres
3. Add 10% extra for cuts and breakages

For example: A wall 2.4m high × 1.8m wide = 4.32m² Add 10% = 4.75m²

If your tiles come in boxes, check how many square metres each box covers.

 

We hope these FAQs have answered some of your burning questions about bathroom tiling! The right combination of floor tiles and wall tiles can completely transform this essential room in the house.

If your family is considering a bathroom renovation, whether it’s a small bathroom refresh or installing luxurious walk in showers, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced bathroom designer team for personalised advice. With our high quality materials and wide range of options, we can help create the perfect bathroom for your home!