Which Material?
The majority of bathroom tiles come in either porcelain or ceramic materials. While both have many similarities, two distinct differences should define the type you choose for your bathroom walls.
There’s no avoiding the fact that your bathroom walls are going to receive a lot of splashback. Whether you use a shower or bath, it’s a natural occurrence and protecting your tiles should be your top priority.
Tiles are expensive, so the ones you fit should last a long time and be water-resistant. Porcelain tiles are best for bathroom and kitchen walls because the material will do an excellent job of sustaining against continuous water damage.
While some people choose ceramic tiles, we always recommend porcelain tiles for their ease of use and the fact that they’ll last a lot longer.
Size Does Matter
When it comes to bathroom tiles, size is everything. If you’re lucky enough to have a large bathroom to work with, then it’s easier to experiment with a range of tile sizes and styles. But small bathrooms almost always look best with small tiles.
Large tiles on a small bathroom can reduce the space even more and create a cluttered look, which isn’t ideal. Small tiles fit the room and won’t overcrowd it.
The only issue you might have with smaller tiles is that they take longer to fit. But when the jobs complete, it looks fantastic and will last for years. With so many tile designs available, you can get creative without worrying about overcrowding your bathroom.
The Colours & Style Should Fit Your Needs
The best thing about tiles is their sheer versatility. There are so many colours and styles; many people don’t know where to start. A simple way to think about which tiles are best for your needs is to look at the rest of your home.
Do you prefer lavish, high-end style decor, or are you more of a minimalist? Is your home tailored towards your children? How often do you plan to use the bathroom?
These points are all important because they should define which tiles are best for your needs. There are plenty of mosaic versions available if you prefer the elegant theme, but minimalists should use simple themes.
People with children can get away with bolder tile themes, and small touches like this make bath time a fun experience. If you’re the kind of person that jumps in the shower every day, then is there any point in spending a lot of money on your tiles?
These things all matter because they’ll define how much you spend on your bathroom and the tiles you choose. Ultimately, you should think about which are best for your needs and consider your budget.
Here are some of our favourite tiles to choose from.
Metro Tiles
Yes, metro tiles are those little rectangles commonly used in train stations during the 20th century, but they’re now making a comeback as a retro treasure. They’re incredibly durable, easy to apply and great for households with children.
Brick Tiles
New York City is one of the world’s style capitals, so it’s only natural that we take inspiration from the big apple for everything from clothing to home decor. If you’re a fan of the brickwork look, you can replicate it with porcelain tiles in your bathroom.
There are plenty of manufacturers that offer a range of stylish designs, including authentic-looking bricks.
Mosaic Tiles
Undoubtedly one of the favourite tile types, mosaics create an authentic look that people worldwide enjoy. The main issue with mosaics if you often have to follow a pattern, which can be a problematic aspect of tiling in general.
Luckily, plenty of UK tiling courses are available for beginners to learn the art of laying tiles. Whether it’s for your home renovation project or you want to embark on a tiling career, knowing the right skills will give you the confidence to perfect a range of techniques and tile patterns.
Mural Tiles
Mural tiles give any bathroom the wow factor it deserves. Each tile forms a pattern, which can be scenic backgrounds or even a famous person’s face. Attempting this form of bathroom tiling requires strong attention to detail and the ability to follow a pattern.
Hollywood Tiles
Hollywood style tiles are ideal if you want to add some glamour to your bathroom without going over the top. The colour theme you should follow is black, white and gold (and trust us – it works).
Try to go easy on the gold and focus more on the black and white. Ultimately, the gold should inject some Hollywood glitz but not overtake your bathroom.
Grouting
Every tile job should have grouting that will act as a joiner between tiles and keep everything in place. Luckily, there are plenty of colours to choose from, which means no matter what your style preference is, you’ll find grouting to match.
If you’re going for a minimalistic look, try to keep your grouting simple using a white or grey colour. Children’s bathrooms can have a bit more colour added to them, and some suppliers offer glitter grout.
Remember to keep your grouting in line with your tile design and take time to complete the job correctly. If your grouting looks terrible, it will impact the whole bathroom, so don’t rush it because people will notice.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this post has given you some ideas on what tiles are best fitted for bathroom walls, and you can set about choosing the right tile type for your needs. The main things you should consider are:
- Whether you want to risk using ceramic tiles for your walls, they attract more moisture and won’t last as long as porcelain tiles.
- The right design for your bathroom. Ideally, tiles should last for years, so you should focus on a design that grows with your family.
- How much are you willing to spend? There are plenty of tiles available for all budgets, so know what you can afford to pay before you make a purchase.