A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Tiles

PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST

PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST

Ready to make splash with your bathroom tiles? The endless patterns, textures, sizes, and finishes can be overwhelming, but we’ve created specific guidelines that help us narrow down our choices. From classic subway tiles to artisan Spanish tiles, there are many options that will create a wow-factor in your bathroom at home. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the key factors that we keep in mind when selecting bathroom tiles.

Materials: Natural or Manmade Bathroom Tiles

The choice between natural and manmade bathroom tiles is really important both aesthetically and in terms of practicality.

a. What to Consider: Natural Tiles

PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST

From marble to granite, slate, and travertine, natural tiles bring an inherent sense of sophistication to any bathroom. We love the organic, imperfect quality of natural tile as no one tile will be exactly the same. It gives you a beautiful, custom appearance that will make your bathroom one-of-a-kind. However, keep in mind that natural tile is more expensive and can show more scratches and general wear and tear than manmade alternatives. 

b. What to Consider: Manmade Tiles

Designed to be durable, easy to clean, and generally more cost-effective, manmade tiles put you in complete control. Some of the most popular manmade tile choices are ceramic, porcelain, and glass, which can be customized according to your color and finish preferences. They are a great choice for bathrooms that get a lot of usage.

Size

PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST

The best way to decide on tile size is to keep them proportional to the size of your bathroom. Stick to the scale of your bathroom and you can’t go wrong. For example, using smaller tiles in a small bathroom can create the illusion of more space, plus small tiles are easier to install in tight corners. Large tiles in a large bathroom, on the other hand, can create a clean, sleek and open effect that makes the room feel even more spacious.

Layout

Whether you are opting for a patterned or mosaic tile or a solid colored tile, the layout of your tiling can create movement and interest in your bathroom. From the shower to the bathroom floor, getting creative with the way you lay your tiling can make your bathroom shine as a gem of the house. Some popular tile layouts include herringbone, chevron, staggered brick, and pinwheel. Of course you can also do a vertical or horizontal tile layout to keep things tidy!

Gloss or Matte?

If you’re wanting a more glam look, a gloss tile can really dial up the beauty of a bathroom. We love the reflective, polished appearance of a gloss shower tile, like the black tiles we used in this recent bathroom design. However, a gloss finish does require a bit more care, plus it can become slippery when wet so it’s best used on the walls or backsplash. Matte tiles, on the other hand, are perfect as bathroom floor tiles. While less eye-catching, matte is more easy to maintain.

Grout

Finally, don’t forget the finishing touch of grout. Choosing the right grout can not only enhance the look of your tiling, but also make your flooring more safe by providing an anti-slip surface. Remember that while white and other light colored grout looks fresh and clean, it can pick up dirt quickly, so dark or colored grout might be the best option.

Tiling Advice from Chicago Interior Designers

From materials to size, pattern, layout, finish, slip resistance, and grout type, there is a lot to consider in the world of bathroom tiling. Fortunately, as a one of the leading Chicago interior design firms, we have the expertise to make a tiling project gorgeous and stress-free. Contact us today and we’ll help you turn your bathroom into a highlight of your home!

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Talk to you soon,

Paula