Bathrooms have evolved. They’re no longer just practical spaces. They’re mini sanctuaries. Somewhere to wake up, unwind, and even show a little style. And the foundation of any beautiful bathroom design? The tiles.
Choosing tiles might sound simple, but the decisions you make here will shape the entire look and feel of the room. From the floor underfoot to the walls around you, every tile counts. So, how do you make the right choices? It comes down to balance, function, and a good understanding of materials.
Here’s what really matters when it comes to picking tiles for your dream bathroom.
Start With the Floor
Before you even glance at wall options, always start with the floor. It anchors the whole room, and your other choices will usually follow this lead.
Size and shape
Larger bathroom tiles can make a small bathroom feel more open, while smaller tiles often suit bathrooms with tricky layouts or curves. Mosaics work well on shower floors because the extra grout adds grip, but they can make the space look busier overall.
Finish matters
Glossy tiles might look luxurious, but they’re slippery when wet. Stick to matte or textured finishes for bathroom floors. They add grip, reduce falls, and still look great.
Think about grout
It’s easy to overlook, but grout can change the tone of your floor completely. Light grout with dark tiles? Modern and fresh. Dark grout with light tiles? Bold and practical. Keep in mind that grout also impacts how easy the floor is to clean and how often it’ll need re-sealing.
Walls: Where Creativity Opens Up
Once the floor’s sorted, you can get a bit more adventurous with the walls. This is where your style can really come through, whether you prefer clean minimalism or something bold and colourful.
Full wall coverage vs feature areas
You don’t have to tile every wall from floor to ceiling. Full coverage is practical and polished, especially in wet zones, but feature walls can add contrast and depth. Tiling just the shower or behind the vanity is a smart way to bring visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Play with layout
Even with simple tiles, layout can change everything. Try vertical stacking to make the room feel taller, herringbone for movement and texture, or classic brick bond for a relaxed finish. The same tile in different patterns across walls and floors can create consistency without monotony.
Don’t ignore ceiling height
In bathrooms with low ceilings, vertical tiles can help draw the eye upward. For high ceilings, horizontal layouts keep things grounded. Proportions make all the difference when space is tight or extra tall.
Choosing the Right Tile Material
Each tile type comes with its own pros and cons. What works for one part of the bathroom may not suit another.
- Porcelain – Dense, durable, and often water-resistant. Ideal for floors and wet zones.
- Ceramic – Easier to cut and often more affordable, but slightly less water-resistant than porcelain.
- Natural stone – Brings warmth and character but usually needs sealing and more upkeep.
- Glass – Light-reflecting and modern. Often used for feature walls or accents rather than full coverage.
- Terrazzo – Stylish and unique. Heavier and more expensive, but very hard-wearing.
Always check the water-resistance, slip rating, and durability of your tiles before locking in a choice, especially for the floor and shower zones.
Colour, Texture, and Tone: The Visual Balance
This is where it starts to feel like design rather than just decisions. The colour and finish of your tiles will shift the mood of the entire room.
Light colours
Soft greys, warm whites, or gentle beige tones can open up the space. They reflect more light and suit minimalist or calming styles.
Dark shades
Moody tones like charcoal, navy, or deep forest greens make a statement. They work well in larger bathrooms or when balanced with lighter trims and fixtures.
Texture and variation
A flat white tile can feel clinical if overdone. Mix it with a textured version or vary the finish to avoid a sterile feel. Even subtle differences in tone within the same tile range can add interest.
Gloss or matte?
Gloss tiles bounce light and work well in small spaces, but show up smudges and water spots more easily. Matte tiles are softer visually and easier to maintain, especially in high-use areas.
Mixing Tiles Without Making a Mess
You don’t have to stick to one tile for the whole room, but it’s easy to go overboard. The trick is to keep a cohesive palette.
Here’s a solid framework to follow:
- Stick to 2 or 3 tile types – Choose one hero tile, a supporting tile, and an optional accent.
- Keep one consistent element – This could be colour, shape, or texture that ties them all together.
- Contrast wisely – Mix matte with gloss, large with small, or textured with smooth, but not all at once.
If you’ve got a busy floor, go simpler on the walls. If the walls have bold colour or pattern, balance it with a more neutral floor. Aim for visual harmony, not competition.
Bringing It All Together
Tiles do more than cover surfaces. They help define the look, feel, and function of your bathroom. Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating an existing space, your tile choices deserve careful thought. They need to suit your style, match the practical needs of the space, and work together across different areas without clashing or competing.
From the ground up, every tile should earn its place. Choose well, and your bathroom won’t just be nice to look at. It’ll feel right, work well, and stay beautiful for years to come.
