All right, I’ll tell you plainly I, once thought tiles were just tiles. Those little things you plaster on floors and walls that turn out to be the square necessities needed in a bathroom. How mistaken I was! Having updated three bathrooms (and some of my mistakes are amazing!), I realized that proper selection of tiles will change your boring bathroom to the place where your guests will say to you the words “wow.”
Ready to give your bathroom a drab to fab make over? Now it’s time to discuss 12 tile options that will actually make you look forward to the morning.
Large Format Tiles for Maximum Impact
Why Bigger Really Is Better
Large format tiles are on trend (and I am fully endorsing it). We are talking 24 x 48 inches and maybe bigger – tiles that speak loudly without saying a word.
A renovation of my guest bathroom dynamic has been completely amazing after I used 36×36 inch porcelain tiles in it. The area appeared twice as big and infinitely more luxurious. The large format tiles are so good because of the following reasons:
Less grout lines give the impression of a cleaner more seamless finish • Highlights reflect in the grout making small spaces feel larger• Installation is faster (fewer pieces to handle) • Modern and minimalist aesthetic that never goes out of style
Pro tip A small bathroom does not have to scare you off large tiles. It can be the most risky option which is the right one
| Tile Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 24×24″ | Medium to large bathrooms |
| 36×36″ | Spacious bathrooms, luxury feel |
Subway Tiles with a Twist
The Classic That Refuses to Die
Subway tiles are the little black dress of the world in that they are always in style but they can be dressed up. The standard white rectangle that measures 3×6 inches is overdone so a change is necessary.
I have worked charcoal gray subway specifically in a herringbone pattern; this was incredible. It was the traditional figure that appeared modern and new. Here are a few ideas on how to freshen up the subway tile:
Add other colors – sage green, navy blue or even blush pink • Experiment with pattern herringbone, vertical stack or offset • Mix and match within a family of colors • Offset colors with contrasting grout colors
Ever pondered the almost universal use of subway tiles in every style of bathroom? It is due to the fact that they are the right mixture between classy and stylish.
Natural Stone for Timeless Elegance
Bringing the Outdoors In
Natural stone tiles are that friend who looks effortlessly beautiful- they just fit. I have tried marble, travertine and slate in various rooms and each material has its character that will bring to the room.
Marble is the queen of luxury, however, it needs a bit of coddling. The veisons make the slabs stunning visually and no two are ever identical.
Travertine provides that spa effect with the smoothness and beige tones. It is less demanding than marble and ideal to create a relaxing chill-out room.
Slate is about drama with deep, dark colors and a natural texture. I used black slate in a powder room once, and it was so seriously a sophisticated cave (in a good way).
Natural Stone Considerations:
Needs to be regularly sealed to protect it • Unique in every piece so learn to embrace the difference • More maintenance, worth investing in • Value adding investment to your home
Wood-Look Porcelain Tiles
The Best of Both Worlds
Porcelain tiles that resemble the look of wood can be considered the superhero of the tile world. You have the richness and the beauty of a hardwood and the practicality of ceramic. At first I was not convinced ( fake wood? ) Seriously (?) but modern manufacturing has taken us so far that I’ve had visitors asking what kind of wood flooring I had installed.
The technology that has gone into these tiles is quite phenomenal indeed Precise-color printing and planks of different dimensions provide most naturally imitated wood grains. And they will work in wet places also, something you could not do with a real hard wood floor!
Popular wood-look styles include: • Weathered barn wood for rustic charm
Elegant ebony for sleek, modern touches • Lightweight, light antique for Scandinavian Iniatives • Reclaimed pine for a farmhouse flair
Just a side note, these tiles look fabulous whether you use them on floors and walls for that cohesive look.
Geometric Patterns for Bold Statements
When Basic Just Won’t Cut It
Geometric tiles are styles suitable to those who are not timid to make a statement. Hexagons, diamonds and triangles–these shapes provide strong visual appeal and can totally change the character of a space.
I used a client’s powder room with black and white hexagon tiles and it ended up being the most photographed room in that house. The design captures your eye and forms movement, even a tiny room appears to be energetic.
Focal geometric patterns to think onto: • Hexagons (number one for a reason) • Moroccan-inspired quatre–foiil • Diamond motivate yal”s Art Deco texture • Triangular tiles regarding contemporary flip
Disclaimer: Geometric patterns are sort of like that one friends who is super fun, but good in big long distances. Utilize them properly!
Textured Tiles for Sensory Appeal
Adding Dimension Beyond Visual
Uneven tiles have more than just visual appeal- they also have a feel to them that flat ones just cannot compare. I am now obsessed with three dimensional tiles which cast shadows and light effects during the day.
Increasing geometric patterns, wave patterns, and brick-like effects all add a tremendous amount of depth to walls. The play of light and dark is different at different times of the day and therefore your bathroom can feel rather than feel alive.
My favorite textured tile installations: • Background walls surrounding vanities • Texture showers to a spa-like ambiance • Textured accent strips in routinely tiled layouts • Accent wall strips within expansive .
Mosaic Tiles for Intricate Beauty’
When Details Make the Difference
Mosaics act as the bling of the tile world, they are small and intricate; yet they can make breathtaking focal points. These small tiles (generally 2 inches and less) may be of glass, stone, metal, or ceramic.
The reflective play on these iridescent glass mosaics used as an accent in a shower niche is magical. The installation needs more care, but it is worth more careful positioning.
An applications of mosaics that looks great: • Shower niches and ledges • Back splash strips • Border details • Feature walls (in moderation!)
| Mosaic Type | Best Use | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Accent areas, high shine | Low, easy to clean |
| Stone | Natural feel, texture | Medium, needs sealing |
Bold Colored Tiles for Personality
Because Life’s Too Short for Beige
The bolder colored tiles are making a comeback and I am definitively on board with it. Gray and white were the dominating themes in the design of bathrooms during past years, however, now people started missing personality and coziness.
Emerald green conveys the feeling of luxurious and jewel-like sanctuary. Muted navy blue is at once soothing and posh. Warm terracotta has a Mediterranean feel.
I actually used sage green subway tiles in a clients master bathroom recently and it totally turned that space around from boring to absolutely gorgeous. The color added some warmth without being over the top.
Tips to effectively use bold colored walls: • If you are apprehensive, use just one accent wall • Balance it out with neutral accessories and furniture • Keep in mind the available natural light in the room • The difference between bold and bright is that bold is saturated and rich in color
Mixed Material Combinations
The Art of Beautiful Chaos
Combining tile material and dimensions through the use of different sizes and materials will add visual appeal and prevent the feel of a showroom. I adore having a smooth and a textured surface; that or a combination of a natural stone with a sleek ceramic.
Among my favorite combinations to use huge porcelain floor tiles together with tiny hexagon tiles with walls. The difference in size is ideal balance- organised, but engaging.
Effective mixing solutions: • Match colors, use different sizes • Employ varying textures and stick to the same color group • Use one material in a starring role, the other materials as supporting actors • Do not mix more than three different materials
Vintage-Inspired Options
Old School Cool with Modern Function
Old-fashioned components such as tiles increase the personality and style that new structures rarely hold. Penny tiles, basket weave and Art Deco geometrics evoke the classic design periods but with all the quality of modern production.
I worked in a historical rehabilitation of a 1920s craftsman style house using an authentic-looking hex tile that works well in a thoroughly contemporary setting. This made the rustic age and faint coloring many tons more realistic.
Popular vintage styles include: • 1920s hexagon patterns • Victorian geometric borders
Atomic inspired fan shapes of the 1950s
Metallic Accents for Glamour
A Little Sparkle Goes a Long Way
Metallic flower tiles are elegant and classy with a certain touch that is needed. Anything more and you will feel as though you are in one of those disco balls (not in a good sense, though):
Industrial chic where the copper tiles warm and welcome. The accents of brushed gold are highly luxury without being too flashy Stainless mosaics can be used, and they produce a professional, contemporary image.
I had adopted bronze metallic accent strips in a modern bath renovation and they served the purpose of adding the needed shimmer to the space without being overwhelming.
Best uses for metallic tiles: • Not a primary surface, so use only as an accent • Select finishes that complement your fixtures • Maintainability should be considered with some metals having a tendency to show water spots • Balance the metallic tiles with those of a matte surface
Large Scale Patterns
Go Big or Go Home
Big scale looks are the antithesis of playing it safe, they are sweeping, dramatic and quite revelatory when done well. Imagine giant florals, dramatic streaks of marble, or abstract aesthetic patterns.
I one time applied big scale geometric wallpaper-like tiles in a powder room and people could not stop themselves in the middle of a conversation and stared. The design was polished to the level to not be overwhelming but feel purposeful.
These patterns are best suited: • Powder rooms (small rooms-big impact) • Large bathroom feature walls • Shower surround for creating drama • Back to floating vanities
IMO, when it comes to large patterns, do it all or don+’t do it, half measures are unlikely to succeed.
Creating Your Perfect Tile Combination
Putting It All Together
When it comes to the world of making decisions about bathroom tiles, there is no single right or wrong answer either The one that suits you the best will be dependent on your style, budget, maintenance and the level of drama you wish your everyday life to have.
Start by taking into consideration these key factors: • Lifestyle needs, are you considering low maintenance or can you take additional care? Room size – Bathrooms of all considerations have various approaches • Light cushioning – Use of natural light Dark tiles in a windowless space can feel cavernous • Budget constraints – Natural rock is typically more expensive than ceramic, but either can look seductive • Long term relationship – Are you staying or reselling?
The best tip is? Pick tiles that you like. They are going to be there, in your life, every single day, so they had better be generally pleasing to the eye. No need to follow trend and think of what others may like or dislike because what is your personal taste might not be the taste of others
Regardless whether you choose timeless subway tiles or modernGeometric patterns, the decision you will make is the one that helps you smile when entering your bathroom. And believe me, when you have spent the money to do three bathroom renovations, that sense is worth every penny you spend on the right tiles.
I am always surprised with the transformation power of great tiles. The next thing you know you’re in a bathroom that feels like it belongs in a fancy hotel room. That is the magic we are trying to make here, so choose wisely and be ready to fall in love with your bathroom yet again.