The Dos and Don'ts of Bathroom Tile Selection

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom is more than just picking a color or pattern. It's about balancing aesthetics with functionality, ensuring durability, and creating the desired mood. The right tile can transform your bathroom into a serene spa-like retreat or a vibrant, energizing space. Here’s a guide to the dos and don'ts of bathroom tile selection to help you make the best choices for your space.

Dos:

1. Do Consider the Size of Your Bathroom

For Smaller Bathrooms: Use larger tiles to make the space appear bigger. Lighter colors can also help the room feel more open and airy.
For Larger Bathrooms: You have more flexibility to experiment with sizes, colors, and patterns.

2. Do Think About Texture and Safety

Slip-Resistance: Especially important for shower floors. Look for tiles with a matte finish or textured surface.
Comfort: If you dislike cold floors, consider installing underfloor heating, especially under stone tiles.

3. Do Pay Attention to Maintenance

Easy to Clean: Glazed tiles are easier to clean than unglazed or textured tiles.
Grout Selection: Darker grout can be easier to maintain, but ensure it complements your tile choice.

4. Do Consider the Entire Bathroom Design

Overall Aesthetic: Ensure your tiles complement other fixtures and fittings in your bathroom.
Consistency: If you have an open shower, consider using the same tiles on the floor and walls for a cohesive look.

5. Do Use Accent Tiles for Character

Feature Walls or Strips: Accent tiles can add a pop of color or an interesting pattern without overwhelming the space.

Don'ts:

1. Don't Overcomplicate with Too Many Types

Limit Your Selection: Using too many different types or colors of tiles can make the space feel cluttered and disjointed.

2. Don't Neglect Your Budget

Cost-Effective Choices: Balance high-end options with more affordable tiles. Use expensive tiles as accents to make a statement while staying within budget.

3. Don't Forget About Grout Lines

Grout Color Matters: The color of your grout can significantly affect the look of your tiled space. Larger grout lines with contrasting colors can be more of a feature.

4. Don't Overlook Scale and Proportion

Proportional Design: Larger tiles in a tiny bathroom can look out of scale. Similarly, tiny mosaics in a large bathroom may be too busy.

5. Don't Ignore Lighting

Lighting Effect: Remember that lighting can change the appearance of tile colors and textures, so consider your bathroom’s lighting when selecting tiles.

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom is a crucial part of the design process. By following these dos and don'ts, you can select tiles that not only look beautiful but also suit your practical needs, creating a bathroom that's both functional and stylish.