Designer advice: Top things to consider when buying tiles for your bathroom

When selecting tiles for your bathroom walls or floor, there are many elements to think about. From the design and colour to the material and shape, it’s best to take your time to get the best result. Here, we ask Neil, Senior Designer from Ripples Bath, to give his advice.  

Tiles are the most popular wall and floor covering for bathrooms yet with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. When planning your project, whether it’s a family bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite, it’s always best to consider your tiling from the very start.  

Material matters

Bathrooms need tiles that are non-porous, so look for ceramic or porcelain designs. These are the most popular choices whether it’s for walls or floor and there are so many options for colour, pattern, size, shape and style. Porcelain is durable, hardwearing and easy to clean with a luxurious look and feel. Ceramic is less expensive and easier to lay, as it’s not as weighty as porcelain but is still a great option for longevity. Both materials are compatible with underfloor heating and for a good slip resistance, look at the R rating. Measured from R9 to R13 with R13 being the best for anti-slip, a minimum of R10 is recommended and you should still use a bath mat when stepping out of the bath or shower. 

You can use natural stone, especially for the floor – think slate, limestone and marble – but it will need to be fully sealed or treated before and in some cases after, installation. If you do want that natural stone look, it’s best to go for a porcelain or ceramic stone effect and the same goes for wood, too. These days you can find timber-style tiles that enable you to create an organic feel while still making sure your bathroom is watertight. For feature areas such as splashbacks behind the basin or bath, glass or glazed mosaics will add wow factor and these are great for reflecting light around the room, making a small bathroom feel larger.   

Design details 

Think about the overall look and feel you want to create with your bathroom. Do you prefer a contemporary or classic style? Should it be tranquil and calming or are you after a splash of colour and some wow factor. Decide whether you want your tiles to stand out or blend in, as this will help you determine which design is best for you.  

Think about the style and architecture of your property. A characterful Victorian house for instance would be perfect for a more detailed decorative tile, ideal for enhancing a classic roll-top bath with cross head taps and traditional pedestal basin. A more modern home on the other hand with sleek and seamless wall-hung sanitaryware and walk-in shower may be better suited to a neutral tile or statement decorative design. 

The key thing to keep in mind is whether you want your tiles to complement or contrast with the rest of the bathroom scheme. You can always have the best of both with a statement tiled shower area or feature wall behind the bath or basin, keeping the rest of the bathroom pale and pared back. 

Colour choice

When it comes to colour, think about whether you want subtle or stand-out. Do you want your tiles, whether wall or floor, to have instant impact or to complement their surroundings? Some of the latest looks for 2023 include statement stripes, terrazzo designs, pink in all its rose and blush tones and earthy hues such as dusky browns and warm ochres. You may want a trend-driven tile or something that’s more timeless and enduring but whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you absolutely love, as tiles are not something you can chop and change that easily. 

Shape and style 

Gone are the days when the choice was limited to square or rectangular tiles. Now you can find scallops and hexagons, penny rounds and mosaics, subway styles, pickets, arabesque and more. You can also create interest with the laying pattern too, and this applies to both walls and floor.  

A brick pattern using subway or metro wall tiles suits both classic and contemporary bathrooms while a basketweave or herringbone layout on the walls or floor offers instant impact and is a trend that’s set to last. Hexagon tiles can be laid in various configurations while a diamond shaped tile will create a geometric look with cube, star or chevron effects. Another popular choice is the pinwheel pattern, which is created using two different tile formats with squares of differing sizes.  

Top tip: Whether it’s the walls, floor, feature area, splashback or shower cladding, there are infinite options available for tiles. Taking your time to think about the practicalities as well as the finished look will ensure your bathroom is both functional and fabulous.

For more bathroom advice from our team of specialist bathroom designers, download or request a copy of our free Style Guide.

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