Ripples radar: 5 timeless tiles our designers love
Our designers have handpicked 5 of their favourite tiles which will stand the test of time in the style stakes.
1 | Marble tiles
This timeless material is seeing a huge resurgence in bathroom design at the moment as it helps recreate the opulence and feeling of luxury found in high-end hotels and spas. When embracing this classic design, there are two options to choose from: real marble tiles or porcelain tiles with a marble design. Real marble tiles come in various sizes (our most popular being 120 x 60cm) and shapes including hexagonal, metro and mosaic. Each marble tile has its own unique veining, meaning you can opt for a subtle look or something more impactful. Real marble tiles on the whole will give you a more impactful and sumptuous finish but will be of a higher price point than their porcelain counterparts and also require sealant after installation as well as ongoing care over time. The second option available is porcelain tiles with a marble design. These are available in a variety of sizes and tile formats in a similar way to natural stone however the colouration is where you will find the key difference. Although there are some amazing marble effect tiles available offering different veining patterns, you will normally find the background colour is the same throughout which generally gives a flatter appearance when compared with the multi-dimensional look of real marble. It is however a more cost-effective option and does not require ongoing maintenance over time. Whatever marble tile you choose, it is alway recommended that a natural matt or honed finish is chosen to make sure the tiles aren’t too slippery when used within a shower or on the floor near a bath.
Style tip: Grey marble is a classic choice, whilst warmer-toned veining is growing in popularity as it helps balance this typically cool material.
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| Grey tiles
Grey tiles may be an understated choice but that’s exactly why we love them and with so many shades, patterns and textures to choose from they needn't look dull or clinical. Choosing a pale pastel grey tile across your walls or floors can help create the illusion of space and works well for a bathroom where the focus is on relaxation and retreat. This effect can be maximised by choosing a floor and wall colour in a similar grey shade as it tricks the eye into thinking it’s one continuous seamless space. If chosen correctly, dark grey tiles can also work well, even in smaller bathrooms, as they can add depth to the space and draw the eye in; a feature wall is often a good way to incorporate a dark grey hue without it looking to overwhelming.
Once you've decided on the grey shade for your bathroom then let this help guide your lighting choice as cooler lights are suited to rooms with more grey and blue tones. Layer your lighting and definitely consider some feature lighting to add decorative interest to the room and ensure your grey bathroom doesn’t look too cold.
3 | Penny tiles
Penny tiles are a highly versatile choice as they have the ability to work in both traditional and ultra-modern settings. When paired with dark grouting, penny tiles create a contemporary finish which can be further enhanced by using contrasting tiles to create a border, pattern or even spell out a word. In more classic schemes, these penny tiles add an authentic Victorian feeling, especially when paired with more classic fixtures and fittings such as a boat bath and bronze brassware.
Style tip: Using a mosaic or penny tile in storage niches and for any curves in your space will ensure straightforward installation and add another level of design to the bathroom.
4 | Large format tiles
Large format tiles are a big trend at the moment as they can make a real statement in the bathroom and almost act as a piece of art in themselves. Larger tiles not only look striking but can work particularly well to make a small bathroom feel more spacious by not letting the grout lines break up the visual space. Minimal grout lines also reduce the opportunity for dirt and grime to build up, making cleaning easier, however they usually do come at a higher price point and generally will need a specialist installation team and/or templating to ensure an accurate fit.
5 | Metro tiles
Metro tiles allow for a few different styles to be achieved, depending on how they are positioned. You can opt for a traditional brick layout, create interesting borders or even lay them in a herringbone pattern; there are lots of options so they're an extremely versatile choice. Depending on the colour or style you choose, metro tiles can work for contemporary, traditional or more industrial schemes and just like any other ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile, they work brilliantly within a shower. Be aware of the large amount of grout lines which come with metro tiles so perhaps consider a darker grout colour rather than stark white. Darker grouts will mask any mould or build up of grime over time, however, there are grout protectors or even epoxy grout (which is used in swimming pools) that can help keep lighter-coloured grout cleaner for longer. Whether you choose marble, porcelain or a decorative ceramic tile, you can create interesting layouts with metro tiles, depending on how they are formatted: herringbone, basket weave, stacked or brick bond are all popular options. You can also opt for skirting or dado's which work particularly well for creating a more traditional, polished look.
