Tile Selection: How to Pick the Perfect Tiles for Your Bathroom

Tiles play a huge role in your bathroom’s overall look, feel, and functionality. With so many options available, selecting the right tiles can be overwhelming. To help you make the best choice, here’s a step-by-step guide to picking the perfect bathroom tiles.

1. Consider the Tile Size

The size of your tiles impacts both aesthetics and practicality:
✔ Large-format tiles (600x600mm or larger) – Create a seamless, modern look with fewer grout lines. Great for walls and floors.
✔ Standard tiles (300x300mm or 450x450mm) – A versatile choice that suits most bathroom styles.
✔ Small tiles (mosaics or subway tiles) – Add texture and interest but require more grout maintenance.

Tip: Larger tiles make a small bathroom feel more spacious, while smaller tiles can highlight feature areas like a shower niche.

2. Choose the Right Material

Each tile material has different benefits, so consider durability and maintenance:
🛁 Porcelain Tiles – Highly durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Ideal for both floors and walls.
🛁 Ceramic Tiles – A budget-friendly option, but not as tough as porcelain. Best for walls.
🛁 Natural Stone Tiles (Marble, Travertine, Limestone) – Luxurious but requires sealing and regular maintenance.
🛁 Glass Tiles – Used for feature walls or mosaics to create a reflective, stylish effect.

3. Select the Right Colour & Finish

🎨 Light colours (white, beige, light grey) – Make a bathroom feel larger and more open.
🎨 Dark colours (charcoal, deep blue, black) – Add depth and luxury but may require more cleaning.
🎨 Matte finish – Provides a soft, natural look and reduces slipperiness.
🎨 Glossy finish – Reflects light and creates a sleek, polished feel but may show watermarks.

Tip: Neutral colours ensure longevity, while bold colours or patterns work well as feature tiles.

4. Consider Slip Resistance for Safety

Bathroom floors must be slip-resistant, especially in wet areas. Check the slip rating (R-rating):
🚿 R9-R10 – Suitable for general bathroom areas.
🚿 R11+ – Ideal for wet zones like showers.

Textured or matte tiles provide better grip than polished ones.

5. Decide on Tile Layout & Patterns

How you lay your tiles impacts the final design. Popular layout styles include:
📐 Stacked (straight lay) – A clean, modern look.
📐 Brick bond (offset) – Adds a classic touch, great for subway tiles.
📐 Herringbone or Chevron – Creates a striking feature wall or floor.
📐 Diagonal lay – Makes a small bathroom feel bigger.

6. Don’t Forget the Grout Colour

Grout plays a bigger role than you might think!
✔ Matching grout – Blends seamlessly with tiles for a clean look.
✔ Contrasting grout – Highlights tile shape and pattern (e.g., white subway tiles with dark grout).
✔ Mid-tone grout – A practical choice to reduce visible dirt and stains.

Tip: Epoxy grout is more stain-resistant than standard grout and lasts longer.

7. Plan for Maintenance & Longevity

The best tiles aren’t just about looks—they should also be easy to clean and durable. Consider:
✔ Low-maintenance options – Porcelain and ceramic are the easiest to care for.
✔ Avoid high-porosity tiles – Natural stone needs sealing to prevent stains.
✔ Grout care – Light-coloured grout requires more upkeep.

8. Use Feature Tiles Wisely

Feature tiles can add character but should be used in moderation. Popular feature areas include:
✨ Shower niches
✨ Splashbacks behind vanities
✨ Statement walls (e.g., behind a freestanding bath)

Tip: If using bold feature tiles, keep the rest of the bathroom neutral for balance.

Final Thoughts: Get the Perfect Tiles for Your Bathroom

Choosing the right tiles is key to a stylish and functional bathroom. By considering size, material, colour, safety, and maintenance, you can create a space that looks great and lasts for years.

At Custom Bathroom Creations, we help you select tiles that match your vision and budget.

Need expert tile advice? Contact us today to start your renovation journey!