Selecting the Ideal Bathroom Tiles: A Style Guide for All

Designing or renovating a bathroom can both be a thrilling and daunting experience in interior design, especially when choosing the perfect tiles. The tiles you select determine your bathroom's overall aesthetic, functionality, and ambiance. Whether you are aiming for a sleek and modern look, a rustic and cozy feel, or a timeless and elegant design, this style guide is here to assist you in navigating the world of bathroom tiles.

Types of Bathroom Tiles

When selecting bathroom tiles, it is essential to consider the environment in which they will be placed. Different types of tiles are suitable for different areas and functions, so it is important to pick the right material that can withstand wear and tear while meeting your design goals. Here are some common types of bathroom tiles available on the market today:

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are made from kiln-fired clay at high temperatures, resulting in a sturdy and water-resistant material well-suited for bathroom environments. It is strong enough to withstand moisture, water damage, and general wear and tear over time. Most ceramic tiles are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.

Porcelain Tile

Like ceramic tile, porcelain tiles are strong and durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as showers and tubs. Additionally, porcelain is non-porous and less likely to absorb liquids than other materials, so it is great for spaces with moisture buildup.

Glass Tile

Glass tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom tile material, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. Glass tiles have the major advantage of reflecting light, which helps make the room brighter and more spacious. This is due to their smooth and glossy surface that effectively bounces the light around the room. This feature is particularly beneficial for bathrooms with limited natural light, as glass tiles can help create a vibrant and airy atmosphere.

Stone Tile

Natural stone tile is an excellent choice if you are looking for a luxurious look that will last a lifetime. In terms of aesthetics, stone tiles bring a timeless and elegant appeal to the bathroom. Each stone type has its unique character and veining, offering a natural beauty that adds a touch of sophistication to the space. From the luxurious and veiny patterns of marble to the rustic charm of slate, stone tiles can create a visually stunning focal point in the bathroom.

Popular Design Styles for Bathroom Tiles

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to bathroom tile designs. Here are some of the most popular bathroom tile designs and how they can create a beautiful and functional space.

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are a type of ceramic or porcelain tile that originated in the early 20th century and gained popularity in subway stations, hence their name. When used as a bathroom tile, subway tiles can be installed in various ways to achieve different effects.

The most common installation pattern is the classic brick pattern, where the tiles are staggered horizontally. This pattern adds a sense of depth and visual interest to the walls. Alternatively, subway tiles can be installed in a vertical pattern, which can help elongate the walls and make the bathroom appear taller.

Hexagonal Tiles

When used as bathroom flooring, hexagonal tiles create a captivating and dynamic visual effect. The interlocking pattern of the tiles can be customized to suit different styles and preferences, whether you prefer a uniform layout or a more intricate design. The versatility of hexagonal tiles allows for endless possibilities, from a monochromatic color scheme to bold and vibrant patterns.

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles have long been popular for bathroom tile design due to their versatility and ability to create stunning visual effects. One advantage of using mosaic tiles in bathroom design is their ability to add texture and depth to the walls or floors. The small individual tiles combine to create a mosaic pattern, ranging from simple geometric shapes to intricate and elaborate designs. This adds visual interest and dimension to the bathroom, making it stand out and creating a focal point.

Adding Visual Interest to Your Bathroom Using Bathroom Tiles

Mix and match different tile types and styles

One approach to mixing tiles is to combine contrasting materials. Natural stone, ceramic, glass, or even metal tiles can create an intriguing juxtaposition of textures and finishes. For instance, you could pair sleek, glossy subway tiles with rough-hewn slate or marble tiles to create a captivating blend of modern and rustic aesthetics. This interplay between different materials adds depth, character, and a tactile experience to the bathroom.

You could also achieve a distinctive look by juxtaposing different tile shapes and sizes. Combining geometric shapes like hexagons, diamonds, or arabesque tiles with traditional square or rectangular tiles can create a visually striking effect. By carefully arranging tiles of varying sizes, you can create intricate patterns, borders, or focal points that become captivating design features within the bathroom.

Incorporate accent tiles into the bathroom design

Incorporating accent tiles into your bathroom design is a fantastic way to add visual interest, highlight specific areas, and infuse your personal style into the space. One way to do this is to choose a tile with a contrasting color or unique texture to make it a bathroom focal point. You can use these tiles for backsplash, a feature wall, or floor accents.

Another creative way to incorporate accent tiles is through artistic murals. This can be a focal point on one of the walls or a decorative element in the shower area. Whether it is a nature-inspired scene, an abstract design, or a representation of your favorite artwork, a tile mural adds a touch of artistry and individuality to your bathroom.

Use tiles with vibrant and captivating designs

A simple, but creative way to add visual interest to a bathroom design is by incorporating tiles with vibrant and captivating designs, such as Spanish tiles. Spanish tiles are often characterized by intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and detailed motifs that showcase Spain's rich heritage and artistic traditions. From geometric patterns to floral designs, Spanish tiles can bring a sense of elegance and charm to the bathroom, transforming it into a visually stunning space.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Spanish tiles are known for their exceptional quality and durability. Made from high-quality materials, such as ceramic or porcelain, Spanish tiles are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in a bathroom environment. They are resistant to moisture, stains, and wear, making them a practical and long-lasting choice for bathroom floors, walls, and even shower enclosures.

How to Determine the Right Tile Size for Your Bathroom

Bathroom tiles come in a variety of sizes and you have the freedom to choose the size that best fits your design preferences. However, selecting the right size requires careful consideration to ensure safety and maintain the bathroom’s aesthetic value. Here are some considerations and guidelines to help you get started.

Size of Your Bathroom

The size of your bathroom tiles can affect how big or small your bathroom looks. Small tiles can make the space appear too busy and cluttered; thus, making the bathroom look smaller. On the other hand, larger tiles can help create an illusion of a bigger space.

Layout and Proportion

Evaluate the design of your bathroom, including the size and distribution of its various components. While it is ideal to use large tiles to make small bathrooms look more spacious, you still need to be cautious about selecting sizes that are too big for the space. If the space can only accommodate about two large tiles, it is better to choose a medium-sized tile to make it more visually appealing.

Additionally, consider using smaller tiles if you have a compact sink or fixture to achieve a harmonious and visually satisfying effect. In contrast, larger tiles may be suitable to match the size of more extensive fixtures or areas.

Location or Area to Cover

The ideal size for the bathroom tiles is also dependent on where you will place them. Interior designers recommend tile sizes based on the area it will cover, such as:

• Bathroom floors: You may explore different sizes for bathroom floors, from small to large format tiles (1-inch square to 12-inch square or larger).
• Bathroom walls: The ideal tile size for bathroom walls typically ranges from 4-inch square to 12-inch square or larger. You may also explore tiles that have a 1:2 size ratio, such as 3 x 6 inches or 12 x 24 inches.
• Shower floors: For safety purposes, it is ideal to use 1-inch square tiles or smaller for shower floors. Installing small tiles requires more grout, which provides more grip and makes the floor less slippery. Additionally, smaller tiles also allow installers to easily create a slope for water drainage.
• Shower walls: For small bathrooms, consider 1-inch square to 4-inch square tiles for shower walls. On the other hand, you may choose a 4-inch square to 15 x 30-inch tiles to medium to large-sized bathrooms.

Style and Design Preferences

To achieve your bathroom's desired style and design, the size of the tiles you choose is important. Generally, smaller tiles like mosaic or subway tiles create a classic or vintage look, while larger ones like 12 x 24 inches or 24 x 24 inches give a modern and contemporary feel.

The Perfect Tiles for Your Bathroom

When it comes to bathroom interior design, choosing the right tiles is crucial as they set the vibe and define the style of the overall design. Hence, it is essential to consider factors such as sizes, textures, colors, and patterns, to ensure the bathroom tiles you are choosing are attuned to your personal style and practical requirements.

If you are looking for a reliable tile supplier in Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, you can find one through Robins Design Gallery. Robins Design Gallery is a premier destination for high-quality European tiles in Cebu and Davao. Our excellent selection of luxurious and sophisticated European tiles will add a touch of elegance to your home, allowing you to create the perfect bathroom you have always dreamed of. Feel free to contact us by calling our showrooms:

MANDAUE, CEBU:

+63 917 623 7257 | +63 917 114 7903

CEBU:

+63 917 631 3902 | +63 917 636 9053

DAVAO:

+6382 287 8241 | +63 917 551 1362

ILOILO:

+6333 323 4750 | +63 917 551 0049

CDO:

+6388 852 1874 | +63 917 623 5602