Tile is more popular than ever thanks to its versatility and usefulness as a design asset. Many of our projects include at least one type of tile; in fact, it’s now quite popular to include two or more styles or designs in a single room. We know that the multitude of options on the market can be overwhelming, so we’ve gathered some expert information on choosing bathroom tile from our design professionals.
Selecting Tile for Your Home
When you’re creating your bathroom tile design with your designers, you’ll discuss the look and feel you want to evoke in your new space. Which colors do you want to incorporate? What are your preferred tile materials? Where do you want to use tile in the bathroom? All of these questions will help you narrow down your options.
Tile Materials
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made from natural clay and minerals, and is typically coated with a glaze for shine and durability. It’s easy to clean and germ-resistant, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile, and as such, is made from natural clay. Porcelain tiles are fired at much higher temperature than ceramic tiles, which makes them less porous and less prone to stain absorption. This tile offers a variety of designs, colors, sizes, and textures–perfect for creating customized bathroom looks that will stand the test of time.
Slate Tile
Slate tile is a grained tile mainly composed of quartz and muscovite or illite that comes in a variety of bold colors. Slate is known for its longevity when used in flooring, but must be installed by professionals as it requires special care and setting knowledge.
Marble Tile
Marble tile is composed mainly of calcite and is a classic and beautiful choice for floors. Each batch of marble offers one-of-a-kind patterning for a truly unique look. Still, because it’s porous, and thus more susceptible to stains, marble requires a bit more upkeep than other tile types.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is one of the most popular tile materials due in part to its customizable nature and the vast selection of available colors and patterns. Choose from opaque, translucent, iridescent, multicolored mosaic, and bold-colored glass tiles when designing a backsplash, or other decorative accent.
Tile Patterns
Penny Tile
Penny tile is a versatile option for bathrooms big and small, modern or vintage-inspired. These small, round tiles add great color and texture to floors, walls, and even showers. At the same time dainty and bold, they certainly make a statement.
Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile has long been popular in bathrooms due to its distinctive look. This tile’s honeycomb design is a classic, and looks especially great in bathrooms emulating a more traditional style.
Subway Tile
Subway tile has been a popular choice in American homes for more than a century, after making its debut in train stations. These tiles are traditionally 3×6-inch rectangles that have been glazed to resist dirt and water, making them ideal for bathrooms. Classic subway tiles are white, but colorful options have begun to crop up in recent years.
Waterfall Tiles
Waterfall tiles are great for accents as their long, vertical shape helps to create a sense of movement. Rectangle tiles can be staggered like bricks or placed successively. Small pebble tiles can be also be interspersed so that the design resembles a running river.
Square Tile
Square tile is available in many colors, patterns, and sizes, and is often one of the most affordable options when it comes to installation because it’s easy to measure and cut.
Accent Tile
Accent tile can be in any pattern or material, but serves to add a little something extra to your space. Use accent tiles in your shower to add color or create a fun design, on your backsplash to add visual interest, or on your walls to create a visual border. You should choose their accent tile first, with a focus on color, shape, style, and pattern. After the accent tile has been chosen, it’s easier to then choose the tile and materials that will serve as the canvas of the space.
Tile is wonderful for the bathroom because it’s durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. There are virtually limitless possibilities when it comes to designing with this material.