After finishing our master bathroom not so long ago, we’ve decided it’s time to revamp our en-suite, and as a result, we’re on the hunt for potential bathroom tiles. This is my favourite part, of course, let loose on the internet, mood board galore – but it’s not always easy, especially when there’s so much to consider.
Size and placement of tiles:
Since our en-suite isn’t the same size as a regular bathroom, it is important to choose tiles that are the right size for the room. If you can get hold of them, my advice is to ask for samples! That way, you can have a real insight as to what the tile will look like in your bathroom and see how it will look with the lighting of the room – things always look much different online, so don’t be deceived.
There is a running theme with interior designers in which they tell you not to use large tiles in a small bathroom, it will make the room appear even smaller, however, if you choose to use extra small tiles this can also pose as a bit of a problem too, as this will explode a lot of grout lines making the bathroom appear more box-like. To further avoid the room seeming small, you can also use lighter tiles to enhance and reflect any light, making the room appear bigger than it is.
Aside from choosing a lighter colour, there’s also a hack for laying your tiles out to make your bathroom appear bigger. Allow me to introduce ‘brick bond’. Although you may not know it by name, you’ll know it by appearance. Brick bond is simply the name for the stereotypical pattern in which bricks are laid. By having brick style tiles (especially light ones) you can emphasise the little space that you may have in an en-suite bathroom.
Choosing the right material:
Ceramic
The great thing about ceramic tiles is that you get plenty for your money. Although they are one of the most affordable materials available, their quality is second to none. Ceramic tiles are scratch-resistant and anti-skid/slip, making them ideal for Bathroom Tiling, especially in the shower area. As with most tiles, ceramic is easy to clean and maintain, whether they’re used on the floor or the wall – that’s entirely up to you. There is a lot of variety in the ceramic tile range, with plenty of colors and designs for you to choose from; that’s if you can!
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are made from natural clay but are much denser than ceramic bathroom tiles. Due to their density, they are much less likely to absorb moisture, making them ideal for a shower setting. As the tile is fired at a much higher temperature, it is highly durable. Additionally, the color and design run through the entire tile, so if a chip does occur, the damage is likely to be unnoticeable. Finally, due to their non-porous, easy-to-clean surfaces, these are among the most hygienic options available. It is, therefore, not very hard to comprehend why homeowners may want to shop porcelain tiles.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles are a popular choice for many bathrooms, thanks to their timeless appeal and impressive durability. One of the key advantages of natural stone bathroom tiles is its long lifespan, which often makes it a worthwhile investment. These tiles bring a warm, organic feel to any space, adding character and depth. It’s pretty hard to make an en-suite feel cosier than it already is, but I believe this would do just that!
Glass
I love the look of glass tiles, they’re so pretty! I have been doing a lot of research whilst hunting new tiles, and I have found a bit of correlation between all the different types of tiles that I have spoken about, all being that they’re easy to clean and maintain – so you can imagine the turmoil in my head right now! One of the things I enjoy about glass tiles is their reflective properties and the way in which colour and light are reflected around a room because of them, they really can open up a room and create space. The only thing that puts me off is the stories I’ve seen about this type of tile not being installed properly, and the problems that have followed.
When it comes to picking the material of your tile, it’s hard not to feel like a kid at Christmas; there’s just so much to choose from! Again, it’s important to review the material’s practicality; don’t just base your decision on the tile’s aesthetic. So, which material is most reliable for your bathroom?
What’s the difference between a glazed and an unglazed tile?
Throughout my hunt for the perfect bathroom tiles, I have seen ‘glazed’ and ‘unglazed’ used quite a lot, and to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure of what the differences actually were, so here’s another table to break down the properties of a glazed and unglazed tile.
So, with that being said, it looks like I have a lot to consider before I make my final choice. Don’t worry, though, I’ll be keeping you all updated with the renovation process and my final decision, so keep an eye out!