We spend more time in our bathrooms than we may think, so it’s important it’s both practical and looks good – and tiles are one of the best ways to do that. Here are our top tips for choosing the best bathroom tiles…
The bathroom is one of the most functional rooms in the house and therefore it’s important that not only does it look great, but is practical too. Whether you are re-doing your current bathroom or going for a totally new design, there are many things you need to keep in mind. Many things can go wrong when designing, but there are also numerous ways to get help to get the perfect look for a bathroom.
Undisputedly, an essential thing in the bathroom is the tiles. Modelling a bath is difficult because of the risk of water involved. It is bound to get wet and humid in the area, which can profoundly affect the walls and flooring along with other surfaces if not appropriately chosen. Also, it cannot be designed in the same way a house is designed. You can’t lay out a carpet, throw some cushions and call it a day. Which is where tiles become more critical because they not only have to be waterproof to avoid any damage but also must give an aesthetic and comforting look. All of this sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you find yourself asking “where can I find a tiler near me,” there are many places you can look online who can help figure out the best option for you without any hassle. Any tiler near you can help in deciding what goes best with your demands and needs, so you don’t have to worry. You don’t want to spend hundreds of pounds on tiles but end up with installation disaster. So, make sure to get in touch with a professional tiler near you who can help in selecting the best kind of tiles that will not be expensive and serve its purpose.
Before diving into the types of tiles that can be chosen for a bathroom, there are certain conditions for the bathroom and tiles that should be considered before selecting.
Room size and colour of the tiles
While choosing the tiles, always keep in mind the size of the room and choose accordingly. Only if your bathroom is spacious and has a decent influx of natural light, should dark colours be chosen. Otherwise, light colours, whether bright or dull, will intensify the natural light, illuminate the room and make it look bigger.
Think about the design
There are many options in tiles for a bathroom, and all have their pros and cons besides the different patterns and textures. So, deciding what would be the final look of your bathroom is the best way to start. The design shouldn’t make a bathroom so overbearing that it looks congested and not designed in a way that it appears to be bland and dull. Make your choices wisely.
Slip factor
As the tiles are bound to get wet, it increases the chance of slipping and causing an injury. Don’t go for options that are bound to get slippery, especially if you have children and older people living with you.
Grout lines
If mosaic bathroom tiles are chosen, there are bound to be grout lines. Grout is white; hence why it tends to get dirty over time. This can be overcome by adding a colour like that of the tiles to the mixture to reduce the white lines and ultimately save them from getting dirty.
Keeping in mind the above limitations, here are some of the choices that can be chosen for the perfect bathroom:
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to finishes, shapes, texture and designs. The rock and wood texture will create a cosy warm atmosphere in the bathroom. The best part is that they are waterproof when glazed with a finish to repel water and are generally inexpensive.
Terracotta Tiles
If you want to go for an old fashioned, these are perfect for you. Terracotta tiles are made by heating red-dyed or earthly shaded clay which adds a warmer organic tone to the bathroom. These tiles are very strong. They need to be coated with a fastening agent to create a protective layer to make them resilient to stains and damage.
Vinyl Tiles
Many people tend to gravitate towards vinyl tiles because they are very easy to install, and they are eco-friendly. Even if they are not as aesthetically pleasing as ceramic and porcelain tiles, they are not costly. The best part is that they are reusable and easy to maintain.
Stone Tiles
Stone bathroom tiles are both aesthetically pleasing to look at and practical. Made from marble, granite, limestone and slate, each has its pros and cons. These tiles can be textured and etched in whatever way desired. At the cost of slightly more than the ceramic and porcelain, these will help achieve a gorgeous expensive looking bathroom that is bound to give comfort upon entering.
Marble and granite tiles with various beautiful textures and designs add to the beauty, but they tend to get a little slippery. Limestone is an excellent choice for creating a warm natural look because of its fused shaded look, and they are also soft making it easier to shape them in whatever way wanted but they are a nuisance to clean and maintain.
Linoleum Tiles
This is one of the best materials for the bathroom because they are very easy to install, even easier to maintain as well as they are dirt and dust resistant hence retaining their texture and colour for a very long time. They are durable, cheap and low maintenance.
Cork Tiles
Cork bathroom tiles should be a go-to choice if older people and children are living, to minimize the chances of slipping. They are very soft and naturally anti-fungal, hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial. But their softness also causes them to be susceptible to scratches and damages. They need to be coated with a thick layer of water repellent; otherwise, they’ll be useless.
