Many people choose to have tiles in their bathrooms. This is mainly because tiles are the most hygienic solution for a room where so much water is present. They are also easy to clean and fairly simple to maintain.
In terms of ease of use, it is important to choose tiles which can be cleaned quickly and effectively. Look for tiles with ‘easy wipe’ surfaces, which will not need scrubbing to clean. Grout between tiles can easily become damp, so it may be a good option to choose tiles with a larger surface area, as you will require less grout to fit them in place.
In shower areas, choose porcelain tiles or glazed ceramic tiles. Both of these types of tiles have a very low moisture absorption rate (approximately 0.5%). Should you be considering natural stone tiles, ensure that they are sealed before purchase, as this enhances their water resistance. Doing so will help to prevent any staining or water damage.
Many people are unsure as to which size tiles to use in their bathrooms. As a general rule of thumb, large bathroom tiles (60x30cm) work best in medium to large size bathrooms. However, should you have a small bathroom, by applying larger tiles end to end without needing to cut many in half, you may well be able to pull off the look just as well.
Smaller tiles (10x10cm) work well in smaller bathrooms. However, some people are put off by the large amount of grout lines which result from using this size tile. An alternative option is to choose medium size tiles (40x20cm), which work well in any size room.
Whilst you are deciding what size suits your bathroom best, consider the spacing between the fittings, such as the space between the sink, window, toilet and so on. Small tiles may be the best option if there is not a great deal of room between fittings, as otherwise you will have to cut larger tiles in half and potentially ruin the ‘flow’ of the tiling.
If you are looking for ways to use tiles to make your bathroom appear bigger, why not invest in light coloured tiles? They reflect a greater amount of light and instantly lift the room. Your bathroom will feel airy in no time. Another tip is to use the same colour for both floor and wall tiles. This again works to create a seamless, spacious effect. You could go one step further and choose a grout in a similar colour. Choosing natural stone tiles, such as slate, marble or travertine can create a simply stunning effect. Alternatively, purchase porcelain or ceramic tiles which mimic these colours.
Hopefully these hints have helped you to select, or at least to narrow down the choices of, what tiles to have in your bathroom.