Choosing The Best Bathroom Tile
Deciding to redo a bathroom is the easiest part of the process. After that come all the choices:
- What color paint should I use?
- What style of vanity, shower, toilet, tub do I like?
- Size, shape, and color of the lights? Mirrors and accent décor?
Everything in your bathroom redesign means doing more research and making more decisions. And when it comes to flooring, like with most bathroom design elements, you also have to weigh style and price against function.
Let’s talk about bathroom tile from its use as flooring to wall accents, shower areas, and more. Here are the top items to consider when choosing the right tile for your bathroom.
Colors
There are so many different shapes, sizes, and colors that bathroom tiles can come in. While you may find 5 or 6 colors that complement each other and have the right look you’re going for, most design experts recommend sticking to a cohesive color palette that includes 2-3 colors.
No matter whether your dream is to create a fun atomic living-inspired bathroom look or a classic neutral space that will look timeless and be an easy sell for renters or homebuyers, a color scheme that’s too cluttered with differing hues can make things feel chaotic.
You don’t have to be an expert in color theory to choose a nice tile color. It’s important to think about the style you’re going for. Monochromatic looks (especially in colors like gray, white, and black) tend to feel more classic and luxurious. But a bright color palette can pull more light into the space and make it feel cozier or more fun.
Shapes & Sizes
Not all tile for your bathroom has to be the same shape, especially if you are including elements in multiple areas. Your shower tiles don’t have to be identical to the tiles that you lay for your sink or vanity backsplash, for example.
There are so many shapes and size options, from tiny honeycombs or hexagons to large marbled square and rectangular tiles.
But much like with colors, it’s important to pick a few favorite shapes or patterns and not go overboard. Create some nice contrast by using a mix of large, solid-colored tiles with small, patterned ones. Too much pattern in one area can create a “busy” look.
It’s also important to think about the accessories and accent colors and items you’ll be using in the space. If you have a lot of monochromatic accessories (vanity, mirror, towel racks, décor), having a tile with a heavier pattern to it would be a nice juxtaposition.
But if your bathroom has a clear theme (beach, mid-century modern, lots of art or plant accents), it might be best to tone down your tile choices to make “room” for your other statement pieces.
Play with Direction
One of the great things about tile is there’s no “correct” direction to lay it in. Anve’s experts can help you choose the directional layout of your tile for all areas – shower, floor, walls.
For example, shower tiles can be laid horizontally from the floor to the middle of the wall, and then you can angle them for a row or two to create a nice contrast.
Or maybe you have a small bathroom and would like to make it look and feel a little bigger. There are several ways you can use direction and placement to do that. For example, if you have a long, narrow bathroom, running rectangular tiles in a perpendicular direction can create more depth and width in the space.
There are also lots of ways to use tiles in a multi-directional manner to create movement and make your space look more dynamic.
Don’t Forget the Grout
Your choice of grout color can make or break your bathroom tile look. Grout color and thickness can create some amazing contrast, which you’ve probably seen in bathrooms that have used white subway tiles and black or gray grout.
It can also run the patterns in your tile, or create a muddy, undefined look.
As with tile shape, size, color, and placement, your grout choices can help create a balanced look no matter what your preferred tile or bathroom décor style is.
Comfort & Safety
More than one-third of home injuries occur in the bathroom and shower. And one way to cut down on the potential for a fall is to pay attention to the finishes of your bathroom tile.
Tiles with a glossy finish may be great for wall accents or a sink backsplash. But your floor tile will get wet, so choosing tile for the look isn’t as important as choosing it for the feel.
The texture is a deciding factor when it comes to bathroom tile projects. Make sure your feet like the tile as much as your eyes do!
Let Anve Help You with All Your Bathroom Tile Needs
It’s hard to make the right decisions for your bathroom design when you aren’t an expert in home redesigns and bathroom projects. That’s why Anve Kitchen & Bath offers bathroom and tile design to help make the process quick, easy, and enjoyable for you.
We set up a time for you to chat with our designers after you send over some rough measurements of the space. And the next steps include discussing your vision and budget before we get to work.
Once we’ve gotten your approval on the design of the tile for your bathroom, we place your order and assist you through the delivery and installation process, too!
Anve Kitchen and Bath is your bathroom remodel and design expert. Have questions about the process? Contact us today.