Choosing bathroom tiles can be harder than it first seems. Once you start looking at different colours, sizes, patterns and finishes, there are plenty of options to consider. A tile that looks great online may not necessarily be the right choice for your bathroom, especially when you also need to think about the size of the room, the floor and how everything will work with your vanity and tapware.
The good news is that you don't need to overcomplicate it. Starting with a few practical considerations can make it much easier to narrow down your choices and create a bathroom that looks good and works well.
Whether you're updating a small ensuite or planning a larger family bathroom, here are some things worth considering before you buy.
Start with the Size of Your Bathroom
The size of your bathroom is a useful place to start when choosing bathroom tiles.
Large-format tiles can work well in smaller bathrooms. With fewer grout lines, they can give the walls and floor a cleaner appearance and make the room feel more open. They are also a good option if you prefer a simple, modern style.
Smaller tiles can create a completely different look. Mosaic tiles, for example, can add detail to a shower floor, niche or feature wall. They can also work well in smaller sections where a larger tile may not be practical.
If you have a larger bathroom, you have more freedom to combine different tile sizes. You might use larger tiles as the main finish and introduce smaller tiles in selected areas for contrast.
Choose the Right Bathroom Floor Tiles
Bathroom floor tiles need to be suitable for an area that is regularly exposed to moisture and foot traffic. Before choosing a tile based purely on its appearance, check that it is suitable for flooring and for the conditions of your bathroom.
The finish is another thing to consider. Matt and textured tiles can give a softer, more understated appearance, while some finishes may be easier to maintain depending on the product.
Colour can also make a difference. Light bathroom floor tiles can help create a bright and spacious feel, while darker shades can add contrast and give the room a more defined look.
Neutral colours such as beige, grey and stone tones are popular because they are relatively easy to work with. They can provide a simple background for a vanity, bath or other bathroom fittings.
Think About Your Wall and Floor Tiles Together
Your wall and floor tiles don't have to match exactly. In fact, using different tiles can make the bathroom more interesting.
The important thing is to find some connection between them. This could be a similar colour, tone or finish. For example, a stone-look floor tile could be paired with a simple wall tile in a related shade.
You could also keep the main tiles fairly plain and use a more decorative option in one area. This is a simple way to add personality without making the entire bathroom feel too busy.
If you're not sure where to start, choose one tile you really like and build the rest of the room around it. It is often easier than trying to choose every tile and finish at the same time.
Add Detail with Mosaic Bathroom Tiles
Mosaic bathroom tiles can be a good choice when you want to add more detail to a space.
They are often used for shower floors, splashbacks, niches and feature walls. With different colours, shapes and finishes available, mosaics can suit both simple and more decorative bathroom designs.
You don't need to cover a whole wall with mosaic tiles. Using them in a smaller area can be enough to create a feature while keeping the rest of the room relatively simple.
For a subtle look, choose a mosaic in a similar colour to your main bathroom tiles. If you want more contrast, a different colour or pattern can make the area stand out.
Bring in Patterned Tiles
Patterned tiles can give a bathroom more character without requiring major changes to the rest of the room.
There are plenty of designs available, from simple geometric patterns to more traditional styles. Patterned bathroom tiles can work particularly well when used on a floor or a single feature wall.
If you're using a strong pattern, keeping other surfaces relatively simple can help create a better balance. A plain vanity and understated wall tiles, for example, can allow patterned floor tiles to become the main feature.
Patterned tiles can also work well in smaller bathrooms, ensuites and guest bathrooms. A smaller space can actually make it easier to use a distinctive design without overwhelming the room.
Consider Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are another option if you want to add texture and visual interest.
Their small flecks and variations can give a bathroom more detail while still working with fairly simple colours. Depending on the design, terrazzo tiles can be paired with a wide range of vanities, tapware and bathroom accessories.
If you prefer a quieter look, choose a terrazzo design with softer colours and a less noticeable pattern. For something more distinctive, a stronger terrazzo pattern can be used as a feature.
As always, check the product specifications before installation to make sure the particular tile is suitable for the intended area.
Don't Forget Subway Tiles
Subway tiles remain a popular option for bathrooms because their simple shape works with many different styles.
White subway tiles can create a clean and timeless look, while coloured subway tiles can give the same format a more modern feel. You can also change the overall appearance by choosing a different layout, such as a traditional brick pattern or a vertical arrangement where suitable.
Subway tiles can work well as a splashback or feature wall, particularly when paired with simpler bathroom floor tiles.
If you like the subway tile look but want something less traditional, coloured or patterned versions can offer a little more personality while keeping the familiar format.
Make Sure Your Tiles Work with Your Bathroom Fittings
Tiles are only one part of the finished bathroom. Before making a decision, think about how they will look with your vanity, basin, tapware, bath, mirror and other fittings.
For example, a vanity with a strong colour or detailed finish may work better with simpler tiles. If your bathroom fittings are more understated, patterned, mosaic or terrazzo tiles can add some visual interest.
It can also help to decide on the general feeling you want from the room. Do you want it to feel light and simple, warm and natural, or darker and more dramatic?
Having a general direction in mind can make it much easier to narrow down the many bathroom tile options available in Australia.
Order Tile Samples Before You Buy
A tile can look quite different in your home compared with how it appears online or in a showroom. Lighting, surrounding colours and the size of the room can all affect how the tile looks.
Ordering samples is a simple way to compare your options before buying a larger quantity. You can place them next to your vanity, tapware or other finishes and see how everything works together.
This is particularly useful when choosing between similar neutral colours. Two beige, grey or stone-look tiles may look almost identical online but appear noticeably different when placed next to each other.
It is also worth checking the product details, including size, finish, suitability and installation requirements, before placing your final order.
Find Bathroom Tiles for Your Renovation
There is no single style of bathroom tile that will work for every home. The right choice depends on the size of your space, how you use it and the overall look you want to achieve.
If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Australia, take some time to compare different colours, sizes and finishes before making your final decision. Ordering samples can also help you see how your chosen tiles work with the rest of your bathroom.
At Tilemall, you can explore a wide range of bathroom tiles in Australia online, including floor and wall tiles, mosaic tiles, patterned designs, terrazzo styles and subway tiles. If you're still deciding, you can order tile samples to compare colours and finishes before placing your full order.
