There are a lot of reasons that someone might be on the hunt for bathroom tiles. You might be renovating a property, or building one from the ground up. You may even just have some damaged tiles that you’ve decided are in need of replacing. Whatever the situation may be, there comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they must take the plunge into the tile world and find something that will work perfectly with their home. However, for the inexperienced, this can be quite an overwhelming feat. After all, there are hundreds of varieties of tile, if not more, and being faced with such an enormous array of options would daunt even the most stoic of us.
At Tilemall, we’re here to simplify this journey. As a leading one stop bathroom shop, we offer a curated selection of bathroom tiles, bathroomware, and accessories. From timeless classics to contemporary trends, we’re committed to helping you achieve the bathroom of your dreams. Below, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for choosing bathroom tiles and provide product examples to inspire your decision-making.
Style Matters
Whether you’re going for the latest trend or an old classic, knowing what style you’ll be going for is an essential part of choosing your tiles. Now, there are no wrong answers when it comes to what tiles you love, but if you’re trying to provide yourself with a clear direction, there are some questions you can ask yourself:
- Do I prefer classic or modern?
- Do I want a colourful look or something more monochrome?
- Do I prefer a matte finish or something shinier?
- Do I like more natural textures or something a bit more cleanly uniform?
- Do I want to mix and match styles?
- How much does form matter over function?
By asking questions like this, you can start to work out what your preferences and goals are. If you’re someone that prefers a more subdued, natural look, then stone look tiles are probably going to be the way to go. If, on the other hand, you rather something a little more luxurious and shiny, perhaps marble look tiles might be the right fit.
For instance, if you’re drawn to sleek and contemporary aesthetics, consider tiles like the Porcelain Mosaic Fish Scale 95mm Glossy Marina Blue from our collection. With its polished finish and elegant tones, it’s perfect for creating a sophisticated look.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking a natural, earthy vibe, our Big Terrazzo 600x600 Matt Grey Tile offers a textured finish that evokes timeless beauty. This tile is ideal for those who value both aesthetics and durability. By exploring different styles, you’ll discover how the right tiles can enhance your bathroom’s character.
Once you have your tile style in mind, you can then move onto…
While a uniform look might seem appealing at first, mixing and matching tiles can add depth and personality to your bathroom. Combining different textures, colours, or finishes can create visual interest. For example:
- Pair bold wall tiles with subtle floor tiles to create a striking contrast.
- Use patterned tiles on a feature wall while keeping the rest of the room neutral.
We recommend starting with wall tiles and building your design around them, as they tend to dominate the visual space.
The Sizing Situation
Australian bathroom tile designs are all over the place in terms of size, providing you with a huge amount of opportunity when making choices for your bathroom. Larger tiles will make for a cleaner-looking, more uniform finish, whilst smaller tiles can be fantastic for creating texture and offer a lot more in the way of patterns and colour changes. With that said, if you’re looking to stick with traditional wisdom, that’s more than fine, and there are some sizing types that tend to be more popular.
For bathroom floor tiles, the standard size tends to be around or bigger than 300x600mm. People tend to prefer larger tiles for their floor as it creates a smoother walking space, but if you’re looking for more grip, you may want to go with something a little smaller. That said, a lot of this is based on the idea that squares and rectangles are the only choices for tile floors, which has never been and will never be the case.
For those looking to add character, smaller tiles like our Hexagon Tiles can be used to create stunning feature walls or intricate floor patterns. Geometric designs like hexagons add a contemporary edge to your bathroom, allowing you to experiment with shapes and textures.
For a more unique approach, try some geometric shapes such as hexagons to really add that little dash of design to your domicile. The bathroom is often considered a very uniform space, but by adding little personalised flourishes like this, you can ditch the drab for a more tasteful toiletry space.
On that note…
Don’t Settle For Just One Style
Whilst perfect uniformity may seem like the perfect vibe at first, this just isn’t how any room is designed. Think about the distinction between the floors and walls within your home, and imagine if your entire floor was made out of the exact same thing as your wall with no distinction or variation. Whilst you can certainly make a style like this work in some cases, the majority of designs are going to be better equipped for more different colours and textures.
Whilst the choice of what you go with will be mostly dependent on your unique interests and preferences, it’s generally best to choose your bathroom wall tiles first and build everything else around them. The walls are going to take up the majority of what you’re seeing in general use, and you need to make sure that they’re something you will love before taking that next step.
Other Practical Tips for Choosing Tiles
Selecting the right tiles for your bathroom is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that is safe, functional, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re transforming a compact ensuite or designing a spacious family bathroom, considering practical elements alongside style will ensure a design that stands the test of time.
- Durability and Maintenance: Consider tiles that are easy to clean and resistant to moisture, especially for high-traffic bathrooms. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable and low-maintenance options.
- Safety First: Opt for non-slip tiles for bathroom floors, particularly in wet areas. Textured finishes can help prevent accidents.
- Colour Coordination: Light-coloured tiles can make small bathrooms feel larger, while darker shades create a cosy, dramatic effect.
Why Choose Tilemall?
Designing your bathroom is an exciting opportunity to express your style and create a functional, beautiful space. With the right tiles, you can elevate your bathroom into a sanctuary that reflects your personality.
As one of Australia’s most trusted names in tiles and bathroomware, Tilemall takes pride in being a comprehensive resource for renovators and homeowners. We believe that choosing the perfect bathroom tiles should be exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why we offer everything you need in one place, earning us the title of a one stop bathroom shop.
Explore our website for tips, tricks, and tile inspiration. From modern minimalism to classic charm, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Visit the Tilemall tile blog for the latest insights, and shop with us today to experience the convenience of a true one stop bathroom shop.