Choosing the Right Bathroom Tiles: Materials, Styles, and Trends

It might seem daunting, but choosing the right bathroom tiles can be an exciting adventure through texture, shapes, sizes, styles, and trends. Whether you’re renovating the family bathroom or trying to make an ensuite feel larger, the tiles you choose will play a key role in setting the style and tone of the space. 

So, before you design your bathroom renovation, take a look at the materials, styles, and tile trends to choose from. 

Tile Materials

The most common bathroom tile material is ceramic or porcelain because they are resistant to moisture and highly durable, but there are plenty of other options available. 

Let’s discuss the most common options first. 

Ceramic tiles are the first and foremost option that most people consider when looking at tiles for renovating bathrooms. They’re easy to maintain, durable, and come in a wide range of colours and styles, so they make a solid choice for budget and aesthetic reasons. If you’re put off by how glossy they are, don’t worry – they do come in a range of finishes, including matte. 

If you’re thinking about porcelain tiles for your bathroom renovations, it’s probably because you know they are highly durable and water resistant. They’re baked the same way ceramic tiles are, but using finer particles and a higher baking temperature to create a harder tile. They look great on walls and floors. If you want extra durability for flooring, opt for unglazed tiles. 

Natural stone tiles are also common, but they are more expensive to install and harder to maintain so it’s something to consider. They’re great for creating a timeless look and you can opt for marble, limestone, granite, or sandstone. Whatever natural stone you choose, it will add a touch of luxury to your bathroom so consider the overall aesthetic you’re going for. If you’re not worried about elegance, you don’t need to stretch your budget. 

Glass tiles are also available in a range of finishes and styles, but these are usually reserved for dividers, features, or splashbacks. You can utilise this option in a mosaic, wall feature or border, but it’s not something to choose from a full floor or wall, especially in the bathroom. 

Concrete tiles have grown in popularity as an option for bathroom renovations. It’s becoming a more common sight across bathrooms in Sydney due to the rise of minimalism and industrial looks. Concrete delivers many dramatic options, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to make a statement.

Tile Styles

Tile styles include the shape and size of a tile and making the right choice ensures maximum aesthetics and functionality. Rectangular tiles come in various sizes and are ideal for modern and classic designs, while subway tiles are more suitable for modern and traditional designs. With metro tiles available in a wide range of colours, you can mix and match to create something unique. If you’re looking for luxury, you can create an elegant distinctive look with fishscale tiles. 

Square tiles remain a solid choice because you can create a grid or staggered patterns using different sizes and colours. If you want a rustic style or a Scandinavian look, plank tiles imitate wood, but if you’re looking to create a statement, you can do that with hexagonal or mosaic tiles. 

Tile Trends

The great thing about tiles is they’re always in style. However, there are always different tile trends on the go and if you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge, take a look at these big trends for this year. 

Black and white tiles were a major trend in the 1980s and even though they never went out of style, they’re back in a big way. Whether you want to create a checkerboard or a geometric design, choosing a monochromatic look can suit modern, vintage, and retro aesthetics. 

Grid, or Kit Kat, tiles are set to be one of the most popular design trends this year and beyond. They get their name from the grid pattern, essentially a mosaic finger in a grid, just like the chocolate bar. They make a great fit for contemporary bathrooms and are available in plain white if you want a classic, no-fuss look with added texture. 

Marble has been gracing us with its beauty for centuries and it’s expected to do the same throughout this year and the next. While marble is available in a wide range of colourways, classic white marble is set to have the biggest moment. It’s up to you whether you want to use your bathroom renovation on this touch of luxury. 

Patterned, textured, and herringbone tiles are also set to make waves in bathrooms across Australia.

Get in Touch With Crystal Bathrooms

If you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation in Sydney, you need a contractor you can trust. Crystal Bathrooms bathroom renovations in Sydney are licensed and insured to make your dreams come true. Get in touch to discuss your design ideas with our knowledgeable design team and let us handle your dream renovation from start to finish.