What Should I Look For When Buying Bathroom Tiles?

Bathroom tiles are an essential part of any bathroom renovation project. Whether you’re just redoing your shower, or are using bathroom tiles throughout the entire space, you may need guidance on what to look for when buying bathroom tiles. Let our interior design experts guide you on the best bathroom tile choice for your desired aesthetic.

Australia’s Most Popular Tiling Choices

Tiles have always been a popular choice for bathroom renovations, but many different types exist! Let’s break them down below.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most affordable options for those doing bathroom renovations in Sydney on a budget. Ceramic tiles offer excellent versatility as they’re available in many colours, textures and patterns. Ceramic can also be easily cleaned with soap and water.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are a favourite for shower floors as they’re naturally water-resistant and can mimic the style of natural stone.

Natural Stone Tiles

Often sold in either marble or granite, natural stone tiles are one of the most luxurious offerings available, for those without budget concerns. Marble and granite offer a beautiful, clean look with a white backdrop.

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are the perfect option for those seeking a feature wall as part of their bathroom renovations or are looking for the ultimate decorative option for their showers. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tiles

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right tiles for your bathroom renovations. 

Size and Shape

Choosing the right-sized and properly shaped tile for your bathroom is critical. If your bathroom is small, large tiles can make the room feel more spacious. If you’re looking to create interest in your room, smaller tiles are better. A modern look in a bathroom is large, rectangular tiles, while smaller square tiles are a classic.

Colour and Texture

Colours and textures are important in your bathroom renovations and can add to your overall aesthetic. If you’re looking for a dramatic, modern flair, then darker colours are perfect. Or, you can add more space by adding light and neutral colours like whites, creams or beiges.

Slip Resistance

Slip-resistant tiles with a matte finish, or a textured surface like natural stone are safer. Consider slip-resistant tiles in and around the shower area.

Water Absorption

Another thing to consider when it comes to tiling is how water absorbent your tiles are. Ceramic and porcelain tiles tend to excel in water absorption and should be used in water-prone areas of your shower and bathroom.

Maintenance Needs

The last thing you want to do with your days is scrub tiles! Consider matte or textured tiling (ceramic, natural stone) over polished tiles (marble, granite) if you don’t like cleaning your bathroom!

Trending Styles for Your Bathroom Oasis

There are a few current trends to consider when putting together your bathroom oasis. Not all of these tiles may be available to you during your bathroom renovation and all have an associated, so bear this in mind when making your stylistic choices.

Natural Inspiration

Some tiles embrace nature, like stone or can even mimic a wooden look, like mosaic tiles. If you’re using a lot of wood in your bathroom renovation, consider choosing a natural-looking tile to match.

Minimalist Chic

If minimalism is the name of the game in your bathroom renovation in Sydney, then clean lines created by longer, rectangular tiles are perfect. These are typically made from natural stone, but can be marble or granite. A polished look is often preferred, offering a sense of sophistication.

Pattern Play

If you’d like your bathroom renovation to be funky, then consider using patterns! Patterns can be created using mosaic tiles in a certain section of the bathroom floor, or shower walls. They’re unique, creative and can be almost any colour and design! Choose a funky pattern tile design that encapsulates who you are!

Spa-Like Serenity

If you want your bathroom to be something of a retreat, the use of a combination of natural stones, such as pebbles, and a clean coloured mosaic design, such as a beige, cream or even light brown or grey, can offer a serene feeling when you walk in. 

It’s important to remember that selecting tiles is just one part of your bathroom renovation project. Don’t forget to budget for the rest of your bathroom renovations! Consider how functional your tile choice is, whether it will fit with your overall design vision and don’t be afraid to experiment with samples!

When Should You Seek Professional Help With Your Bathroom Renovation?

While choosing a tile design can be relatively straightforward, there are always instances where you may need professional help! These can include:

• More complex tile design requirements include mix-and-match tiles, unique shapes, etc.
  
• Unfinished electrical or plumbing work should be completed as part of the bathroom renovation before tile work begins.
  
• If you have uneven walls or floors, these should be replaced or levelled out before tiling begins to ensure proper installation and waterproofing.

If you’ve been searching for the right bathroom renovation company to guide your tile selection and properly install your perfect tiled bathroom flooring or walls, contact Crystal Bathrooms today! Our interior design team is filled with knowledgeable, helpful professionals to help you make your tile dreams come true.