7,387 Tiles

Why should I choose tiles for my bathroom or kitchen?

Tiles are durable and easy to wipe clean, making them a hygienic surface for bathrooms and kitchens. Floor tiles can also retain heat to be warmer underfoot, and also provide traction; as long as you choose textured stone such as travertine floor tiles instead of polished surfaces such as ceramic floor tiles, tiles can provide better grip than other, more slippery surfaces, which is particularly important in bathrooms where the floor can easily get wet. Pebble floor tiles are also are a non-slip surface that feels great underfoot, and perfect for a beach house bathroom theme. Small tiles and shiny surfaces such as glass tiles can also visually enhance the proportions of a bathroom. Tiles are also a great way to express your style - mosaic tiles or marble tiles can be used to give bathrooms and kitchens a luxurious makeover, or a period bathroom can be renovated to stunning effect using Victorian tiles, even adding value to a home.

What are the key things to remember when choosing wall tiles?

It’s important to think about where the tile is going to go – large tiles may look disproportionate in a small shower room, while tiny mosaic tiles in a large kitchen might be disorienting. Ease of cleaning and maintenance is also an essential consideration; for example, if it’s a kitchen splashback you’re after, you might want to think twice about choosing too light a colour as it will soon be covered by splattered sauces and other liquids. Durability is also a factor: a natural material such as travertine will give your kitchen or bathroom a rustic feel but the pitted surface may retain moisture too easily and cause damp problems down the line. Consider hard-wearing and easy to clean alternatives such as porcelain, metal and ceramic, or even slate if your budget can stretch that far.

What size should my tiles be?

Conventional wisdom states that small rooms should stick to small tiles in light hues, while bigger rooms can explore a wider spectrum of colours and large bathroom tiles. On the whole, small wall tiles with a shiny surface reflect light and can make a bathroom feel more expansive, and small floor tiles offer the benefit off added grip underfoot. However, if you think that tiles with many visible grout lines could make your small bathroom appear crowded, you might want to consider medium sized wall tiles and ceiling tiles. A stylish alternative to small bathroom wall tiles, mirror tiles can be used to bounce light around the room and will look great in both modern and vintage-inspired bathrooms.

How do I choose tile colours and materials?

Tiles are a great way of accenting a room, adding a pop of colour or decorative flourish using geometric patterns. For a classic option, white tiles are among the most popular choice for a fresh and spacious looking bathroom. If you feel that white can appear too stark or clinical, have fun with the different textures and finishes on offer. Gloss finishes such as porcelain tiles can lift a space by reflecting light while the matte honed variety such as limestone tiles can look fabulously minimalistic. Border tiles in contrasting colours can be used to add dimension to neutrals such as white and grey kitchen tiles. Quarry tiles such as slate tiles in darker colours are great for creating a sense of depth, and wood effect tiles can lend a soothing, spa-like feel to a bathroom. For a real wow factor, black tiles can look amazing whether you’re going for a dramatic, art deco or masculine decor. If your style is more eclectic and you find yourself looking at tile patterns, moroccan tiles are a versatile choice that, depending on the colours you choose, can be perfect for creating either a cheerfully bohemian kitchen or serene bathhouse setting. Have an idea of the style that you wish to recreate, carefully consider your lifestyle and where practicality trumps decor. Then see if one of your shortlisted kitchen suppliers, bathroom suppliers or kitchen and showrooms can advise you on the best way to go. If you want to create something more bespoke – with a unique layout, decorative panelling and mural for example – then search on Houzz for bathroom designers and installers or kitchen designers and installers in the Find a Pro section.