Choosing the right bathroom tiles is an essential part of home design. Make sure you maximize your bathroom’s space by selecting a stylish, durable and right type of tile. But, many factors come into play in choosing the perfect shower tile. Your bathroom design dictates the type of tile that you can use. Let these 5 tips for choosing bathroom tiles guide you in your search for the perfect bathroom.
1. Set the Budget
Do not buy on impulse and set a practical budget. Before you purchase, do your analysis, therefore, you have already got a thought concerning price and also the characteristics of every tile. With almost unlimited choices, establishing your budget is the easiest way to narrow down options.
In looking for the type and price, ceramic is the least expensive option, with porcelain being more expensive. In the next tips, we will discuss these types and their characteristics.
2. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are often used interchangeably as if they were the same thing. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both part of a general ceramic tiles group. But with slight differences
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain Tiles absorbs less water, stain-resistant, more hardwearing. These tiles have much less rate of water absorption, so these are the best option to use for shower and exterior. With regards to colour, It runs through the whole tile. Because of Its through-body composition. pattern and colour is still the same when chipped. Generally, porcelain tiles are more durable and long-lasting, which means it may be more cost-efficient. The only disadvantage of porcelain tile is It is harder to cut than ceramic tiles and may require a professional Installer.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is more porous and less dense as compared to porcelain. Being less impenetrable as compared to porcelain, it’s easier to cut ceramic tiles. Unlike porcelain tiles, the colour only on the glaze and different underneath. Because of its properties, It can only be used indoors.
3. Choose the Style
Let your bathroom showcase your overall home style. Before choosing, It’s important to know what part of your bathroom you want to have tiles. Do you want to tile your entire bathroom walls or just one accent wall? or only shower area is tiled? Knowing the tile locations will help you figure out the tile that best fits your needs. An accent tile may be an additional option, or a border tile for baseboard other than a general tile design.
Choose tiles that match your bathroom’s palette. If you have a small bathroom, try choosing neutral coloured ones to create an illusion of bigger space. You may also choose to make a statement by adding quirky, vibrant tiles that can serve as accents to your space. You can have the end wall, shower or mirror wall as your accent.
4. Choose The right Tile Size
Choosing the right tile size may have a significant effect in your bathroom design. Choose tiles that will complement the size of your room. Generally, a medium-sized tile is a safe option for small bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, lesser lines will make your space look bigger. Just make sure that your tiles have rectified edges and use a grout colour that matches them. You can also mix and match with mosaic tiles on some parts. Large-format tiles are good to emphasize the size of a bathroom to look elongated. Another tip is If you have a smaller bathroom, tile installed in a diagonal pattern can give the illusion of a larger room.
5. Finalize Look and Measurements
Before finally purchasing your bathroom tiles, there are several things you also need to consider. Ask for samples. Ask your tile supplier to give you sample tiles and take it home with you. Fitting the tile into the actual space will give you a different opinion. You can get a good idea of whether the tile fits your room style, double-check the size and soak-test the tiles for quality control. It is better safe than sorry!
Another important task before heading out to the tile store is to check measurements. Measure the length and width of the space you would like to cover with tiles and multiply it to get the area. After getting the entire area measurement, you can divide this with the area of each tile. But you can always have your tile supplier compute how many tiles you need with just the bathroom area. Add 10-15
We hope that these 5 tips for choosing bathroom tiles help you in your search for the perfect bathroom! Always showcase your personal style!