How to choose the perfect bathroom tiles for your dream bathroom

1. Understanding the Cost of Bathroom Tiles and Setting a Broad Budget

The cost of bathroom tiles depends on what materials you choose, how many different materials and the quantity of tiles required. You also have to factor in cost of installation into your budget. After settling on the layout, have your contractor calculate the size of the area you want to tile in the bathroom, including floors, walls and accent elements. Don’t forget features like tiled storage niches or the tiled support framework for an inset bathtub. This will guide you in how many tiles you will need. Once you have a general idea of the square footage, you can factor in the cost of the tile according.

2. Choosing the Right Tile Size for your Bathroom Interior Design

There are a few schools of thought regarding washroom tile sizes vis-à-vis the size of your bathroom. While some say smaller bathrooms need smaller tiles and bigger bathrooms need bigger tiles, others say the size of your bathroom has very little or no bearing on how big or small the tile should be. Keep in mind, the smaller the tile, the more visible grout lines you will have. This helps with friction of the bathroom floor tiles if the tile is slippery. If you are looking for a more homogenous look, larger tiles provide a more seamless appearance. 

4. Finishes for Bathroom Tiles

Tiles come in a variety of finishes from ultra-glossy to gritty matte. The finish you choose will not only depend on aesthetics but also functionality. Glossy finishes and materials like glass tiles reflect light and can be great options for bathroom wall tiles, especially in smaller spaces. The glossier the finish, the easier the tile is to clean on a regular basis. You can definitely use the same tile/design on the walls and floors but make sure your bathroom floor tiles are matte finish, textured bathroom tiles or have an anti-slip coating.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BATHROOM TILE MATERIALS

When it comes to the material, factors like cost, durability, porosity, water and stain resistance, mildew resistance, maintenance and sealing come into play. There are some materials which work better as bathroom floor tiles while other can be slippery to walk on especially when they get wet. Washroom tiles that naturally have a matte or coarse surface or even those that require plenty of grout lines create friction and are ideal for flooring. Here are some of the most popular choices available in the market for bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles.

1. Bathroom Interior Design with Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay mixed with materials like sand, quartz and chemical additives which are heated to very high temperatures, making them a tough and durable option. When glazed and sealed properly, these tiles are water-resistant, non-porous, stain-resistant and scratch-resistant. Ceramic tiles for walls or flooring are also very easy to clean and come in a variety of finishes including polished, glossy, matte and anti-slip. Essentially, porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tiles that are made from denser clay and baked at higher temperatures. These factors make porcelain tiles stronger and more durable. They are also available with an antimicrobial glaze which prevents the growth of germs.

2. Designer Bathroom Tiles - Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles are similar to the first two but include silica and clay in the mix. They become very strong and long-lasting due to the process of vitrification where the silica and clay melt and blend to form a glass-like substance inside the tile. Unlike ceramic floor tiles, vitrified tiles have a glassy surface because of glass elements that are used in their composition. A more expensive option, the benefits like exceptional water, stain scratch and impact resistance, outweigh the initial cost in the long run making them a good option for bathroom interior design. There are different types of vitrified tiles. Full body vitrified tiles have one uniform colour; double charged vitrified tiles are made with two colour pigments for a two-tone effect; glazed body vitrified tiles have a glazed finish; and soluble salt vitrified tiles come in various patterns on the tile.

3. Textured Bathroom Tiles of Natural Stone

There are many natural stone options, each with their own features and drawbacks. The beauty of natural stone is that it imparts a unique character to your spaces; each stone displays the results of being shaped by nature. These materials are available as stone slabs which are machine-cut into tiles. Some of the most common natural stone washroom tiles include varieties of quartz, travertine, slate, granite, marble, sandstone and limestone. Keep in mind that marble stain easily and also gets quite slippery when wet. Granite, quartz, sandstone, limestone and travertine are durable and their natural grain adds to the beauty. Slate is a porous stone and requires regular sealant application. Black limestone or cuddapah and Kota stone – two varieties of limestone – are extremely popular in India. The drawbacks of using natural stone tiles are that they are expensive, require constant cleaning, polishing and periodic sealing because they are porous.

4. Cement Tiles for Modern Bathroom Tiles

Gaining immense popularity, concrete flooring is an ideal option for designer bathroom tiles. Concrete, made from cement, rocks, river stones and granite chips among other hardy materials, is extremely durable. Modern bathroom tiles made from cement come in a host of colours, patterns and texture effects. The finishes range from a raw and gritty matte to a glossy, polished effect. The mix-and-match patterns of cement tiles make for some of the most interesting and stylish floors, walls and accent elements. These also need proper sealing especially in wet areas.

5. Terrazzo for Bathroom Surfaces

Terrazzo is made using chips of marble, granite, quartz and other stones – sometimes even Mother-of-Pearl or colourful glass – set within a resin or concrete base. A colour pigment can be added to the base for different effects. When polished, terrazzo showcases the beauty of each stone chip. Epoxy terrazzo flooring is highly durable, non-porous and chip and stain resistant making is a great option for bathroom floor tiles. Terrazzo flooring is available in a plethora of colours, patterns, chip sizes and chip materials, each with a unique character. It can also be used for the walls, vanity, counters, bathtub and accent elements. You can get terrazzo slabs or pour it on-site to create a seamless look on floors and walls or even create counters, vanities and bathtubs from it.

6. Modern Bathroom Tiles – Glass Tiles and Mosaic Tiles

Glass tiles add a sense of luxury to a space. They reflect light, are water and mildew resistant and very easy to clean. However, they are difficult to install, are susceptible to scratches and repairs are costly. While textured glass tiles can be used as bathroom floor tiles, we recommend using them on the walls, vanity counters or accent elements. Many materials including glass, porcelain and ceramic can be used as mosaic tiles to mix-and-match and make beautiful colour and pattern combinations. Keep in mind, mosaic tiles with their multitude of grout lines, require frequent cleaning and upkeep.

So Which Bathroom Tiles are the Ones for you?

From tile material and size to the colour and pattern combinations, there are many factors involved in washroom tiles for bathroom interior design. To craft the bathrooms of your dreams, turn to the Beautiful Homes Service by Asian Paints. They can guide you with how to choose bathroom tiles and you will get the benefit of a panel of expert designers along with a dedicated project manager to work out each step of the way for a fuss-free solution. You can also peruse the Beautiful Homes online shop or retails stores in various cities for furniture, lighting and décor.