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- Family bathroom: Durable, easy-to-clean tiles and a forgiving floor material.
- Ensuite / adult bathroom: Consider larger format tiles and warmer finishes.
- Wet room: Tiles rated for constant moisture and a well-designed fall to drain.
- Small cloakroom: Light-coloured, reflective tiles to make the space feel larger.
Tile types — quick guide
Here’s a short, practical rundown of the most common tile types and where they work best.
| Tile type | Where to use it | Key advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Floors, wet areas, walls | Very durable, low porosity, wide finishes | Heavier; requires correct adhesive |
| Ceramic | Walls, light-traffic floors | Affordable, lots of colours/patterns | Softer than porcelain; higher porosity for some ranges |
| Natural stone (marble, travertine, slate) | Feature walls, luxury floors | Unique look, premium feel | Needs sealing, more maintenance, can be slippery |
| Mosaic (smaller tiles) | Shower floors, accents | Great for falls in wet rooms; lots of patterns | More grout lines: more maintenance |
1. Floor tiles
The floor needs to be slip-resistant, durable and suited to your traffic and cleaning habits.
- Material: Porcelain is the go-to for most floors because of strength and low water absorption.
- Size: Larger tiles (e.g. 600×600 mm, 600×300 mm) make small bathrooms feel bigger and reduce grout lines. In very small rooms, medium (300–400 mm) tiles work well.
- Slip resistance: Look for an R-rating or an anti-slip coefficient appropriate to bathrooms (in the UK/EU, R9–R11 guidance is common; R11 is grippier). Where water is likely to be standing (near shower trays or wetrooms), aim for higher slip ratings.
- Finish: Matte or textured finishes hide water marks and are safer than high-gloss.
2. Wall tiles
Walls are less demanding technically than floors, so you can use more decorative ceramics, glass or natural stone.
- Height: In showers, tile to the ceiling if you can; behind vanities, 1200–1500 mm is common.
- Orientation: Horizontal tiles make walls look wider; vertical tiles add height.
- Accent walls: Use patterned tiles or different textures behind the vanity or bath for impact.
3. Wet zones & showers
Waterproofing comes first. Tiles matter, but the substrate, waterproof membrane and correct falls are what actually stop leaks.
- Use low-porosity tiles (porcelain recommended) in the wet area.
- For shower floors, small-format tiles or mosaics provide grip and allow for the slope to the drain.
- Ensure a continuous waterproofing membrane with taped and sealed joints before tiling.
4. Underfloor heating
Tiles are excellent with underfloor heating because they conduct heat well. Porcelain and stone are ideal. Avoid very thick tiles or heavy textured profiles that reduce heat transfer efficiency.
Practical tips — grout, maintenance, and installation
- Grout colour: Lighter grout makes spaces feel airy but shows stains. Mid-grey grout is a practical, forgiving choice for many tile colours.
- Epoxy grout: More stain-resistant and durable than cement-based grout, especially in wet areas.
- Sealing: Natural stone and some terracotta/quarry tiles must be sealed. Re-seal periodically as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Movement joints: Include movement joints around perimeters and where different materials meet to prevent cracking.
- Substrate and preparation: A flat, well-prepared substrate and the right adhesive are crucial — tile failures are almost always due to poor preparation.
- Hire a pro for wet rooms: For full wet rooms or complicated plumbing moves, use an experienced tiler who knows waterproof membrane systems.
Design ideas & trends that actually work
Trends come and go, but some design choices are both stylish and practical:
- Neutral large-format tiles: Timeless and easy to style with accessories.
- Statement tile (behind mirror or bath): One dramatic wall gives character without overwhelming maintenance.
- Mix formats carefully: Use a consistent palette if mixing sizes — for example, large floor tiles with a small mosaic shower floor in a matching tone.
- Matte black trims and fittings: High contrast hardware looks modern with neutral tiles.
- Biophilic touches: Wood-effect porcelain tiles or a slate-look tile paired with plants bring warmth without the maintenance of real wood.
Budget-minded tile choices
If you’re on a budget but want longevity:
- Choose porcelain lookalike tiles that mimic stone/wood — cheaper to buy and maintain.
- Standard wall tiles in white or cream are inexpensive and create a clean backdrop for accessories.
- Limit expensive materials (real stone, bespoke mosaics) to one area as a feature rather than covering the whole room.
Checklist before you buy
Take this short checklist to the tile supplier or contractor:
- Where will the tile be used? (floor, wall, wet area)
- Tile PEI or wear rating (for floors) and porosity or water absorption rating.
- Slip resistance rating for floor/wet areas.
- Tile size and how many cuts will be needed — ask for a layout or ‘dry run’.
- Grout type and colour, and whether an epoxy grout is recommended.