Grout lines are the mortar-like mixture that’s put between tiles to make the surface resistant to water.
When it comes to size and textures for floors and backsplashes, smooth, large or medium-sized tiles are easier to wipe down.
Large marble tiles provide the least traction and are best avoided in bathrooms that will be used by elderly persons.
Select a grout color that isn’t too subtle or too shocking to highlight the shapes in a graceful way. You may want to have a professional contractor lay the tiles for you, as tiles cut or painted for geometric patterns can be difficult to lay correctly.
Choose a color and finish for the accent wall that are the same as the other tiles. For instance, if the floor and shower are lined in square, tan-colored granite, use the same color and type of granite for the hexagon-tiled area.
Place the peacock tiles inside of a simple border of square tiles to draw attention to the curved edges.
You can cut vinyl into various shapes using a utility knife (and some cutting skills). If you want a stone look (without the hefty price), some manufacturers make stone-vinyl. You can also add a shiny and/or water-resistant finish to vinyl flooring.
If you live in a cold climate, it will be chilly on your feet! Ceramic tiles don’t stand up to moisture as well, so avoid putting them in showers and bathtubs. Glossy finishing will keep the ceramic looking shiny and new. Ceramic tiles are a great option for a DIY project as you can easily cut the tiles using a tile cutter.
Durability comes at a price, as porcelain is more expensive than ceramic. Porcelain tiles are harder to cut and typically require professional installation.
Stone tiles aren’t as budget-friendly as other tile materials and can chip easily. Stone is naturally porous, so you’ll have to regularly treat the tiles with a sealing agent to protect from stains or water damage.
As a drawback, glass tiles show watermarks, streaks, smudges, and smears more than any other material. So be prepared to clean it often! Or, you can use smaller glass tiles to camouflage these minor imperfections. Glass tiles can be pricey—but if you still want to have some glass elements, use them for accent designs on the backsplash or shower wall.
For instance, a dark green mossy-matte backsplash pairs well with dark cherrywood cabinets, a black countertop, and a silver or gold faucet. [10] X Research source Matte finishes are easy to maintain and will disguise watermarks better than glossy tiles.
A gloss finish provides little to no traction underfoot, so it can be a slip-hazard. Mimic the look of marble by adding a glossy finish to travertine stone.
Select metallic colors that complement the decor and non-metallic aspects of the room. For instance, if your cabinets are dark brown wood, choose a burgundy-brown metallic tile for a cohesive look. You can also select a wild, clashing color to add some spunk (like hot pink or electric blue).
This faux wood tile not only resembles the real wood but is also more durable and easier to maintain. Wood look tile is far less expensive than traditional hardwood flooring, making it a much more cost-effective option. Finding an exact match to wood look tiles for repairs can be difficult. So, make sure to store some extra tiles to use in case any repair is needed.
Use bright white tiles for a contemporary look. In addition to making a space look larger, a bright, white bathroom looks refreshing and relaxing, especially with bathrooms that get lots of natural light. Complement the white color scheme with pops of neutral colors like blacks or grays. Add a few pops of blue, pink, red, green, or yellow for a little spunk. Add earth-toned accent tiles (like dandelion gold, burnt sienna, or sky blue) to mostly white bathrooms for a cottage-like feel.
If you like blue, try using royal blue as your main color and adding details of navy and light or medium blue. Use a mix of caramel, chocolate, and/or walnut brown tiles for a romantic, lush look. Add some baby blue or tan accents to lighten it up a bit. If you want to create a unique, ultra-modern look, choose 2 or 3 similar colors and 1 accent color to add a playful spark (e. g. , use mostly a forest green, a little true green, and accent certain areas with a few pops of bright orange or lilac). Avoid overly busy designs, as these can look cluttered. Instead, focus on creating patterns of light and dark by fading the colors into one another (like an ombre effect).
Consider making a statement with white grout and black floors or vice-versa for a playful touch.
Avoid adding too many pastels into the mix, as this can look kitschy. Keep it simple and focus on only 2 or 3 pastels. Increase the beach-appeal by combining pastel tiles with a tan colored stone (like marble, granite, or travertine).
A combination of raw sienna, burnt umber, and mossy green will give off a nature lodge vibe. Earthy gold, olive green, and rocky gray mixed together will look like a mountain hideaway. Opt for matte finish with earth tones to keep the natural appeal.
For a zen-like atmosphere, opt for soft whites with jade green, adding wooden or gray-stone accents.
Keep grout lines clean by using a toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or residue.
Use black and white tiles for a clean, classic look or pair white with any color of your choice—ideally one that complements the wall color, cabinets, and decor.
Make your stripe color the same as any accent colors you have around the room as decor (e. g. , if you have a bright orange shelf, make the stripe match that same orange).
Marble tiles contain natural minerals that can turn rust-colored from exposure to heat and moisture. Before installation, do a quick test by placing one of the tiles in a bucket of water for 2 days, taking it out, and letting it sit for 2 more days. Take pictures before and after to help you spot any changes. [18] X Research source You’ll probably need to hire a contractor to come in and lay the tiles for you, as marble is extremely heavy and requires more care during installation.
Place mirrors on different walls of the bathroom to bounce light around and make the space look larger. Replace yellow bulbs with white LED lights to add natural-looking light to windowless bathrooms.
