Tiles are a crucial part of interior design, setting the look and the feel of the bathroom that truly reflects your personal style. When it comes to choosing for the right tile for your bathroom, the possibilities are endless because bathroom tiles come in a wide range of colors, sizes, patterns, and shapes and that makes them versatile for both floor and wall application. Bathroom tiles are also available in a surprising number of materials and with so many options out there, it’s tough to choose “the perfect one”. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the best tiles for bathrooms to help you make the right choice.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from a mixture of clays that have been fired in a kiln at high temperatures. They are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. If glazed, porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for bathrooms due to high density and low water absorption. Ceramic tiles are cheaper than porcelain but if sealed properly, they are one of the most durable tiling options and are available in the largest range of colors, finishes, and patterns of all types of tile on the market. Porcelain tiles absorb less water than ceramic tiles which makes them ideal for bathroom walls and floors. They have a through-body color that ceramic often doesn’t and they will last longer but there tend to be fewer options in colors, finishes, and textures.
Glass Tile
Glass tile offers an aesthetic appeal, adding an opulent touch to a bathroom, and has a clean look and feel. It is becoming very popular in remodeling modern homes due to an increasing number of options. Glass tiles are available as mosaic collections and as individual tiles of different shapes and countless colors and shades from bold to subtle. Glass subway tile looks amazingly beautiful on bathroom walls with their smooth surface and bright colors. Their reflective surface can bring in more light and brighten small spaces. Being naturally water-resistant, glass is a highly practical material for bathroom tiles. Glass tiles are durable, resistant to stains, mold, and mildew, and easy-to-clean, although they may be rather expensive. They look elegant and can be installed on walls or in low-traffic floor areas.
Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles never go out of fashion and are loved for their natural appearance and unique aesthetics. They are durable and are not as slippery as porcelain or ceramic tile so they make a good choice for showers. But they are typically more expensive than similar-looking porcelain or ceramic tiles and require more maintenance. Besides, natural stone is a rather porous material so it is recommended to seal such tiles regularly at least once a year to prevent water-absorption.
- Granite tile is a popular choice in home renovations and a great option for decorating rustic themed bathrooms. Offering stunning aesthetics, granite tiles come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles so you can have a lot of choices when it comes to design. They are beautiful, incredibly durable, and practical. They are harder than other tiles and are often used in high-traffic home areas. Granite tiles are also resistant to stains, moisture, and scratches and they are rather easy-to-clean. Granite tile flooring will add resale value to your home.
- Marble tile is the perfect tiling material when it comes to luxury. Marble tiles look sophisticated and beautiful and come in a wide range of sizes so they can be a great match to any decor. They are also available as mosaics and can be the perfect option to add texture to your bathroom design. Marble tiles are great for creating feature elements and if you want a classic look, you may go for an all-white marble floor and wall tiles.
- Slate tiles can create a more rustic look and be slip-resistant, they are popular for use on the floors. Slate tiles have a unique appearance that can enhance the visual appeal of any area. There are countless solid colors and color combinations that can match nearly any decorative style scheme. Slate tiles are durable and resistant to cracks and scratches. Besides, slate tile is resistant to water and is considered to be one of the most preferred bathroom flooring options.
- Limestone tiles feature amazing durability, feel soft and comfortable, and can add a touch of style to any interior. Being more affordable than other natural stone tiles, they typically have a honed surface and are most often found in subtle shades of beige, brown, and grey. These hues can bring warmth to your bathroom and are good for natural-toned design schemes. Limestone is resistant to bacteria and mold and it makes a fabulous material to use in bathrooms. Limestone tiles are easy-to-clean and with the proper maintenance and care, they will last for many years to come.
