10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Wall Tiles

Are you planning to update your bathroom and overwhelmed by the tile options available? Choosing bathroom wall tiles can be a critical decision that impacts the overall look and functionality of your space. From selecting the right material to considering the perfect colour and finish, there’s much to consider. The right tiles can transform your bathroom into a stylish and easy-to-maintain sanctuary, enhancing its aesthetic and practical appeal.

In this article, we explore essential tips for choosing bathroom wall tiles that blend style and functionality seamlessly. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, sleek design or something more traditional, you’ll find insights to guide you in making the best choices for your space. And when you’re ready to shop, Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers a wide selection of high-quality tiles to suit every style and budget, ensuring you have everything you need to bring your vision to life.

Key Takeaways

• Porcelain tiles are ideal for bathroom walls due to their enhanced durability and low maintenance, especially in moisture-prone areas.
• Glossy tiles are excellent for small bathrooms, reflecting light to create a spacious feel, while matte tiles offer a subtle look and hide smudges.
• Light-coloured tiles are preferred for smaller bathrooms to brighten the space, whereas dark tiles add warmth and drama in larger bathrooms.
• Feature wall tiles can introduce personality and style, especially when used behind vanities or in shower areas.
• Large-format tiles create a seamless look with fewer grout lines, enhancing openness in small bathrooms.
• Mixing tile patterns, such as using herringbone for a feature wall with simpler layouts elsewhere, adds interest without overcrowding the design.
• Opting for smooth tiles on walls simplifies maintenance, while textured tiles may require more frequent cleaning.
• Choosing complementary or matching wall and floor tiles achieves a cohesive design, adding either uniformity or visual contrast as desired.

Choose the Best Tile For Your Bathroom Walls

Selecting the best type of bathroom wall tiles is essential to ensuring both durability and style. Here’s how to choose wisely:

Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular tiles for bathroom walls thanks to their durability and water resistance. However, porcelain tiles, which are slightly denser than ceramic tiles, offer enhanced durability, making them the best choice for areas that experience frequent moisture. These tiles ensure your bathroom walls remain beautiful and resilient against daily wear.

Natural Stone Options

If you’re after a touch of luxury, natural stone options like marble or slate can elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic. These materials are undeniably elegant but do require regular maintenance, such as sealing, to protect against water damage. For those who desire the opulent appearance of stone without the upkeep, porcelain stone-look and marble-look tiles are ideal. They offer the same sophisticated look without the high maintenance.

Go Glossy for Light Reflection or Matte for a Subtle Look

Tile finishes can significantly influence the overall ambience of the space. Here’s a guide to help you decide between glossy and matte finishes:

Glossy Wall Tiles

Glossy wall tiles are popular for small bathroom spaces due to their light-reflecting properties. By bouncing light around the room, they can make compact areas feel brighter and more expansive. These bathroom wall tiles are easy to wipe clean, which is a plus for busy households. However, it’s worth noting that glossy surfaces may reveal smudges and water spots more easily, requiring a bit more attention to maintain their gleaming appearance.

Matte Wall Tiles

Matte bathroom wall tiles are an excellent choice for those leaning towards a modern, understated aesthetic. They offer a subtle elegance that complements contemporary designs and are particularly adept at hiding fingerprints and water spots, making them perfect for low-maintenance bathrooms. As a bonus, matte finishes are a current bathroom tile trend, providing a chic, current look.

Pick Light or Dark Colours Based on the Bathroom Size and Lighting

Wall colour choice is pivotal in bathroom design, influencing mood and perceived space. Here’s how to choose the right hue for your bathroom walls:

Bright Colours for Airy Spaces

Choosing lighter wall tiles can create an illusion of more space and brightness in small or poorly lit bathrooms. Light wall tiles, such as light grey, beige, and white wall tiles or soft neutrals and pastels, reflect light, adding a sense of airiness and cleanliness to the space. These shades can open up the room, making it feel more inviting and expansive.

Darker Hues for Warmth and Drama

For larger bathrooms, darker wall tiles can introduce warmth and a dramatic flair, crafting a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Use caution when using deep hues like charcoal, black, or navy blue in small or dimly lit spaces, as they can create a sense of confinement.

To find a stylish and current colour, consider checking out our 2025 Colour Trends article. It offers insights into the latest palettes, ensuring your bathroom wall tiles are as fashionable as they are functional.

Use Feature Wall Tiles to Add Style and Character

Feature wall tiles can inject personality and flair into your bathroom design, creating focal points that draw the eye. Here’s how to incorporate them effectively in your bathroom design:

Feature Walls and Borders

Consider using bold or patterned bathroom wall tiles to create striking feature walls or borders. Placing them strategically, such as behind the vanity/basin or in the shower, adds interest without overwhelming the overall design. This approach allows you to express your style while maintaining a harmonious look throughout the space.

Stick to a Cohesive Colour Scheme

While feature wall tiles are a fantastic tool for adding character, ensuring they complement your main tiles is crucial. Keeping accent tiles within the same colour family as the rest of your bathroom wall tiles creates a balanced and cohesive look. Be mindful that introducing too many contrasting colours can make the bathroom feel cluttered and chaotic.

Choose the Right Tile Size to Enhance Space and Style

The size of your bathroom tiles can dramatically influence both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Here’s how to pick the right size for your needs:

Large Tiles for a Seamless Look in Small Bathrooms

In small bathrooms, opting for larger wall tiles can create a seamless appearance by reducing the number of grout lines. This approach helps small bathrooms feel more open and less cluttered, allowing the eye to travel smoothly across the surfaces. Large bathroom wall tiles are perfect for creating a clean, modern look that enhances the sense of space.

Smaller Tiles for More Detail in Larger Spaces

For larger bathrooms, smaller wall tiles or mosaics can add a layer of intricate detail and texture, as larger spaces offer more room for creative design. These smaller tiles allow for playful patterns and rich visual interest, adding depth to the overall aesthetic.

For further guidance on choosing the best wall tile size for your bathroom, check out our article, Large Vs. Small Bathroom Tiles: What Works Best for Your Space?.

Try Different Layout Patterns to Create Visual Interest

The pattern in which you lay your bathroom tiles can transform the look and feel of the space, adding depth and character to your design. Here’s how to use different tile layouts to enhance your bathroom:

Classic Subway, Herringbone, and Diagonal Layouts

Laying bathroom wall tiles in popular layouts like the classic subway (running bond), stacked, herringbone, and diagonal can each bring a unique aesthetic to your bathroom. The subway layout offers a timeless appeal, while a stacked pattern gives a clean, modern look. Herringbone patterns introduce dynamic movement, and diagonal layouts can make small spaces appear larger. For an added touch of height, consider vertical tile layouts to elongate your walls visually.

To delve deeper into the specifics of subway tiles, read our article, Pros and Cons: Evaluating Subway Tiles in Modern Bathrooms.

Mix Patterns and Proportions Carefully

Consider mixing different tile shapes or layouts for a balanced and harmonious design. For example, you might use a striking herringbone pattern as a feature wall and complement it with a simpler stacked layout on other bathroom walls. This approach allows you to add interest while maintaining a cohesive overall look.

Should You Tile All Walls in a Small Bathroom?

Deciding whether to tile all the walls in a small bathroom is a common dilemma for homeowners looking to balance aesthetics with practicality. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Pros and Cons of Full-Wall Tiling

Tiling all walls from floor to ceiling can create a seamless, spa-like ambience, which is particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms. This approach promotes a sense of continuity, making the space feel larger and more open. Full-wall tiling also offers durability and ease of maintenance, which is ideal for creating a luxe look with minimal upkeep. However, it’s important to consider that this option might be more costly due to the increased amount of wall tiles required.

Partial Tiling for a Budget-Friendly Look

For those mindful of budget constraints, partially tiling your bathroom walls is an excellent alternative. Tiling halfway up the walls or strategically using tiles as accents can still provide a chic, easy-to-clean surface while significantly reducing costs. This method allows you to highlight certain areas, like the splash zone behind the sink or shower, without overwhelming the space. By choosing partial tiling, you can maintain style and functionality without committing to the expense of full-wall coverage.

If you are on a budget, our article How to Source Cheap Bathroom Tiles in Perth offers pro tips on how to keep costs down without compromising style.

Match Wall and Floor Tiles for a Cohesive Design

Creating a harmonious bathroom design often starts with a thoughtful approach to matching wall and floor tiles. This strategy enhances visual appeal and brings a sense of continuity to the space. Here’s how to achieve that cohesive look:

Consistency Across Surfaces

Consider using the same tile across your bathroom walls and floors for a sleek, seamless appearance. This approach can make your bathroom feel larger and more unified. When selecting bathroom tiles, choose a matte or structured finish for the floor to minimise slip risks while maintaining the same aesthetic. This practical choice ensures safety without compromising on style.

Contrasting Wall and Floor Tiles for Visual Impact

Alternatively, consider contrasting your wall and floor tiles for those looking to add a touch of drama. Pairing neutral or lighter bathroom wall tiles with a darker floor tile can create a striking visual anchor, drawing attention and adding depth to the room. This method highlights specific design elements while maintaining a cohesive look.

Our article, How to Match Tiles in the Bathroom, delves deeper into the art of cohesive tile selection, providing practical tips and examples to guide you through the process.

Select Durable and Low-Maintenance Tiles for Easy Cleaning

When choosing tiles for your bathroom walls, durability and ease of maintenance are key factors that can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s what to consider for hassle-free upkeep:

Smooth vs. Textured Tiles

Opting for smooth, glazed bathroom wall tiles can make cleaning a breeze. Their sleek surfaces resist dirt and grime, allowing quick wipe-downs and less frequent deep cleaning. In contrast, textured tiles, while visually appealing, tend to trap dust and moisture, necessitating more effort to keep them looking pristine. If minimising maintenance is your goal, smooth tiles are the way to go.

If you’re concerned about the upkeep of bathroom wall tiles, our hand Tile Cleaning & Maintenance Guide offers expert tips on how to keep your tiles looking their best for years to come.

Consider Porcelain for Longevity

We’ve already established that porcelain tiles are the best wall tiles for bathrooms due to their exceptional durability. However, did you know they also require minimal maintenance? Resistant to water, stains, and scratches, porcelain tiles retain their beauty with ease. Their sturdy composition enables them to endure the humid conditions typical of bathrooms, ensuring they remain attractive year after year. This enduring appeal contributes to their popularity as the best wall tile for bathrooms.

Choose the Right Grout Colour and Thickness for a Finished Look

Grout may seem like a small detail in your bathroom renovation, but it plays a crucial role in achieving a polished and cohesive finish. Here’s how to make the right grout choice for your bathroom walls:

Dark vs. Light Grout

Choosing the right grout colour is essential for enhancing your bathroom’s overall look. Dark grout is a fantastic choice for defining tile edges, creating a structured appearance, and effectively hiding stains as they accumulate over time. On the other hand, light grout provides a seamless, clean aesthetic, effortlessly blending with lighter tiles to form a smooth, unified surface.

Consider Grout Line Thickness

The thickness of your grout lines can also influence the final look of your bathroom. Thinner grout lines are ideal for achieving a sleek, modern vibe, especially when paired with large, smooth tiles. On the other hand, thicker grout lines complement textured or handmade tiles, adding depth and emphasising their unique patterns.

Whichever you choose, just make sure you match grout thinness with your floor tiles for a cohesive look.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect bathroom wall tiles involves thoughtful consideration of material, finish, colour, size, and layout. Each decision is crucial in crafting a space that combines style and practicality. From the sleek look of polished tiles to the visual intrigue of different layout patterns, every choice contributes to a cohesive and stunning bathroom design. Remember, for durability and ease of maintenance, porcelain remains the best type of tile for bathroom walls.

Looking for some bathroom tile inspiration? Don’t miss our Bathroom Tile Ideas and Modern Bathroom Tile Design Ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

We invite you to explore the extensive tile selection at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, either online or by visiting us at 57 James Street, Guildford, WA. Whether you’re looking for sleek, modern tiles or pieces with unique texture and character, we have everything you need to realise your bathroom vision. Furthermore, we offer $50 shipping across all Perth Metro areas and a 14-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk involved! We aim to help you transform your space into one that combines functionality and beauty, ensuring that your bathroom wall tiles are perfect for your needs.