How to Match Tiles in the Bathroom

How to Match Tiles in the Bathroom

Are you in the process of renovating your bathroom? If so, amongst the many decisions you have to make is your tile choice. It’s important to choose tiles in Perth that will match the room and match each other.

Matching tiles in a bathroom can be a bit tricky, but with a little bit of know-how, it’s definitely doable, even for a design novice.

In this article, we’ll look at the many factors you need to consider when choosing tiles in Perth, including colour, material, style and size. We’ll also discuss how to take into account other tiles in the room and the bathroom’s overall design when making your decision. So whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, read on for some essential tips on matching tiles in the bathroom!

Let’s take a look at how to do this

1. Choose a tile style that complements your bathroom design

There are many ways to go about choosing tiles in a bathroom. However, most importantly, your tile style needs to complement your bathroom design style.

For example, you wouldn’t choose a farmhouse style tile for an industrial bathroom design. So if you’re choosing an industrial bathroom design, then do research to find what tile styles are currently being used in industrial bathrooms.

You can easily perform a google image search or search the likes of Pinterest for inspiration.

Once you understand the tile style that best matches your design, you can turn your attention to size and colour.

You can learn more about popular bathroom styles by reading ‘4 popular bathroom styles to consider for your renovation‘.

Popular bathroom tile styles

Popular bathroom styles to consider include:

  • Modern tiles: For a minimalist bathroom design, tiles should be neutral in colour and small in size. Large tiles can make a bathroom look smaller, while tiles with too much going on may make the room appear cluttered
  • Traditional tiles: If your bathroom design has a classic vibe going on, use large tiles to create an old-world feel. Also, consider using patterned tiles with motif, retro, heritage deco, art deco, nouveau, or encaustic designs printed on them.
  • Coastal tiles: Large tiles work the best for a coastal bathroom design, as large tiles appear visually lighter and reduce the effect of small spaces on walls
  • Minimalist tiles: For bathrooms with a minimalist interior design, choose neutral tiles. Keep colours to a minimum, preferably within the same family of materials, such as tiles with a white background and grey pattern.
  • Industrial tiles: Style your bathroom like an industrial warehouse by choosing tiles in materials such as concrete, terrazzo or other stone tiles

2. Choose a tile size that complements the size of your bathroom

The tiles you choose should complement the size of your bathroom. If your tiles are too small, they will make the room appear cramped and crowded. On the other hand if tiles are too big for your bathroom, they can look strange because tiles typically span across an entire wall to provide a consistent finish.

When choosing tiles, be sure that their size is in proportion to the size of your bathroom and tiles already present in the room.

Best tile size for small bathrooms

Tiles come in a variety of sizes, and when it comes to choosing the best tile size for a small bathroom, it’s important to consider the overall effect you’re hoping to achieve. In general, we’d recommend opting for smaller tiles rather than bigger tiles, as this will make the bathroom appear larger. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional look, big tiles can often be advantageous in small bathrooms

Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule, so if you have your heart set on using big tiles in a small bathroom, go ahead – just be sure to use them sparingly!

If you need help designing a small bathroom, be sure to read ‘Tips to Renovate a Small Bathroom Smartly‘ and ‘How to make the most of a small bathroom‘.

Best tile size for large bathrooms

When it comes to tiles, size definitely matters – and this is especially true when it comes to large bathrooms.

Just like with small bathrooms, there are a few things to take into account when choosing the right tile size for a large bathroom. For starters, you’ll want to make sure that the tiles you choose are in proportion to the size of your bathroom. This will ensure that your tiles don’t look too small or too big.

Secondly, you’ll want to choose tiles that are big enough to cover an entire wall without leaving any gaps. This will help create a cohesive look and make the bathroom appear larger. However, be careful not to go too big or your tiles may overwhelm the space.

In most cases, tiles come in a variety of sizes. So if possible, choose tiles that have slightly different dimensions to break up the monotonous look of tiles that all match perfectly!

3. Select a tile colour that matches your design style

Now it’s time to choose tiles of a colour that matches your design. This is where tiles can get tricky because tiles come in almost every colour imaginable! And within each colour, tiles are available in an array of shades and tints.

Choosing tiles that match your overall bathroom design can be challenging if you’re unsure what style you want to go with. So I suggest you first take the time to decide on a design style before choosing tiles.

Once you have a design style, you can narrow down the tile options by choosing a colour that matches the style or design trend. For example, if I use the industrial design style again, you would expect to see warehouse colours: brown, black, perhaps rust-look, timber-look, or even steel-look tiles.

It’s also important not to overlook these ‘look’ tiles and not to get too fixated on a colour. The ‘look’ tiles that I mentioned will often match your design style better than any actual coloured tile.

4. Mix and match different tile textures to add interest

While tiles typically come in one tile size, they are often available in various textures. This means that you have the option to mix and match tiles of different textures. Common tile textures include smooth tiles, textured tiles, rustic tiles, mosaic tiles and encaustic tiles.

Different tiles bring an extra level of detail to bathrooms by creating unique patterns on the floor or walls. It can also help add interest to your tiles.

For example, tiles with small tiles embedded into their surface can add a unique ‘groutless’ and seamless look and tiles with different finishes (matte, glossy, brushed or exposed aggregate) can give tiles more visual interest.

You don’t necessarily have to use tiles that match in size; tiles of all shapes and sizes also work well together.

However, it’s important not to overdo it, as tiles that are too different in size or texture can make a bathroom appear busy and disorganised.

5. Choose variations of the one tile

Another excellent way to match tiles in a bathroom is by choosing variations of one tile, whether it be size, shape or colour. Doing so can make choosing bathroom tiles very easy, ensuring they match.

They may be different colour variations of the one tile or the tile in different sizes or a 300 x 600 tile and a 600 x 600 tile variation – where one can be used for the floor and one for the walls. Either of these scenarios will look very effective.

When you use tiles that are exactly alike throughout the bathroom, it becomes very monotonous and predictable. Your bathroom looks more stylish yet still cohesive by using tiles with variations.

6. Mix and match different tile shapes and sizes of tiles for visual interest

Just when you thought tiles couldn’t get any more interesting, tiles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes!

Selecting tiles of different shapes and sizes can really add interest to your bathroom and complement each other.

For example, you may choose vertical subway tiles for walls and tiles in a herringbone pattern for your floors. Or, round penny tiles for walls and traditional square tiles for your walls. Alternatively, you might choose small Kitkit tiles for your walls and large format tiles for your floors.

Again, using tiles similar in shape and size throughout the bathroom can become monotonous. Using tiles of different shapes and sizes will make your bathroom contemporary yet still cohesive.

7. Opt for patterned floor and plain walls

While wall tiles look great as large-format, plain tiles, they look even better when paired with patterns floor tiles. This tile combination will really make your bathroom stand out.

Patterned tiles come in all sorts of different designs. Some tiles have a design printed onto them, while others may be textured tiles with a pattern embedded within the tiles themselves. You can even opt for tiles that look like tiles of old. For example, tiles with a motif, retro, heritage deco, art deco, nouveau, or encaustic printed pattern are reminiscent of tiles from the past and are today very much on-trend.

Geometric patterned floor tiles are also gaining popularity again. Along with printed patterned tiles, they pair very well with plain wall tiles. The simplicity of the wall tiles means the floor tiles become centre stage, without any clashing.

8. Or plain floors and patterned walls

If you’d rather have flash walls and a plain floor, then take the suggestion above and flip it. Place your patterns on your walls and leave your floor, plain to avoid any distraction or clashing of patterns.

In addition to printed patterned tiles and geometric patterned tiles, you may consider the pattern in which the tiles are laid to create visual interest. Subway tiles are ideal in this respect as they can be laid in many patterns. Popular patterns include herringbone, stack bond, basket weave, running bond and Flemish.

Using tiles that are placed in patterns on your walls is a great way to personalise your tiles especially if you’re not confident about using tiles of different colours throughout your bathroom.

9. Match tiles with other elements in your bathroom

It is also worth considering matching tiles with any other features in your bathroom. For example, ceramic tiles are often used around bathtubs as they are waterproof to prevent water damage over time.

As tiles are often used to cover the floor, you will find tiles in bathrooms that may match tiles around windows and other elements. This is because tiles allow for privacy and let light into your room. So you can choose tiles that complement any natural light or views outside.

10. Mix and match tiles of different materials

Finally, tiles come in different materials such as ceramic tiles, glass tiles and porcelain tiles.

For example, you may choose ceramic tiles for your floor but then use glass or porcelain tiles on your walls. You might even select tiles made from marble, which will give a cohesive and natural look to your tiles. The key to using tiles from different materials is to maintain a similar colour or colour theme.

By using tiles of different materials throughout your bathroom, you can create interest as well as break up the plain tiles. And providing you don’t go overboard and choose more than two materials, you really can’t go wrong.

Mixing and matching tiles of different materials can add depth, warmth and texture to certain parts of your bathroom. And this applies to the tile texture too.

For example, use tiles with a matte finish for your shower or bathtub surround and tiles with a shine finish on your walls.

Conclusion

Tiles are tiles, right? They all look the same. There’s no point in matching tiles because it doesn’t make any difference. Wrong! You can create an amazing looking bathroom by following a few simple rules when picking tiles for your space.

By choosing tiles that are similar in colour and shape, you can create a beautiful room. However, by using tiles of different shapes and sizes throughout your bathroom, your tiles become more personalised and stylishly modern.

Add tiles with patterns to break up tiles without losing the cohesion of the room. And consider matching tiles around other elements in your bathroom. This will add a unique element to your tiles and tiles in Perth.

The best tiles in Perth can be found at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Ross’s Discount Home Centre in Perth is a supplier of tiles for bathrooms and all home renovations needs. Visit our website to view our range and enjoy free shipping to Perth Metro locations.