The essential flooring guide for the best bathroom tiles

If you want to transform your bathroom floor, one of the best ways to do this is with the right tiles. Not only will they elevate the look of your space, but they also provide a functional solution for a room where humidity levels are high. You'll find plenty of options for bathroom floor tiles, which will be suitable to help you create a bathing sanctuary, which you can enjoy for years to come. The key is to find the right ones with an equal balance of durability with beauty. In my new blog, I discuss which bathroom floor tiles are on trend and why these could be ideal for your home or project.

Our new Tulia Hula Hoop Black floor tiles are made in matt porcelain and designed by renowned designer Neisha Crosland. This design can also be used on a bathroom wall for more cohesion in your scheme

Picking bathroom tiles which suit the space

When it comes to bathroom floors, there are some key style and functionality considerations to take into account before you buy. There is a large selection of floor tiles available but, first, I suggest you consider your bathroom design and style. Think about the aesthetics and how your choices, such as shape, colour, pattern and size, will impact the space.

Functionality is also important - you'll need durable, waterproof bathroom floor tiles, which will last and be easy to maintain. It's good to look at the different materials you can choose, too - think porcelain, natural stone, encaustic, ceramic and so on, and ensure the tiles are suitable for use on floors. Speak to family and friends as they can also recommend which tiles were ideally suited to their space if they've recently renovated their bathroom.

Our National Trust Kashmir Earthern floor tile design has been inspired by traditional Indian textiles with a highly intricate pattern repeat. Made in ultra-durable porcelain, which is perfect for wet areas, you can use this tile on walls and floors

Different types of bathroom floor tiles

Materials matter in a bathroom with high moisture so it's good to research which tile types may be more suitable for this naturally wet environment. Porcelain tiles, for example, are renowned for being waterproof, ultra-durable and easy to clean. This type is ideal for bathroom floor tiles because they are manufactured to be able to withstand heavy traffic, too. Porcelain is a great material to use if you fancy marble effect tiles, for example. They will still look luxurious with a clean cut appearance like natural stone, however your bathroom floor will not need regular treatment (this could be every six to 12 months so check with the manufacturer), which is a must for the real thing as marble is porous.

In a striking matt finish, our Statuario Nuovo Honed Porcelain floor tile will help to create a marble effect on floors (and walls) with stunning veining , which replicates premium Carrara marble. Perfect for bathrooms, this style makes a great choice as it offers a durable alternative to real stone

Ceramic tends to be a preferred choice for wall tiles. This can come down to their composition and weight where lighter versions are ideal for bathroom walls. However, it is possible to find ones, which can be used on walls and floors. So, always check the product details before you buy. These tend to be more affordable than other tiles, too.

Something has got to be said for natural stone however, so if you've got the budget, why not? Think limestone for example - although you will need to reseal your floor tiles, with this sort of natural stone, you're probably looking at around every three or so years for resealing. If you choose this style for your bathroom floor, you'll also benefit from a truly unique finish.

Our new Joyous Expressions Porcelain Pontus bathroom tiles for flooring by Sasha Compton create a statement floor which matches the sculptural bath

Considering sizes for your bathroom tiles

Size matters and it will all depend on the look you want to achieve in this key room. You may want to consider whether to pick matching wall and floor tiles, for example, or perhaps switch up the size on your floor compared to a bathroom wall. Small tiles, such as mosaics, which come in sheets for easier installation, are ideal if you want to create intricate patterns and a striking finish. Large and extra large format bathroom floor tiles can also enlarge the look of your room - think 60 sq cms or larger. These floor tiles will be easier to keep clean with fewer grout lines although the tile size may need two people to install.

Key considerations for bathroom floor tiles

Make sure the floor tiles you choose are durable. They will need to cope with wet areas and heavy foot traffic. Slip resistance for bathroom floor tiles is vital for health and safety. Also consider designs, which could offer extra safety, such a matt or textured finishes. Bathroom floor tiles should be easy to clean so you can spend less time on these chores and more time relaxing in a tub and enjoying your surroundings. If you've got the budget, underfloor heating makes another great option - just check with us first to ensure your bathroom tiles are compatible with this modern heating method. 

Our Marlborough Porcelain Parquet Natural tiles offer a durable terracotta look for a beautiful bathroom floor which will stand the test of time. Showcased here, you can see how to blend classic and contemporary style seamlessly

Installation tips for your bathroom tiles

We always recommend working with an expert tiler to ensure you achieve the look you want to create. Tiling requires some skill, however if you love DIY and you want to tackle the project yourself, the first thing to do is to measure your space accurately. This way, you'll have the right amount of tiles to do the job - we also recommend ordering at least 10% more to allow room for wastage. "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" - wise words from Benjamin Franklin and, in this instance, means you'll need to prepare your floor properly first. This will include cleaning and ensuring that the floor is level, for example. Use a spirit level and, once your prep work is complete, take time to position your floor tiles carefully. If you plan to make the design continue to the walls, you may want any tile pattern to match.

Maintaining your bathroom tile floor

Cleaning your floor tiles on a regular basis will help to prevent dirt form accumulating. If you choose dark grey for your grout colour, it won't be so easy to see the dirt, however I recommend matching your tile colour with the shade you want to use for a sleek finish. You should also keep your wall tiles clean, so both bathroom walls and floors are hygienic and feel pristine. Gentle cleaners are ideal with a wet mop for your floor and cracked or damaged tiles on a wall and floor should be repaired immediately to limit further damage.

Style ideas for bathroom tiles

If you love tile trends for walls and floors, geometric patterns and large format styles are proving popular. The latter is ideal if you love a minimalist, contemporary finish and you could extend this to include concrete effect modern bathroom tiles for a sleek industrial look. Spa-style spaces continue to be high in demand so think luxurious materials - marble and natural stone lend themselves perfectly to this look. However, if budget is key, swap these for marble effect in a porcelain tile, which will be more cost effective. Wood effect tiles in porcelain are another style option for a dream bathroom. These floor tiles instantly add warmth to the look of your space and they are easy to maintain.

Create a concrete effect with our Toronto Grey Rectified Glazed Matt Porcelain tile design. Ideal for modern bathrooms, this porcelain tile is durable and comes in a striking dark grey for an industrial style finish

Why are floor tiles so popular for bathrooms?

Tiles have always been a hugely popular option because they hold specific qualities, which make them ideal for this room. Their durability on walls and floors makes them ideal because, once you've invested in floor tiles, you can relax in the knowledge that they will be long lasting. Another reason why floor tiles tend to be the main choice for this room is their water resistance. You don't have to worry about wet feet with porcelain tiles, for example.

With floor tiles, you can create a highly practical room with easy maintenance, where the risk of mould, for example, is greatly reduced. Think tile designs, which use special technology to help eliminate 99% of bacteria, for a super-hygienic finish. Lastly, the popularity of floor tiles in the bathroom comes down to their versatility. There are so many colours, styles, materials, patterns, shapes and sizes to pick, there's a design for everyone.

Our Activ Hexagon range enables you to create an ultra-hygienic finish in your bathroom with ACTIV technology that produces a protective silver ion shield on the surface. As a result, this helps to combat 99.9% of harmful bacteria and microorganisms as can be seen on our Active Kerala Hexagon White tile design. Other colours are also available in this glazed porcelain tile with a satin finish

Where to buy bathroom floor tiles

You can shop online to find a huge range of bathroom tiles at highly competitive prices. In fact, our website holds more than 15,000 different tiles and flooring options. And, if you want to meet an expert to discuss your bathroom design, we have tile and flooring specialists on hand at our dedicated Ascot showroom, plus an extensive range of tiles to peruse, regardless of your budget.