Which tiles are best for the bathroom?

When designing a bathroom space, one of the key considerations involves your tile selection. Tiles are an ideal choice for bathrooms primarily due to their practicality and aesthetic versatility. They offer an excellent combination of durability and waterproof qualities, making them resistant to the damp and humid conditions typically found in bathrooms.

Our Ca' Pietra Amethyst Marble Honed Tiles, £114.37 per sq m, features deep striking purple veins for the wow factor feature wall tiles which work wonderfully on floors too

Furthermore, tiles are available in an array of materials, sizes, colours and finishes, allowing them to complement any bathroom design, from the most contemporary to the traditionally elegant. Indeed, your choice of bathroom tiles can dramatically influence the overall look and feel of the space, making this an important decision in your design process.

The vital role of bathroom tile durability

Stain resistant tiles, such as our Bert & May Cherry red Porcelain Tiles, £79 per sq m and showcased here with Brighton Stone, can create a statement wall and floor in an instant

Durability is paramount when selecting which tiles are best for bathrooms. Bathrooms often face consistent exposure to moisture, heat and heavy foot traffic. All these factors necessitate the use of resilient materials that can withstand such conditions on bathroom walls and floors over a long period without exhibiting signs of wear and tear.

Highly durable wall tiles and floor tiles, like ceramic, porcelain or natural stone provide longevity, requiring less frequent replacements that could otherwise disrupt the bathroom's functionality and aesthetic appeal. In addition, durable tiles typically offer better resistance to stains and are easier to maintain, making them a practical choice for a space where hygiene is vital.

The importance of slip-resistance in bathroom tiles

Our new Striped collection by Bert & May, £150 per sq m, would look super-stylish in a wet room, walk-in shower or bathroom and features a beautiful matt finish. This showcases the Rhubarb Wide Stripe, Midi Stripe and Skinny Stripe in a clever combination

Safety is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing bathroom tiles, so slip-resistance is an essential feature. Bathrooms are prone to water spills and condensation, which can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of accidents.

Bathroom floor tiles

Slip-resistant bathroom floor tiles provide added traction underfoot, reducing the likelihood of accidents and contributing to a safer environment. They are available in various materials, including textured ceramic and stone, providing an ideal combination of safety and style. Therefore, when selecting the best bathroom tiles, considering their slip-resistance is not just about aesthetics or durability but is also a matter of safety and wellbeing.

Why materials matter

Materials significantly influence the performance and longevity of bathroom tiles, particularly in a wet, humid environment. Ceramic tiles, for example, are a highly favoured choice for bathrooms, due to their durability, water resistance and easy maintenance. These features make ceramic tiles particularly suited to withstand the rigours of typical bathroom conditions.

Our Ca' Pietra Glendurgan Ceramic Exotic Warm Grey Tiles, £91.35 per sqm, could be ideal if you're looking to create fabulous feature walls

Consider your style

Next, decide the style you want to achieve. If you're aiming for a modern look, you might opt for sleek, large-format porcelain tiles. For a traditional or rustic aesthetic, smaller ceramic tiles or natural stone could be an ideal choice. For a striking finish, consider a patterned tile design or perhaps mosaic tiles for a luxurious touch. Whether you choose gloss tiles or matt tiles, you're bound to find something to suit.

Our Siminetti Arabesque Dream Feature Panel, £2,772 per sq m, could make an ideal shower wall or create a striking backdrop to your bath in a luxury bathroom

Ceramic tiles

Our Siminetti Arabesque Dream Feature Panel, £2,772 per sq m, could make an ideal shower wall or create a striking backdrop to your bath in a luxury bathroom

Ceramic tiles

Our Ca' Pietra Spitalfields Ceramic Retro Star Black tiles, £55.76 per sq m, will instantly stand out in a small bathroom or cloakroom in an on trend design with a beautiful distressed finish

Design and create a striking finish

Green has become a popular colour choice for bathroom tile ideas. Our Original Style Montblanc Brick Emerald Tiles, £27.28 per box (22 tiles) instantly add a stunning feature wall in this bathing haven

You just can't beat the versatility, when it comes to ceramic tiles. You'll find you can choose from a huge range of colours, patterns, sizes, and shapes. This way, you can benefit from every style, whether you prefer minimalistic modern or rustic traditional.

You'll also discover that ceramic tiles are affordable. Coupled with the benefits mentioned above, you may find they cost less than other types of tiles. This makes them a win-win if you're looking for tiles which won't break the bank for a project where costs will be key.

Porcelain tiles

If you're considering a hexagonal patterned tile, this shower wall and floor could suit you perfectly. Featuring one of our most popular styles, our Ca' Pietra Woodland Glade Porcelain Tiles from the National Trust Tile collection cost £82.90 per box (24 tiles)

Porcelain tiles make another brilliant choice if you're looking for something ultra-durable which you can use in a bathroom environment. The material is denser when compared to ceramic to start. This makes it harder and it will be more moisture-resistant, which can be important in bathrooms. With an increased density, you can instantly expect brings top durability. So this means your porcelain tiles can withstand heavy use over time and you won't have to worry about any signs of wear.

Our Bert & May Blue Bolonia Porcelain Tiles, £79 per sq m, have created a striking feature wall in this bathroom space

Water-resistant properties

Our Ca' Pietra Mono Hex Porcelain Daisy Pink, £10.99 per sheet, in satin feature a matt finish. These are super-stylish floor tiles, which can instantly enhance wet rooms

What tends to set porcelain tiles apart from the rest for me is their water-resistance. With such a low absorbency rate, they are also unlikely to stain, which makes for a more hygienic bathroom surface. So you'll find it's easy to clean and maintain, freeing up more time for you to use this space to relax and unwind in.

Looks-wise, porcelain tiles can offer you a huge variety of designs, finishes and colours. You could even choose natural stone or wood effect, which will provide a more durable and water-resistant surface than the real thing.

Consider your heating needs

Our Ca' Pietra Cabana Porcelain New Orleans Tiles, £56.13 per box, are ideal for underfloor heating. They look super-smart in this walk-in shower area and can be used on the floor and wall

If you love underfloor heating, porcelain tiles are a match made in heaven. This tends to be a popular choice for contemporary bathrooms for those who are looking for warmth underfoot. Porcelain is renowned for its thermal conductivity. So you can benefit from an excellent heat conductor, which will ensure your toes are greeted with a comfortable, warm surface.

Natural stone tiles

Our Ca' Pietra Zen Marble Honed Finish Reed Tiles, £141.75 per sq m, add instant luxury and a natural look to a bathroom with the look of smaller tiles

Natural stone tiles are a luxurious and sophisticated choice for bathroom tiling. Known for their beauty and durability, they add a unique, timeless charm to a bathroom's aesthetics. Each piece of natural stone has a distinct texture, pattern, and colour, giving your room a one-of-a-kind look that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials.

Natural durability

If you're looking for something which will stand the test of time and feels sturdy underfoot, natural stone could be ideal for you. Consider materials such as marble, granite and limestone which will resist abrasion. These can also cope with heavy foot traffic and you'll find they maintain their beauty for years to come. And if you're looking for a luxurious, natural finish in your bathroom, these could be perfect for both floor and wall tiling. 

Natural stone tiles also prove popular because they can be so versatile. There are so many different types to choose from - think slate, granite, travertine and marble for example; whichever stone you choose, each will provide you with unique aesthetic appeal.

Our Ca' Pietra Enki Limestone Velvet Finish Tiles, £136.08 per sq m, can be used on a wall and floor if you're looking for matt tiles, which will stand the test of time

Slip-resistant stone

If safety is key, pick natural stone tiles because they are renowned for their slip-resistance. Textured stone varieties, such as slate and travertine, provide a naturally slip-resistant surface, enhancing safety within the bathroom environment.

Our Bert & May Lilac Veined Marble Tiles, £198 per sq m, are delicately beautiful for understated elegance featuring stunning colours in a luxury bathroom

Although natural stone tiles require a bit more maintenance than ceramic or porcelain tiles, their remarkable aesthetic and durability make them worth the effort. With regular sealing to maintain their water resistance, these tiles can serve as a stunning and functional bathroom feature for years to come.

Bringing the best tiles to your luxury bathroom

Our Siminetti Foxglove comes in panels, £3,810 per sq m. They will work just as well on bathroom walls as they will for a basin splashback

The best tiles for your bathroom largely depend on your personal taste, functionality needs and budget. Ceramic tiles offer a cost-effective, durable and low-maintenance solution with a wide range of designs to choose from.

Materials overview

Porcelain tiles, while slightly more expensive, bring superior strength, water-resistance, and the ability to mimic high-end materials such as natural stone or wood. Natural stone tiles, although requiring more maintenance, provide a luxurious and unique aesthetic that can significantly enhance your bathroom's ambiance.

Additionally, the size, layout and style of the tiles can dramatically influence the look and feel of the space. Ultimately, perfect bathroom tiles will harmoniously merge your design vision with practicality. This will ensure a bathroom environment that is both stylish and functional.