How to Choose Bathroom Tiles | 14 Top Tips & Tricks

Renovating your bathroom? The first thing you notice when you step into a bathroom is the tiles. They not only protect against moisture but also define the style and feel of your space.

With so many materials, sizes, finishes, patterns, and colours available, choosing the right tiles can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. Our tile experts at WA Kajaria Ceramics have you covered. In this guide, we share 14 practical tips to help you choose bathroom tiles that are stylish, durable, and perfect for your needs.

Let’s get started.

14 Must-Know Tips for Choosing Bathroom Tiles That Enhance Your Space

Selecting the best tiles for bathroom can transform your space into a stunning and functional retreat. Whether you’re designing a serene spa-like oasis or a bold and vibrant bathroom, these expert tips will guide you through the process.

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. First, Know What You Need

Think about your personal style and practical needs.

Do you want the sleek look of porcelain tiles or the affordability of ceramic tiles? Would natural stone like marble or slate suit your aesthetic?

Knowing your preferences upfront will help you narrow down your options. Take your time to explore textures, colours, and designs that align with your vision. A well-chosen tile can enhance both the comfort and style of your bathroom.

2. Choose the Right Tile Material

Each tile material comes with unique advantages. Let’s compare some popular options:

3. Follow the Rule of Three

Wondering ‘How many types of tiles should I use in a bathroom?’

The golden rule is; three tiles!

Avoid overwhelming your bathroom with too many designs. Limit yourself to a maximum of three tile types or patterns. This way, you can mix and match without making the space feel chaotic.

Start with your bathroom floor tiles and build your design upward. White tiles are a classic. But don’t be afraid to explore colours for added personality. Pair a bold feature wall with simple floor tiles to balance the look.

4. Choose the Right Tile Size to Make Your Bathroom Feel Bigger

Did you know the size of your tiles can change how big or small your bathroom feels? Choosing the right tile size is key to making your space look just right; open, relaxing, and stylish.

These days, tiles come in more shapes and sizes than ever before. While classic options like 300x300mm or 600x600mm are still around, there are now plenty of other choices to suit any bathroom style. If you have a modern bathroom, large format tiles can give it a sleek, clean look. But for older or heritage-style homes, smaller tiles often feel more natural and balanced.

There’s no strict rule! But it helps to think about the size of your room and test out your tile choices in a showroom to see how they’ll look together. Here’s a simple guide:

• For small bathrooms: Go with medium-sized tiles to avoid too many grout lines. Large tiles can also work if placed well, making the space feel bigger.
• For large bathrooms: You have more freedom. Larger tiles or a mix of sizes can add style and balance without making the space feel cluttered.

Pro Tips:

• If your bathroom has a floor drain, opt for tiles no larger than 300x600mm. Larger tiles may require cuts near the drain, which can affect the overall look.
• For a seamless and spacious feel, consider tiling all the way to the ceiling.
• For feature walls or partial tiling, line up tile edges with things like vanities or cabinets to keep the look balanced.
• Remember, smaller tiles mean more grout lines, which can make a small bathroom look busier than it is.

Read more > Tips to Choose Tiles for a Small Bathroom

5. Play with Tile Colours

This is where the creative fun begins. The colour of your bathroom tiles can set the tone of the entire space. Let’s explore some ideas:

• Go for neutral colours:

Thinking neutrals are bored? Think again! Because shades like cream, beige, and grey create a calming and modern atmosphere. Pair these with white or black accents for timeless elegance.

• Add spices with bold patterns and colours

Opt for bright hues or intricate patterns. Just keep the rest of the room simple to avoid overwhelming the space.

Considering tile combinations? Avoid this mistake – Stick to a colour palette!

While experimenting with patterns and colours, make sure all elements tie together cohesively. For example, if you’re choosing bold colours, stick to one tone or pattern and layer textures for interest. This ensures your bathroom feels intentional and not overly busy.

6. Contrast Your Tile Shapes & Pattern

Once you’ve picked your colour scheme, it’s time to have some fun with shapes and patterns.

Tiles aren’t just about squares and rectangles anymore. There are so many options, from sleek solids to eye-catching geometrics and intricate designs.

To make your space look well-balanced and not too overwhelming, try mixing large and small tiles together. Pair bold patterns with classic shapes or solid colours. You can even use the same tile in different layouts to create a unique effect. A clever way to tone things down is by using subtle grout colours to make some tiles stand out less. The trick is all in the mix.

7. Mix & Match Tile Finishes, Always Think Practical First

A great bathroom design isn’t just about looks. It’s about feel and function too. One of the easiest ways to add depth and personality is by mixing different tile finishes.

From glossy and satin to matte, crackle, or even metallic, each finish brings its own vibe to the room.

To keep things interesting, especially if you’re using the same tile in multiple areas, try combining at least two finishes. For example, you can go with glossy wall tiles and matte floor tiles for contrast. But remember, choose finishes that make sense for how the space will be used. Here’s a quick guide:

• Matte tiles are perfect for floors, especially in wet zones, since they’re less slippery.
• Glazed tiles are better for areas that get dirty easily, as they’re simpler to clean.

Design should feel good and work well—so think function first, then style.

8. Plan Tile Placement Carefully

The placement of your bathroom tiles can make or break the overall look. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Feature tiles: Use them to draw attention to key areas, like the shower wall, vanity backsplash, or behind a freestanding bathtub.
• Focal points: Decide whether your feature tiles will complement an existing statement piece or be the star of the show.

Pro Tip: Map out your bathroom’s design to identify where your eyes naturally focus. This will help you decide where to place those stunning bathroom floor tiles or statement walls.

9. Bathroom Floor Tiles vs. Wall Tiles

When it comes to bathroom floor tiles, safety should be your top priority. Choose tiles with a textured surface or smaller formats that create more grout lines. This will help prevent slipping, especially in wet areas. Natural stone tiles are stunning but require sealing to stay looking fresh.

If you want an easy-to-clean, safe option, ceramic or porcelain tiles are perfect. They offer extra grip and are simple to maintain.

• Best Tiles for Bathroom Floors:

Porcelain tiles are incredibly durable and ideal for flooring. It’s because they are fired at a much higher temperature for a more extended period of time than ceramic tiles. Better get textured or small tiles to prevent slips.

• Best Tiles for Bathroom Walls:

Shower walls require tiles that are resistant to moisture and easy to clean. Ceramic tiles are an affordable option that can still provide a stylish and practical finish to bathroom walls. Make sure they’re sealed properly if necessary. You can also get creative by adding accent tiles on the upper parts of your walls for a pop of colour or a personal touch.

Wondering ‘Should floor and shower tiles match?’

Using the same tiles for your bathroom floors and shower walls can create a seamless, minimalist aesthetic. Especially in smaller spaces. But it’s not always necessary.

10. Add Warmth with Wood Look Tiles

Do you want natural wood charm without the risk of water damage?

Enter wood-look tiles. These bathroom tiles mimic the look of oak or weathered wood while offering the durability of porcelain or ceramic. They’re perfect for creating a cozy, rustic vibe without compromising on practicality.

11. Create Drama with Tiled Feature Walls

Even if you prefer a simple colour palette, a feature wall can make your bathroom pop.

Try heritage green gloss tiles or another bold choice to add instant glamour and a sense of indulgence. Feature walls are a great way to express your personality and elevate your bathroom’s design.

12. Prioritise Water Management

Water management is important when choosing bathroom tiles. Especially for wet areas like showers. Proper drainage ensures your tiles stay functional and long-lasting.

Opt for anti-skid or matte tiles for the floor to reduce slipping risks. If you prefer sleek materials like porcelain, consider adding a non-slip coating.

13. Choose Low-Maintenance Tiles for Less Hassle

Keeping your bathroom sparkling clean isn’t always fun. But the right tiles can make it much easier. Wall tiles don’t need as much attention. But bathroom floor tiles need regular cleaning to stay spotless.

If you want to cut down on maintenance, opt for tiles made from durable, low-maintenance materials like porcelain or natural stone.

14. Budget Wisely / Save Money Without Compromising Tile Style

Want to renovate your bathroom on a budget? You can still create a stunning look with these smart strategies:

• Focus on key areas: Instead of tiling the entire bathroom floor-to-ceiling, pick one focal point like the shower wall or just the floor.
• Get creative with tile placement: Use tiles strategically to wrap around bathroom fixtures or create a standout feature wall.
• Choose versatile designs: Classic tile patterns and neutral colours look elegant without costing a fortune.

This way, you can buy bathroom floor tiles or wall tiles without breaking the bank, and still achieve a high-end look.

Ready to renovate your bathroom?

Find High-Quality Bathroom Tiles at WA Kajaria Ceramics Today

We’re one of the world’s top tile manufacturers.

If you’re looking for premium tiles, WA Kajaria Ceramics offers a vast collection of bathroom floor tiles and wall tiles that blend style, quality, and durability. You can also buy bathroom tiles online with confidence, knowing you’re getting top-notch designs and materials.

So, don’t miss the chance to visit our tiles showroom Perth.

Call us at 1300 857 568 or (08) 62459918

Shop Bathroom Tiles Now

FAQs About Bathroom Tiles

1. How to choose the right bathroom tiles?

Choosing bathroom tiles comes down to a few key things:

• Set your budget
• Decide tile colour and style for the whole vibe
• Pick best tile material / type
• Consider tile size
• Look for maintenance needs
• Consider water management

2. Which tiles are best for bathrooms?

For bathrooms, you’ll want tiles that are both durable and easy to maintain.

• Porcelain and ceramic tiles are perfect because they’re tough and easy to clean.
• Natural stone tiles are best if you want something luxurious, like marble or slate look great, but they need more care.
• Textured tiles are a must for bathroom floors, offering better slip resistance.

3. Which tiles are better for high-traffic bathrooms?

For bathrooms with high foot traffic, porcelain and ceramic tiles are great because they’re durable, easy to maintain, and don’t need sealing. Cement tiles are durable too but need regular sealing.

4. Which tile size is best for bathroom walls?

1×1 feet (300×300 mm) tiles are perfect for both walls and floors. These small, versatile tiles work well in bathrooms and other spaces like kitchens or bedrooms.

5. How to choose bathroom tile colours?

Your bathroom tile colour should reflect your style and mood. Stick to 2-3 complementary colours for balance. Light tiles open up a space, while dark colours create a cozy vibe. Think about the natural light as darker shades work better in well-lit rooms and lighter hues brighten up dim spaces.

6. What is the most popular colour for bathroom tiles?

For smaller bathrooms, go for lighter shades like white, beige, pastel blues, and greys to create a brighter, more open feel. In larger bathrooms, deep tones like navy or rich greens can add drama, but use them carefully to avoid overpowering the space.