Bathroom Tile Design

When it comes to bathroom tile design, there are many tips that can help you choose the right tile and design. The goal is to find the right combination of shape, size, color and texture that makes you feel good every time you walk into your bathroom. The most commonly purchased ceramic tiles are those in various shades of white.

White can be used to accent other elements in the bathroom, as a dominant color to make the room seem open and spacious, or adjacent to dark colors to give depth and create a more dramatic design. The first step is to decide whether you want a monochromatic color scheme, complimentary colors, or contrasting colors.

Contrasting colors should be used if you want to achieve an exciting or "fun" feeling. Monochromatic can be very elegant; complimentary can add a sense of comfort to your bathroom tile design. The finish (glossy or flat) will also affect the feel of the room.

If you're the type of person that likes to linger in the bathroom, I would stay away from contrasting colors and glossy finishes. Save those for your guest bathroom - they won't be staying long anyway.

The size and shape of the room will have a bearing on the size and shape of the tile. Of course, the size of your budget will have a lot to do with the extent of the coverage in your bathroom tile design.

If money isn't an issue, and you want some Pizzazz in the room, think about wall designs using mosaic or painted tiles. Used in the right combination, you can create geometric wall designs, or murals - (lots of drama).

These days, it's also possible to interject glass tiles for accents (too expensive to use all over), or natural stone for the floors. The array of choices can make you crazy. You have to go to the store with a predetermined idea about what you want, or you'll just be frustrated by all the possible combinations.

TIP: Before buying, make sure that the tiles are from the same batch as different batches are fired at different times and so often can differ in their sizes.

Select a tile that fits your design scheme. It is a good idea to order a few sample tiles so you can check if the colors and patterns are what you actually want. You must also decide if you are going to use a dark grout or a white grout.

ANOTHER TIP: A sealer/enhancer will change the color of a tile. If you intend having the tile sealed, make sure the color samples you take home are already pre-sealed.

The most important thing, apart from material, type and design of the tile, is the color of the tile. The color you choose will define the space and create the mood for your bathroom. Using pale and pastel shades, with a few bright accents, can create a calm and cheerful atmosphere.

Many people choose to use patterned or designed tile to create a theme. You can find tiles depicting ducks, lighthouses, sunflowers, delicate floral prints, and beach scenes - just to name about .001% of the choices.

If your pocketbook won't allow you to re-tile the whole bathroom, you might consider just doing certain smaller parts of the room.

Possible alternatives include: just doing the shower/bath area; adding a border of tile around the room like a chair rail; the backsplash above the vanity top can be changed or added to; or you could simply put a tile design in a frame and attach it to a wall.

Another aspect of the overall design you should think about early, is the towel and shower curtain pattern. These are dominant elements in the typically small room, and must compliment your selection of tile. More on this topic can be found on the page about decorating bathrooms.

More information is sometimes counter-productive. I suspect that in an effort to give you an assortment of things to think about, I have added to your dilemna.

Creating your ideal bathroom tile design is like many other topics discussed at this website - you must spend a LOT of time planning and have a good idea what you want BEFORE going to the store. There, now I feel better.

See what your project will cost - call 866-452-3059 for free quotes with no obligation to hire.

If you have a tip you'd like to add to this topic, or a question about it, contact me about bathroom tile design here.