Bathroom Tiles: A Complete Guide to Choosing, Trends, and Design

Choosing bathroom tiles can feel overwhelming. There are colours, sizes, finishes, layouts – and suddenly a simple renovation turns into a long list of decisions. If you have ever looked at tile samples and wondered which ones will still look good in five years, you are definitely not alone.

The good news is that once you understand a few basics, choosing bathroom tiles becomes much easier and even enjoyable. Bathroom tiles are not only about protecting walls and floors from moisture – they shape the entire look and feel of your bathroom.

At Top Ceramics, we speak to customers every day who want a bathroom that looks great, feels comfortable, and works for real life. This guide will help you choose the right bathroom tiles, understand current trends, and avoid common mistakes.

How to Choose the Right Tiles for Your Bathroom

Before focusing on colours or patterns, it helps to think about how your bathroom is actually used.

Is it a busy family bathroom? A small en-suite? Or a quiet space where you want to relax after a long day? Each situation calls for slightly different bathroom tiles.

Wall tiles vs floor tiles

Bathroom wall tiles are usually chosen for looks, while floor tiles must be practical and safe. Floor tiles should always be suitable for wet areas and offer good grip, while wall tiles allow more freedom in finish and style.

Tile size makes a big difference

Large-format bathroom tiles create a clean, modern look and reduce the number of grout lines, which also makes cleaning easier. Smaller tiles, such as mosaics, add detail and texture but usually work best in shower areas or as decorative features.

Choosing the right finish

• Matt tiles create a calm, soft look
• Gloss tiles reflect light and help brighten smaller bathrooms
• Textured tiles add depth and character when used thoughtfully

Many well-designed bathrooms combine more than one finish to keep the space interesting without making it feel busy.

If you’re a big fan of green tiles, read How to Choose the Perfect Shade and Pattern for Your Interior.

The Hottest Bathroom Tile Trends of the Year

Bathroom trends today focus on comfort, warmth, and designs that feel natural rather than overly decorative

Natural colours and tones

Soft beiges, warm greys, stone shades, and deep greens are especially popular. These colours create bathrooms that feel welcoming rather than cold.

Texture instead of bold patterns

Instead of strong prints, many homeowners are choosing bathroom tiles with subtle surface variation – stone-effect, concrete-look, or gently structured finishes. These tiles add interest while keeping the design calm.

Large tiles and clean lines

Large bathroom tiles remain a favourite because they create a seamless look and reduce visible grout. This helps bathrooms feel more open and easier to maintain.

Feature walls

Rather than covering every surface with the same tile, many bathrooms now include a feature wall in the shower area or behind the vanity, paired with simpler tiles elsewhere. Take a look at 7 inspiring ideas for green bathroom tiles!

Design Tips: Combining Colours, Textures, and Layouts

Good bathroom design is about balance. You do not need bold tiles everywhere to create an interesting space.

Keep your colour palette simple

Limiting yourself to two or three main tones works best. For example:

• A light neutral tile for most walls
• A deeper shade for a feature area
• Warm accents through wood or metal finishes

This approach keeps the bathroom feeling organised and calm.

Mix textures carefully

Combining smooth tiles with lightly textured ones adds depth. Matte tiles paired with satin or polished surfaces also work well, especially in modern bathrooms.

Tile layout changes everything

How bathroom tiles are laid can completely change the feel of the room:

• Vertical layouts make walls feel taller
• Horizontal layouts can make narrow bathrooms feel wider
• Straight stacked layouts feel modern and clean
• Brick-style layouts feel more traditional

Floor tiles deserve special attention too. If you want more inspiration, read our guide explaining how floor choices affect both comfort and appearance.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Bathroom Tiles

Even the most beautiful bathroom tiles can disappoint if a few common mistakes slip in during planning. These are things we see quite often – and they are all easy to avoid with a bit of thought.

Choosing tiles based only on photos

Tiles can look very different in real life. Lighting, tile size, surface finish, and even grout colour can completely change the final effect. What looks subtle online might feel much stronger once installed across a whole wall.

Forgetting about everyday use

Bathrooms are high-use spaces. Tiles need to handle moisture, temperature changes, and regular cleaning. Very light grout, highly textured surfaces, or delicate finishes may look great at first but can be harder to maintain over time.

Overdoing strong colours

Bold colours can look amazing, but using too much of them without balance can make a bathroom feel heavy or overwhelming. Dark shades especially need good lighting, contrast, and thoughtful placement. If you love deep tones but are unsure how to use them correctly, read How to Create a Beautiful Interior Using Dark Green Tiles.

Following trends without a plan

Trends are great for inspiration, but copying them without considering your own space often leads to regret. Room size, natural light, and layout matter more than what is popular right now.

Not thinking about the whole bathroom

Tiles should work with everything else – furniture, fittings, mirrors, and lighting. Choosing tiles in isolation can lead to a bathroom that feels disconnected rather than calm and cohesive.

Creating a Bathroom You Will Enjoy Every Day

The best bathrooms are the ones that feel comfortable, practical, and easy to live with. Bathroom tiles play a huge role in that feeling.

When tiles are chosen carefully, they make daily routines more enjoyable and keep the space looking good for years. The goal is not to impress guests – it is to create a bathroom you genuinely enjoy using every day.

Find the Right Bathroom Tiles at Top Ceramics

If you are planning a bathroom renovation and want bathroom tiles that look great and perform well in everyday use, Top Ceramics offers a carefully selected range of wall and floor tiles to suit different styles and spaces.