Today we are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing bathroom tiles. There are literally hundreds of different designs you could opt for. A few of the most popular options are discussed below.

Before settling on any particular design you should consider the colors and shades. Beige and lighter colored tiles are more suitable for bathrooms which are lacking in size; you do not have to opt for boring white tiles if there is only a small space. What about a mosaic design? This can be an attractive option that can add an interesting touch to a bathroom no matter what its dimensions.

How much are you willing to spend on the bathroom tiles? If money is not too great a concern then you should check out a selection of granite tile designs. These are seen as being very modern yet also having an appeal which is timeless.

Cheaper than granite, glass tiles can create an exciting fresh look in your bathroom. Each individual tile may be made up of countless small shards of colored glass. If you are after a green form of design then look for glass tiles that have been recycled.

It can be interesting to use different tiles in specific areas of the bathroom. For example you could incorporate one design around the toilet and other style next to the bathtub and shower cubicle.

By researching in full a variety of bathroom tile designs you can create a bathroom that is a pleasant refuge rather than a cramped space.

Start the whole process of giving your bathroom a new face with knowing the right elements – materials, structure of your bathroom, and designs. Also take into consideration timeframe, materials and labor costs, and other miscellaneous.

What you should know

Note that you should know the measurements of your bathroom before you choose decorative tiles. Get to understand how decorative tiles are used; their beauteous elegance should be coupled with proper installation, lest the beauty becomes a misfit in your bath sanctuary! The sleek tiles are not your usual materials; they are mounted through assembly of interlocking tiles and organizing them properly.

There is a wide variety of bathroom wall tiles to choose from, each with its features and advantages at its best when you make the right choice. Ceramic tiles are the best choice to steer clear of water absorption, as it is made of glossy alkaline finish. These delicate but sturdy ornamental tiles should be placed up to 6-8 feet – a good protection, and extends the lifespan of your bathroom walls and adjacent rooms.

If you are feeling five-starry and dream of your bathroom to look and give the sophisticated ambience of a hotel, you can have it, too! Take not that aside from the chic designs, the bathroom wall tiles in most hotels are capable of withstanding heat and are fireproof. If your home needs these kinds of materials, give it a go! Presto, your everyday bathroom experience can be like splurging on a glitzy hotel!

Exotic natural stones used as bathroom tiles are also a wise choice. They make beautiful decorations and give-off the feel of being on a vacation in Santorini, Greece or some Pacific Islands beach. Bathroom tiles made of natural stones are good ideas for shower bases and bath walls, even a better idea if same materials are extended to your bathroom sink, countertops and backsplashes.

Also, when choosing bathroom tiles, always consider the color and designs which brings forth relaxing ambience. Top your list with colors that soothes and are pleasantly in harmony with other corners and materials in your bathroom. Remember, your bathroom is a haven where you cleanse, relax and find time for yourself. A bathroom should be where you could spoil yourself!

Now that YOU KNOW… go, get out and get the right bathroom and bathtub tiles designs. Remember, your choice of a bathroom is a statement of who you are, your life and the best that is coming for you!

Tiles Everywhere

It is important to note that tiles in the bathroom are not only found on the floor but also on the walls, countertops and sometimes even on ceilings. There are various tiles available coming from all over the globe. The differences are found in the quality, characteristics, appearance and source. Ceramic tiles are the most commonly used. Glazed is very popular among ceramic tiles which are primarily made of clay with non-porous glaze coating placed over it.

Glass tiles are also becoming a favorite among modern designers because of its durability and sleek design. Mosaic tiles are very artistic and colorful with saturations throughout. These are also made of clay and highly resistant against moisture. Natural stone tiles like marble, granite and slate come from different countries like China and Italy and are usually expensive. Quarry tiles are effective for a rustic feel although they are not used as much because of reduced water-resistance.

Pattern and Positioning

First of all, pick a color theme for your bathroom so that you know which type of tile has the right pattern to match. Two to three colors maximum is recommended in your color palette so that you don’t convey a lot of emotions and reduce a cluttered appearance. If you’re aiming for a contemporary design, you may want to stick with pastel and light colors like mint green, yellow and white. Glass and mosaic tiles are great for modern designs as well as onyx. Pick the right size as well. Larger tiles with solid colors or specks will make the room seem more spacious.

If you’re aiming for traditional designs, natural stone tile patterns are ideal. Marble and granite come in a variety of colors with elegant combinations that can easily be pronounced with proper lighting. Investing heavily in the beige and brown tones of marble and adding in white wall paint as a backdrop will provide an elegant atmosphere. Granite and slate are also good patterns to use for country style themes. If you want a more rustic and old feel, you may want to try a combination of granite and quarry tiles. Be careful to maintain the grout every now and then.

With so many bathroom tile patterns available, you will be able to achieve the look you’ve always wanted and keep it for years to come. Neutral colors like gray and almond are most popular colors but regardless of the tones you use, always consider the overall color scheme and select the best color that complements or blends with paint and other bathroom fixtures. Included items to consider would be faucets, the toilet, sink, vanity, cabinets and bathtub if there is any. Look for a good contrast or use the tiles to highlight other special items in the room. You may also want to arrange different tile patterns or types differently for a more radical approach by setting them up diagonally or being creative and forming shapes or figures with them.

The Flexibility Of White Tiles

White is the most flexible of all colors. Aside from the fact that it is common in the most basic of bathroom designs, it can also be mixed with other colored tiles to create unique designs. As an example, the most common bathroom theme alternates the use of black and white tiles, like those you see on a chessboard. Not only does it incorporate a dramatic feel, it is the perfect design for various light intensities.

Aside from being alternately used with colored tiles, white ones can also be partnered with patterned tiles, especially those with detailed images. This is a common design used in bathroom walls.

Patterned tiles are expensive. So in order to create the same effect at lower costs, you can create your own style by alternately using patterned tiles with white ones. Not only does it exude a luxurious and stylish aura, the artistry of it is enough to impress anyone who sees them.

Best Material For White Tiles

Aside from the plain, yet elegant, look of white tiles in your bathroom; the material of the white tile is also an important factor as well. Common white tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain, both of which ahs its own advantages and disadvantages in regards to durability, styles, and maintenance.

The best tiles, however, are marble ones. Not only do they look luxurious, they even feel one as well. But using white marble tiles on your floor, walls, or sink can be very expensive. So it might be best to settle for porcelain or ceramic if you’re on a tight budget.

Maintain Its Beauty

One drawback in using white tiles is the visibility of stains. This is especially the case of colored stains like juice, chocolate, or even dust that dried up on the tile surface. It is very important that you clean these tiles immediately when you see a stain on them. The longer it stays, the harder it is to get rid of.

Also, cleaning your white tiles is a tricky process. Try to avoid any colored solutions since it might cause further stains, especially when there are scratches and abrasion on it. Neutral or pH-based solutions would be perfect.

Designing Your Bathroom

As mentioned earlier, white bathroom tiles can be used in a variety of style, considering that it’s the most flexible and compatible among all the colored and patterned types. In truth, the design of white tiles with other has to be even. For example, if you are going for the checked look, make sure that you alternate with a black or pattered one beside it. Skip two then the design is woefully destroyed.

Not all bathroom furniture and fixtures would go well with white tiles. You have to determine the color and style of furniture that you have will inadvertently merge with the beauty of your white tiles. There are plenty of sources around on the Internet that gives you advice on what bathroom furniture and fixture would be best for your tile.

You might also want to look for sites that offer different themes and styles using white tiles. Having a general idea on what it can do to further improve the ambience, as well as the beauty of your bathroom could greatly determine the success in getting your bathroom a complete overhaul.

Pros

Affordable luxury- Granite tiles for bathroom, despite of their luxurious and lavish look, are considered to be highly economical. Apart from its affordable price, the value-for-money of the granite tile is high due to its capacity to endure wear. Thus, it could last as long as several decades.

Scratch proof- Since granite tiles are made of very strong materials, they are not prone to damages due to scratches. Thus even if you would want to brush your granite tile bathroom walls, you would not have to worry about scratching the surface. Granite, in fact, ranks next to diamonds when considering hardness. Also, granite has high resistance to heat and pressure which makes granite tiles perfect as bathroom walls.

Lower rate of water absorption- Since they are not basically porous in nature like those of slate tiles, bathroom granite tiles do not absorb water easily. Thus, application of sealant is not highly necessary especially for darker granite tiles.

Cons

Limited color selection – Each granite tile is unique but its color selection is limited only to those that are naturally found in nature. If you are fond of livelier wall or table colors for your bathroom, then you might find yourself choosing from few color and design selections.

Slippery when wet – Just like all materials when wet, granite tiles are also prone to becoming slippery. This makes them highly dangerous for places where water runs through such as the floor of the shower rooms. This is also one of the main reasons why unlike some natural stones, granite tiles are seldom used in swimming spools and spas as flooring. Instead, the use of granite tiles is focused on walls.

Granite tiles cost a fortune- Tiles command one of the highest budget for home owners. Thus, it is not so surprising to realize that tiles, like that of granite could push homeowners to exhaust their budget. But as we have earlier mentioned, bathroom granite tiles is an affordable luxury.

Neither

Weight – The weight of a granite tile could either work for or against it. If we would talk about supporting a heavy thing on top of the granite countertop for example, granite tiles could withstand relatively heavy items. However, its weight could sometimes be considered as a negative factor most especially when talking about installation. If the granite tiles are not properly installed, they might give in to the demands of gravity. Thus, it is probable that in time, the granite tiles that were improperly installed would chip off from the walls or worse, force the board on which the granite tiles are installed to fall.

Timeless appearance – Many people view this factor as advantageous however, some people consider it as a major drawback especially those who love to experiment on the design of their bathrooms a lot.

Aesthetic value- The popularity of use of slate tiles at home, both for exterior and interior use is greatly attributed to its aesthetic value. Its distinctive surface offers a great variety of design and color, all of which are natural. Each slate tile is different from another and this could make a bathroom so unique. The variety of color and natural design does not create an inconsistent pattern though. In fact, this adds to the beauty of the tiles as they provide a different feel that may not be achieved with other tiles, even those made from natural stones.

Low maintenance- Since the bathroom flooring is prone to so much dirt, stains and wear; most homeowners opt for choices that would make maintenance a lot easier. As compared to porcelain and ceramic tiles, slate has lower requirement for maintenance. Since the bathroom is usually not exposed to abrasive components such as sand and pebbles, the slate tile flooring would have a lower chance of scratches. However, the slate tiles must be protected from any abrasive elements as these would grit the tile and would cause the sealant of the tile to break down. If possible, do not use wet mop over the bathroom slate flooring. Light sweeping of the dried floor is highly advisable. Wet mopping could leave residues that could scratch the slate tiles which would remove the special floor sealer applied.

When cleaning the bathroom flooring, detergent and water could do. Slate tiles are not affected by alkali and strong solutions.

High durability – Another main feature of slate tile which makes it perfect for bathroom is its capacity to endure extreme hard wear. This is the reason why homeowners are recommended to use slate for floors with heavy traffic such as that of the bathroom. On some cases, some homeowners complain of signs of traffic patterns on their slate flooring. This is quite far from the truth. It must be noted that sealers are regularly used for slate tiles which actually cause the patterns to appear. Scraping could remove the traffic pattern. To know the treatment for the specific tile flooring, a record of the sealers used must be kept in order to know if one type is compatible to another.

Slip resistance- If the application of the finish is right, the natural slip resistance of the slate tiles could be preserved. Otherwise, it would be dangerous when wet. Nonetheless, the slip resistance quality of the slate tile is largely because of its uneven and rocky surface.

Slate tiles could easily fade though due to water if not sealed sufficiently. Heavy water absorption could give the slate tiles an old look. Thus it is highly recommended that the slate tile be used only in places where there is limited water exposure and that an alternative material be used for places like the shower area or the slate tiles be regularly maintained with appropriate sealers.

But of course, slate tiles are not without flaw. They tend to develop unsightly cracks overtime. Nonetheless, slate bathroom flooring is till among the most sought-after options in the bathroom flooring industry.

One, the type of tiles. Not all tiles will best suit the demands of the bathroom. The usual choices for bathroom tiles are natural stone, vinyl, ceramic and rubber tiles. Apart from their availability, these usually often come in a variety of choices that would accommodate your personal taste, the characteristics of the bathroom you want to create and the variety of designs you could play with.

Second, go for durability. We all know that bathroom flooring is exposed to so much humidity, possible stains and some more problems that could increase the damage on the flooring overtime. So go for the most durable pieces and the ones that could eliminate the possibility of stain accumulation at your price range.

Given these qualifications along with your own ideas of what you want for a tile, you now have clearer bases as to how much would you be willing to spend for a tile. Going for cheap tiles entails certain drawbacks. Thus, you must set your mind towards the cost-effectiveness or the value-for-money of the products.

You can’t, of course, expect to get the most sophisticated tiles if you are not willing to pay handsomely for them. But then, you must not settle for the obviously cheap-looking types. You should maximize the capacity of your budget to buy. But how to do this? Let us show you how.

First, don’t fix your prospect suppliers to those who would obviously offer you the most inexpensive bathroom tiles. Oftentimes, lower price get lower quality of products. Don’t go to the lower end selection either. You would only get so much. Try to look for options that would offer you the flexibility of choices. Try to look for suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and especially vendors at the mid-priced range. If you are lucky, you would find some vendors under this category to offer products covering the entire range of quality, types and prices.

Second, be sure to locate the bargain section of any do-it-yourself and home improvement stores. This section would usually offer you the same tiles that you can find in regular sections but at a discounted rate. Try to know why the tiles are being sold in a much lower rate.

One of the many reasons is that the tiles belong to a discontinued range. This means that the production for this type of tiles has already stopped. Thus, if you would want to buy this be sure that the supply you would have will be sufficient for the requirements of the bathroom. Another possible reason is that the tiles are seconds. Meaning, the products have several minor and major defects that may be or may not noticeable. This is not a good choice if you are very particular with the quality. However, you must remember that it is much better to have tiles at a higher strata of quality sold at a lowered price than to settle with those which in the first place, intended to command a lower price, therefore sacrificing the quality of the products.

Another best way to get cheap bathroom tiles is to wait for the sale which could mean as high as 50 % off the price of the product. However, you must wait until during January or February to get as many choices as you can.

Get the most out of the price range you are targeting when opting for cheap bathroom tiles. And if you want, try to compensate the current choice of items with more expensive choices so as to achieve a bathroom that hides the true price of the materials used.

It’s a good choice for bathroom tiling, both for the floor and the walls. Why? Because in the first place it is impervious, having the water absorption rate of .5 %, making it highly recommended for regularly wet areas. Also, porcelain tiles for bathrooms are not affected by the steam from the steam shower. Lower moisture absorption rate could help improve the quality of the air inside the bathroom as well since this would prevent the area from absorbing unwanted particles in the air.

Unlike other choices of tiling, porcelain tiles could extend its uses to shower, shower surrounds and tub. This is attributed to the fact that porcelain tiles are easy to maintain and thus, the build-up of components that could deteriorate the quality of the bathroom is nearly impossible. Normally, regular wiping is sufficient enough as to warrant the longevity of the tiling.

Also, installation of porcelain tiles is fairly easy. In fact, this is one of the very reasons why porcelain and other ceramic tiles have become so popular to the public. An average handy man could install porcelain tiles, thus cutting off the professional fee that is usually required when wanting to renovate or remodel the bathroom. Also, this gives designing command for the homeowner which makes the design of the bathroom tiling personalized. There are several tricks to porcelain tile installation of course but there is nothing that could not be learned.

Another reason why most people opt for porcelain tiles for bathroom is that they find the availability of the colors and design a major advantage. Most people would want sufficient flexibility on their choices as to meet their needs for design. And unlike natural stones, which of course bear their unique benefits, porcelain tiles offer a lot more color variations and designs.

Moreover, the high hardness rating of porcelain tile makes it durable. It could withstand heavy wear, scratches, extreme temperatures, and sometimes even extreme pressure.

It is also decorative. Remember the ancient porcelain items from China and those that were produced during the renaissance period? Or just remember china? These and porcelain tiles are pretty much alike. If you are fond of permanent decoration in your bathroom, you could take advantage of what porcelain tiles could offer.

There is one major drawback to using porcelain tiles for bathroom though, lack of uniformity in size and thickness. This, therefore, makes installation a bit challenging as compared to tiles that are available in uniform sizes.

For the past 25 years, porcelain tile has earned its popularity towards the public consumer. It offers the highest durability rate of all the ceramic tiles and its features have made it an outstanding bathroom tile. And because of its benefits, consumers can rely better on using porcelain tiles for bathrooms.

Because of their inherent properties, stone tiles are very suitable for your bathroom renovation project. They are tough and resistant to stains and wear and they are available in an extensive range of finishes and colors. Since it is a natural material, it can really help you in establishing a relation between your haven and the world outside. The many options available let you whittle a customized look into the natural beauty of the tiles in order to build a bathroom that’s absolutely unique. There are lots of things, however, that you need to consider in using stone tile for you bathroom.

Various Types of Natural Stone

•    Slate – This incredibly durable stone has a natural, untamed splendor and is really perfect for bathroom use. Slate requires little maintenance and is very easy to clean. In fact, you can make this stone almost totally resistant to stains. It comes in wide range of colors and its texture is rough, making it non-slippery.

•    Marble – This type of stone carries the look of refinement for many centuries now. It has a remarkable hue and its surface can be polished to bring out an unmatched shine. Because of these characteristics, marble tiles can truly help you in creating a remarkable effect in your shower room. But there are some important things that you need to know about this particular stone type before choosing this for your bathroom. First, its high polish, which makes it look so elegant, is very slippery when wet. Also, marble is delicate, making it prone to chipping. Furthermore, marble is the type of stone that’s chemical based so if any chemical acids spilled on it, it will badly stain when not treated.

•    Travertine and Limestone – These stones have the same properties – they are more porous and softer than granite or slate. Their earth color makes them lovely in a bathroom setting. However, they aren’t very resistant to stains and they are not as durable as slate and quartzite.

•    Quartzite – Among the available stones, quartzite is one of the most resilient and hardest.  The color of this type of stone ranges from recurring sequential structures to multicolored unique patterns, depending on the kind of quartzite that’s being used. This type of stone is perfect for your bathroom because of its resistance to water and stain, its durability and its non-slippery texture.

•    Sandstone – This stone is a sophisticated choice for your bathroom stone tile because of its gentle structure and earthen colors. The only downside is that sandstone is permeable and soft so it needs to be chemically treated semi regularly to avoid stains.

Other things that must be put into consideration are the color of the bathroom tiles, the finish, the pattern that you want to create and its maintenance.

Natural stone tiles can greatly improve the feel and appearance of any bathroom. They are not expensive and they have unique properties, high resistance and remarkable durability. Bathroom stone tiles come in wide range of choices so you can freely customize your bathroom renovation project. You just have to be aware of the different properties of every stone tile available and pick the one that best fits your bathroom and your personal preferences.

Tile murals are usually ceramic tiles that are kiln fire, hand painted and custom designed. They can be obtained in any size and are unassembled for your shower, bathroom and kitchen backsplash. So instead of being mad while working in a place without a window, why not create a marvelous view using bathroom tile mural? By installing a colorful tile mural, you can have a window to whatever it is that your heart wants.

Most homeowners don’t view the tile murals as pretty façade alone; they also believe that they serve a practical purpose. This is the reason why it is significant that you know how to care of your bathroom tile murals properly. No matter how they are installed – whether permanent or framed decoration – it is important that you keep them in tiptop shape and condition. Although tiles are durable, you can keep the mural in your bathroom looking as good as the day they are bought.

Taking care of your Bathroom Tile Mural

•    Clean it With Water

You should clean your bathroom tile mural regularly with a soft, wet sponge or cloth and have it dried thoroughly. If there are splatters, sprays or spills, you should remove them as soon as possible. Remember that if you act early, you can eliminate the dirt from the tile mural easily and quickly with the help of warm water.

In cleaning a tough area, avoid using ammonia, bleach and products that are vinegar-based. You can use mild cleansers and detergents but you should see to it that you carefully read the label and instructions on how to use them. It is better to test first a small and almost unnoticeable portion of the tile mural. If there’s a need to scour the tile surface, avoid using steel wool; use a nylon pad or brush instead. Always stay away from cleaners and powders that are highly abrasive.

•    Protect it by Sealing and Caulking

For the tile murals positioned in high-splash areas like bathroom wall, it is good to consider sealing and caulking.

Since it will be constantly exposed to water, a bathroom tile mural has to be caulked after laying it. This way, the integrity and the appearance of the mural is preserved and the subsurface where the tiles are placed will also be protected.

The tile sealer and the grout aren’t just for the murals on high-splash locations. Although glazed tiles can be wiped clean easily, there are porous grouts or unglazed tiles that may suck up spill, causing it to be stained.  By sealing this type of grout or tile, you can stay away from stains that may mess up the attractive appearance of the mural.

Whether your bathroom tile mural is highly practical or mainly for aesthetics enhancement, taking care of it properly will surely give you warmth and delight for a long period of time. Your bathroom needs to be comfortable because you are going to use it regularly, so let it appeal to you by providing it with a relaxing view from a well-designed bathroom tile mural.