How to Choose the Best Tiles For Your Bathroom
Starting a bathroom renovation and not sure where to begin choosing bathroom tiles? It makes sense - with so many shapes, finishes, colours and materials available, the options can feel overwhelming. Bathroom tiles are more than just a practical surface; they set the tone for your bathroom’s entire style and atmosphere. That's why in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose tiles that not only suit your taste but also pair beautifully with our wide range of bathroom furniture collections.
Choosing Bathroom Tiles: Start with Your Bathroom Design Vision
The very first step in creating your dream bathroom should be to define the overall feel you're after, as well as the bathroom function. Consider how this space will be used: is it a busy family bathroom which needs to be functional and easy to keep clean, or a private ensuite designed for quiet, cosy moments of relaxation? Making these distinctions early on will help guide your colour, material and finish choices in not just tiles but bathroom furniture too. For example, a family bathroom might benefit from durable porcelain or ceramic tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, while an ensuite or washroom could feature a decorative touch like textured or patterned bathroom wall tiles to create a more relaxing, personal style.
If you're considering a renovation and are in need of some bathroom ideas and advice, it's always a great idea to look to the experts. Fortunately, the team at R2 have written a range of bathroom inspiration guides to help you transform your space and bring your dream bathroom to life.
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Get Inspired by Real Bathrooms
By far the easiest (and in our opinion the most fun) aspect of bathroom renovation planning is research! From blogs and social media to magazines and showrooms, there'll always be a wealth of amazing bathroom and interior inspiration and advice at your fingertips.
If you're after real-life ideas from real homes, be sure to check out our Real Bathrooms page - it’s packed with stunning spaces created by interior designers, and it’s a great place to spark ideas for your own project.
Set Your Budget: What to Know Before Buying Bathroom Tiles
With tile prices ranging from £10 to £60 per square metre, it's easy for the costs to rack up when you're unprepared with a budget or wall plan. When going into a bathroom renovation, it's best to consider the cost of the whole project before making any purchases.
Think about spreading the cost and deciding if you'd be happy spending less on certain products if it allows you to splash out on something you really love which might have a bigger impact on the space, for example a traditional exposed shower system or a statement fitted furniture run. Once you've pinned down your higher-spend items, you'll know how much room you have to play with to complete the vision - and sometimes this gives you more room to be creative! When it comes to bathroom tiles and budgeting, you may find it's worth searching on local online marketplaces to see if you can get a deal on ever-popular reclaimed tiles, which can not only save you money, but introduce some real heritage character to your bathroom. Another way to save costs is to buy smarter - many retailers will have an online wastage calculator, which helps ensure you're only buying as many tiles as you need.
Pick a Colour Palette That Works with Your Whole Bathroom
With so many colours, patterns and finishes available, it's easy to find choosing bathroom tiles a bit overwhelming - especially when you realise grout colour is a whole other decision in itself! To keep things simple, try to refer back to the overall feeling you want from your dream bathroom (which we discussed earlier). It's worth exploring some basic colour theory and helpful to learn not only how colours contrast and harmonise, but how they impact the feel of a room. Once you've set a direction, think about how your tiles will interact with your bathroom furniture: we're talking vanity units, sanitaryware and bathroom storage. For example, neutral tiles provide the perfect background vanity unit in a bold blue or trendy green hue. Or, if you're working with wood-effect finishes, consider warm-toned or very subtly patterned tiles that complement the natural texture. You could even let bright, bold patterned tiles become the focal point, keeping your vanities minimal to allow the tiling to stand out. Whatever direction you go, the key is making sure your tiles and furniture work together, not compete for attention.
When shopping for bathroom tiles, vanities and accessories, it's always really helpful to collect a range of swatches and samples of the materials and patterns you're considering. Being able to physically place the samples close to each other can help you figure out what styles and colours will suit your space best.
Think About Your Bathroom’s Size and Layout Before Choosing Tiles
You might be surprised how much tile size and placement can influence the way we perceive space in a bathroom. In small bathrooms for example, opting for larger format tiles can create the illusion of a bigger room, offering a cleaner, more seamless look and minimising the number of hard-to-clean grout lines. Placement matters too; tiling halfway up the wall can draw the eye upward and make ceilings appear taller, especially when paired with wall-mounted vanities that free up floor space. You can also make creative tiling decisions based on your bathroom layout. For instance, in a bold, maximalist bathroom, extending patterned tiles across bath panels, niches or window recesses can make a statement that shows real character. Check out how @anotherfkinflat used fresh, decorative tiling alongside R2 bathroom products in their vibrant and pattern-rich bathroom renovation.
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Match Your Bathroom Tiles to Your Fixtures and Fittings
It's tempting to leave decisions about brassware and accessories until the end of your own bathroom planning, but they play a big role in the overall look, so it's worth considering them alongside your tile choices. From shower systems and taps, to toilet roll holders and shower baskets, these products are available in a wide selection of finishes, and selecting the right one can elevate your entire bathroom design.
Think about how your fittings will interact with your tiles. Do you want a coordinated, calming look, or a something bold and high contrast? Warm metallics like brushed brass or even bronze work beautifully with natural or stone-look tiles, adding depth. For a timeless classic, chrome pairs effortlessly with almost any tile style or colour. If you're going for a pared back or monochrome aesthetic, matt black brassware can create a striking, contemporary feel, especially when paired with super minimalist tiles.
Timeless Tile Colours That Never Go Out of Style
Most of us will have a vivid memory of grandma’s bathroom - maybe it was all one colour, carpeted, and the wall tiles matched the sanitaryware suites exactly (not that we're judging, in fact the coastal grandma design trend has definitely been having its moment in recent years). But if you’re hoping for a bathroom that won’t date itself in a few years, there are a few smart choices you can make now to ensure it ages gracefully.
The secret to creating a timeless bathroom? Stick with neutrals. Think whites, greys, soft beiges, and stone look tiles. These shades are endlessly versatile, always in style, and make your space feel fresh and effortlessly put together. Plus, starting with a neutral base gives you so much more freedom when it comes to furniture, fittings, and future updates so you're not pigeonholed into a specific look.
Using timeless bathroom tiles means you can play around with trends in smaller, less permanent ways, like switching out accessories or adding a bold accent piece. And remember, neutral doesn’t have to mean plain. You can still create a stunning, eye-catching space to suit for years to come by experimenting with different textures, patterns, and bathroom tile shapes.
Both matte and shiny bathroom tiles work well, depending on your bathroom design. Glossy tiles reflect light and make small bathrooms feel bigger, ideal for walls. Matte tiles can look more contemporary and offer better slip resistance, so are perfect for flooring. Mixing both can add texture and balance to your bathroom.
Of course! Larger bathroom tiles can actually make a small bathroom look bigger and less busy. You should also find large format tiles easier to clean with fewer grout lines. A downside is they might be slightly more difficult to install due to handling, however the modern bathroom look will be worth the effort!
Porcelain tiles are more durable and water-resistant, ideal for bathroom floors and wet zones. Ceramic tiles are easier to cut and great for walls or low-traffic areas. For high-performance bathroom design, porcelain is often the better long-term choice.
