How to Choose Bathroom Wall and Floor Tiles
With so many shapes, patterns, textures and colors of bathroom wall and floor tiles to choose from, homeowners taking on a bathroom redesign and remodel have every reason to be overwhelmed. As if that weren’t enough, you’ve also got grout decisions to make. And what about styles? Should you go with a classic subway-style tile motif in all white or should you choose a bold color scheme and a variety of tile shapes – or perhaps something in between is more your style?
One of the first things you need to consider is the space you’re working with. Too many bold patterns in a tight spot might be overkill. If you’ve got a large space and have an eye for the most expensive tiles, you’re going to have to account for that in your budget. However, with most homes, it’s simply a matter of what style of bathroom they’re going to settle on.
The Art Deco look of the 1920s and 1930s has never really gone away. In fact, the clean lines and bold, delineated shapes and colors offer a perfect look for a bathroom, all the way from tiles to fixtures and cabinets. As for the tiles, choosing a soft green rectangular tile with a gloss black square and thin tiles to create the crisp edges typifies an Art Deco design and looks great in the bathroom. Of course, you can choose from a number of colors.
Talavera tiles come in a variety of Spanish colonial designs, adding a splash of contrasting colors and shapes to an otherwise ordinary bathroom. They can cover an entire floor and run up areas of the walls between solid colored tiles to offer a more complex, yet clean look. This is a more dominant design for more eclectic tastes.
Choosing the design of the shower is also an area fraught with decisions to make. If you’re shooting for a shower that has a bench, you need to think about how that will feel. For instance, smaller tiles are less comfortable to sit upon than a larger slab. You must also use a tile that comes with a bull nose due to how that’s going to feel on the back of your legs.
Are you enthralled with glass tile? Keep in mind that clear glass tiles will sometimes show moisture trapped behind it, which is why many designers recommend going with colored glass tiles. Also, consider choosing a second style of tile for a feature wall in your shower or on a wall in your bathroom. For example, you could choose a large, rectangular tile for the walls and floor, then choose a Ledgestone tile for the shower or one of the bathroom walls. Keep in mind that if you live in an area where the water has a high mineral content, it will eventually collect on the Ledgestone stacks in your shower.
One suggestion for homeowners who are reaching an advanced age is to choose a large-format tile that is on a one-way slope. This is a smart move because it allows for easy access to the shower, which is a priority for those who have a difficult time getting around. Furthermore, this design can make small rooms appear larger.
These are just a few of hundreds of ideas that the designers at New Concept 180 can help you with. Our design and build method of remodeling bathrooms is perfect because our designers work directly with our builders and with you through the entire project. We’ll have excellent tile choices that fit all your ideas and your vision of your new bathroom, plus we can assist you in making design and functionality decisions that will fit your space and your needs. Contact us today at (847) 565-1060 and let’s talk about your new bathroom.
