Installing bathroom feature tiles can be a risky exercise. Whether you're building from scratch or renovating your bathroom design, the type of tiles you choose will have a huge effect of the overall look, feel and functionality of your space.
With so many varieties and tile trends to choose from, the first step is deciding on the look you want to go for - modern, traditional, or maybe something more decorative?
Once you've decided on a style, you will also need to consider practical aspects such as the size and layout of your bathroom, and of course, your budget!
Before talking about the different ways to tile a bathroom and how to add features or character, it's important to understand the fundamentals of tile size, so here's a quick guide.
Traditionally, smaller format tiles are used on a floor, because of the "fall". This means that when there's water on the floor, it will make its way to the floor waste or drain, which is especially important in the shower, where water pooling can be an issue.
For this reason it's common to use a 300mm x 300mm floor tile, as it can easily be laid slightly sloping from the walls toward the central floor waste.
That said, large tiles have become very popular for floors, although they will generally require additional cuts by the tiler. Alternatively, when a larger format such as a 300mm x 600mm is used, a long stainless steel grate can be installed instead of a single central floor waste. These grates can collect much more water, and mean the floor can slope in one direction, meaning cutting the tiles is no longer necessary.
For walls, larger format tiles are great as you use less grout, which makes your bathroom much easier to clean. While tiles are generally non-porous and waterproof, it's in the tile grout that dirt and mould can form.
Much smaller tiles, such as mosaics or hexagon tiles, also work well for feature walls and niches, like in the shower. They are generally more expensive, too, so it makes sense to use them as a feature rather than to tile a large area. Likewise, larger subway tiles are really having a moment as bathroom feature tiles, but they similarly require more grout.
While there is no hard and fast rule about this, considering they're meant to be a feature in your bathroom, in most cases you're not going to want to cover your whole space in feature tiles.
Whether you pick just one wall, just the niche shelf in the shower, just the floor, or just the wall behind the bath, for example, is generally going to depend on the style of feature tile you use, as some a definitely more of a statement than others.
To give a brief explanation of bathroom colour schemes, I usually break it down to two main looks: hotel-style bathrooms, and decorative bathrooms.
To achieve a classic and timeless hotel look, it's best to use a medium to dark tile on the floor and run that same tile up one or two feature walls to provide interest. Leave the rest of the walls remaining in a standard white or off-white tile that will be timeless. This is commonly used in hotels because it creates stunning contrast but in a cost-effective way.
It works because rather than introducing a new colour, you're repeating a colour that is already in the space - in this case, on the floor. Since most quality tile ranges come in a smaller size for the floor, you will be able to run matching tiles up the wall in a wider format. I usually place these feature walls to the behind the shower or bath as it highlights the spaces to striking effect, but in a way that will be fashionable for years.
These coin-sized tiles make a really stunning feature. To make them more budget-friendly, run them up one wall, for example at the rear of the shower, and use more standard and cost-effective tiles everywhere else.
Hexagons or diamonds usually incur extra laying charges, but the finished result is truly impressive. Alternatively, you can use them in a shower niche to enjoy the look and make a statement, while also keeping to your budget.
Fishscale or fan tiles seem to be popping up all over the place at the moment. Already featuring a nod to the ocean, they look particularly amazing in greeny-blue tones like turquoise. You can style them in a block colour, or create a tonal palette, and lay them upside down or even side ways to create an even more striking pattern.
As bold as they may be, patterned tiles lend themselves to any interior style - boho, art deco, modern, vintage - and are available in an array of different colours and designs. Use them on the floor or on a single wall to make them a feature.
Sleek and slim, finger tiles prove that even small features can make a big impact. Great for making a small niche pop, or covering a whole wall, they complement a number of interiors, from coastal to modern minimal, and even in heritage homes.
It's popular on our floors, and it's popular on our walls. The herringbone pattern, which comes from the angular placement of the tiles that mimics the bone structure of a herring fish, is an easy way to take a simple tile and make it a feature.
The humble square tile is definitely emerging as a popular choice in recent times. It lends itself to a variety of different styles, as you can lay it in a grid pattern, on its side in a diamond design, or in the staggered brickwork style. It's subtle enough to fit with a range of different aesthetics, but also easy to make a feature look with.
As a rule, straight format tiles such as square or rectangular are most common as they are easier to lay, incur less waste, save you money and provide a low-grout finish. They will also appeal to the widest audience. However, creating a stylish bathroom is not always about budget or appealing to others - most importantly, it's about what works for you.
A niche in the shower or a long niche in a wall by the bath create a luxe feel minus the dollars. It's an ideal space for accessories such as bath oils and toiletries. Using mosaic tiles is a great way to add drama. Geometric, subway or standard tiles laid in interesting patterns such as herringbone add personality, too.
An easy and more affordable way to give cheaper tiles a fun, fresh look is by playing with the grout. It's best executed with simple white tiles, and mixed with coloured or even black grout to make a real statement in your space.
Tamarama blue matt P3 cushioned edge porcelain tile, $100/box, The Blue Space
Ideal for wall and floor surfaces exposed to heavy duty wear by regular traffic, this royal blue and white patterned porcelain tile is perfect for any bathroom looking for a splash of colour. Offered in a captivating array of five on-trend colours, these versatile tiles not only add a touch of practicality but also transform any space into a stunning masterpiece.
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Coral bay gloss white fish scale tile, $81/box, tile cloud
These white gloss porcelain fish scale tiles are the perfect feature for your bathroom. They're suitable for the walls and floor, and you can make them pop even more by finishing with a black grout to accentuate their fun shape.
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Madrid scored gloss cushioned edge ceramic wall tile, $134/box, The Blue Space
The traditional, hand-made design of this blue ceramic tile - mad in Spain, might we add - is an excellent glossy addition to any bathroom design. While it's not suitable for floors, this versatile tile is easy to install and available in an additional grey and white colourway.
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Urban rectangle gloss porcelain mosaic tile, $89.48/m2, Temple & Webster
These gorgeous porcelain tiles from Temple & Webster are the perfect way to spruce up your bathroom and add some character. With a contemporary colour that gives your space a modern and sleek feel, the glaze on these mosaic sheet tiles will leave your bathroom sparkling.
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Gayafores ground noir blanc porcelain tile, $71.55/carton, Bunnings
These authentic Spanish-made porcelain floor and wall tiles have plenty of character and flair. They're scratch, impact, slip and stain-resistant, and make for a fantastic feature.
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Alba bianco grip tiles, $87.95/sqm, Amber Tiles
These 600x600 tiles are made with a super clever antibacterial technology, which gives them a long-lasting hygiene and surface protection guarantee, perfect for your kitchen or bathroom. If that's not enough, they're also made using 40% recycled material!
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Antique porcelain mosaic kit kat tiles in dark green, $11.28/sheet, Tilemall
Available in a range of colours, including a mint green, light blue, pink and black, these finger tiles bring a timeless look to your interiors. Whether you choose just to cover a shower niche or the whole wall, these feature tiles are nothing but fun!
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