Bathroom renovations are just about tied with kitchen renovations for the most popular home upgrade. We spend so much time in the bathroom taking care of necessities, so why not make your bathroom a room you enjoy spending time in?
The problem is that not all homeowners want to completely gut their bathrooms and start fresh. Installing all new appliances or changing the plumbing can put your bathroom out of commission for months.
The good news is that modern bathroom tiles can make a major impact without all the hassle. By upgrading your bathroom tile, you can create the illusion of an entirely new space.
What should you know about modern bathroom tiles before you get started on your bathroom remodel? Read on to find out.
Most Popular Modern Bathroom Tiles
It’s hard to narrow down one type of tile that is most popular in 2023 because the options continue to expand year over year. That being said, natural stone tiles cut in square or rectangular shapes tend to dominate because of their versatility and ease of installation. You can create tons of different patterns with square and rectangular tiles, from uniform rows and straight stacks to offset brick-like patterns to herringbone designs.
If you’re looking for bathroom tiles that will yield a high ROI in a home resale, consider porcelain or ceramic in neutral colors. Porcelain and ceramic both come with a moderate price tag without sacrificing some of the qualities you’re looking for in a bathroom tile, like durability, silky texture, and water resistance.
Perhaps the most exciting thing happening in bathroom remodeling today is the homeowner’s commitment to their own unique style. If you’re not putting your home on the market anytime soon, let this be your chance to go big and bold. There are plenty of colors, patterns, and finishes that will bring your funky vision to life and you deserve to create a bathroom you’ll truly love.
Choosing the Color for Your Bathroom Tiles
In order to pick the right colors, you’re going to need to think about your overall vision. Are you looking to create a bathroom with a light, airy feel or do you want to go for a moody look? Is there a specific style or era you’re recreating or is your ultimate goal to modernize?
Light, neutral tones are best for capturing natural light and giving your bathroom a spacious feel regardless of size. If you prefer the moody, expensive look, gravitate toward dark tones, especially black, which will contrast beautifully with gold and bronze hardware.
Though Millennial homeowners may have the reputation of decorating in shades of gray, we’re seeing an embrace of playfulness and color. Muted tones are taking a backseat to bright color schemes, from pink and orange shades to dazzling primary colors to variations of green. If your top priority is decorating a bathroom that will leave you feeling energized, consider pulling in some of your favorite colors and incorporating them into whatever era or style you like.
Bonus Tip: Add Color With Grout
What if your heart is telling you to go with bright colors but your mind is telling you to tone it down? One option that’s growing in popularity is bringing in color through your grout.
We tend to think of grout as a tool rather than a design element. However, you can purchase grout in different colors, including blue, green, and even pink. Pairing colorful grout with a neutral tile can add joy to your bathroom without risking sensory overwhelm.
Choosing the Shape of Your Bathroom Tiles
Color isn’t the only thing that will make a major impact on the overall effect of your new bathroom tiles. The shape will also determine what kind of designs you can create, and some are better suited to different layouts than others. Let’s take a quick look at three of the most common shapes homeowners tend to choose when picking bathroom tiles.
Square Tiles
Square tiles are some of the most popular because they are easy to install and easy to maintain. Square tiles lend themselves to a wide array of design styles, from modern luxury to beach chic to retro.
Most square tiles are installed in straight stacks, meaning that the visible grout lines spread out in a continuous grid. This is a must if you’re hoping to create a checkerboard effect with two different colors. You can also use square tiles for a more subtle, monochromatic design, using larger tiles on the floors and smaller tiles for your shower and backsplash.
Rectangular Tiles
Rectangular tiles also provide ease of installation and maintenance while also providing more design versatility. For example, the offset brick-like pattern or subway tile pattern looks best with rectangular tiles. You can also use rectangular tiles at an angle to create the herringbone effect.
Like square tiles, rectangular tiles are perfect for both bold and subtle designs. If you’re hoping to create visual and tactile texture without deviating from the monochromatic look, opt for rectangular tiles with a textured finish.
Hexagonal Tiles
Hexagonal tiles are some of the funkiest popular tile choices and you’re going to see them a lot in mid-century modern or maximalist designs. Small hexagonal tiles create that penny tile look while larger hexagonal tiles provide a bold look.
The overall impact of hexagonal tiles will come down to color. If you want artistic flair without deviating too far from the classic, neutral look, choose hexagonal tiles in white, black, gray, or off-white. On the flip side, a variety of colors will turn your hexagonal tile design into a showstopping mosaic.
Should You Pick Large or Small Tiles?
If you’re new to bathroom remodels, you’re probably wondering what size to go for when picking bathroom tiles. In addition to the visual impact, size plays a practical role.
For example, showers or walls with rounded corners require small tiles that can lay flush against a curved surface. If you want to cover your bathroom floor with large tiles, you’ll need to pick a durable material like natural stone that won’t break under uneven weight distribution.
It’s also important to consider scale. If you have a large bathroom, small tiles may look busy or out of place. Large tiles in a small bathroom, on the other hand, can make the room look smaller and a bit more claustrophobic.
Many homeowners choose different sizes for different surfaces to create a clear delineation of space and function. For example, you might create a vanity backsplash with penny tile while using larger squares to cover the rest of the wall. Unless you’re going for an intricate pattern on the floor, you’re probably going to use a larger tile for bathroom flooring than you would in the shower.
Keep in mind that the smaller your tile, the more exposed grout you’ll need to keep clean. Unlike most bathroom tiles, grout is porous and can start to attract mold, especially if your bathroom isn’t well-ventilated. If you’re looking for low maintenance, consider larger tiles in a simple straight stack arrangement.
Types of Tiles for Bathroom Remodels
In the past, homeowners were limited to whatever types of tiles their local home renovation store had in stock. Now, businesses like Online Tiles make it easy to source all sorts of tile materials no matter where you live.
The material you choose will impact everything from cost to visual effect. Let’s take a look at some of the popular types of modern bathroom tiles to consider when designing a bathroom.
Ceramic and Porcelain
Ceramic and porcelain remain heavy hitters in the bathroom remodel department. As we mentioned earlier, they’re durable, timeless, and relatively waterproof, making them easy to clean. It’s important to note that ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in a wide price range and you’ll need to shop around to get a sense of what colors, finishes, and cuts suit your budget.
Cement
If you’re picturing the cement used to pave your driveway, we’re here to reassure you that cement bathroom tiles are anything but drab. Though the base is made from sand and mortar, cement tiles often come with a graphic finish that, when used on your bathroom floor, will create a bold pattern. Cement tiles tend to cost about as much as higher-end ceramic or porcelain tiles and may require regular resealing.
Glass
The reflectiveness of glass tiles can give your bathroom a dreamy, beachy vibe that won’t succumb to staining over the years. However, glass tiles are not suitable for significant weight-bearing, so you won’t want to use them on your floors. While the cheapest glass tiles can cost less than porcelain, the most expensive glass tiles can cost $50 or more per square foot, so consider glass for focal points and accent walls.
Granite
Granite is one of the strongest natural stone tiles you can purchase today, making it suitable for countertops and flooring. You’re typically going to find granite in large slabs and tile sizes in a variety of organic tones. Though granite can cost up to $150 per square foot, you can also find plenty of budget-friendly tiles in granite, though you may not have as many colors and tones to choose from.
Limestone
Limestone is another natural stone and it’s perfect for light-capturing, spa-like bathrooms. You’re going to find limestone in shades of white, beige, tan, gray, and brown-and in far more sizes and shapes than some of your other natural stone options. Limestone is one of the most affordable natural stone tiles on the market and, with the right upkeep, can look just as luxurious and expensive.
Marble
Marble is a heavy-hitter in the bathroom remodel arena because that creamy white color and natural marbling provide timeless luxury. You can also find marble in darker shades and finishes, making it perfect for both classic design styles and funky retro patterns. Though marble is one of the more expensive types of tile per square foot, it also tends to yield a high ROI and last for decades with proper maintenance.
Slate
If you’re looking for a bold tile that you can stretch from the floors to the walls, consider slate. Slate provides a natural, dark color palette as well as scratch and crack resistance-though you will need to reseal slate often. While slate isn’t the most expensive tile to purchase, you may find professional slate tile installation pricey.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tile Choices
The types of tiles we’ve listed so far are popular in modern design in part because they’re common choices that are almost guaranteed to yield a high ROI. There are other choices that aren’t quite as common, including things like:
- Metal
- Terra-cotta
- Saltillo
Metal tiles, for example, are sometimes made from solid metal or a resin composite with a metallic finish. As you might expect, they provide a shine that compliments bathroom hardware well. Metal looks best when paired with other sleek, modern design choices.
Terra-cotta and saltillo have a more natural, rustic finish and textures thanks to their imperfect finishes. They’re both relatively affordable but they need regular resealing due to their porousness.
How Will You Use Beautiful Tiles in Your Bathroom Remodel?
If you want to give your bathroom a makeover, start with modern bathroom tiles. With the right tile choices, you can give your bathroom a whole new look and feel without making any other major changes. Use this guide to pick the tile color, size, shape, and material to create your dream bathroom.
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