Choosing bathroom tiles is one of the most fun (and sometimes overwhelming!) moments in any renovation. Tiles set the tone for the entire room, shaping how it feels, functions, and ages over time. With so many materials, finishes, and formats available, it’s easy to feel decision fatigue. A thoughtful approach makes all the difference, and this guide will help you make confident, design-led decisions that balance beauty with practicality.
START WITH THE MOOD YOU WANT TO CREATE
Before comparing samples, take a moment to consider the atmosphere you want your bathroom to evoke. Some clients gravitate toward a calm, spa-like palette, while others prefer a more architectural or textural feel. Think about the colours you naturally respond to, the materials you’re drawn to, and how much natural light the room receives. Lighter tones can visually expand a space, while deeper hues create intimacy and depth. Establishing this foundation early helps every decision that follows feel more intentional.
Image Sources (top from the left): Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Anne Jones, PIXELATE porcelain tile collection from Di Lorenzo, NORI ceramic tile by MAKANI Japanese Tiles, Fitz Claret hones marble tile by Mandarine Stone, Zellige pillar tiles by Stilltje Tiles.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TILES
Understanding the different types of tiles - how they’re made, how they behave, and where they perform best - makes the selection process far more intuitive.
Porcelain tiles are created by firing refined clay at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a dense, non‑porous surface that’s incredibly durable and low‑maintenance, making them ideal for floors, showers and busy households.
Ceramic tiles, fired at lower temperatures, are lighter and slightly more porous, which makes them perfect for walls or decorative applications where impact and constant moisture are less of a concern.
Natural stone tiles offer unmatched character, but each stone behaves differently: marble is luxurious but reactive, prone to etching and staining unless carefully sealed and maintained; quartzite provides a similar organic beauty with far greater durability and resistance to etching, making it a smarter choice for high‑use floors or splash zones; and travertine brings warmth and tactility but is porous, performing best in areas where splashes are manageable and sealing is maintained.
Handmade tiles such as zellige or bejmat add artisanal texture through their irregular edges and glossy, undulating surfaces, but they require skilled installation and more frequent cleaning in wet areas.
Encaustic tiles (in the traditional sense) are made by inlaying coloured clays into the tile body before firing, creating patterns that run all the way through. They’re durable and beautifully detailed, but less commonly found today.
Cement tiles - often mistakenly called encaustic - are made from cement, pigments and sand, then pressed rather than fired. They offer rich, matte colour and pattern but are porous and must be sealed, making them better suited to low‑splash floors or feature areas rather than full shower walls.
Matte or lightly textured finishes generally offer better grip than polished surfaces, and they also tend to hide water marks more effectively. Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Anne Jones.
PRIORITISE NON-SLIP BATHROOM FLOOR TILES
Safety is a crucial part of bathroom design, especially in homes with children or older family members. When selecting floor tiles, look for options with a suitable slip rating for wet areas. Matte or lightly textured finishes generally offer better grip than polished surfaces, and they also tend to hide water marks more effectively. If you love the look of natural stone but want something easier to maintain, a stone-look porcelain tile can give you the aesthetic without the upkeep.
Vertical layouts of mid‑size rectangular tiles elongate the walls and make the ceiling feel higher. Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Anne Jones.
CHOOSING THE BEST TILE SIZE
Tile size has a surprisingly powerful impact on how spacious a bathroom feels, and understanding scale makes the selection process far easier.
As a rough guide, a small bathroom is anything under 3m², a mid‑size bathroom sits between 3–6m², and a large bathroom is 6m² and above. In smaller rooms, large‑format tiles (think 600×600mm, 600×1200mm or larger) can visually open up the space by reducing grout lines and creating a more seamless surface.
In mid‑size bathrooms, 300×600mm or 400×800mm tiles offer a good balance of proportion and practicality. Vertical layouts of mid‑size rectangular tiles can also elongate the walls and make the ceiling feel higher. Mosaics add beautiful texture but introduce many grout lines, so in compact bathrooms they’re often best used as accents - in a niche, behind a vanity, or as a small feature moment - rather than across full walls.
Choosing the right scale comes down to how the tile interacts with the room’s proportions. A practical way to assess this is to look at how many full tiles fit across a wall or floor without excessive cutting. If a tile repeats cleanly across a surface, it will feel intentional; if every edge requires cuts, the room can feel visually busy.
Larger tiles work best when they can span most of a wall or floor without awkward slivers, while smaller tiles shine when they align neatly with architectural features like niches, windows or shower screens. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a tile size that enhances the room’s proportions rather than competing with them, creating a bathroom that feels balanced, calm and beautifully resolved.
When thinking about colour, select a dominant tone, then build around it with complementary shades rather than competing hues. Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Anne Jones.
BALANCE TEXTURE, PATTERN, AND COLOUR
Bathrooms benefit from a layered approach that feels considered rather than chaotic, and the key is understanding how texture, pattern and colour interact. Too much pattern can overwhelm the eye, while too little texture can leave the space feeling flat or sterile.
A good rule of thumb is to let one element lead and allow the others to support it. If you choose a patterned feature tile, keep surrounding tiles more restrained in tone and texture. If your tiles are highly tactile - such as zellige or bejmat - balance them with smoother, simpler surfaces so the room still feels calm. Colour should follow the same principle: select a dominant tone, then build around it with complementary shades rather than competing hues.
Mixing matte and gloss finishes is an effective way to add depth without introducing visual clutter. Matte tiles feel soft and grounding, while gloss tiles bounce light and can brighten darker rooms. Used together, they create subtle contrast that feels intentional rather than busy.
Ultimately, creating a cohesive tile combination comes down to restraint, clarity and hierarchy. Choose one hero element, support it with quieter companions, and let texture and colour work together rather than compete. When each tile has a purpose, the whole room feels balanced, intentional and beautifully resolved.
Natural stone tiles offer unmatched character, but each type comes with its own care requirements. Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Anne Jones.
THINK ABOUT MAINTENANCE AND LONGEVITY
Thinking about maintenance and longevity is essential when selecting tiles, because different materials behave very differently in a bathroom environment. Porcelain is the most low‑maintenance option - it’s dense, non‑porous and highly durable, making it ideal for high‑traffic floors, showers and busy households. Ceramic is lighter and more affordable, and while it’s not as robust as porcelain, it’s perfectly suited to walls where impact and constant water exposure are lower.
Natural stone tiles offer unmatched character, but each type comes with its own care requirements. Marble is beautiful but reactive - it can etch, stain and mark easily, especially in showers or around vanities, and it needs regular sealing. Quartzite tiles, by contrast, offer a similar organic look with far greater durability and resistance to etching, making them a smarter choice for floors or splash zones. Travertine brings warmth and tactility but is porous, so it performs best in areas where splashes are manageable and sealing is maintained.
Where you use each tile matters just as much as the material itself. Floors benefit from harder‑wearing surfaces like porcelain or quartzite that can handle moisture, cleaning products and daily wear. Walls can accommodate more delicate materials - including marble, handmade tiles or softer ceramics - because they’re exposed to less abrasion. In wet zones such as showers, choose tiles that resist water absorption and are easy to clean, while reserving more sensitive stones for feature walls or dry areas where they can be appreciated without constant maintenance.
Ultimately, the right tile choice comes down to how you live and how you want your bathroom to age. Some materials thrive with patina and character; others are designed to stay pristine with minimal effort. Aligning your tile selection with your lifestyle will always give you the best long‑term result.
Custom Palladiana floor in Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
DON'T OVERLOOK THE GROUT
Grout also plays a major role in the overall aesthetic and the long‑term maintenance of your bathroom.
A tone‑on‑tone grout creates a seamless, calming look and is ideal when you want the tile itself to shine. A contrasting grout highlights the tile shape and adds definition, but it also draws attention to every grout line - something to consider if cleaning and maintenance are a concern. Epoxy grout is the most durable and stain‑resistant option, especially in showers, while cement‑based grout offers a more traditional look but requires sealing and more regular upkeep.
Mid-tone grout in a bathroom by RedDUO Design Studio.
Regardless of colour, sealing your grout is essential - it protects against staining and makes cleaning significantly easier. Cement‑based grouts typically need resealing every few years to maintain durability, while epoxy grout is more resistant to mould and staining and requires far less ongoing care. If cleaning is a concern, consider larger tiles or stone formats to reduce grout lines altogether, and choose a grout type that aligns with how much maintenance you’re realistically willing to take on.
Lighting can dramatically change the appearance of a tile. Mid-Century Modern House by Kerrie-Anne Jones.
TEST SAMPLES IN YOUR OWN SPACE
Lighting can dramatically change the appearance of a tile, so always bring tile samples home before making a final decision. Look at them in natural and artificial light, hold them against your vanity finishes, and place them on the floor to see how they feel underfoot. Seeing everything together in your own environment ensures your selections feel harmonious and intentional.
READY TO CREATE A BATHROOM YOU'LL LOVE?
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation and want expert, end‑to‑end support, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you’re at the very beginning and need guidance choosing tiles, materials and finishes, or you’re ready for a fully resolved bathroom design with layouts, specifications and sourcing, I offer services to support every stage of the process. You can book a 1:1 design consultation for personalised advice, or get in touch to discuss a full bathroom design package if you’re looking for a complete, professionally curated solution.
FAQ: CHOOSING BATHROOM TILES
How do I keep my bathroom tiles and grout clean?
Keeping a bathroom clean starts with using the right products and techniques. Non‑abrasive cleaners - such as mild detergent or pH‑balanced solutions - remove soap scum without damaging tile surfaces. A vinegar‑and‑water mix can help lift mildew from grout, but avoid vinegar on natural stone. Regular sweeping or vacuuming prevents grit from scratching tiles, especially on porcelain and stone floors. Grout maintenance is essential: lighter grout shows dirt more easily and suits walls, while darker grout is more forgiving on floors. Always seal cement‑based grout and reseal it every few years to prevent staining. Epoxy grout is the lowest‑maintenance option if you want to minimise cleaning long‑term.
What are the best tiles for bathroom floors?
Porcelain tiles are the top choice for bathroom floors thanks to their durability, low porosity and excellent slip‑resistance. They handle moisture, cleaning products and daily wear better than any other tile type. Ceramic tiles can work on floors in low‑traffic areas, but they’re generally better suited to walls. Always check slip ratings (known as P‑ratings here in Australia) to ensure your floor tiles are safe in wet zones, especially inside showers.
What tiles should I choose for a luxurious, high‑end bathroom?
For a premium, high‑end bathroom, natural stone tiles such as marble, quartzite or travertine create an elevated, timeless look. Marble offers dramatic veining, while quartzite provides similar beauty with greater durability. Floor‑to‑ceiling tiling, mitred edges in niches, and custom tile patterns all add a bespoke feel. Handmade tiles like zellige or bejmat introduce artisanal texture and pair beautifully with natural stone for a layered, luxurious finish.
What is the most durable tile for bathrooms?
Porcelain is the most durable bathroom tile. Its density and low porosity make it resistant to water, stains, scratches and heavy use - ideal for floors, showers and family bathrooms.
Are matte or gloss tiles better for bathrooms?
Matte tiles are safer for bathroom floors because they offer better slip resistance. Gloss tiles work beautifully on walls, where they reflect light and brighten the space without posing a slip risk. Many designers combine both finishes for depth and balance.
What is the best tile size for a small bathroom?
Large‑format tiles make small bathrooms feel more spacious by reducing grout lines and creating a seamless look. Mid‑size rectangular tiles (such as 300×600mm) laid vertically can also elongate the walls and make ceilings feel higher. Mosaics add texture but can make compact rooms feel busy, so they’re best used as accents.
Should I use the same tile on floors and walls?
You can - and it can create a clean, minimalist look - but variation often adds more interest. The key is cohesion: colours and textures should relate, even if the tiles differ.
Is porcelain better than ceramic for bathroom floors?
Yes. Porcelain is denser, more water‑resistant and more durable than ceramic, making it the superior choice for bathroom floors and wet areas. Ceramic is still excellent for walls, splashbacks and decorative applications.
