How to mix and match your bathroom tile materials | Styles & inspiration

Tiles have long been a classic choice for bathroom design, owing to their durability, water resistance and versatility. To create a unique look, many homeowners decide to combine different tile patterns, materials, textures, and colours to add a creative touch in bathrooms of all sizes. But it can be hard to know where to start, particularly with such a myriad of choices available.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of bathroom tiles, exploring the most popular materials, how to blend different colours and styles, and our top picks for mixing and matching.

What are the most popular tile materials for a bathroom?

When it comes to bathroom tiles, several materials stand out for their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits:

• Porcelain: A top choice for bathroom tiles, porcelain is extremely durable and long-lasting. It is highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making porcelain tiles ideal for bathroom floors and walls. Porcelain is also a great addition to a bathroom design due to the various lookalike tiles available, such as wood effect, marble effect, and terracotta effect.

For more information, read our expert guide on porcelain bathroom tiles here.

• Natural stone: Slate, travertine, marble, and granite are natural stone bathroom tiles that bring a touch of nature into a space. Natural stone is durable and can add a rustic or sophisticated feel, depending on the finish and stone type. However, it requires regular sealing to protect against moisture and stains.

• Marble: This natural stone exudes luxury and timeless elegance. Known for their distinctive veining and wide range of colours, particularly white, marble bathroom tiles can elevate a room’s sophistication. But, like natural stone tiles, a marble tile requires more maintenance compared to porcelain, and may be more prone to scratching and staining. Marble tiles are often used for shower walls and bathroom floors.

For more information, read our complete guide on marble bathroom tiles here.

• Glass: Celebrated for their sleek and modern appearance, glass tiles are often used in bathrooms to reflect light, making a room feel more spacious and brighter. Coming in a variety of colours, glass bathroom tiles are often used as part of an accent wall, backsplash or decorative border to create a visually striking feature.

Read our complete guide on glass bathroom tiles for more information.

Which colours work best together in a bathroom?

Choosing the right colour scheme for bathroom tiles involves considering the material, style, and finish to create a harmonious and visually appealing space. The interplay of colours can significantly influence the bathroom's overall ambience and style.

Neutral tones

Neutral colours, such as whites, greys, and beiges, are timeless and versatile, work well with various tile materials. For example, pairing white porcelain tiles with grey marble can create a sophisticated and serene environment. The contrast between the sleek, uniform surface of porcelain and the natural veining of marble adds depth and interest.

Cool tones

Cool tones, such as blues and greens, are often associated with a calming, spa-like atmosphere. Glass tiles in shades of aqua or seafoam can complement white or light grey porcelain tiles, enhancing the sense of tranquillity. The reflective quality of glass tiles can amplify these cool hues, making the space feel more open and refreshing.

Bold colours

Bold colours, like yellows, reds, and blacks, can add drama and sophistication. These colours work well as accent tiles or feature walls. For a striking effect, consider pairing black marble tiles with white porcelain. This combination can create a classic and elegant look, while the high contrast ensures each material stands out.

For more information, read our guides on the most popular colours for bathroom floor tiles, and the most popular colours for bathroom wall tiles here.

Our top tips for mixing and matching bathroom tile materials

1. Start with a focal point – Look at certain areas in your bathroom that could become a striking feature. This includes feature walls, backsplashes or even areas on the floor. Use a standout material or colour as the focal point, and then choose complementary tiles to enhance this design. Consider using glass, colourful tiles as a feature or splashback, then installing neutral porcelain tiles on the surrounding walls to make them pop.

2. Mixing large format and small tiles -2 Mixing larger tiles with a mosaic tile range can create visual interest and a dynamic look. Ensure that the transition between different tile sizes is smooth and well-planned, using borders or trims if necessary to create a clean separation.

3. Combining different textures and finishes – Using different tile finishes can help add depth and dimension to your bathroom, particularly on bathroom walls. If you use glossy glass tiles, balance them with matte or textured tiles to avoid an overly slick appearance.

4. Think of an overarching colour scheme – As mentioned above, choosing colours for bathroom tiles can be challenging. They can make or break a bathroom’s design. Think about the overall colour scheme, even if your tiles are contrasting.

For more inspiration, browse through our Instagram here to see how our past customers have styled their tiles.

Other considerations to make when choosing a bathroom tile material

Beyond the aesthetics, there are several other factors to consider when choosing tile materials. It is important to address your specific requirements and what will suit your home. Tiles used in bathrooms will need to be water-resistant, especially when used for shower walls or wet room floors. Also, bathroom floor tiles must be slip-resistant and highly durable to ensure they last and look as good as they did when they were installed.

Other considerations to make include:

• Durability and maintenance
• Slip and water-resistant
• The location
• The cost

Read our guide on choosing the right bathroom tile material here for more information.

How can Fired Earth help?

With more than 40 years of experience, Fired Earth has become an expert in tiles and colour, working with some of the best designers and stocking a variety of tile ranges. Where possible, our tiles are handmade, standing the test of time in spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

To help with a bathroom’s design, particularly if you are looking to mix and match tile materials, we provide a bespoke design service. This is an ideal opportunity for your ideas to come to life, allowing you to gauge the number of tiles you require, their sizes and how they will look (with 3D visualisations and mood boards).

Book your design appointment today, or contact the Fired Earth team here for more information.

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