A full guide to comparing the best bathroom tile materials and styles
With the wide variety of materials and styles available, finding the perfect bathroom tiles that match your needs can be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for tiles that offer slip resistance for safety in wet areas or seeking materials that enhance the overall look and feel of your space, each material comes with its own advantages and considerations.
In this guide, we’ll highlight all the important information in the bathroom materials & styles hub, including buyer’s guides and tips on choosing the right tile material for your needs.
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Choosing different bathroom tile materials
When it comes to bathroom renovations, selecting the right materials is crucial for both functionality and the overall aesthetic.
Compare the different bathroom tile materials below, each with their own advantages and our top tile ranges:
Porcelain
Porcelain bathroom tiles are a popular choice due to their durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance.
Porcelain offers plenty of options for bathroom tiles to replicate classic looks, such as natural stone and wood. These natural materials may be unsuitable in certain bathroom areas, particularly if they are not slip-resistant.
These tile effects look like the real thing, as well as possessing porcelain's durable benefits. Check out these popular porcelain lookalikes:
Read our complete guide on choosing porcelain bathroom tiles here.
Marble
Marble tiles can enhance the aesthetic appeal of bathroom walls, whether as shower walls, accent walls, splashback, or even an entire bathroom. Polished marble tiles create a sleek and sophisticated look, while honed or matt finishes offer a softer, more understated appearance. Ensure the tiles are properly sealed to protect them from water damage and maintain their pristine condition.
For marble flooring, ensure the tiles chosen are slip and water-resistant to prevent accidents and water damage. Look for tiles with textured surfaces or matt finishes that provide traction and improve grip.
Popular colours for marble bathroom tiles include:
- White marble
- Grey
- Creams and neutrals
For more information, read our expert guide on marble bathroom tiles here.
Glass
Glass wall tiles can be used effectively to enhance the overall design and functionality of the bathroom space. Consider using glass tiles for shower walls, due to their waterproof properties and easy maintenance, as well as their striking visual features. When selecting tiles for shower walls, opt for non-porous varieties resistant to water absorption and mould growth.
Or why not use glass bathroom tiles as a splashback behind sinks and countertops? You can add a luxury feel to your bathroom wall whilst also protecting your wall from water splashes and stains. Consider incorporating accent tiles or decorative patterns to add personality and style to the bathroom while providing practical functionality.
Read our complete guide on glass bathroom tiles for more information here.
Stone
Stone bathroom tiles are versatile and can be used in various areas. For a sink splashback, stone tiles protect the walls from water splashes and serve as a focal point. Whereas stone floor tiles that have a textured finish should be chosen to avoid slip hazards. Consider their hardness, finish, and type of stone variety:
Mosaic
Mosaics refer to the intricate patterns and layouts of the tiles, singularly and when used together. Therefore, these types of bathroom tiles come in various materials and styles:
- Porcalain: durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for wet areas.
- Stone: offers a natural and timeless beauty but requires sealing to prevent staining.
- Marble: provides a luxurious and elegant look but can be more prone to scratching and staining.
- Glass: easy to clean and can add a modern touch, though they may be more slippery when wet.
For more information, read our full guide on mosaic bathroom tiles here.
Terracotta
Fired Earth’s history is intertwined with terracotta, both in name and in spirit. The term “terracotta” comes from the Italian phrase meaning “baked earth”. Typically, terracotta comes from a porous clay that is then sculpted into various products, including vases, plant pots and, of course, tiles.
In bathrooms, terracotta tiles are particularly popular due to their unique aesthetic. Terracotta bathroom tiles add a touch of natural elegance, and their warm hues create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to create a serene and stylish bathroom retreat.
For more information, read our complete guide on terracotta bathroom tiles here.
How to choose a bathroom tile material
From traditional marble to more modern bathroom tiles, navigating the wide variety of materials and styles can be daunting. Though all tiles will have an aesthetic appeal, certain materials are more beneficial and suitable in a bathroom.
- Consider the location of your tiles - Different areas of your bathroom have varying demands regarding moisture exposure, foot traffic, and cleaning requirements.
- Consider matching the material to your needs - For a tile material that meets every need, porcelain is the ideal choice for both traditional and modern bathroom styles. Even if you prefer the look of other materials, such as classic marble or natural stone, porcelain can replicate these timeless looks, whilst maintaining their highly durable qualities.
- Focus on safety and slip resistance - Consider bathroom tiles with a textured surface or matt finish, particularly for the floor, to enhance grip and reduce the risk of slipping.
- Complement your bathroom features - Your bathroom tiles should harmonise with your design and existing features to create a cohesive look. Add decorative borders in areas, such as the shower wall, with glass or our Mother of Pearl collection.
- Think about future trends and resale value - Investing in high-quality tile materials not only enhances the look and feel of your bathroom but also increases the overall value of your home.
- Use a design service – A bespoke design service can be highly beneficial, providing expert advice on the best tile materials and styles for your specific needs and preferences.
Read our full guide on how to choose the best bathroom tile material to meet your needs here.
Fired Earth’s bespoke design service offers insights into the latest trends, and innovations in bathroom tiles, ensuring your space is both functional and modern. With a combination of mood boards and 3D visualisations, we can envisage different tile materials to find the most suitable, offering ideas you may not have thought of before.
Book your design appointment here, or contact the Fired Earth team for more information.
Combining different bathroom tile materials
Choosing the right colour scheme for bathroom tiles involves considering the material, style, and finish to create a harmonious and visually appealing space. Consider the following colours:
- Neutral tones- whites, greys and beiges; consider pairing white porcelain tiles with grey marble in bathrooms to create a serene environment.
- Cool tones - glass tiles in shades of aqua or seafoam can complement white or light grey porcelain tiles, enhancing the sense of tranquillity.
- Bold colours - deep blues, blacks, and rich greens, can add drama and sophistication. For a striking effect, consider pairing black marble tiles with white porcelain in a chequerboard pattern.
When combining your bathroom tile materials, think about your overarching colour scheme and what you want to achieve. It can be challenging, but always have the final outcome in mind. Why not pair large-format and smaller tiles? Mixing larger tiles with a mosaic tile range can create visual interest and a dynamic look.
For more design tips and creative ways to combine bathroom tile materials, read our complete guide here.
Related content
Choosing the Best Porcelain Tiles For Bathrooms | Buyer's Guide
Choosing the Best Marble Bathroom Tiles | What to Consider
Comparing the Best Glass Bathroom Tiles | What to Consider
Choosing the Best Mosaic Bathroom Tiles For Your Needs