Bathroom tiles are more than simply function: they are also about the designs. They make or break the look of your bathroom, and they set the tone for its aesthetic. Considering bathroom tile installation, though, you might wonder if you can use the same tiles on the shower walls as the ones on the floor? We have researched the answer for you.
Installing the same tiles on the shower walls as the floor creates a more uniform, elegant look in the bathroom. Doing this is highly recommended since it also alludes to your bathroom being larger. You can even take it a step further and put the same tiles on the ceiling for a bold design choice.
Bathroom aesthetics should combine the benefits of both form and function. There are a variety of design choices that you can apply to your space to improve your shower experience. Keep reading below if you are interested to learn more!
What to consider when tiling your bathroom
Tiling your bathroom should start with having a clear plan. You need to consider whether the tiles will elevate your bathroom's atmosphere and functionality and whether it fits your personal style.
Ideally, you should choose timeless tiles so you won't have to spend too much on future remodeling or renovation. You should also figure out early on if you want an accent tile installed so you can save time.
Below are some considerations that can narrow down your tile choices.
Read: "What Wall Color Goes With Brown Bathroom Tiles?"
Amount of space
Some tiles work with wider spaces, while some are better suited for narrow bathrooms. If you want your bathroom to appear larger and brighter, go for light-colored tiles.
However, if you want a deeper and richer color, you can just paint your ceiling white. That way, the space will still appear wider than it is.
An example could be this bathroom with similar tiles on the wall and floor. The bathroom has a deep blue color scheme, but since the ceiling is in a lighter color, it doesn't feel too cramped.
Read: "How Big Is A Typical Corner Shower? [Dimensions Explored]."
Ease of maintenance
You don't want your bathroom fixtures to be more work than they're worth. The tiles you choose shouldn't be too sensitive to temperature changes, and they shouldn't be difficult to clean.
If you want your bathroom to be low-maintenance, avoid concrete and wood in the bathroom. These materials are notorious for mold, mildew, and water damage--which means they require sealing. They are also more challenging to clean since they would require specific cleaning solutions.
The following tiles are generally easier to clean and do not require regular sealing:
- Glazed Porcelain Tiles
- Textured Porcelain
- Ceramic Tiles
- Slate
- Vinyl
- Linoleum
- Granite
Size also matters with maintenance. Large tiles are easier to clean than small tiles because they have fewer gaps where bacteria are likely to accumulate.
Durability
Tiles normally last a long time, with some lasting for over 100 years. Granite and porcelain are both popular tile choices because of their durability and ease of maintenance.
Granite is scratch-resistant, making it ideal for frequently-used spaces such as bathrooms. It also holds up well against chemical substances found in hygiene products.
If you want to test your tile's durability, you can utilize a pressure gauge. This will measure the strength it will take before it breaks.
Budget-friendliness
As ideal as it may be that you get high-quality tiles, that doesn't mean you should get one way above your means. There are high-quality tiles on the market that should fit your budget.
Ceramic, for example, is an example of a cost-effective tile that still has great quality. Ceramic costs $1 per square foot and meets the standard set by the Porcelain Enamel Institute.
Porcelain tile is also another affordable option, costing around $3 per square foot. It is also more water-resistant, making it an ideal option for damp spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.
If you already have existing tiles and replacing them might not be an option, you can refinish them as a cheaper alternative.
Moisture Resistance
This is the most important quality of the tiles that you'll have in your bathroom. Tiles normally hold up well against damp environments and harsh cleansers.
This is also one reason why it is a great idea to have both the walls and floor layered with tiles: it will make the bathroom look sophisticated and make your surfaces waterproof.
Which part of the shower should you tile first: Wall or Floor?
Contractors and homeowners share different opinions on which part should be tiled first. Some find that tiling walls first would make the whole job easier, while others think tiling floors first is more practical.
There really is no correct answer to this debate. It depends on the type of tile you have and which area you prefer finishing first.
However, popular opinion among professional designers believes that tiling walls first is easier since you won't need to clean the tiled floors while installing the wall tiles. Debris and excess mortar might fall off the walls and make your floors dirty.
Tiling the shower wall first
Tiling the walls is more practical if you already have detailed measurements. It is also more time-efficient as you won't have to wait for the tiles to cure until you can walk and work over them.
If you're concerned about tiling the corners, experts leave a space near the flooring and along the corners to have a smoother tiling job. This way, they can start the tile where they see the corners start and build from there.
Tiling the shower floor first
If you feel that you can waterproof your floors better without any wall tile obstructing it, you can tile your floors first. Tiling the floors first will address any gap that can appear, and there would be less risk of a poor overhang.
Tiling the floors first will also give the idea that the wall tiles are "sitting" on the tiled floor instead of just simply hanging.
This is ideal if you don't have a detailed plan and measurements for the tiling of the walls since it is essentially using the floor as the base.
Bathroom Tile Ideas
Bathroom remodeling requires careful planning. You need to choose what looks best with your bathroom layout and can accommodate your personal style.
Knowing what you want beforehand is essential if you want your renovation process to be efficient. We have gathered some design ideas that can help you decide which tiles best suit you!
Go retro with penny tiles
Penny tiles have a vintage appeal that you can experiment further with different colors. Some designers can customize a gradient color scheme for your bathroom, making it look dreamy and unique.
If you want a more vibrant take, you can have the tiles in unconventional colors such as pink and white; or mint green and blue.
Vibrant colors will add personality to your bathroom since you're going to be steering away from the usual bathroom color scheme.
Penny tiles can also cater to minimalist designs. Simply get them in black and white colors for a more polished appeal.
Check out this tile on Amazon.
Marble tiles for an elegant flair
If you want a luxurious atmosphere every time you step into your bathroom, marble tiles may be for you. Being surrounded by a natural stone can make you feel opulent and instantly relaxed.
Marble tiles come customized to your desired shape, so they can accommodate your bathroom layout. You can combine this with white ceramic tiles to add dimension and reduce expenses.
However, you may need to be cautious with marble since it is fairly high maintenance and requires regular sealing.
Can you put marble tiles on bathroom walls and floors?
Although you can put marble tiles in your bathroom, you should be aware of the cost of installing them: affordability for both installation and maintenance.
Marble is a natural stone, which means these tiles are more porous. Porous stones are more vulnerable to permanent stains and water damage. They also tend to show scratching easier compared to other tiles.
However, you can work around this by opting to get honed marble, which has a matte finish. Just remember to clean the surfaces with a gentle cleaning solution and to regularly seal them.
Final Thoughts
Having the right design in your bathroom is essential to a relaxing experience. Be sure the tiles you choose are up to your standards and can accommodate the aesthetic you want.
As with any home project, maintenance is key to avoiding damage and making your bathroom always look polished.