Bathroom tile: types, how to choose (75 photos)

Designing such a secluded place as a bathroom requires special preparation and knowledge. Tile is a popular and versatile material for decorating floors and walls. High strength, a large selection of constituent elements, as well as aesthetic diversity, can decorate the bathroom of any size and style. In this article we will consider the main types of tiles, its main advantages and disadvantages, the criteria for the right choice and design interior solutions using this material.

The choice of finishing materials can be called a responsible task, which must be approached diligently and in detail. Tiled floor and wall coverings for the bathroom is a practical solution that includes peculiar subtleties.

Indisputable advantages of the tile include high fire resistance, good water absorption (which is very important for the bathroom), proven resistance to various chemical influences (including aggressive cleaning agents), minimal current conductivity, strength that minimizes deformation of the original shape of the tile, maximum variety of external design (composition material, shape, pattern).

Peculiar shortcomings include the long installation process (when using tiles of non-standard shapes), the coldness of the floor covering (which is easily fixed with the help of a modern heating system), as well as the higher cost (compared to other types of finishes), which is fully justified by its remarkable quality.

There are basic varieties of tile flooring, which you should definitely pay attention to before starting repairs. This will help to be as confident as possible in your choice and future design of the bathroom.

It is famous for its valuable functional qualities (good resistance to chemical and mechanical influences), as well as external conciseness. The uniform average thickness, smoothness of the coating and the absence of catchy decorative elements can perfectly complement the stylish bathroom made in the design of Provence, hi-tech and minimalism.

One of the most popular types of flooring. The composition is based on high-quality clay elements that form the bulk due to transformations with compaction and high pressure. Pressed tiles are distinguished by a special smooth surface and original laying methods (square, triangular, diamond-shaped). It fits perfectly into the classic or modern style bathroom.

It can be described in a nutshell: brightness and brilliance. It is these characteristics that stand out in a special way against the background of a glazed surface. The composition also surprises with its characteristics: pore impermeability, ease of care, high texture density. Universal in almost any design.

Creative flooring option. The unusual thing lies not only in the variety of colors, but also in a special composition, which for high quality combines several types of clay, different persistent dyes and flux.

An interesting name corresponds to the methodology for creating this tile. A single firing, lack of a glazed surface, a matte texture and a hard pressing option help to ensure high functional properties and give a stylish appearance.

When choosing a facing (wall) tile, it is worth paying not only to the appearance of the product, but also to environmental safety, good composition, and also the absence of cracks. We will consider the most popular types of wall coverings for the bathroom, which have captured the hearts of many interior aesthetes.

The most original and beautiful type of wall decoration is mosaic tiles. It may consist of granite or glass. Appearance will vary from the Greek style of styling to full-fledged patterns and drawings, which will definitely become the highlight of any bathroom. The main properties of this type of tile include good environmental friendliness and strength.

Porcelain tile, which, due to its ceramic base, is famous for its very high strength and texture thickness, is considered an equally popular variety of facing coatings.

Stone tiles can be divided into three main types. Completely stone product that has passed the press several times, glazed to a shine. The appearance of this option allows you to be confident in the creative decoration of the walls, which will always delight the eyes of the owners.

Tile is one of the most proven materials. She flaunts not only on the walls of bathrooms, but also on the surfaces of kitchens. The degree of thickness depends on the type of firing and the density of the material, and the external versatility includes a variety of colors and ornaments.

Before you start decorating a bathroom with tiles, you need to understand the main criteria that will help you make the right choice. Specialists in their field recommend looking at several things at once. The first important nuance can be called the surface of the tile. It should be uniform (with the exception of relief patterns). The presence of large cracks or even small scratches already indicates a defective product.

Also, choosing the type of tile you like, you should consult about the type of abrasion. It is indicated by special Latin letters, which are responsible for the level of wear resistance.

Calculation of tiles should not be carried out right next to each individual millimeter, but with a margin of 10–20%. This will help to avoid difficulties.

A thickness of 9-12 mm is considered ideal for laying tiles in the bathroom. Sizes over this option are more organic for utility rooms or kitchens.

Marking the box can also say a lot. For example, in accordance with international standards, grade 1 refers to products of the highest quality, while grade 3 is the lowest.

If you see the image of the foot on the packaging, you must know that this tile is designed for flooring.

The matte texture will help smooth out the sharp corners in a small bathroom, and the glazed one will give a special gloss to a larger room.

Our photo gallery will show how harmoniously and stylishly in a bathroom such practical and functional material as tiles can look. Enjoy watching!