To create a practical bathroom, tiles are the obvious choice. But you might be worried about how to use tiles and create a unique bathroom. How can tiles inject individual style and personality into the room? With a bit of creativity, it is possible.
If you’re thinking of tiling or retiling your bathroom, you might be looking for new ideas to help you create something special. Visiting a Bathroom Showroom can help you find the inspiration you need to visualise the tiles you want in your bathroom. From the type to choose to how you lay them and grout them, this is how you can get creative with tiles.
Lay your tiles differently
If you fancy creating a distinct look with plain tiles, try laying them a different way. Rectangular tiles can be laid vertically as well as horizontally. You can also follow a horizontal or vertical herringbone pattern or a double herringbone pattern.
Basketweave, staggered square and stepladder patterns can also create a unique look for your standard tiles.
Go for an unusually shaped tile
Hexagonal tiles are growing in popularity with people who want to use plain coloured tiles yet have stand-out walls. But there are other types you could go for. Fan or fish-scale shapes instantly create a vibrant style. Chevron, ogee, lozenge and diamond shapes also create eye-catching designs without needing multi-colour tiles.
Use a tile with a textured surface
Tiles don’t have to have a smooth, glossy surface. You can use a type with a textured surface. Stone-effect tiles or neutral-toned, ripple-effect tiles are great for natural feeling bathrooms.
Textured tiles are another great way to add pattern without needing bold or multiple colour choices. There is a wealth of geometric, linear and abstract textures you can use.
Go half and half
If you fancy creating a different look, why not go half and half? You can create any number of complementary or contrasting tile combinations. Tile the bottom half of the wall with glossy or plain tiles and the upper half with matt or patterned tiles. Or it could be as simple as using a dark colour for the lower half and a lighter colour in the same style higher up.
Create a contrast with colourful grout
Traditionally, grout is white. Or it might be black for floor tiles. But it tends to blend in with your tile colour. So, if you fancy achieving a more unique look for your bathroom, then colourful, contrasting grout may work better. Failing that, try colouring in your existing grout with a special pen.
What to bear in mind
Some uniquely shaped tiles and ornate tiling patterns can be trickier to lay. So, they’re harder to install as a DIY project. This means you’re likely to need the help of a professional and that does put the cost of tiling up.
Textured tiles, especially matt finishes, may be harder to clean and may need a specific type of bathroom cleaner. So, do bear this in mind when planning your new bathroom.
Using different types of tiles in the bathroom may also make it harder to calculate the number of tiles you need. If in doubt, add extra tiles onto your calculation to factor in breakages, cutting and calculation errors.