Choosing tile for a bathroom renovation can be one of the most exciting parts of the project—and one of the hardest. With so many colours, sizes, materials, finishes, and styles available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The right tile should not only look great, but also be appropriate for where it will be installed. Whether you're renovating a small powder room, updating a family bathroom, or creating a new shower, a few simple considerations can make choosing your tile much easier.
Start With Where the Tile Will Be Used
Before choosing a style, think about where the tile is going.
Bathroom tile is commonly used on:
- Floors
- Shower floors
- Shower walls
- Bathroom walls
- Backsplashes and accent areas
Not every tile is suitable for every application. A tile that looks great on a shower wall may not be the right choice for a shower floor, where slip resistance and smaller formats can be important.
Porcelain or Ceramic?
Porcelain and ceramic are two of the most common tile materials, and both can be excellent choices for a bathroom.
Porcelain tile is the more common choice for bathroom floors because it is dense, durable, and well suited to flooring applications. Porcelain can also be used on walls, so it gives you the flexibility to carry the same tile from the floor onto the walls or shower walls for a more coordinated look.
Ceramic tile, on the other hand, will in most instances be used on walls rather than floors. Ceramic is available in a huge variety of colours, shapes, patterns, and finishes, making it an excellent choice for shower walls, bathroom walls, backsplashes, and decorative areas.
Choose the Right Tile Size
Tile size can have a major impact on the overall appearance of your bathroom.
Large-format tiles can create a clean, modern look with fewer grout lines. They're especially popular for shower walls and larger bathroom floors. Large-format porcelain can also make a smaller space feel more open by creating a more continuous appearance.
Smaller tiles and mosaics offer more flexibility and can add pattern and visual interest. They're commonly used on shower floors, niche backs, accent walls, and other areas where you want to introduce a different design.
There isn't one "correct" tile size for a bathroom. Consider the size and layout of your space, as well as the look you're trying to achieve.
Matte or Polished?
The finish of your tile is an important part of the overall look of your bathroom, but both matte and polished finishes can be used on floors and walls. The right choice depends on the specific tile and its suitability for the area where you plan to install it.
Polished tile has a smooth, reflective surface that can give a bathroom a bright and luxurious appearance. It's particularly popular for marble-look and other decorative wall tiles.
Matte tile has a less reflective surface and generally offers more texture than polished tile. It can create a more natural and understated appearance and works particularly well with stone-look and concrete-inspired designs.
Think About How Your Tiles Work Together
You don't have to use the same tile throughout your entire bathroom. In fact, combining different tiles can create a much more interesting design.
For example, you might pair:
- A large-format tile on the shower walls
- A smaller mosaic on the shower floor
- A complementary matte tile on the bathroom floor
- A decorative tile inside a shower niche
The key is to choose tiles that complement each other without making the room feel too busy.
One simple approach is to let one tile be the main feature and use more subtle tiles in the other areas. You can also create a cohesive look by choosing tiles that share similar colours or tones.
Don't Be Afraid of Colour
Colour can have a big impact on the overall feel of your bathroom. While there are always new colours and design trends emerging, neutral, lighter, and warmer tones have become increasingly popular in bathroom design. Shades of white, cream, beige, taupe, and warm grey can create a bright, inviting space and work well with a wide range of fixtures and finishes.
That doesn't mean your bathroom has to be completely neutral. A colourful or patterned tile can be a great way to add personality and create a focal point.
For example, a neutral bathroom can be brought to life with a blue or green accent tile, while a warm stone-look floor can provide a natural foundation for a more decorative shower wall.
If you're unsure about using a bold colour throughout the room, consider using it in a smaller area such as a shower niche, backsplash, or feature wall.
Don't Forget to Calculate How Much Tile You Need
Once you've chosen your tile, you'll need to determine how much to order.
Start by calculating the square footage of the area you're tiling. Use our helpful square foot calculator tool to assist you with this. You'll also need to account for cuts and waste, particularly if your room has a complicated layout or you're installing a tile with a specific pattern.
It's generally a good idea to purchase some additional tile rather than ordering the exact square footage required. Having extra tile to keep can also be helpful if you ever need to make a repair in the future.
If you're unsure how much you need, our team can help you work through the calculations before placing your order.
Find the Right Tile for Your Bathroom
The best bathroom tile is one that fits both your design and the way you'll use the space. Start by considering the application, then narrow down your choices based on material, size, finish, colour, and style.
And don't feel like you have to make every decision on your own.
At Dufferin Tile, we have a wide selection of porcelain and ceramic tile in a variety of sizes, colours, finishes, and styles. Our knowledgeable sales team can help you compare options and find products that work together for your project.
Visit our showroom in Etobicoke to see our tile selection in person, or browse our collections online.
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