A full guide to bathroom wall tiles
A full guide to bathroom wall tiles | How do you choose the right wall tiles for your bathroom?
When decorating a bathroom, many consider tiling the walls to create an aesthetically pleasing and practical feature. There are many ways you can cover your bathroom walls, including using varying tile materials, styles, and colours. Bathroom wall tiles are perfect for creating various looks and enhancing your home’s overall look.
This guide will summarise all the information in our bathroom wall tiles hub, including our recommended tile ranges, and what you should consider when choosing tiles for your bathroom wall.
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Comparing the different tile effects for bathroom walls
If you’re considering a tile that mimics another material such as wood or stone, then rest assured all the benefits of one effect will also apply to the others. Essentially, the whole point of lookalike tiles is that they allow you to create the look you’d get with a natural material but without the need to care for and maintain the product in a way that would be required with its natural equivalent.
Browse the table below to compare the different tile effects that are popular for bathroom wall tiles:
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Find out more about the different wall tile effects for bathrooms with our expert guide here.
How much do bathroom wall tiles cost?
It is important to consider several factors that may influence the overall cost of bathroom wall tiles. This includes the size and material of the tiles, where they will be used, and the size of the bathroom wall.
There are options for every bathroom style and a wide range of budgets. Here are some of the most popular options, along with their approximate price ranges:
Glazed and decorated – from under £1 per tile.
Porcelain and ceramic - range from under £1 per tile to around £100 per square metre.
Glass and mosaic - range from £100 to £200 per square metre.
Marble – typical prices start from £10 per square metre.
Find out more about the cost of bathroom wall tiles with our expert guide here.
Choosing the best bathroom wall tile material
Tiles have been used as a creative tool in bathrooms for many years, coming in a variety of finishes and colours. When used on bathroom walls, or places such as shower walls and wet rooms, it is important to choose the right material that will be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Ensure your bathroom tile material is non-porous, resistant to wear and tear, and waterproof.
Popular tile materials for bathroom walls include:
Porcelain tiles – These tiles are ideal for bathrooms as they are highly durable and easy to install. Also, porcelain tiles are available in a range of effects that replicate natural materials; this includes stone effect, marble effect and wood effect tiles.
Glass tiles – Glass tiles are an easy to maintain option, making them a viable choice for bathroom walls and splashbacks. They are also often created from recycled materials, making them highly sustainable.
Marble tiles – Marble tiles are ideal for creating unique looks, as each tile has a unique design. Paler colours help maximise natural light, so may be a good choice for small bathrooms.
Terracotta tiles – Terracotta wall tiles enhance a warm and rustic aesthetic appearance and can create a focal point in a bathroom.
Comparing the different colours for bathroom wall tiles
Choosing bathroom wall tile colours is one of the most important factors, as the shades chosen can dictate the room's overall feel.
Black and white is a classic combination, so it’s no surprise many homeowners choose this scheme for their bathroom walls. Black and white tiles never go out of style, and are perfect for creating visually striking effect, adding depth and dimension to your bathroom walls.
Our recommended range:
The Kelly Hoppen collection offers a combination of Kelly’s trademark neutrals alongside patterned tiles with contemporary organic shapes. The collection has been designed to be usable and to have a classic yet modern feel.
Browse through the entire Kelly Hoppen range here.
Other popular colours for bathroom wall tiles include neutrals, multicoloured and metallic finishes.
What to consider when finding bathroom wall tiles
Tiles are an ideal solution for bathroom walls, and many homeowners utilise these in various ways to create distinct and unique aesthetics. To ensure you find the perfect wall tiles for your bathroom, consider different materials and how suitable they are for the bathroom. Consider their practicality, as bathrooms will require tiles that are waterproof and highly durable. Think about your bathroom in particular; is it a family bathroom which may benefit from brighter and bolder colours? Or is it a small bathroom that may need paler tiles to help maximise the natural light?
A great way to find the perfect tile is by utilising a bespoke design service. Our design service is staffed by expert designers who will help you visualise your ideas with 3D visualisations and mood boards. We can suggest ideas that you may not have thought about and show you what the space will look like with different wall tiles and colour schemes.
How to tile a bathroom wall
After you have prepared and planned, it’s time to tile. For accurate results, make sure you use a tape measure to find the centre of the room and tile from there, and follow the steps below:
Prepare the bathroom wall with tile primer
Fix the wooden baton
Apply tile adhesive
Fix the tiles
Cut any tiles that do not fit
Apply tile grout
Clean the tiles and bathroom wall
Mistakes may happen. So, make sure you are prepared by having extra tiles in case of an emergency.
The Fired Earth tile product pages include an online calculator so you know how many tiles you will need for your bathroom wall. Our online calculator also has the option to add 10% extra tiles in case of an issue.
Browse through our entire bathroom wall tile range here.
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