Comparing the different bathroom wall tile effects | Which lookalike tile is most suitable for your bathroom wall?

Lookalike tiles have become hugely popular in recent years, thanks to their versatility and durability. Rather than buying natural materials, such as stone and wood, these tile effects tend to be cheaper to buy and install and generally require little maintenance.

Available in a wide range of designs – including those that mimic a type of tile effect, such as terrazzo, wood, marble, stone, slate, metal and concrete. This makes them a great option for those who want the look of natural materials with the added benefits of porcelain.

In this guide, we will look at what you should consider if you are thinking about using a tile effect that replicates other materials on your bathroom walls.

Choosing marble effect tiles for bathroom walls

Luxurious and elegant, marble has been used in homes for centuries. However, large format marble flooring can be costly and may require frequent maintenance. So, a porcelain marble effect equivalent is a great alternative to the natural material for busy or large spaces.

Our Malmo tiles look like marble, but they’re actually made from recycled glass and then coloured using a state-of-the-art inkjet printing process. Not only do they look great, but they’re environmentally friendly too. Malmo tiles come in several formats; including, mosaics in picket, willow leaf, hexagon and scallop patterns. The variety in their shapes makes them perfect for creating a unique shower panel or feature wall.

Marble effect porcelain tiles are also great for bathroom walls and wet rooms as they are non-porous, meaning they work well in wet areas. Choosing good quality tiles means there will be a lot of variation, giving them a natural look.

Choosing the best concrete-effect bathroom wall tiles

Concrete-effect wall tiles are generally made from porcelain and are designed to look exactly like the material they’re designed to replicate. They are easier to maintain than concrete and come in various shades, from very pale to very dark. While you will need to grout between these tiles, larger format tiles will keep these lines to a minimum.

If you’re going for a traditionally minimalist scheme, you will probably want to choose a lighter finish, such as white, for your walls. A dark grey will be perfect for a more industrial feel or a dramatic scheme. These tiles come in different formats, with square and rectangular being the most popular. Both have their merits, and it is largely down to taste as to which will work best.

Choosing stone-effect tiles for bathroom walls

Natural stone elevates a room, and today’s porcelain stone-effect tiles are difficult to tell apart from the real thing. We’ve long been adding porcelain-effect stone to our range as we know it offers a great solution for both contemporary and traditional interiors. Our collections mimic travertine, limestone and Jerusalem stone.

If you’re looking for a durable product that is easy to maintain and with looks that won’t change, then a porcelain stone-lookalike tile is a great choice. You won’t need to seal it, and it will continue to look exactly the same as when you first installed it, so it is great for those who want an easy and cost-effective solution for their bathroom walls. With the appearance of natural stone, you have all of the beauty in an easy-to-care-for package.

Stone-effect tiles are hardwearing, too, plus their natural look means they will have long-lasting appeal.

If you want to create a modern country feel, choose a cream or neutral colour. These work particularly well on bathroom walls and can be continued onto the floor for a seamless look. Tiles, such as those in the Galicia collection, have a slate-like appearance and come in a range of shades from grey to brown. All while boasting a natural appeal for splashbacks and feature walls.

Dark bathrooms are very much of the moment, and, if you’re looking to create a spa-like zen-inspired space, black tiles, such as Rimini Black, are a great choice.

Choosing wood-effect bathroom wall tiles

Naturally beautiful, wood is always stylish and works brilliantly for both contemporary and traditional interiors. Yet, it’s not always a practical choice, such as in a bathroom where water will always be a factor. That’s why we have a range of wood-effect tiles that perfectly emulate the look of wood.

Wood panelling can look great, but it’s uncommon in a bathroom as natural wood can warp in damp areas. It would also be completely impractical in, for example, on a shower wall or wet room. When used behind a sink, it can be tricky to clean off splashes. That’s why wood-effect tiles are a great choice.

In these instances, wood-effect tiles are ideal, as they are hugely practical, look just like the real thing and are much easier to clean and maintain.

Like natural wood, they come in various shades; from the palest to the darkest. Choosing the right shade is very much down to personal taste, but it makes sense to pick up some samples to see what the colour looks like in situ.

Choosing the best metal-effect bathroom floor tiles

Metal is an ideal material if you’re looking to create an industrial-style interior. However, using metal can also be impractical, which is why metal-effect porcelain tiles are a great choice. They can make fantastic splashbacks, wet room-style bathrooms, shower panels and more. As with other lookalikes, porcelain metal-effect bathroom tiles are easy to maintain, durable, and cost-effective option. They can add texture and accents to a room; colours, such as copper, add warmth, while nickel and iron add a more pared-back feel.

Comparing the different bathroom wall tile effects

Which lookalike you go for depends very much on the interior style you’re looking to create. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to advise on schemes, and our design team can work with you to create mood boards and realistic renders of what a room might look like.

If you’re considering a tile that mimics another material, then rest assured all the benefits of one effect will 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.

At Fired Earth, every product is designed to be perfect for today while also being able to stand the test of time. Where possible, our bathroom tiles are handmade, with various designs and shades available.

Contact Fired Earth today to find out more information, or visit one of our showrooms.

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