It’s the long-awaited moment to revamp your old-fashioned guest bathroom with different types of floor tiles. The avocado green wallpaper, tufted bathroom carpet, and varnished wood paneling, relics of past decades, are finally bidding farewell to your bath. Congratulations, it’s time for a happy dance!
During your quest for style inspiration, you might have encountered numerous examples of lavishly tiled powder rooms, lavatories, or master baths. You must have wondered about the wide array of tile looks and options available, and which one would be the perfect fit for your own bathroom. Let’s delve into the reasons why bathroom tiles are the ultimate choice and explore the various materials used to create them.
What Types of Floor Tiles Exist?
Polished Glazed Porcelain Tile with a Marble Look
Let’s begin with the most popular design style currently available in the market – the marble look tile in a polished finish. Although it’s a common trend, it has also proven to be consistently in demand, making it an essential inclusion in this list. The marble look polished glazed porcelain tile comes in various options. You can find it in the classic white marble design, resembling rare and expensive marbles like Starvation, Calcutta, and Carrara. Additionally, there are options in grey marble such as pietra marble or pulp is marble, as well as black marble designs like Sahara nero marble or Nero Marquina marble.
The key lies in blending this timeless design style with various combinations of sizes, shapes, and grout linings. For instance, a Statuario gold design paired with taupe or golden grout lines exudes elegance. You can even make a statement piece on your living room floor by incorporating water jet inserts and combining contrasting marble designs, like a Statuary design with a black marble insert.
Using mosaics made from the same stone can also give your room a unique appearance. The market offers a plethora of options in terms of mosaic shapes and sizes, and most classic marble designs complement these patterns beautifully.
Mosaic Tiles: Versatile and Stunning Design Options
Mosaic tiles rank among the most popular types of tile, and it’s not hard to see why. Their exceptional versatility allows for various design applications, making them ideal for backsplashes, floors, and more. These tiles come in a wide array of colors, materials, and sizes, ensuring you can easily find a style that matches your aesthetic preferences. The unique patterns are crafted by combining small pieces of glass, stone, or other materials, adding a touch of individuality to your space.
Mosaic tiles offer the possibility of creating intricate designs, making them perfect for elevating the visual appeal of any room. Additionally, their durability and ease of cleaning make them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
However, it’s essential to consider that mosaic tiles can become slippery when wet. If you plan to use them in areas prone to water spills, opting for mosaic tiles with a textured surface can help prevent slips and provide added safety.
Marble Tiles: Timeless Elegance and Versatility
Marble tiles stand as a classic and luxurious choice for flooring, backsplashes, and countertops. With a vast array of colors and patterns available, marble offers a versatile option that complements any design style. Despite being a bit more expensive than other materials, its durability and captivating aesthetic make it a worthwhile investment for your home. You can find marble tiles in various exquisite designs, but it’s essential to note that their porous nature makes them vulnerable to staining.
Glass Tile: A Sparkling and Glamorous Choice
Glistening glass tiles offer a glamorous option for backsplashes or shower tiles. When it comes to stain resistance, glass tiles outshine other tile materials, even standing impermeable to red wine and acidic lemon juice. However, they do come with one drawback – glass tiles are relatively prone to chipping and cracking if subjected to impact, making them best suited for wall applications.
DIY Idea: Glass Tile Mirror Frame
Imagine adorning the large mirror in your new bathroom with gleaming glass tiles. The reflection and diffusion of light in a naturally lit space can work wonders, creating an illusion of more significant space and giving your small bathroom a spacious and airy feel.
Other Natural Stone Tiles: Beyond Marble and Granite
Marble and granite are not the only natural stone options available for tiles. Slate, limestone, travertine, and sandstone are also popular choices. If you plan to use them as flooring inside your home, it’s important to note that these materials are porous. To protect against stains or discoloration, regular sealing is recommended. However, these stones can be a perfect fit for various other home projects!
Stacked Stone Tile Fireplace Facade
Give your fireplace a stunning facelift without the high costs of masonry by using stacked stone tiles. These rough-edged rocks add texture and intrigue to your fireplace, creating an eye-catching focal point. If they have received PTCA (Porcelain Tile Certification Agency) certification as tempered or heat-safe tiles for fireplaces, porcelain tiles are another fantastic alternative for a tile fireplace surround.
Tile Adds a Splash by the Pool
When choosing tiles to surround your pool, prioritize slip-resistant options with a rough or textured top layer or sealant. Natural rock tiles allow for easy creation of contrasting designs, where skilled tile installers can add sealant in patterns and designs that become visible only when wet, adding an extra touch of elegance to your pool area.
How to Select the Perfect Tile for Your Project
When embarking on a tiling project, choosing the most suitable types of floor tiles is crucial. Consider the specific requirements of your project, whether it’s about durability, style, or easy maintenance.
Numerous tile varieties exist, each possessing unique properties. For instance, ceramic tiles are favored for floors and walls due to their durability and effortless cleaning. However, if you desire a tile with more personality, porcelain or glass tiles could be a better fit.
- To pick the right tile for your project, first, assess the surface you’ll be tiling. For floors, opt for tiles that can withstand foot traffic and provide slip-resistance.
- Once you’ve determined the surface type, explore the wide array of available tile styles. Ceramic tiles come in diverse colors and patterns, while porcelain tiles offer a more consistent color appearance. Glass tiles can infuse elegance into any space, but their suitability depends on the surface.
- Be mindful of your budget while selecting tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally more budget-friendly compared to glass or stone tiles, though affordable options are available in each category
Selecting the Perfect Tile for Your Home: No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
When it comes to choosing the right types of floor tiles for your home, there’s no definitive one-size-fits-all answer. With a vast array of tile options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your needs and design preferences. This guide aims to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect tile for your home. Additionally, exploring online tile stores can provide you with even more options and designs to consider.
Have you had any experience with tiling? Feel free to share your tips and tricks in the comments section. Your insights can be invaluable to others on their tiling journey!
