Bathroom tiles advice

Tiles are the foundations upon which many great bathrooms are built, so it’s vitally important you get this bit right.

Here at Victoria Plum, we’re dedicated to helping you build the perfect bathroom, so here are our top tips for bathroom tiles.

What size?

Bathroom tiles don’t come in a one-size-fits-all, so you need to choose the size carefully. Large tiles generally open a space up but you may find that small format tiles are great at enhancing some areas when used in the right colour combinations.

Measure your space carefully and consider which size tile would look best. Consider whether you intend to cover every wall or just a particular section, and whether or not you intend to opt for a tiled floor.

Smaller tiles, such as these classic grey metro tiles, can be used to great effect

To find out more about the different types of tiles available, read our comprehensive tile buying guide.

What colour?

White is the classic choice for bathroom tiles but you certainly don’t have to stick with this throughout. While an entire wall of coloured tiles may be too much in some rooms, interspersing coloured tiles or a decorative border tile with the standard white option is a great way to add interest to a room.

If white isn’t your thing, there are plenty of softer colours such as beige, sand, bone and grey which work very well with the white of a bathroom suite. These come in a variety of finishes including stone and wood effect.

Block colours are best used in small doses so if you want to limit your use of white as much as possible then go for small arrangements of soft colours in key places—such as above the washbasin. This is an ideal spot for a mosaic pattern which can add colour without being too bold.

If you feel white is simply too clinical, why not opt for a stone effect, like these split face tiles from our Bolsena range?

Where to use?

Traditionally tiles are used on the walls surrounding wash basins, showers and baths to combat splashback, but some people choose to go all the way and cover every available wall surface in tiles. This is entirely down to you but remember to consider the size of your room carefully. At Victoria Plum, you’ll find a handy tile calculator on every individual tile page, allowing you to quickly and easily work out how many tiles you’ll need (see below).

If you have a self-contained shower cubicle like one of our shower cabins then you may not have to use as many tiles on the walls but what about your flooring? Bathroom tiles are just as suitable for this area, but other waterproof options like laminate or vinyl flooring can be used instead if you’re after something a little more cost-effective but with the same benefits and conveniences.

Create feature walls and floors with antique style patterned tiles, like these from our Aragon range

How to fit?

Are you fitting the tiles yourself? Make sure you have all of the essential tiling accessories, such as adhesive, tile spacers, tile cutter, tools and, of course, not forgetting a tape measure. You need to make sure bathroom tiles are fitted correctly to create a watertight seal. You should prepare the wall (see video below), then plot the tiling first to act as a guide before attaching a long, flat strip of wood or metal to the wall for support. Then apply adhesive to the wall before affixing the tiles, using spacers to create a smooth and even result.

See our how to tile guide for step-by-step instructions and handy videos like the one above. If you lack confidence then using a professional tile fitter may be worth the extra expense.

More bathroom tile ideas and advice

We're full of bright ideas when it comes to bathroom tiles. Why not check out just some of the blog posts below.

For more practical advice on tiling, especially if you're planning on a spot of DIY, take a look at these expert step-by-step guides, complete with video.