Choosing the right floor tiles can make or break the look of your bathroom. With so many options available, it can be tricky to select floor tiles that are both stylish and functional. Here are some of the best floor tile options to consider for a fashionable bathroom that will stand the test of time.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is one of the most popular choices for bathroom floors. Made from refined clay and feldspar, porcelain tiles are dense, durable, and water-resistant. They come in a wide range of sizes, colors, textures, and patterns to complement any design aesthetic.
Some pros of porcelain tile:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Resists staining, fading, and water damage
- Available in matte, glossy, or textured finishes
- Can mimic stone, wood, and other natural materials
Porcelain tiles work well in both traditional and contemporary bathrooms. Pair with neutral grout for a clean, seamless look or use contrasting grout colors to add interest. Larger format porcelain tiles can help create the illusion of space in small bathrooms.
Natural Stone Tile
For a high-end, spa-like feel, natural stone tiles bring unparalleled elegance. Options like marble, travertine, limestone, and granite make a striking visual statement. The veining, speckles, and uneven texture of natural stone add depth and character.
Benefits of natural stone tile:
- Timeless, classic appearance
- Each piece unique
- Withstands heavy use
- Easy maintenance
- Cool underfoot
Downsides are that natural stone is porous and needs to be sealed regularly. It’s also on the more expensive side. For bathrooms, use honed or tumbled stone finishes for better slip resistance. Smaller stone tiles can help reduce cost while still achieving the look.
Glass Tile
Glistening glass tile infuses any bathroom with eye-catching brilliance. The reflective surface bounces light around, creating a slick, modern vibe. Glass tile comes in every color of the rainbow, along with metallics like gold, silver, and copper. Unique mosaic designs can form custom shapes and patterns.
Why glass bathroom tile shines:
- Reflective surface for an open, airy look
- Vibrant colors and metallics make a statement
- Works in steam showers and wet areas
- Easy to sanitize and keep clean
- Variety of mosaic designs available
Use caution with larger glass tiles and opt for smaller mosaics for floor installations. This helps ensure the tile stays firmly in place and prevents cracking. Mix with other tile shapes and textures for added interest.
Patterned & Geometric Tile
Make a bold fashion statement with eye-catching patterned and geometric floor tiles. From retro black-and-white hexagons to modern, multi-colored designs, patterned tiles bring life to boring floors. Geometric shapes like triangles, diamonds, octagons, and zigzags work well in contemporary bathrooms.
Benefits of using patterned or geometric tile:
- Creates visual interest and depth
- Makes a unique style statement
- Masks dirt and flaws in concrete subfloors
- Can use multiple colors and shapes
- Works with neutral walls and fixtures
Keep the room balanced by pairing with solid tile accents and avoid overly busy patterns. Larger tiles help geometric patterns look more tailored and elegant. Use floor-to-ceiling subway tiles on walls to complement geometric floors.
Moroccan & Encaustic Cement Tile
For an exotic Marrakesh-inspired bathroom, look no further than Moroccan and encaustic cement tiles. Intricate patterns etched into the tile surface create visual depth and texture. Traditional designs often feature floral and geometric motifs in vivid colors.
Why Moroccan and cement tiles stand out:
- One-of-a-kind look with intricate designs
- Vibrant, saturated colors
- Etching creates dimensional texture
- Pattern hides subfloor flaws and damage
- Durable and water-resistant
Cost may be higher for imported Moroccan tiles. Look for reproduction cement tiles made locally for greater affordability. Use them sparingly as accents orSelect darker grout colors to make the patterns pop.
Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look tile offers the warmth and appeal of real hardwood with the perks of water-resistant tile. Advanced digital printing techniques produce stunningly realistic wood grains, knots, and texture. Planks come in a variety of finishes like matte, brushed, or distressed.
Reasons to use wood-look bathroom tile:
- Provides underfoot comfort and warmth
- Extremely durable and water-resistant
- Mimics any type of wood, like oak or walnut
- Affordable alternative to real wood flooring
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Doesn’t warp or need refinishing
Ensure proper sealing, especially along grout lines to prevent moisture damage. Mix varying plank sizes, colors, and arrangements for a custom look. Use dark grout lines to replicate gaps between real hardwood planks.
Mosaic Tile
For serious style, mosaic tile affords unlimited possibilities. Tiny individual tiles in a mesh backing can create any pattern, image, or design. Use mosaics to develop custom medallions, borders, accents, or murals. Or cover full walls and floors.
Why mosaic tile is ideal for bathrooms:
- Endless design options and customization
- Provides texture and visual interest
- Can mix colors, shapes, and materials
- Hides subfloor flaws and damage
- Works in wet areas like showers
- Easy to install
Keep existing elements neutral to let mosaic tile shine. Use caution with glossy mosaics for bathroom floors, as they can get slippery when wet. Opt for small, pebble-shaped mosaics or mosaic sheets on floors.
Concrete Tile
For an edgy, contemporary twist, concrete bathroom tiles impart sleek sophistication. Concrete soaks up dyes easily, so tiles come in every color and finish. Stamping or embossing adds 3D texture and patterns during manufacturing.
Reasons concrete floor tile rocks:
- Industrial modern style
- Mimics look of poured concrete
- Highly durable and stain-resistant
- Skid-resistant texture options
- Affordable pricing
- Customizable shapes, patterns and colors
Factory-sealed concrete tile needs very little maintenance. Small variations in color and texture add character that imitates real poured concrete. Limit patterns on floors for better slip resistance.
Pebble & River Rock Tile
Capture the relaxing essence of a serene riverbed or lakeshore with pebble and river rock tiles. Tumbled smooth by nature, the round rocks come loose or mounted in sheets for easy installation. Neutral hues like tan, grey, brown, and rustic red exude earthy tranquility.
Why pebble and river rock bathroom tiles work:
- Provides natural texture
- Loose pebble floors have anti-slip properties
- Mounted sheets are easy to install
- Relaxing, soothing neutral colors
- Brings the spa experience home
- Hides subfloor flaws
Avoid using loose pebbles on floors, which can be unstable underfoot when wet. Opt for mounted pebble sheets or borders of loose pebbles along walls or on shower floors. Use large pebble tiles and limit busyness.
Polished Concrete
For contemporary industrial edge, polished concrete bathroom floors are the epitome of sleek elegance. The concrete is grinded and honed for a smooth, mirror-like surface resembling ice. Dyes can be added for color or it can be left natural gray.
Pros of using polished concrete floors:
- Unique, cutting-edge appearance
- Can be colored for customization
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Has anti-slip properties when sealed
- Seamless, minimalist look
- Inexpensive compared to tile
Proper sealing is crucial to prevent moisture damage and stains. Can feel cold underfoot. Use radiant floor heating for comfort. Limit pattern stamps or aggregates that may increase slipperiness.
Final Thoughts
The flooring sets the tone for the whole bathroom design. Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Seek inspiration from bathroom images online or in magazines. Once you have a style in mind, select tile that accentuates that vision. Keep other fixtures and materials classic and neutral to let your floors make a vibrant style statement.
With the variety of colors, patterns, shapes, and textures available, the possibilities for chic bathroom floors are virtually endless. Just take care to factor in practical aspects like slip resistance and durability too. Then stand back and let your fashionable new floor tiles wow your guests and elevate your bathing experience.
FAQs About Stylish Bathroom Floor Tiles
What are the most popular floor tiles for bathrooms?
The most popular and commonly used floor tiles for bathrooms include porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and glass tile. Porcelain tile comes in the widest variety of styles and is highly water-resistant. Natural stone like marble and travertine provide an elegant, spa-like feel. Glass and mosaic tiles add brilliant color and reflect light beautifully.
What floor tile is least slippery when wet?
Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles with a honed or textured finish provide the best slip resistance for bathroom floors. Smaller mosaic tiles also grip feet better than large, smooth tiles. Ensure all tile has a non-slip rating. Avoid glossy tiles and highly polished stones.
Do floor tiles add value to a home?
Yes, installing high-quality floor tiles throughout a home and in bathrooms can greatly increase the value of a property. Tiles also last longer than carpeting or wood and provide visual appeal to potential buyers. Using updated stylish tiles and designs adds more value than outdated tile.
What’s the easiest floor tile to install?
Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles mounted on mesh sheets provide the easiest installation. The tiles adhere to a sturdy mesh backing so you simply have to lay the sheet directly onto thinset adhesive. This saves a lot of time compared to setting individual tiles.
Which is better for bathrooms: matte or glossy tile?
Matte and honed finishes provide better slip resistance for bathroom floors. Glossy tile looks beautiful but becomes extremely slippery when wet. To add some shine while maintaining slip-resistance, use a combination of matte floor tiles with some glossy accents on walls or in shower niches.
How can I make affordable ceramic tile look high-end?
To elevate the look of inexpensive ceramic tile, opt for larger tile sizes, minimal grout lines, and neutral grout color. Use tile sparingly on floors and walls as accents beside more premium porcelain or stone. Add interest with marble or glass tile mosaics as inserts, listellos, or borders.
Conclusion
When it comes to creating your dream bathroom, don’t underestimate the power of floor tile. With so many styles to choose from, you can find the perfect flooring to align with your personal taste and the overall aesthetic you’re going for. Do your research, tap into trends that inspire you, and don’t be afraid to take some risks to create a style statement. Use tile creatively, don’t overcomplicate the design, and infuse the space with your personality. Your new fashionable floors will become a highlight of your home that you can enjoy for years to come.
