How to Choose Bathroom Tiles in 2023

Are you redesigning your bathroom in 2023 and struggling to choose bathroom tiles?

If you’re considering changing the tile in your existing bathroom, completing a full remodel or even adding an additional bathroom to your home this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is in regards to tile choice.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose bathroom tiles, the things you need to consider when choosing bathroom tile that will help you achieve the look you are after, and where to go if you’re looking for bathroom tile that will make an impact.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tiles for Your Bathroom

When choosing the perfect tiles for your bathroom, it can be overwhelming and there are several factors you should consider before you make your final choice. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most important things you should take into account, suggestions and other things you need to be aware of.

Budget

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times. Budget is one of the most – if not the most – important things you need to keep in mind when choosing a bathroom tile.

While we at Builders Discount Warehouse try our hardest to provide economical yet high-end tile options for all our customers, regardless of how much they have to spend, there’s no doubt we’ve seen our fair share of disasters when it comes to blowing the budget (or almost blowing the budget) on tile.

The amount of money you have to spend not only on bathroom tiles but for your complete bathroom renovation will definitely influence your options, so it’s important to be aware of this before you begin.

Research Your Preferred Style

Before you choose your tile, it’s a good idea to do research into the styles you like and any trends you’d like to emulate in your own home.

If there is a particular trend you prefer, this can sometimes influence the type of tile you choose, particularly in terms of size, shape and even colour.

For instance, if you’re looking to transform your bathroom into a modern yet retro-influenced renovation, you might want to consider choices with a pop of colour like pink, green or baby blue in a herringbone pattern.

Space & Size

The space you have to work with and the size of your tile definitely need to be considered, especially if you’re trying to renovate a smaller bathroom, or you have your heart set on a particular tile.

There’s simply no point in even looking at those penny rounds or kit-kat tiles you’ve seen on TV if the result will make your small bathroom look even more cramped, or choosing a large format, high-gloss tile that is bigger than the space you have to work with.

You also don’t want to forget about the thickness of your tile as this, combined with your waterproofing and any steps you may need to install, could influence your choice of tiles.

Layout & Proportion

Layout will sometimes influence the types of tiles you have to choose from, just as the types of tiles you choose (if you happen to choose your tiles first) will determine how you can layout your bathroom.

Be sure to consider the proportions of your bathroom when determining the layout you want to work with, the style, space you have available and even the size of your bathroom.

If you want to be certain that the tiles you choose will definitely fit in your preferred layout, the best thing to do is to consult with a design professional (such as those we have on staff at Builders Discount Warehouse) to map out your design in our 3D planner.

Colour, Shapes & Patterns

Colour, shapes and patterns is something many people are afraid of, particularly if used to a more neutral palette. But it is fast becoming more and more popular to add a splash of colour, pattern or shape to your bathroom, no matter how small or large.

The thing you need to be aware of when deciding on colour is the shade you’re looking for, the patterns, how it tones in with other choices for fixtures or fittings (and even walls or floors), shape and whether you think it’s something you’ll get sick of fairly quickly.

As cool and trendy as it may be to opt for a statement in your bathroom, the last thing you want to do is get your tiles on the wall only to find it’s not the right option for you.

Part of choosing a colour will also be determined by lighting. Colours look different according to whether you have lots of natural light versus manufactured light, and the time of day you’re using the bathroom.

Don’t overlook your grout colour. When choosing the perfect tile for your new bathroom, be sure to choose an option that will pair well with your tile if you want to reduce the appearance of grout lines. This is especially important when choosing a patterned or shaped tile where you want the finished effect to be seamless.

Installation

Whether you DIY or hire a professional, the installation of your bathroom tiles is a consideration you need to factor in when choosing a tile. This is particularly the case if you are on a budget, need your bathroom remodel completed quickly or are attempting to do it yourself.

For example, penny rounds and kit-kat tiles are notoriously difficult to install, even for professionals. So if you’re wanting to make things easy on yourself or reduce the amount of money spent on trades, you may want to stay away from them or limit their use to a smaller area.

Shower Space & Material or Texture

Not all tiles are created the same, and often have gradings in relation to where and how they should be used. Ceramic is much softer and not always suitable for high traffic areas like the bathroom, whereas more porous options like terrazzo or porcelain may have the grading you’re after when installed in the shower.

Where to Go For Assistance Choosing Your Perfect Bathroom Tile

Choosing tiles for your bathroom can be a tricky thing, even for the most experienced DIY aficionado. That’s why the team at Builders Discount Warehouse are on hand to assist you.

From access to the latest products, trends and materials, to high end features that will turn your bathroom into the ultimate retreat, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Get started with choosing your bathroom tile. Contact the Builders Discount Warehouse team for design, planning and stock enquiries today.