To use different bathroom tiles effectively, the key is to ensure the colours or tones work together to create a cohesive and harmonious design. Beyond colour, you can mix different tiles by varying their size, texture, pattern, and strategic placement within the bathroom.
Mixing tile types adds visual interest and depth to your bathroom design, allowing you to define zones, create focal points, and express your personal style. However, successful execution requires careful planning to avoid a chaotic or disjointed look.
Principles for Mixing Bathroom Tiles
When combining different tiles, consider these core principles:
- Colour and Tone Coordination: As highlighted, the most critical aspect is ensuring your chosen tiles complement each other. This doesn't mean they have to be the same colour, but their undertones and overall feel should align. For instance, pairing warm tones with warm tones or cool tones with cool tones generally works well.
- Varying Size and Shape: Combining large format tiles with smaller mosaics or subway tiles can create dynamic contrast. Different shapes like hexagons, arabesques, or penny rounds can also be introduced to add character.
- Playing with Texture: Mix smooth, glossy tiles with textured or matte finishes to add tactile interest. Natural stone, wood-look tiles, or tiles with 3D patterns offer unique textures.
- Strategic Placement: Use different tiles to delineate specific areas. A distinct tile in the shower stall, behind a vanity, or on the floor can clearly define these zones.
Colour and Tone Coordination: The Foundation
Selecting tiles with colours and tones that work together is paramount. This prevents the space from feeling visually jarring. Consider the example of the Subway Bathroom referenced: three tiles were used, and despite being different, they worked together effectively. A white tile (often used on walls), a very light grey feature tile (perhaps a patterned accent), and a darker grey floor tile all complemented each other beautifully. This demonstrates how varying shades of a similar colour family (grey) or combining a neutral (white) with coordinating neutrals (greys) creates a balanced look.
You can approach colour coordination by:
- Using varying shades of a single colour.
- Combining neutrals (white, grey, beige, black).
- Pairing a neutral with one or two accent colours.
- Using a tile with multiple colours that pull tones from other tiles in the room.
Mixing Sizes and Textures for Visual Appeal
Combining different tile sizes and textures adds layers to the design.
- Large Format Tiles: Can make a small bathroom feel larger, especially on floors or main walls.
- Small Tiles (Mosaics, Subway Tiles): Ideal for shower floors (better grip), backsplashes, feature walls, or decorative strips.
- Textured Tiles: Use sparingly as a feature wall or border to add a touch of luxury or nature-inspired feel.
| Tile Placement | Common Tile Sizes/Types | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Main Walls | Large format, subway tiles | Creates a clean, spacious look |
| Floors | Large format, hexagons, smaller non-slip | Practical, defines the base |
| Shower Walls | Subway, mosaics, medium format | Can be a feature area |
| Shower Floor | Mosaics, small tiles | Better drainage slope, increased grip |
| Feature Areas | Patterned, textured, mosaics, unique shapes | Creates a focal point (e.g., behind vanity) |
Strategic Placement and Design Considerations
Where you place different tiles significantly impacts the overall design.
- Floor vs. Walls: A common approach is to use one tile type on the floor and a different, complementary tile on the walls.
- Shower Area: The shower is often a prime spot to introduce a different tile, making it a feature zone. This could be a patterned tile, a different colour, or a mosaic.
- Accent Walls or Strips: A narrow band or a full wall of a unique tile can serve as a stunning accent.
- Grout Colour: The grout colour can tie different tiles together or provide contrast, acting as another design element.
Using different tiles wisely can transform a standard bathroom into a stylish, multi-dimensional space. Remember that the goal is harmony, not just using multiple types for the sake of it. Focus on how the colours, tones, sizes, and textures interact to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Need more ideas? Explore bathroom tile trends and bathroom design guides for inspiration.
