10 Ways to Mix and Match Tiles in the Bathroom
Why use the same tiles on all bathroom surfaces when combining their differences looks so good?
For tile fans, such as myself, the more tiles the better. But while I’d happily cover every surface, there are certain factors to consider when pairing tiles on walls and floors. As tiling large areas, whether in a bathroom, kitchen or any other space, requires a sizeable investment, it’s worth getting hold of some samples and experimenting with how tiles of different sizes, shapes and patterns work together. These 10 tips should give you some pointers on ways to combine tiles and the effects you can hope to achieve.
2. Pair pattern with plain
Restrict your use of patterned tiles to one surface – either the floor or a feature wall. Here, contemporary hexagonal tiles take centre stage, while the large-scale rectangular wall tiles provide a light-enhancing glossy background.
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Restrict your use of patterned tiles to one surface – either the floor or a feature wall. Here, contemporary hexagonal tiles take centre stage, while the large-scale rectangular wall tiles provide a light-enhancing glossy background.
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3. Play with scale
One of the most important tips for maximising tile-mixing prowess is to create balance by choosing one small-scale pattern and one large. In this bathroom, three different tile types are combined successfully: tiny hexagonal mosaics on the bath and walls, medium hexagonal tiles on the basin surround and large rectangular tiles on the floor. The monochrome palette helps to create a harmonious whole.
One of the most important tips for maximising tile-mixing prowess is to create balance by choosing one small-scale pattern and one large. In this bathroom, three different tile types are combined successfully: tiny hexagonal mosaics on the bath and walls, medium hexagonal tiles on the basin surround and large rectangular tiles on the floor. The monochrome palette helps to create a harmonious whole.
4. Treat stone as a neutral
Floor-to-ceiling subway tiles with grey grout make a statement in this super-sized shower. To soften the graphic grout lines, as well as to create cohesive design, pair with natural grey stone. This adds visual interest to a neutral pattern that doesn’t try to compete.
Floor-to-ceiling subway tiles with grey grout make a statement in this super-sized shower. To soften the graphic grout lines, as well as to create cohesive design, pair with natural grey stone. This adds visual interest to a neutral pattern that doesn’t try to compete.
5. Combine matt finishes
For a bathroom with tactile appeal, choose two types of matt tiles and break up large areas with an alternative surface, such as this exposed brick, or with plain painted walls.
For a bathroom with tactile appeal, choose two types of matt tiles and break up large areas with an alternative surface, such as this exposed brick, or with plain painted walls.
6. Juxtapose matt and gloss
Get away with combining similarly sized tiles and busy patterns by choosing one matt style and one shiny. These high-gloss, bevelled-edged subway tiles work beautifully with the soft waxy-looking finish of the monochrome floor tiles.
Get away with combining similarly sized tiles and busy patterns by choosing one matt style and one shiny. These high-gloss, bevelled-edged subway tiles work beautifully with the soft waxy-looking finish of the monochrome floor tiles.
7. Draw attention with grout
For an easy mix that works in any space, take two tile designs in the same solid colour but different shapes and let the grout lines form the pattern.
For an easy mix that works in any space, take two tile designs in the same solid colour but different shapes and let the grout lines form the pattern.
- With contrasting grout: For a pronounced effect, choose a contrasting shade, like the dark grey grout pictured here, and use it between white metro tiles and tiny hexagonal mosaics.
- With matching grout: If you like your tiling to create subtle interest but prefer the overall look of your bathroom to make less of a statement, use matching grout.
8. Introduce subtlety
This bathroom features the same combination of tile types as the previous image. By using white grout, a very subtle effect has been achieved, making a huge difference to the finish and feel of the space.
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This bathroom features the same combination of tile types as the previous image. By using white grout, a very subtle effect has been achieved, making a huge difference to the finish and feel of the space.
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9. Be consistent with pattern
Use tiles in different sizes and colours, but keep the shape consistent for a harmonious effect. This bathroom includes rectangular tiles in two different colours and two different sizes, but by maintaining the same brick pattern on each surface, a visual connection has been created between the planes.
Use tiles in different sizes and colours, but keep the shape consistent for a harmonious effect. This bathroom includes rectangular tiles in two different colours and two different sizes, but by maintaining the same brick pattern on each surface, a visual connection has been created between the planes.
10. Limit your colour palette
For a bathroom with a lot of different surfaces, minimise competition between patterns by choosing a restricted colour palette. By sticking to grey and white throughout, this shower scheme feels elegant and cohesive.
Tell us
How have you mixed and matched tiles in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments section.
For a bathroom with a lot of different surfaces, minimise competition between patterns by choosing a restricted colour palette. By sticking to grey and white throughout, this shower scheme feels elegant and cohesive.
Tell us
How have you mixed and matched tiles in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments section.
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Use small statement tiles, such as these rectangular mosaics, to create a feature on a backsplash or other small area, rather than across an entire room. Combine with large-scale plain tiles and you’ll avoid a scheme that makes your vision go funny.