Tiles are common materials used for bathroom walls and floors for several reasons. For one, they are easy to install and clean. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can pick a design that will match your preferences. But should your bathroom floor and wall tiles match?
The Difference Between Floor and Wall Tiles
There is an adage stating that porcelain tiles are meant for floors while ceramic tiles are designed for walls. Some people also say that large tiles are for floors while small tiles are meant for walls. However, you can place porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles on your walls. Aside from that, you can also put small and large tiles on your floor.
Keep in mind that there’s a difference between floor tiles and wall tiles. To be specific, floor tiles are designed to be strong and durable. As such, they must have a PEI rating of one to five.
To explain further, the PEI rating evaluates the tile’s ability to resist wear and tear. As such, a PEI rating of one to five means that the tile is long-lasting. Tiles with a PEI rating of zero, on the other hand, are not able to bear a lot of weight; thus, they are often used for walls. Aside from that, most PEI-0 tiles are small, plus they are made with ceramic.
Even though you can place floor tiles on your walls, you have to remember that not all floor tiles can be placed on your walls. To be specific, you need to make sure that your wall can hold the tile’s weight.
Typically, a concrete or cement wall can hold the weight of any tile. A skimmed drywall, on the other hand, will not be able to bear a lot of weight.
Should Bathroom Floor and Wall Tiles Match?
Now that you know the difference between floor tiles and wall tiles, you may be wondering if your bathroom floor and wall tiles should match.
Some people state that your floor and wall tiles should not match because matching designs will make your room look small. For other people, placing floor tiles on your walls is a great idea because it adds visual interest to the room, especially if you use large-format tiles. Either way, you can design your bathroom according to your preferences.
However, if you’re not going for matching floor and wall tiles, their design must complement each other. That way, your bathroom will still have a cohesive look.
Design Ideas for Your Floor and Wall Tiles
Opt for Large-Format Tiles
As mentioned, large-format tiles are not only meant for the floor. You can also place large tiles on your bathroom walls as long as the wall can hold the weight of the tiles.
Plus, installing large-format tiles on your walls can offer some benefits. For one, they can make your bathroom appear more spacious. Aside from that, these tiles are also elegant, and they can make your bathroom look simple yet sophisticated.
Some people opt for a fully-tiled bathroom for both the floors and the walls for a sleek look; Others choose to have a half-tiled bathroom to save cost, and it still works great.
Mix Square and Rectangular Tiles
Keep in mind that your floor tiles and wall tiles are not limited to solid colors. In fact, you can create a dramatic look by using square tiles on your walls and rectangular tiles on your floor.
Match the Style, Not the Size
Another great bathroom design idea is to opt for tiles with matching designs; however, you’re going to install two different tile sizes.
For instance, you can place large tiles on the floor and small tiles on the walls. This will create a monochromatic look but with great visual interest.
Consider Different Colors and Textures
Aside from those bathroom design ideas, you can also opt for tiles or grouts in different colors and textures. For example, you can pick natural stones, like marble and granite, for your floor tiles. Then add some gray or white grout color to pair with the tiles.
Then, you can put neutral-colored tiles on your walls. This contrast will not only differentiate your floor from your walls. The difference in color and texture is also pleasing to the eyes.
Play with Shapes and Patterns
Keep in mind that you don’t have to stick with square and rectangular tiles. Nowadays, bathroom tiles come in various shapes, like honeycomb tiles and hexagon tiles. Using a different shape for your tiles will certainly make your bathroom look more interesting.
Aside from varying shapes, tiles are also available in numerous patterns. You can mix and match different patterns; however, you need to remember that their color must coordinate with each other. That way, your bathroom will still have a cohesive look.
Go for Neutral Colors
If you want to create a simple yet elegant bathroom, it is recommended to use neutral-colored tiles. You can even use two neutral colors, like gray and beige, to make the room look more interesting. Remember, your bathroom should have a relaxing atmosphere, and neutral colors can calm or relax your mind.
To ensure that your bathroom will not look dull and boring, you can play with different shades of neutral colors. You can also opt for different shapes and sizes to add visual interest to the room. If you want to add brightness to the room, you can also opt for white-colored tiles paired with beige-colored tiles.
Coordinate Solid Colors
Aside from those bathroom design ideas, you can also coordinate solid colors. For instance, you can place light gray tiles on your walls and dark gray tiles on your floor. If you want to add a pop of color to the room, you can also opt for a bord or bright color paired with a neutral color, such as blue and beige.
When using two different colors, you should always opt for colors that blend well together so that your bathroom will have a cohesive look.
Monochromatic
If you don’t want to play with colors and patterns for your tiles, you can always go for a monochromatic look. Still, you need to add visual interest to the room.
You can do this through your decorations and bathroom fixtures. As always, your fixtures and decors should complement the color of your tiles to ensure a pleasant view.
