Bathroom Tiles Buying Guide

Choosing bathroom tiles is about more than finding a colour or pattern you like. The right tiles need to suit where they’re being fitted, how much moisture they’ll face and how much everyday wear they’ll need to handle.

In this bathroom tile buying guide, we’ll cover the key things to consider before you buy, from tile materials, sizes and slip ratings to colours, wall and floor styles, layout planning, waterproofing, grout, adhesive and preparation tips.

Table of contents

• What to consider before buying bathroom tiles
• Where can bathroom tiles be used?
• Tile size, thickness and slip resistance
• Bathroom tile materials
• Popular bathroom tile colours
• Bathroom wall tiles
• Bathroom floor tiles
• Bathroom tile styles and shapes
• Grout, adhesive, trims and finishing touches
• Before you start tiling
• How to calculate how many tiles you need
• FAQs

What to consider before buying bathroom tiles

Before buying bathroom tiles, it’s worth thinking about where they’ll be used, how much moisture they’ll face and the overall look you want to create. A little planning upfront can help you choose the right tiles, avoid awkward cuts and order the right amount.

• Moisture levels: Think about whether your tiles will be used in a shower, splash zone, around the basin or in a drier area. Shower and bath areas need tiles that can handle regular water exposure.
• Wall vs floor tiles: Floor tiles need to be thicker, durable and often slip-resistant, while wall tiles can be lighter and more decorative.
• Tile suitability: Always check whether the tile is suitable for walls, floors, showers or wet rooms before buying. Some tiles are decorative wall tiles only and should not be used on floors.
• Tile weight: Large format porcelain, stone and textured tiles can be heavy, especially on walls. Check that the wall surface can support the tile weight and use the correct adhesive and preparation method.
• Style and focal points: Decide whether you want a feature wall, patterned floor or neutral backdrop. Accent tiles behind a vanity, bath or shower can help draw attention to that part of the room.
• Measurements: Calculate your room dimensions before ordering. For floors, measure length × width; for walls, measure width × height, then subtract doors and windows.
• Extra tiles: Add 5 to 10% extra to allow for cuts and breakages. Keeping a few spare tiles is also useful in case one cracks or needs replacing later, as the same colour or batch may not be available in future.
• Shower and bath areas: Make sure the area behind the tiles is properly waterproofed, and choose tiles suitable for regular moisture exposure.
• Around the basin: Splashback tiling, often a few rows above the sink, helps protect the wall from water marks and damage.
• Full vs partial tiling: Full-height tiling can give the room a more finished look, while partial tiling can help reduce costs and stop smaller bathrooms feeling boxed in.
• Tile layout: Plan around niches, mirrors, windows and fixtures before fitting to avoid awkward cuts and uneven edges.

Where can bathroom tiles be used?

Different parts of the bathroom need different tile performance, so always check the product details before buying.

• Shower walls: Choose tiles suitable for regular water exposure and make sure the wall behind them is properly waterproofed. Porcelain and ceramic are popular choices, while natural stone may need sealing.
• Wet room floors: Wet room floors need tiles with suitable slip resistance and a surface that works with the floor gradient. Smaller tiles or mosaics can be easier to fit around drainage falls than very large tiles.
• Bathroom floors: Floor tiles need to be durable, slip-resistant and suitable for foot traffic. Porcelain is a popular option because it is dense, hardwearing and water-resistant.
• Splashbacks: Splashback tiles behind basins or baths protect the wall from water marks and are a good place to use decorative tiles, mosaics or gloss finishes.
• Feature walls: Feature walls are ideal for patterned, textured, fluted or colourful tiles. Just check whether textured tiles need extra cleaning in areas exposed to soap or limescale.
• Underfloor heating: Porcelain and ceramic tiles usually work well with underfloor heating because they conduct heat effectively, but always check the tile, adhesive and grout are compatible with your heating system.

Tile size, thickness and slip resistance

Tile size, thickness and slip resistance all affect how your bathroom looks, feels and works, especially in wet areas.

Tile thickness can affect weight, durability and installation. Thicker floor tiles can feel stronger underfoot, while large format porcelain or natural stone tiles may be heavier and harder to cut. If you’re tiling walls, always check the tile weight and make sure the surface and adhesive are suitable.

When it comes to tile size, large format tiles have fewer grout lines, which can help a small bathroom feel bigger, but they may need more careful cutting in tight or awkward spaces. Small or mosaic tiles can work well for splashbacks, decorative accents or shower floors, as the extra grout lines can help with grip. They can take longer to fit, though, especially if the pattern is detailed.

Slip resistance refers to how well a tile surface helps reduce the risk of slips, especially when wet. It is often shown using an R rating, with higher numbers offering more slip resistance. For bathroom floors, R10 or above is often a useful starting point, especially in family bathrooms or spaces used by older adults.

PEI rating is different. It measures wear resistance, not slip resistance. PEI 0 tiles are suitable for walls only, PEI 2 to 4 tiles work well for most residential floors, and PEI 5 tiles are designed for heavier foot traffic.

Bathroom tile materials

Different tile materials suit different spaces, budgets and maintenance needs. Before choosing, think about where the tiles will be used, how much moisture they’ll face and how much upkeep you’re happy with.

• Ceramic tiles: A budget-friendly, easy-to-cut option that works well on walls and light-traffic floors. They’re less durable than porcelain, so they may not be the best choice for busy floors or wet areas unless they have the right PEI and slip ratings.
• Porcelain tiles: Dense, durable and highly water-resistant, making them a strong choice for floors, showers and high-moisture areas. They’re heavier and usually more expensive than ceramic, so they may need stronger wall support or a suitable subfloor.
• Glass tiles: Great for brightening smaller bathrooms, thanks to their reflective finish. They work well for mosaics, splashbacks and feature walls, but they’re usually more expensive and need careful installation to avoid adhesive showing through.
• Natural stone tiles: Materials like marble, slate, limestone and travertine add a premium, textured look, with each tile offering natural variation. They usually need sealing and regular care, and can be more prone to scratching, staining or water marking than porcelain.
• Stone-effect, metal-effect or wood-effect tiles: A practical way to get the look of natural materials with less maintenance and often at a lower cost. Lower quality versions may look less realistic, so it’s worth checking the finish before you buy.

Popular bathroom tile colours

Tile colour can change how your bathroom feels, from light and simple to warmer, darker or more colourful. Whether you prefer soft neutrals, deeper colours or smaller accent areas, the right palette can help the room feel more considered.

Before choosing a colour, order samples and check them in your own bathroom at different times of day. Natural light, artificial lighting and nearby finishes can all change how a tile colour looks once fitted.

Neutrals

Bold statements

Accent colours

Pair feature tiles, such as mosaic or patterned designs, with simpler tiles to keep the room balanced. For example, you could use a pink or green accent wall with neutral white, beige or grey floor tiles.

Glossy and matt finishes can also affect the final look. Gloss tiles reflect more light, helping smaller bathrooms feel brighter and more spacious, but they can show watermarks more easily. Matt tiles offer a softer, more modern finish and are better at hiding smudges and water spots, especially in darker shades like black, brown or grey. It’s always worth testing colour swatches or sample tiles in your own bathroom lighting to see how the tone changes throughout the day.

Bathroom wall tiles

Bathroom wall tiles protect surfaces from moisture, make cleaning easier and can create anything from a simple splashback to a full-height feature wall. Wall tiles can be lighter and more decorative than floor tiles, but wet areas still need the right surface preparation, adhesive and waterproofing.

For shower walls and bath surrounds, make sure the area behind the tiles is properly waterproofed. Tiles and grout help protect the surface, but they should not be treated as the only waterproofing layer in a wet area.

Bathroom floor tiles

Bathroom floor tiles must withstand foot traffic, moisture, potential slips, and the weight of fixtures (e.g. baths, cabinets). If you’re tiling a wet room or walk-in shower floor, check that the tiles are suitable for the floor gradient and drainage area. Smaller tiles and mosaics can be easier to lay around falls because they follow the slope more easily than large format tiles.

When choosing bathroom floor tiles, focus on safety, comfort and upkeep as well as style.

Look for slip-resistant tiles, ideally R10 or higher, especially in family bathrooms or spaces used by older adults.

Porcelain and ceramic are good options for underfloor heating because they conduct heat well, but always check compatibility with your heating system. You’ll also need adhesive and grout that are suitable for underfloor heating, as the floor will expand and contract slightly as it warms and cools.

Smooth tiles are easier to mop, while textured surfaces offer more grip but may trap more dirt. For extra impact, consider patterns and shapes like herringbone, hexagon or large-format square tiles.

Bathroom tile styles and shapes 

The style and shape of your tiles can change how your bathroom feels, as well as how easy the layout is to plan. From heritage patterns and rustic textures to simple modern tiles, the right choice should suit your space, lighting and how much cleaning you want to do.

• Victorian bathroom tiles: Victorian tiles are a nod to timeless elegance, featuring intricate patterns, rich colours like navy and burgundy, and heritage designs. Ideal for checkerboard floors or detailed feature walls, they pair beautifully with brass taps and clawfoot baths.
• Modern bathroom tiles: Modern tiles often use simple shapes, larger formats and neutral colours. They can help the room feel cleaner and less busy, but large tiles may need more careful planning around cuts and edges.
• Rustic bathroom tiles: Rustic tiles bring the warmth of nature indoors with stone-effect finishes, terracotta tones, and handcrafted textures. Perfect for creating a cosy, countryside feel, they complement wood accents and vintage-style fixtures.
• Country bathroom tiles: Soft pastels, floral patterns, and stone finishes define country tiles. They add charm and warmth to any space, working seamlessly with neutral palettes and shaker-style furniture.
• Square bathroom tiles: Square tiles are a flexible choice for both walls and floors, depending on the tile’s suitability rating. They can be used in simple layouts, checkerboard patterns or smaller mosaic designs.
• Rectangular bathroom tiles: Rectangular tiles are a timeless staple, offering versatility for all styles. Use metro tiles for vintage charm or large formats for a bold, modern statement.

Grout, adhesive, trims and finishing touches

Tiles are only part of the job. The adhesive, grout, trim and sealant you choose can affect how long the finished bathroom lasts and how easy it is to clean.

• Tile adhesive: Choose adhesive that suits the tile material, tile size and surface you’re tiling. Porcelain, natural stone, large-format tiles, wet areas and underfloor heating may need specialist adhesive.
• Grout: Grout fills the joints between tiles and helps protect edges from dirt and moisture. Light grout creates a softer look, while dark or coloured grout can highlight the tile pattern and hide marks more easily.
• Silicone sealant: Use bathroom-grade silicone around corners, bath edges, shower trays, basins and movement joints. Silicone allows slight movement and helps reduce cracking.
• Tile trims: Tile trims finish exposed edges around corners, shower niches, windows and half-tiled walls. Choose a trim colour and finish that works with your taps, shower, grout and tile style.
• Tile spacers and levelling systems: Tile spacers help keep grout joints even, while levelling systems can be useful for large format tiles where lippage is more noticeable.

Before you start tiling

Before you start tiling, good preparation is key to getting a neat, long-lasting finish. From checking your surfaces to choosing the right adhesive, these steps can help your project run more smoothly.

• Prepare the surface: Make sure walls and floors are clean, stable, level and suitable for tiling. Wet areas such as showers and bath surrounds should be properly waterproofed or tanked before tiles are fitted. If you’re tiling over wood, use a suitable backer board for support. For uneven floors, a levelling compound may be needed.
• Measure carefully: Work out the area by multiplying length × width for floors, or width × height for walls. Subtract doors and windows, then add 5 to 10% extra tiles for cuts, breakages and future repairs.
• Plan your layout: Think about where fixtures, niches, mirrors and edges will sit before you start. This helps avoid awkward cuts and gives the finished design a cleaner look.
• Choose the right adhesive: Use a tile adhesive that suits both your tile type and the area being tiled. For example, porcelain floor tiles may need a different adhesive to wall tiles.
• Pick your grout colour: Dark or coloured grout can hide marks and highlight tile patterns, while white or matching grout creates a more seamless finish.
• Use silicone where needed: Apply silicone sealant around corners, edges and movement joints to allow flexibility and help prevent cracking.
• Start in the right place: Plan from a centre line, main focal point or most visible edge so cuts are balanced and less noticeable. For walls, use a level guide batten where needed to keep the first rows straight.
• Dry lay first: Lay out floor tiles or patterned tiles before fixing them to check the design, cuts and colour variation.
• Use the right tools: A tile cutter, spacers, notched trowel, spirit level, tape measure, marker, gloves, goggles, knee pads and dust mask will all help make the job safer and easier.
• Be careful tiling over old tiles: Only tile over existing tiles if they’re stable, secure and fully adhered. Removing old tiles is usually the safest option if you’re unsure about the surface underneath.
• Know when to call a professional: If the layout is complex, the area needs to be fully waterproofed or you’re not confident with DIY, hiring a professional can help you get a neater, watertight finish.

How to calculate how many tiles you need

Once you’ve measured your walls or floor, watch our quick video to see how to work out how many tiles you’ll need for your project.

FAQs

Still choosing the right tiles for your bathroom? These FAQs cover the essentials, from picking wall and floor tiles to working out quantities, choosing tile sizes and checking slip ratings.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right bathroom tiles comes down to where they’ll be fitted, how much moisture they’ll face and how easy they are to clean and maintain. Once you know the right material, size, slip rating, grout and layout, it becomes much easier to narrow down your options.

Order samples where possible, check them in your own bathroom lighting and make sure the tiles are suitable for the wall, floor or wet area you’re tiling. Ready to tile? Explore our full range of tiles.