Tiling your bathroom: everything for the best result!

Is the way you tile your bathroom something you should consider? Yes, absolutely! When designing your dream bathroom, it's crucial to consider the type of tiles and how they're laid. Some tiles can be installed in multiple ways. Sometimes, it's more aesthetically pleasing to lay a tile in a specific way to better match the desired ambiance of the bathroom. Creating a mood board is very helpful for determining the ambiance. This way, you'll get a better idea of ​​the type of tiles and the tiling method in your bathroom. In this blog post, you'll read all about the different tiling methods and how to achieve the best results in your bathroom. Read along for inspiration !

The 7 most popular ways of tiling

To get a good and clear idea of ​​the possibilities, we'll first take you through the seven most popular tile patterns and their associated benefits.

1. The well-known full-brick bond

Solid brick bond is one of the most popular tile patterns for bathrooms. In solid brick bond, the tiles are laid in straight strips next to and underneath each other. This pattern is used for rectangular or square tiles. Solid brick bond is also called cross bond because all the joints intersect. For variation in the pattern, you can use different colors. You can also achieve a different look in your bathroom by using tiles of different sizes. The solid brick tile pattern gives your bathroom a spacious feel.

2. Checkers on the Checkerboard Pattern

Checkerboard bond is a laying pattern that resembles a checkerboard. The tiles are square and in two different colors to create a checkerboard effect. You can also create a checkerboard effect in your bathroom by using tiles with two different patterns.

3. The familiar half-brick bond

Now that you know what a solid brick bond looks like in a bathroom, we'd like to show you a similar, yet quite different, laying pattern! A stretcher bond is a tile pattern where a tile is laid in the middle of each tile in the row above and below it. This tiling method is used on both floors and walls. The stretcher bond is also often used in brickwork.

4. Play with Quarter Brick Bond

Time for the next tiling method in your bathroom. Looking for a more unique design? Quarter-brick bond is similar to half-brick bond. The only difference is that the brick in the tile above and below isn't placed in the center, but at three-quarters or one-quarter. This gives the pattern a much more playful and natural look.

5. Stylish in herringbone pattern

Prefer a more classic laying pattern to a more playful one? Are you familiar with the herringbone pattern as a tiled pattern? Maybe not as a tiled pattern, but you've probably encountered it in a living room with, for example, a wooden floor. A wooden floor in herringbone pattern is currently very popular. Did you know you can also use this tiling style in the bathroom? Well, you can! If you choose tiles of, for example, 20x80cm, 20x120cm, 30x120cm, or 60x10cm, you can lay the floor in a herringbone pattern. You can also choose a wood-look tile. This way, you get the same look in your bathroom as in the living room. Besides looking beautiful on the floor, a herringbone pattern is also increasingly seen on bathroom walls.

6. Innovative in the Hungarian point

The Hungarian point pattern is similar to herringbone, but with a slight difference. The difference is that the short sides of the tiles are angled, allowing them to be laid together at a point. This gives the wall or floor a playful effect.

7. Hexagon bond

Time for the final tile laying pattern in a bathroom. Saving the best for last? The hexagon or honeycomb pattern is a laying pattern where hexagonal tiles are laid against each other. The pattern allows for variations in color, size, and grout color. Hexagon tiles can be used on both walls and floors. A more daring, yet very chic choice, if you ask us.

Of course, other patterns besides these seven are possible. For example, herringbone can be laid diagonally, creating an elbow pattern, and tiles are available in specific patterns or mosaics.

Large or small tiles in your bathroom

To lay bathroom tiles correctly, you naturally need the right tile. Both large and small tiles are possible in your bathroom. However, it's important to be aware of the effects of a small and large tile on a space. A large tile gives your bathroom a more spacious feel. This spatial effect is partly created by fewer grout lines. Small tiles create a cozier and potentially a somewhat smaller effect in the bathroom. Take a look at the image and see the difference between the effects of a large and small tile on a space.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing your tiles?

The installation method and size of tiles for your bathroom? Check! Still looking for some practical tips? No problem! We'd like to give you a few more important points to consider when choosing your bathroom tiles:

• Wall tiles can only be placed on walls. They cannot be placed on the floor.
• Floor tiles can generally be installed on both the floor and the walls. It's a good idea to check this with your tile supplier beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
• If you want to ensure continuous floor and wall tiles, consider creating seamless grout lines. Use the same tiles for both the floor and walls. Even though a tile is 60x60cm, it might still differ from the size offered by another supplier. For example, one tile series might be 59.8cm, while another might be 60.1cm. Both tile series fall under the 60x60cm category, but this creates a noticeable difference on the floor or walls.
• When choosing your floor tiles, it's important to pay close attention to the tile's R-value. This is the tile's slip resistance. The R in R-value stands for the German word Rutsch, which means "slide" in Dutch. The R-value ranges from R8 to R13, with R8 being the lowest and therefore the smoothest tile. For wet areas, such as bathrooms, we recommend a tile with an R11 or higher rating.
• Indispensable for every tiling job: a good tiler.
• If you choose a large tile, for example, 120x270cm, it's crucial to check whether your tiler can install these tiles. This isn't always the case, and for the best result, you'll want a tiler who specializes in installing large tiles.
• Your caulking will make or break the final result. Make sure you have a good caulker who can put the icing on the cake... or... the caulking on the corners.

When do you choose a specific tile color for your bathroom?

So, we're almost there! Another crucial decision needs to be made: the tile color. The colors you use create the ambiance of the room. Therefore, before choosing a tile color, it's important to visualize the desired atmosphere of your bathroom. You can do this by finding inspiration on Pinterest or browsing our Shop the Look bathrooms. Create a mood board of all the bathrooms, faucets , bathtubs , vanities , and basins that appeal to you and make you think, "I'd love to have these in my own bathroom." This will make the colors you want in your bathroom much clearer.

A selection from the tile collection

• Beige tiles: perfect for a calm and balanced look in the bathroom. Beige tiles combine beautifully with beige bathroom furniture , gunmetal faucets , and solid-surface basins .

• Onyx blue tiles: Onyx tiles are popular for their unique crystalline appearance. This crystal blue tile combines perfectly with black faucets , black bathroom vanity , and blue basins . Want a bath too? Besides solid surface baths , we also offer acrylic ribbed baths .

• Wood-look tiles: is walnut acceptable? Wood-look tiles are available in various colors. If you choose a wood-look tile in oak, combine it with pink bathroom furniture , copper faucets , and a mirror .

Tiling at an angle or with a tile strip

Time for the final step. What else should you pay attention to when tiling? Well, the finishing of the corners and edges of the tiles in your bathroom. Do you want the tiles to extend into a corner? Then you'll need to use a mitered tile. This means the corners of the tiles are angled, forming a sharp 90-degree angle, just like a picture frame. Another option is to use a tile strip. Tile strips are available in various colors and sizes and ensure that the corners are finished and the edges of the tiles are protected. Experience shows that working without tile strips or with as few tile strips as possible achieves the most beautiful bathroom result.

Want to learn more about tiles or not sure where to start when designing your bathroom? Schedule a visit to our showroom and be inspired by the various bathroom styles. During your appointment, you'll receive personalized advice on designing your bathroom. You can also browse our new 650 m² experience center, packed with inspiration. Curious? Schedule your appointment , stop by, and discover our collection!