How to Choose Bathroom Tile: Expert Design Tips from Elevated Tile and Remodeling

Selecting the right tiles for your bathroom can transform the space into a stylish and functional retreat. The right combination of design, materials, and professional installation ensures long-lasting beauty and durability. Whether you prefer ceramic, porcelain, or other options, every choice impacts the overall look and feel.

At Elevated Tile and Remodeling, we bring over 37 years of expertise to every project. Our team helps you create cohesive color palettes and texture combinations, inspired by industry leaders like Pratt + Larson. From floor to walls, we ensure every detail aligns with your vision.

For personalized guidance, call our tile experts at 719-283-9569. Let us help you make the best decisions for your bathroom design.

Key Takeaways

• Tile selection impacts both aesthetics and functionality.
• Elevated Tile and Remodeling has 37+ years of experience.
• Consider design cohesion and material durability.
• Professional installation ensures long-lasting results.
• Call 719-283-9569 for expert advice.

Introduction to Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Tile

The foundation of a beautiful bathroom lies in thoughtful tile selection. As a high-traffic area, it requires durable solutions that balance style and functionality. Porcelain, for example, offers 75% water resistance, making it a practical choice. In contrast, natural stone may require more maintenance but adds a luxurious touch.

Tile size plays a crucial role in creating spatial illusions. Larger tiles can make a small space feel more expansive, while smaller tiles add intricate detail. Pratt + Larson’s custom color-matching technology ensures your design is cohesive and personalized.

Dark grout lines are a smart choice for hiding stains, especially in busy areas.

82% of renovators prioritize low-maintenance tiles for their projects.

At Elevated Tile and Remodeling, we specialize in moisture-resistant installations, ensuring your bathroom remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Whether you’re drawn to bold colors or subtle textures, the right materials can transform your space. Let our experts guide you in creating a bathroom that reflects your style and meets your needs.

Essential Areas for Bathroom Tile Installation

When designing your bathroom, consider all the key spots where tile can enhance both beauty and resilience. These strategic surfaces not only elevate aesthetics but also offer practical benefits:

• Flooring: The foundation of your bathroom, tile floors deliver durability and can anchor your overall design—think timeless herringbone, classic checkerboard, or sleek large-format porcelain.
• Walls and Shower Surrounds: Tiling entire walls or just the wet zones around showers and tubs protects against moisture while allowing you to showcase bold colors or subtle textures. Accent bands or mosaics can add extra personality.
• Backsplashes: A tiled backsplash behind the sink or vanity does double duty by defending against splashes and injecting a pop of pattern or color.
• Accent Walls: Create a true focal point by tiling a single wall in a complementary style or standout shade. 
• Niches and Shelving: Built-in niches, especially in the shower, add both function and flair. Lining these with coordinating or contrasting tile highlights your storage solutions in style.
• Countertops: While less common in contemporary designs, tile countertops bring retro charm and another opportunity for durable, easy-to-clean surfaces.
  

Thoughtful tile placement in these areas ensures your bathroom is both practical and visually cohesive—from the floor up to custom shelves.

How to Choose Bathroom Tile: Expert Tips

Transform your bathroom with tiles that match your vision. At Elevated Tile and Remodeling, we help clients balance aesthetics and function. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern look or a timeless classic feel, the right tiles can make all the difference.

Consider Your Design Style

Your design style sets the tone for your bathroom. Contemporary spaces often feature large-format porcelain tiles, creating a clean and expansive look. Traditional designs, on the other hand, may include subway ceramic tiles for a classic appeal.

Complementary color schemes can reduce visual clutter, making your space feel cohesive. For example, pairing neutral tones with bold accents creates a balanced and inviting atmosphere.

When choosing your palette, most bathrooms fall into three main categories:

• Brights: Bold colors like deep teal, ruby red, or kelly green can inject lively energy and personality, especially popular in kids’ baths or powder rooms seeking a playful statement.
• Neutrals: Earthy shades—think slate, cream, or soft sage—are timeless and calming. These hues craft a spa-like retreat and work beautifully when you vary tile size or introduce textured, darker flooring for added depth.
• Classic: For enduring sophistication, nothing beats a black-and-white scheme or a single color paired with crisp white. These choices offer elegance and a look that stands the test of time.

Mixing and matching within these color families, or grounding bolder shades with neutrals, ensures your bathroom feels both fresh and cohesive.

Evaluate Tile Materials

Choosing the right material is crucial for durability and maintenance. Ceramic tiles are affordable and versatile, perfect for budget-friendly projects. Porcelain tiles, known for their frost-proof properties, are ideal for high-moisture areas.

For a touch of luxury, marble tiles add elegance but require more upkeep. Natural stone options bring unique textures but may need sealing to prevent stains.

Think About Tile Size and Layout

Tile size and layout significantly impact the overall look. Large 12x24" tiles minimize grout lines, creating a modern and seamless appearance. Smaller tiles, like penny or hexagon mosaics, add intricate detail and increase slip resistance by 40%.

When it comes to layout, your tile’s shape often guides your options. Classic layouts include:



• Stacked square tile
• Diamond-laid square tile
• Stacked rectangular tile (vertical or horizontal)
• Herringbone with rectangular tile
• Penny tile
• Basketweave or other mosaic patterns

Choosing your layout early is smart—certain patterns, like herringbone or basketweave, require specific tile shapes and can bring a dynamic, custom touch to your bathroom. Accent tiles add personality, but consider channeling your boldest ideas into wallpaper, cabinetry, or accessories—these elements are easier to update over time than tile.

Our proprietary layout planning service ensures every tile is perfectly placed. For example, our Mountain House project successfully mixed large-format tiles with mosaics for a stunning, functional result.

Floor-Grade vs. Wall-Grade Tiles: Making the Right Choice

Selecting the right type of tile for each surface is key to getting lasting results. Floor-grade tiles are specifically engineered to handle foot traffic—they’re thicker, denser, and provide the slip resistance you need in wet areas. Reserve these for bathroom floors, especially where extra durability and safety matter.

Wall-grade tiles, on the other hand, are lighter and often smoother since they don’t need to support weight. This opens the door to using more decorative, glossy finishes on walls for added visual interest. For example, large-format, high-gloss tiles can amplify light in a shower or behind a vanity, creating an open, airy feel.

Before making a purchase, consult with your tile supplier to ensure the products you select are rated for your intended use. This step helps guarantee your bathroom is not just beautiful, but built to last.

Decide on Your Layout First

It's essential to determine your tile layout before selecting specific tiles, as your chosen pattern often defines which tile shapes and sizes will work best. For instance, layouts like herringbone or chevron require tiles with precise dimensions (like rectangles or parallelograms), while basketweave or brick patterns demand other unique specifications.

By finalizing the layout early, you avoid the headache of falling in love with a tile that ultimately doesn't fit your vision. This approach also streamlines the shopping process and ensures you achieve the polished, cohesive look you’re after custom hues or classic porcelain. Matching your material to your layout up front helps both style and installation go smoothly, preventing costly adjustments later on.

Strategic Tile Placement: Where Should You Use Tile in Your Bathroom?

When it comes to enhancing both the style and utility of your bathroom, deciding where to place tile is key. Start by asking yourself how each area in your bathroom will be used and how tile can protect or elevate those surfaces.

• Floors: Opt for durable, slip-resistant tiles for a foundation that stands up to daily wear and humidity.
• Walls: Full or partial wall tiling, especially in showers or tub areas, adds both splash protection and visual interest.
• Shower and Tub Surrounds: Tiling around these areas is essential for moisture defense and creates an eye-catching statement.
• Backsplashes: Consider a backsplash above your sink or vanity for a functional and decorative boost that’s easy to clean.
• Accent Walls: Highlight one wall with a bold tile pattern or color to draw focus and define the space.
• Countertops: For those who appreciate a retro vibe, tile counters can be both stylish and durable—just remember to select materials that resist stains and moisture.
• Niches and Shelves: Add tiled niches or built-in storage within the shower or bathtub to keep toiletries accessible while maintaining a streamlined look.

By thoughtfully selecting which surfaces to tile, you ensure your bathroom is as practical as it is beautiful—ready for the challenges of everyday life and designed to impress.

Practical Considerations for Bathroom Tiles

When planning your bathroom, practical factors like durability and maintenance should guide your tile decisions. The right materials and finishes ensure your space remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Durability and Maintenance

Choosing durable materials is essential for high-traffic areas. Porcelain tiles, with their high PEI rating, are a top choice for their resistance to wear and water. Glazed tiles also require 50% less cleaning, making them a practical option for busy households.

Polished finishes add a sleek look but may show scratches and dirt more easily. Honed finishes, on the other hand, offer a matte appearance and are easier to maintain. Matte finishes reduce slip accidents by 30%, adding an extra layer of safety.

Grout Color and Application

Grout plays a significant role in both aesthetics and maintenance. Darker grout color hides stains better, while lighter shades create a clean, airy feel. At Elevated Tile and Remodeling, we offer stain-resistant epoxy grout options for added protection.

To truly let your tiles shine, keep your grout lines as tight as your tile installation allows. Tight grout lines minimize the visual impact of grout, making the tile the star of the show. For a cohesive look, match your grout color as closely as possible to your tile. If you’re unsure, have a sample or two actually grouted and check them at different times of day to ensure you’re happy with the color in all lighting conditions.

Proper grout application ensures a seamless surface that resists water and dirt. Our Portland project showcased the longevity of gray grout, which maintained its appearance even in high-moisture areas. We handle sealing and grout protection to keep your bathroom looking pristine.

For DIY installations, remember to purchase 5% extra tile to account for cuts and mistakes. Our experts can guide you through the process, ensuring a flawless finish every time.

Why Trust Elevated Tile and Remodeling?

Elevated Tile and Remodeling brings decades of expertise to every project. As a family-owned business, we’ve completed over 150 successful projects, ensuring each home reflects the owner’s unique style. Our 37-year industry legacy speaks to our commitment to quality and innovation.

We make sure every detail is perfect with our 4-step quality assurance process. From initial consultation to final inspection, we leave no stone unturned. Our certifications from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and Tile Council of North America (TCNA) further validate our expertise.

Our partnerships with premium brands like Pratt + Larson and Del Conca ensure access to the finest materials. Whether it’s custom fabrication or seamless tile installation, we deliver results that exceed expectations. With a 98% referral rate, our customers trust us to transform their bathrooms into stunning, functional spaces.

"Working with Elevated Tile and Remodeling was a seamless experience. Their attention to detail and professionalism made all the difference." – Satisfied Customer

Ready to elevate your space? Call us at 719-283-9569 to schedule your consultation. Let us provide the professional help you need to bring your vision to life.

Conclusion

Creating a stunning and functional space starts with the right decisions. Focus on material, color, size, and grout to ensure your design meets both aesthetic and practical needs. Professional measurement services can save time and prevent costly mistakes.

Be cautious with discount tiles, as they often absorb moisture and lack durability. At Elevated Tile and Remodeling, we offer a lifetime installation warranty, ensuring your investment lasts for years. Our expertise guarantees flawless results, whether it’s a shower or a full remodel.

Ready to elevate your space? Call us at 719-283-9569 today. Let’s transform your vision into reality with precision and care.

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