In short: choose slip-resistant matt tiles for the floor; glossy tiles can go on the walls. Large tiles mean fewer joints and a calmer look but need very straight walls. Buy about 10% more tiles than the area of the room.
Large or small tiles?
- Large tiles (e.g. 60×120 cm): fewer joints, easier to clean, the room feels bigger. Walls and floor must be very straight, or the edges won't line up.
- Medium tiles (e.g. 30×60 cm): the most common choice, suits almost any bathroom.
- Small tiles and mosaic: good for shower floors that slope in several directions. Lots of joints make them harder to clean.
In a walk-in shower with a long channel drain by the wall, large tiles can go on the shower floor too. Read more: walk-in shower or bath?
Floor tiles must not be slippery
Wet tiles are slippery. For the floor, choose a tile with a slip resistance of at least R10, shown in the tile's specifications. For a shower floor, R11 is even better. Keep glossy tiles for the walls.
Colour and pattern
Light tiles make a small bathroom feel bigger. Dark tiles look great but show limescale and water spots more. If you want a pattern, use it on one wall or the floor, not everywhere, so the room doesn't look busy.
Think about grout colour too. White grout on the floor turns grey over time. Grey grout or grout matching the tile stays nice longer.
How many tiles to buy?
Calculate the area of walls and floor and add about 10% for cutting and breakage. Add more for large tiles or diagonal laying. Buy all tiles at once, as the shade can vary slightly between batches. Keep a few spare tiles in case one breaks later.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to choose the tiles myself?
You can, but before buying ask the contractor whether the tiles suit your walls and floor. We're happy to help you choose.
Can the same tiles go on walls and floor?
Yes, if the tile is slip-resistant enough for the floor. Using the same tile makes the room calm and spacious.
Is there anything under the tiles?
Yes, waterproofing. Without it, water gets into the wall through the joints. Read more about waterproofing.
See our tiling work or ask for a free quote.
