Bathroom Tile Buying Guide: Floor, Wall, Anti-Slip & Size Explained

 

1.Why Choosing the Right Bathroom Tiles Matters

• Safety Comes First
• Water Resistance
• Easy Cleaning & Hygiene
• Better Look & Value

Bathrooms are wet, high-use areas, so choosing the right tiles is very important for safety, durability, and design.

Bathroom floors are often wet. Using anti-slip tiles helps prevent accidents, especially for children and elders.

Bathrooms are exposed to water every day. Tiles with low water absorption protect floors and walls from damage, mold, and stains.

Good bathroom tiles are easy to clean and resist bacteria, soap stains, and moisture.

The right tile color, size, and finish can make a bathroom look bigger, brighter, and more modern, increasing home value.

Choosing proper bathroom tiles saves money long-term and ensures a safe, stylish, and long-lasting bathroom

2.Bathroom Floor Tiles – Safety Comes First

Bathroom floors are always exposed to water, so tile safety is the top priority.

• Anti-Slip Tiles (Very Important)
• R Rating / Slip Resistance
• Best Tile Types for Bathroom Floors
• Avoid These Mistakes
• Polished marble-look tiles without grip

Always choose anti-slip or matte finish tiles for bathroom floors. They reduce the risk of slipping when the floor is wet.

• R10 – Good for residential bathrooms

• R11 – Better for wet areas and family bathrooms

Higher R rating = better grip.

• Porcelain tiles – Strong, low water absorption

• Textured ceramic tiles – Budget-friendly option

Glossy tiles on the floor

Choosing the right bathroom floor tiles ensures safety, durability, and peace of mind.

3.Bathroom Wall Tiles – Style, Protection & Light

Bathroom wall tiles protect walls from water and also define the overall look of the bathroom.

Best Tile Types for Walls
Glossy vs Matte Finish
Best Colors for Bathroom Walls
Design Tip

• Ceramic tiles – Most popular, easy to install
  

• 
  Porcelain tiles – Stronger, ideal for full-wall tiling

•  Glossy tiles

  • Reflect light

  • Make small bathrooms look bigger

• Matte tiles

  • Soft, modern appearance

  • Hide water marks better

• White, beige, light grey – Bright & clean look

• Pastel colors – Calm and stylish

• Accent tiles – Use on one wall only

Use light-colored wall tiles with darker floor tiles for balance.

4.Water Absorption – Why It Is Critical for Bathrooms

Water absorption shows how much water a tile can absorb. In bathrooms, this is one of the most important factors when choosing tiles.

 Why Low Water Absorption Matters

Bathrooms stay wet for long periods. Tiles with high water absorption can:

• Crack over time

• Grow mold and stains

• Damage the tile adhesive

Best Water Absorption Levels

• Porcelain tiles – Less than 0.5% (Best choice)

• Ceramic tiles – 3% to 7% (Good for walls)

Where to Use What

• Bathroom floors: Low water absorption porcelain tiles

• Shower areas: Porcelain tiles only

• Bathroom walls: Ceramic or porcelain tiles

Simple Rule

Lower water absorption = longer life + better hygiene

5. Best Tile Sizes & Layout Ideas for Bathrooms

Tile size and layout can change how big or small a bathroom feels. Choosing the right combination makes even small bathrooms look modern and spacious.

Best Tile Sizes for Bathrooms

• 300×300 mm – Safe and practical for bathroom floors

• 300×600 mm – Most popular for bathroom walls

• 600×600 mm – Modern look, best for medium to large bathrooms

Tile Layout Ideas

• Vertical wall tiles – Make low ceilings look higher

• Horizontal layout – Makes narrow bathrooms look wider

• Large tiles – Fewer grout lines, easy to clean

Small Bathroom Tip

Use light-colored large tiles with minimal grout lines to create an open feel.

6.Common Bathroom Tile Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these mistakes will save you money, time, and future repairs.

Using Glossy Tiles on the Floor

Glossy tiles become very slippery when wet. Always choose matte or anti-slip tiles for bathroom floors.

Ignoring Water Absorption

High water absorption tiles can crack and grow mold. Use porcelain tiles in wet areas.

Choosing Dark Tiles in Small Bathrooms

Dark colors make small bathrooms look smaller and dull. Use light or neutral shades instead.

Too Many Tile Designs

Using many patterns cre   ates a messy look. Keep one main tile + one accent tile.

Wrong Grout Color

White grout stains easily. Use grey or stain-resistant grout for better maintenance

7.Final Bathroom Tile Buying Checklist

Use this simple checklist before buying bathroom tiles:

• Choose porcelain tiles for bathroom floors
• Select matte or anti-slip finish for safety
• Use ceramic or porcelain tiles for bathroom walls
• Ensure low water absorption in wet areas
• Pick light colors for small bathrooms
• Use medium or large tiles to reduce grout lines
• Choose stain-resistant grout
• Avoid glossy tiles on bathroom floors

Choosing the right bathroom tiles ensures safety, durability, easy maintenance, and a modern bathroom design.

Best Bathroom Tile Designs for Small Spaces