Over time, the owners think about how to choose tiles for the bathroom and toilet. However, decorating a bathroom is a rather complicated process. Manufacturers, cost, color scheme, strength, durability and many other aspects are important. All this should be dealt with in detail.
Room specifics
In order to correctly select the material, you need to imagine in advance what the owners want to get in the end. In addition, it is important to study the room in which the repair will be. Let's start with:
- Ceiling heights.
- The size of the room.
- The specifics of the room.
- Design.
In addition to measuring and choosing a design, you should definitely pay attention to the tastes and wishes of all residents. The more attention is paid to the little things, the easier and faster it is to find everything you need.
How to choose the right tile?
When decorating a large or small bathroom and toilet, you should choose the right product. Floor and wall tiles and their texture are equally important, and safety must not be forgotten.
Matte type tile
Advantages:
- roughness and restrained appearance;
- when water gets in, the surface is not slippery;
- ability to repel dirt;
- no streaks or marks.
Disadvantages:
- the possibility of stains from mold.
Glossy type tile
Advantages:
- visually makes a small room larger;
- repels greasy contaminants;
- perfectly laundered;
- has a beautiful sheen.
Disadvantages:
- stains, dried water and others are visible on a dark or light glossy surface;
- the surface is slippery in the presence of water.
Look at the size
If the room is spacious, then you can give free rein to your imagination and choose not only a small tile, but almost any size, but if not, proceed from the possibilities of the room.
Ceramic tiles are made in the form of squares or rectangles. The vast majority of tiles are square in shape, it has different sizes: from 15 to 15 to 45 to 45.
For spacious rooms, it is better to pick up squares, but for small ones, it is better to lay them out on the floor. Another thing is rectangles. They will not only visually expand the area, but also look beautiful. But in this case, you should remember the following rules:
- For square rooms, the best option is to lay rectangular tiles vertically.
- To avoid a large number of seams, do not use small tiles.
- For long and narrow rooms, it is correct to lay tiles horizontally or diagonally with a pattern.
Color design
There is a huge amount of “correct” advice on which tiles are best for the bathroom and toilet. If you listen to everyone, then in the end nothing good will come of it. But the most important thing to remember is:
- A small bathroom should not be done in dark colors, as this will visually reduce it.
- Finishing with only white tiles is not recommended. Yes, the illumination will increase, but not the space, and the room will remain seemingly small.
- To increase the space, laying contrasting tiles diagonally is perfect.
- Decorative tiles on one side of the wall, and ordinary tiles on the other, will visually make a small bathroom larger.
- One collection of tiles laid on the floor and walls will add a unity of style to the room.
- Dark colors and colors with brilliant shades will add elegance and aristocracy; bright - dynamism; pastels, light and neutrals - space.
A lot of advice and specifics cannot be written about which tile to choose for the bathroom and toilet, since the selection of any color depends on the specific room, taking into account its internal structure. Therefore, it is better to be guided by personal preferences.
Manufacturing methods
Currently, there are several ways to make ceramic tiles, they are divided into the following types:
- Bicottur type. Thanks to the double firing, it is not afraid of detergents, but the tile is relatively fragile. Wall decoration is the main application.
- Monocottur type. Firing is done once, which makes the material stronger, and therefore also suitable for the floor. If the tile is glazed, then it is applicable only for the walls.
- Clinker. High strength due to the low porosity of the material. But the naturalness of the shades will not allow much experimentation with the design.
- Porcelain tile. It has high strength and resistance to mechanical stress, most often lies only on the floor. It has a rough surface, like a stone.
Varieties of material
There are different types of bathroom and toilet tiles. In addition to ceramics, the following materials are used for manufacturing:
- Glass. Almost all characteristics are similar to ceramics, except for impact resistance: it is worse. Finish the ceiling and walls.
- Polymer tiles. Little durability, low cost. Great solution for renovations on a budget.
- A natural stone. Long service life, beauty and luxury are the main advantages. But the material is expensive.
Important indicators for choosing a tile
- Chemical resistance is usually indicated by a bulb icon. Any household cleaner is suitable for cleaning.
- susceptibility to wear. They are divided into five classes: 1 - the material has little strength, 5 - the most durable. For the bathroom, it is advisable to use tiles up to the fourth grade.
- To find out the thickness of the product, you should look at the pictogram. For wall cladding, it is desirable to use tiles with a thickness of 6 to 9 mm, as a floor option - from 9 to 12 mm.
- Porous structure. Please note that the greater the porosity of the tile, the less it will last, as it absorbs water well.
- Picture. The better the pattern on the surface, the more durable and stronger the material.
- Flat surface on the back. After the tile is fixed on the wall, large gaps and depressions will not allow it to hold firmly.
- The front surface must be smooth and free of bubbles.
- The tile should not be with curvature and geometry violations.
Also note that the surface of the tile from the side of the masonry is indicated by the corresponding small pictogram: foot - floor, palm - wall.
Manufacturer rating
Advantages:
- High quality.
- Exclusive design in the form of wood species, stone, marble and others.
- Environmentally friendly material.
- Large margin of safety.
- Practically does not fade.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes there are not very significant errors.
- High price.
Tiles from Ukrainian manufacturers.
Advantages:
- Quality raw materials.
- A large assortment.
- Various design.
- Adequate cost.
Disadvantages:
- Small size errors.
- The same collection has differences in shades.
Belarusian manufacturer.
Advantages:
- A large assortment.
- Beautiful and original design.
- Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes there are problems in the geometry of the product.
Produced in Russia.
Advantages:
- A large assortment.
- Small price.
- New production technologies.
Disadvantages:
- The floor version is not always combined with the wall.
There are factories in different countries.
- The range includes expensive and inexpensive options for tiles.
- Original design solutions.
- High strength floor tiles.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly overpriced product.
- Inexpensive collections have a fragile glaze.
- Possible size mismatch.
Unity
- Advantages:
- Big choice.
- Small cost.
Disadvantages:
- The fragility of wall tiles.
- There may be a discrepancy in sizes and shades.
The choice of materials for the bathroom is not an easy decision. The interior of the bathroom directly depends on the right materials.
Since the bathroom has a high level of humidity, then this room must certainly have a tiled design both on the walls and on the floor. This article will look at which tiles are best suited for a bathroom.
Varieties of material
The most popular products are: bicorutta, cotto, clinker, porcelain stoneware, mosaic, monocottura and others. In order to have an idea of what type of tiled products to choose for you, consider a few the most common types.
bicottura
bicottura(literally "double firing") - a production technology in which clay is placed under a press, and then fired at t-1040 ° C. It turns out a tile of 5-7 mm porous structure.
She is has good moisture absorption performance. Such ceramic tiles are sometimes referred to as "cookies". The tiles are then glazed and fired again.
The porous structure of the tile most suitable for wall covering, with the exception of those types of bicottura that are specifically designed to cover the floor. Its surface can be smooth and matte.
The tile has a vitreous enamel resistant to detergents, which makes maintenance easier. Compared to other tiles, bicottura is thinner and lighter.
Outwardly bikotturu can be distinguished by the following features:
- small thickness;
- ease;
- shiny enamel;
- the base is red-brown.
Clinker
Such tiles are made from a powder mixture. Her subjected to high pressure. The material is passed through an extruder. This allows you to give the material a different geometric shape.
Clinker can have an enameled or non-enamelled surface. Enameled ones are often without a pattern. Color, shine and decorative tile gives a layer of colored glass, which is covered with clinker tiles.
She is has a wide range of colors: base colors - white, orange, red, yellow and brown shades. According to the texture, clinker tiles can be: smooth, rough and rustic (roughly hewn stone effect).
Important features of clinker tiles:
- excellent anti-slip properties;
- abrasion resistance;
- durability;
- no harmful fumes (including when heated);
- resistance to external influences (temperature, atmospheric);
- strength.
Monocottura
Tile type obtained by single firing the base itself and the applied enamel. White clay is the starting material of monocottura.
Material has high strength, moisture absorption. Monocottura can be used for cladding not only walls, but also floors and even facades. This tile can have a porous, colored or white densified base.
Tile can be of two types: pressed-enamelled, with hot enamelling.
Characteristics of the monocottura:
- strong and fairly thick base;
- good wear-resistant enamel coating;
- in some cases - frost resistance.
Porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is made from clay of predominantly light-colored rocks, has high strength and frost resistance. May have a wide range of colors.
To a greater extent, tiles with a rough surface, used for flooring. There are also types for wall coverings.
Porcelain stoneware has a low water absorption rate, high strength and wear resistance, resistant to temperature changes. Glaze can give a different color to the product, you can apply a different print on the base.
For the production of porcelain stoneware, mixtures of different types of clay are used, which contain kaolinite and illite, feldspar and coloring inclusions, and the most used substances are metal oxides. This is is the guarantor of security this type of tile for health.
In addition, porcelain stoneware has additional features:
- no influence of chemicals;
- preservation of the pattern even when abraded;
- impact resistance;
- the invariance of the color texture under the influence of the environment.
Main manufacturers
There are not very many manufacturers of ceramic bathroom tiles on the market. But choose one for all indicators (structure, colors, strength, ease of masonry, price) pretty hard.
Various material characteristics different manufacturers differ in more or less degree.
- spanish tiles is the highest quality and most expensive. Elite types are made from white or red clay. Popular Spanish manufacturers: Pamesa, Aparisi, Ceramica, Novogres.
- polish tiles made from Polish materials on Italian machines. A wide range of drawings is complemented by Slavic themes. In terms of quality, Polish tiles are not inferior to Italian counterparts, but the price is much lower than that of elite tile manufacturers. Popular manufacturers: Polcolorit, Opoczno, TM Tubadzin, Cerrol, Cersanit, Ceramika Konskie, Ceramika Paradyz.
- Italian tiles differs in thin style, grace and conforms to all modern standards and progressive technologies. Made mainly from white clay. Always of excellent quality and has a wide selection of various collections with a lot of design options. Popular manufacturers: Saloni, Valverde, Tilegres.
- Russian tiles differs in reasonable price and excellent quality. Unfortunately, bathroom tiles are found in a Russian manufacturer, which is significantly inferior to foreign counterparts, but such tiles also find their buyer. Manufacturers: Falcon factory, Kerabud, Shakhty tiles, Kerama-Marzzi.
- german tile stands out for impeccable quality. The German manufacturer sets the main goal of the reliability of its products. The main manufacturers are: Steuler, Boizenburg, Barwolf, Jasba.
How to choose bathroom tiles?
With a huge variety of shapes, colors, types, sizes of tile products, the average consumer is often lost and spends a lot of time to decide: which tile for the bathroom to choose?
There is fundamental rules, that can help solve this problem.
Ceramic tiles are the most popular material used in finishing work in the bathroom renovation process. The range of modern hardware stores includes products for every taste and budget - from budget domestic to Italian luxury. However, the tile carries not only a decorative function, but also a serious practical burden. In order to understand which tile is better to choose for the bathroom, and make the best purchase in every sense, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the topic a little more.
Which tile is better to choose for the bathroom: basic principles
To answer this question, several key points need to be addressed.
- Required performance characteristics of the material. They are determined by its functional purpose - for the floor or for the walls. Each category has its own quality criteria. So, if the wall covering must be primarily moisture resistant, then floor ceramics must be durable and resistant to abrasion. At the same time, both of them should easily endure temperature changes and the aggressive effects of household chemicals.
- The second factor is the optimal size of the elements. Here it is recommended to build on the dimensions of the bathroom. Small details optically expand the space, large ones conceal. Accordingly, the larger the room, the larger the tiles can be used without loss in the visual effect.
- The color scheme is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, one should not ignore the objective parameters - the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. The classic “light increases, dark decreases” rule applies to your bathroom tile selection as well.
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Technical characteristics of tiles and their marking
The most important parameters of ceramic tiles are the following:
- quality class. The generally accepted classification includes 4 levels - AA, A, B, C. Of these, the AA class is the highest. If possible, give preference to this particular category of material, it is a guarantee of high water resistance due to the small number of pores;
- functional purpose. As mentioned above, the types of ceramics for flooring and walls are clearly separated from each other. Look at the markings on the packaging - an icon with the image of a hand (for walls) or a foot (for the floor) will indicate the type of a particular tile;
- wear resistance. This indicator is key when deciding how to choose the best tile for the bathroom floor. Its level is determined by the corresponding number - I (minimum), II, III, IV, V (maximum). For use in a home bathroom, the first two types are suitable;
- chemical resistance. Look for a product marked with a light bulb on a dark background;
- element thickness. For walls, the optimal range is 6-9 mm, for floors - a thickness of at least 9 mm.
Wealth of assortment: what type of tile is better to choose for the bathroom
According to the type of production, ceramics are divided into the following types:
- bicottura - double-fired enameled ceramics. Beautiful and light, it has dubious moisture resistance;
- majolica - glazed pressed ceramics. Its main property is high porosity and, as a result, moisture absorption;
- monocottura is a versatile tile produced by single firing. It is a good option for both wall and floor cladding;
- Ceramic granite is the most durable material for flooring. Excellent service due to its hardness, non-slip surface and resistance to mechanical damage.
If you are striving for a long and flawless service of your bathroom, you should give preference to points 3 and 4.
How to choose ceramic tiles: color, style, design
The bathroom is a place designed for physical and psychological relaxation. When choosing decorative elements, consider their effect on mood.
- Tiles in warm natural shades are always a win-win option. It creates a cozy atmosphere and also goes well with most plumbing styles.
- Excessive contrasts and too many shades in the finish can quickly get boring. In addition, the abundance of color visually reduces the area of the room. In most cases, the best solution is to use 2-3 related tones.
- You can add individuality to the interior with the help of various panels and mosaics. A tile with a high-quality artistic image applied to it will bring a touch of sophistication. And the mosaic overflows on the walls of the bathroom will create the illusion of a spacious room.
Grout for tiles: selection criteria
When deciding which grout to choose for tiles in the bathroom, give preference to ceramics that are as close to the color as possible. Thus, you maintain the unity and holistic perception of the room. A bold alternative would be a grout in a contrasting shade. Owners of a spacious bathroom can experiment with this option.
As for the chemical composition of grouts, they are of two types - cement and epoxy. The former are cheaper and easier to work with. The latter are more durable and reliable, and besides, they are devoid of porosity, the main scourge of cement grouts. Because of this, the epoxy variety is deservedly recognized as the best grout option for the bathroom.
Which tile is better to choose for the bathroom video
Other nuances
At the end of the conversation about which tile is better to choose for the bathroom, I would like to pay attention to a few small details. Knowing them will save you time and money.
- As practice shows, it is advisable to purchase tiles with a small margin. It is useful in cases of marriage, fitting the lining to the individual characteristics of the room and in a number of other circumstances. So that such situations do not take you by surprise, it is quite enough to purchase material 10% more than what the area of \u200b\u200bwalls and floors directly requires.
- Read package labels carefully. Modern manufacturers display comprehensive information about the product in them. It is indicated in the form of appropriate icons - a gear with a number (degree of wear resistance), a snowflake (frost resistance), boots on an inclined surface (anti-skid), and so on.
- Be careful when purchasing products from different brands or purchasing tiles from different batches. The slightest discrepancies in shades, size and thickness of the elements can result in a serious problem.
When choosing and buying ceramics for the bathroom, you should not be fooled by the big names and promises of manufacturers. It is enough to take into account the technical properties of the material and be guided by your own ideas about a beautiful house.
Due to high humidity, a bathroom is considered quite difficult in terms of interior design, for which it is not easy to choose finishing materials. Fortunately, almost all types of tiles are suitable for the bathroom. Properly selected tiles should be practical, aesthetic, easy to clean.
Which tile is better to choose for the bathroom on the floor and walls, photos of interesting solutions, fashion trends - this will be discussed in the article. When choosing, you should pay attention to some important parameters, characteristics that provide the highest possible comfort in the room.
Parameters and Properties
To choose the right tile, you should select it not only for aesthetic qualities, but also for important technical characteristics and properties of the tile. The main parameters are as follows:
- Floor protection against abrasion. There are 5 classes dividing tiles according to abrasion resistance. In bathrooms where shoes are not worn, tiles with abrasion class 3 (750-1500 revolutions) can be placed on the floor. This class is enough to ensure the durability of the floor, a good appearance for many years. Before laying, it is necessary to waterproof the floor, protecting the tiles from damage caused by standing water.
- Resistance to household chemicals. The bathroom needs cleaning from time to time. disinfection, so strong chemicals are often used here. When choosing a tile, you should consider options that are resistant to detergents, liquids for disinfection. Then the surface will not lose color, structure as a result of frequent cleaning.
- Non-slip. An important feature of the bathroom floor is slip resistance. The surface of the tile should not be rough, slippery - therefore it is better to avoid a glossy surface, in combination with water and moisture it will become dangerous. slipperiness differs in classes from R9 to R13, for the bathroom it is better to choose the highest class R13.
- Moisture resistance. There are 3 groups of tile moisture resistance: 1 - the most moisture resistant, 3 - absolutely not moisture resistant, not suitable for bathrooms.
These parameters are indicated on the packaging. Knowing the meaning of the symbols, you can easily check the compliance of the selected product with the necessary criteria.
Symbols on ceramic tiles
Aesthetic properties, design options
The technical parameters discussed above are very important, but the decorative function of the finishing material should not be overlooked. Properly selected, coordinated with the style of the interior, the tile will create a truly stunning effect, turning an ordinary room into a luxurious spa!
Choice of color, pattern
Traditionally, light-colored wall finishes are recommended for small bathrooms, visually expanding and decorating the interior. Recently, designers have suggested moving away from this rule. Walls of dark, bright colors can detract from the small size of the interior, turning into a fashionable bauble, such a room resembles a luxurious jewelry box!
Do not forget about unusual solutions that help bring desirable variety to the interior without taking up precious space. For example:
- mosaic,
- patchwork,
- decors with an interesting theme,
- textured surfaces 3D,
- trendy concrete walls.
Fashionable geometric tile in the bathroom, photo
Glossy or matte or 3D effect?
The first ceramic tiles appeared in Europe in the 11th century, they were used to decorate stoves. Clay elements made on a potter's wheel were concave. In the 15th century, flat slabs appeared, decorative samples were decorated with hunting scenes, complex floral ornaments.
Every year, ceramics became more imaginative and durable. Today, high-quality models of this finishing material can surprise with a variety of sizes, rich colors, and stylish design. Sometimes they have a stylish shine, sometimes they surprise with a spectacular matte surface, tempt with a fashionable 3D effect. For those who are lost in the sea of design solutions, we have prepared a short guide on how to choose beautiful floor and wall tiles that give style and character to the bathroom interior.
Subtle glossy sheen
The bright interior, in which there is a delicate shiny surface, looks spectacular. Gentle reflections will visually make the space larger than it really is. A unique effect is achieved thanks to the tiles with glitter. It will perfectly decorate a small interior that needs to be filled with light. Fashionable shiny tile surfaces should have patterns in a minimalist style. There is no place for intricate floral motifs, extravagant decorations. Designers create sparkling collections in a balanced color palette.
Design in light colors in origami style brings freshness, harmony. This is a great tile choice for a small bathroom in styles:
- scandinavian,
- minimalistic
- east.
An interesting solution is a melange wall in beige, gray, classic black and white. The mélange collections are perfect for modern spaces and rustic-style rooms. They will make the interior cozy. The missing dynamics will be given to the space by decors:
- shimmering multi-colored inserts,
- mosaic.
Elegant matte tiles
The glossy surface helps to visually enlarge the interior, complement it with light. Ceramic tiles with a matt finish are the essence of modern elegance. Matte walls, decorated in soft colors, bring comfort and nobility to the interior. It is worth experimenting with matte surfaces only in large rooms that do not need to be optically enlarged.
A ceramic surface decorated in neutral tones can look like fabrics. Thanks to this, the walls seem to be finished with soft material, the interior is immersed in comfort. This design is the perfect choice for styles:
- modern,
- retro.
The amazing neighborhood of monochrome tiles and elements with a kaleidoscopic pattern will be the highlight of a modern interior. Geometric motifs add dynamism. A matte ceramic wall will be an amazing decoration in modern spaces. Today, cement tiles play the main roles, the monotonous surface of which will be diluted with energy components crowned with an abstract pattern. Such design options are suitable for interiors in styles:
- loft,
- industrial,
- eclecticism,
- high tech.
Against the background of a matte wall, shiny accessories look beautiful:
- steel,
- copper,
- chromed.
3D effect tiles
Trendy 3D effects often appear on the walls. Thanks to them, the room takes on a completely new, intriguing look. The bulging compositions form an amazing three-dimensional mosaic on the walls, giving depth to the room, helping it to appear visually larger. Of great importance is the play of light, shadows, emphasizing the patterns of individual structures. 3D decors are ideal for large and small spaces:
- in a spacious bathroom, they will become the main decoration;
- in a small one they will add lightness, visually expand the space.
3D bathroom decoration with tiles, photo
3D patterns can be inspired by the picturesque natural world. Leaf-like geometric shapes appear on the delicate white tile. The basis for three-dimensional elements is muted graphite tiles. Such collections are suitable even for complex styles:
- provence,
- shabby chic.
Collections with 3D patterns are ideal for minimalist interiors. They may resemble the surface of a lake with soft ripples caused by a light breeze. This is the perfect choice for lovers of artful light arrangements. Plumbing, taps, faucets in trendy colors of copper, bronze, and decorative elements of the interior look gorgeous against such a background.
What to choose for a small bathroom?
Arranging a small bathroom is not an easy task even for an experienced designer. A space of several meters should be practical, stylish, you should carefully choose not only furniture, plumbing, but also elements of wall and floor decoration. What size, color range of tiles to choose for a small, narrow bathroom?
Modern ergonomic devices will help to create a functional space. Properly selected tiles will help to optically enlarge the interior. There are several proven ways to make a small room visually more spacious:
- large, light tile;
- small tile;
- seam lighting.
Large, light tiles
There are several myths about choosing bathroom tiles. For example, they say that small tiles will be the best for a small bathroom. This is not true! Large formats form a single, solid surface, allowing a small bathroom to appear visually more spacious. The color should be chosen light - ideal for small rooms:
- white tone,
- ivory,
- beige,
- subtle shades of grey.
You should not completely abandon colored elements (colorful mosaics, decor, contrasting elements), they can be used in small areas, on:
- sink,
- bath,
- shower cabin,
- niche in the wall.
Photo of a bathroom design with large format tiles
small tiles
For lovers of small format tiles, grouting will become an important element. The choice of grout is a responsible issue. By choosing the grout to match the color of the tile, you can prevent the walls from dividing into small pieces. In a small bathroom, clear color divisions are undesirable; tiles should visually represent a single surface. The ceiling and walls, painted in the same color, will give the interior a feeling of spaciousness.
Seam lighting
A new fashion trend is the illumination of tile joints, which allows you to achieve interesting effects and create a unique atmosphere. If previously such effects were achieved with glitter grout, LED strips, today new solutions have appeared.
Decorative lighting can be organized by using optical fibers that are resistant to moisture. Optical fibers do not conduct electricity, they are safe. In-seam fiber optic lighting can be installed in the bathroom, creating truly unique decorative designs that can completely change the atmosphere of the interior.
Installation method: horizontal or vertical?
Diagonal styling
In a bright, snow-white bathroom, a black and white floor looks beautiful, with tiles located diagonally. Such a composition will increase the interior optically. This classic concept will appeal primarily to fans of elegant bathroom entourage with a trendy hint of retro, art deco.
Glossy tiles
An interesting solution for a small bathroom is glossy tiles on the walls. Glossy tiles on the floor should be avoided for safety reasons, they are very slippery. Such a decision will make the room much brighter, visually larger. Polished, glazed tiles can be placed on the walls. For lovers of extravagant solutions, tiles with a gold, silver texture are suitable.
Interesting solutions for a small bathroom:
- modern lighting with LEDs;
- thin glass furniture;
- large mirrors.
The right tile will create a base in the bathroom, an ideal background that optically enlarges the interior, while it can act as its main decoration. It is necessary to choose not only the type, but also the format correctly. To do this, you need to know which tile to choose in a small bathroom, which one in a large one. It is worth learning about fashion trends in interior design in order to equip the bathroom not only functionally, practically, but also beautifully, modernly, stylishly.
