When it comes to designing your bathroom, tiles can be one of those decisions that sets you back weeks. You might find it tedious, being caught in a dilemma of which grout goes with which tile – but it doesn’t have to be as tough as it seems. Gone are the days of all beige bathrooms, well almost.
Today, homeowners are embracing the bold, opting for an eclectic mix of tiles to give an artistic finish. However, mixing and matching tiles can be tricky. We don’t want to give off chaos, rather a subtle hint towards the arts, with a curated blend of colour and textures.
So, we have outlined our top tips to explore and understand the world of bathroom tiling, to establish a stylish, intentional and personal touch.
Assess Your Bathroom for Repairs and Restoration Needs
Before you dive into mixing and matching bathroom tiles, it’s important to check the condition of your existing space. Often, the reason for updating or refreshing your bathroom is due to wear and tear, whether it’s cracked tiles, stained grout, or water damage. In these cases, professional bathroom regrouting or repairs can be the first step to restore your bathroom’s function and appearance.
Understanding the state of your bathroom will guide your tile choices, especially if you need to blend new tiles with existing ones. Mixing and matching tiles becomes a practical solution when exact replacements aren’t available or when you want to add a fresh, eclectic touch during a renovation or restoration.
Establish a Visual Direction
Before you jump headfirst into decorating your bathroom, start by outlining the vibe and personality you want the room to have. Do you want modern, clean and white or something more eclectic, vintage and loud?
Creating a vision board (using Pinterest, design blogs, or even photos of your own home) can help you narrow down what tiles you might want in your new bathroom and support your desired aesthetic.
Choose a Primary Tile
Determining a primary tile can help bring all the accents together by using a tile to cover the most space and give your space a sleek and cohesive look. This is the tile that you will likely spend the most money on, so choose one that’s durable, stain-resistant, and not prone to going out of style quickly. Select a neutral base that can handle bolder accents, or an interesting textured tile that can stand on its own; this decision will lay the foundation to create your dream bathroom.
Pair this primary tile with complementary grout (either matching for a seamless look or contrasting to emphasise the tile shape) and ensure your main tile is flexible and timeless enough to adapt to your style for years to come.
Add Secondary Accent Tiles
Consider using one or two accent tiles in shower niches, behind vanities, or as a striking vertical strip to draw the eye. These details can also tie in with accent colours in towels, cabinetry, or even indoor plants, creating subtle repetition that makes everything feel thoughtfully connected. Accents can help tie in the bathroom to the rest of the home, especially when carried throughout the home, in other bathrooms and utility spaces.
Choose an accent tile that contrasts in colour, texture and shape, whilst complementing your primary tile.
Create a Cohesive Colour Palette
To tie a bathroom into the rest of the home, it’s worth considering a bathroom design that takes a simple colour palette of one to four colours that work well together. By extending this bathroom idea, you can start to think about how to draw in other creative bathroom design concepts.
For example, if other rooms are predominantly neutral colours such as beiges or greys, a feature splashback tile in a statement colour would create interest in the bathroom without clashing with other rooms, while the other tiles used remain neutral or in muted shades.
Experiment with Shape & Size
Mixing tile shapes and sizes is one of the simplest ways to instantly add subtle luxury and architectural interest to your bathroom. Larger format tiles can make a small space feel bigger by minimising grout lines, while smaller tiles like mosaics or penny rounds add detail that draws the eye. Pairing a bold tile shape (think hexagons or scallops) with classic rectangular tiles is also a good way to make a statement while maintaining balance.
If you have a larger bathroom, using different shapes or sizes can help to zone areas of the space, for example by using smaller tiles inside the shower enclosure or a contrasting border around the room’s perimeter. Avoid crowding the design with competing shapes or patterns, however – two or three variations is all you need for your mix of shapes and sizes to read as intentional and curated, rather than chaotic and random. This kind of attention to detail will make your bathroom design feel considered, cohesive, and high-end.
Mix Textures for an Eclectic Look
Just like shape and size, mixing textures and patterns can really add to the space. Glossy tiles provide a modern look, whilst matte tiles can provide depth and contrast. It also pays to think about how natural and artificial lighting will affect your choices; glossy tiles bounce light around, while darker or matte finishes can make a space feel more intimate.
Combining various patterned tiles and finishes not only creates a warm and inviting bathroom but can also make your bathroom look more expensive and thoughtfully designed.
Hot Tip From Us: Using a different texture in the shower can break up the space and give an elegant finish but be careful to use a non-slip tile on the floor to prevent slipping.
Don’t Skip Grout
Don’t overlook the power of grout.
Grout can dramatically change your bathroom, making it sleek and seamless. Matching the colour of your grout to the tiles can give a subtle, cohesive look. On the other hand, using a contrasting colour can make your tiles pop.
Beyond aesthetics, grout plays a crucial role in waterproofing your bathroom surfaces, helping to prevent water damage and mould growth. Choosing a high-quality, water-resistant grout ensures durability and protection over time. It’s also wise to keep a professional grouter on call to refresh your bathroom after months of wear and maintain its waterproof integrity.
Testing Materials for Durability
Picking and choosing your tiles, grout and bathroom finishings is always better done in person, to test the quality, colour and textures. Ask your local bathroom specialist for samples to view them under your bathroom’s lighting, making sure they are the perfect fit for your space.
Check that your tiles, grout and accessories are durable and easy to clean, giving a professional and expensive finish when installed!
Bring Your Bathroom Design Together With Confidence
Achieving a cohesive, eclectic look is easier than you think. Whether you match your grout to your tiles or opt for a bold mix of patterns and textures, mixing and matching gives you the freedom to express your creativity. Try incorporating the latest eco-friendly and sustainable materials for a more environmentally conscious home.
By opting for a refined colour palette, using various textures and utilising quality installation you can look forward to a stylish, professional and functional bathroom tile design that is curated, cohesive and equally eclectic.
