Buying guide · 7 min read
How to choose bathroom tiles: size, finish and anti-skid
Tiles cover every surface of a bathroom, so they decide how it looks, how safe it is underfoot and how easy it is to keep clean. Here is how to choose without getting lost in hundreds of designs.
Floor tiles: safety comes first
Bathroom floors get wet, so grip matters more than shine. Look for matte, textured or anti-skid floor tiles, and avoid polished glossy tiles on the floor.
- Anti-skid tiles are often rated on the R scale (R9 to R13). Higher means more grip. R10 or R11 is a sensible choice for bathroom floors.
- Vitrified tiles absorb very little water, which makes them a strong choice for wet areas.
- Inside the shower, smaller tiles make it easier to create the slope towards the drain.
Wall tiles: style and easy cleaning
- Glossy wall tiles reflect light and make a small bathroom feel brighter.
- Large wall tiles mean fewer grout lines, so less cleaning and a calmer look.
- Use a feature tile on one wall only (behind the basin or in the shower) and keep the rest simple.
Best tile sizes for small bathrooms
- Larger, light-coloured tiles on walls make the room feel bigger.
- Running the same tile from floor to wall gives a seamless look that hides the room’s edges.
- Very small mosaic tiles are best used as accents, because they mean more grout to clean.
How many tiles to buy
Measure the length and width of the floor, and the height and width of each wall (minus doors and windows). Add the areas together and ask the showroom to convert this into boxes for your chosen tile size.
- Add 5–10% extra for cutting and breakage, and more for diagonal or patterned layouts.
- Buy all boxes in one go and check that the batch and shade numbers match, so the colour is consistent.
- Keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
Match tiles with your fittings
Choose tiles together with your fittings rather than one after the other. Black or brass fittings stand out on light tiles, while chrome suits almost everything. Bringing your fitting finish to the showroom (or a photo) helps narrow the right tiles quickly.
Common questions
Can I use the same tile on the bathroom floor and walls?
Yes, if the tile is suitable for floors (matte or anti-skid). Using one tile everywhere creates a seamless, spacious look.
Which is better for bathrooms, ceramic or vitrified tiles?
Ceramic tiles work well on walls. For floors and wet areas, vitrified tiles are usually preferred because they absorb less water and are stronger.
How do I stop bathroom tiles from being slippery?
Choose matte or anti-skid floor tiles (look for an R10 or R11 rating), keep the floor sloped towards the drain, and avoid glossy polished tiles on the floor.
