The right bathroom tiles look beautiful and shrug off water, steam and daily wear for years. Here is how to choose with confidence, room by room.
Quick answer
The best bathroom tiles are porcelain or glazed ceramic on the walls, and porcelain with a slip rating of R10 or above on the floor, R11 or higher in a wet room. Always check a tile is rated for floors before laying it underfoot.
Wall tiles or floor tiles?
Bathroom walls and floors have different demands. Walls need a tile that shrugs off splashes and steam and wipes clean easily, where glazed ceramic and porcelain both work well. Floors need to be harder wearing and slip resistant, where porcelain is the stronger choice. Always check that a tile is rated for floor use before laying it underfoot, as many wall tiles are not.
The best materials for bathrooms
Porcelain is the most hard wearing and water resistant option, which makes it ideal for floors, wet rooms and shower areas. Glazed ceramic is a lighter, easy to clean choice that is perfect for walls. Both resist moisture far better than most other surfaces, which is why tiles remain the go to choice for bathrooms.
Slip resistance and wet rooms
For a bathroom floor, choose a tile with a slip rating of R10 or above, and R11 or higher for a wet room or walk in shower where water sits on the floor. In a wet room, the floor must be correctly waterproofed before tiling, which is usually a job for a qualified installer.
Not sure what the slip and durability codes mean? Read our guide to tile ratings explained.
Size and colour for small bathrooms
In a small bathroom, larger tiles with fewer grout lines help the space feel bigger and calmer, while gloss finishes bounce light around. Light, neutral colours open up a room, and a single feature wall or floor in a patterned tile adds character without overwhelming the space.
Bathroom tile ideas
- Metro and subway tiles for a timeless, classic look.
- Marble and stone effect porcelain for a calm, spa like feel.
- Patterned tiles for a feature floor or a shower recess.
- Large format tiles for a sleek, modern finish with fewer grout lines.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best tiles for a bathroom floor?
Porcelain floor tiles with a slip rating of R10 or above are the best choice for bathroom floors, as they are hard wearing, water resistant and provide grip underfoot. Choose R11 or higher for a wet room.
Can I use wall tiles on a bathroom floor?
Not always. Many wall tiles are not rated to take foot traffic. Always check that a tile is suitable for floors on the product page before laying it on the floor.
Are porcelain tiles good for bathrooms?
Yes. Porcelain is dense and absorbs very little water, which makes it well suited to bathroom floors, walls, showers and wet rooms.
What size tiles are best for a small bathroom?
Larger tiles with fewer grout lines tend to make a small bathroom feel more open, while light colours and gloss finishes help reflect light and create a sense of space.
Ready to plan your bathroom? See the tiles at home before you buy.
