What to know when matching floor and wall tiles

How to create cohesion in your bathroom with floor and wall tiles 

When it comes to bathroom renovation or remodelling, one of the major decisions that homeowners face is whether to match the floor and wall tiles. While some people prefer uniformity in design, others like to mix and match different tiles to create a unique look. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of matching bathroom floor and wall tiles.

What are the differences between bathroom tiles for floors and walls?

In short, floor tiles tend to be more durable because they need to be slip resistant, withstand general wear and tear and foot traffic. Although porcelain tiles tend to be popular for bathroom floors, due to their durability, you can also find suitable ceramic tiles, which will stand the test of time. Floor tiles can be heavier, larger and thicker than wall tiles, however you can also use them on a bathroom wall to create a chic, seamless look in a contemporary bathroom.

If you choose a tile, which is specifically for bathroom walls, you may find it is less durable than a version, which is designed for use on floors and walls. These tiles may not have such a low slip rating either, which is important when picking floor tiles for your bathroom space. Either way, wall and floor tiles come in a wider variety of designs, colours and textures and can help you create your dream bathroom.

How to match your bathroom tiles for more cohesion

If you are looking for a more cohesive look with modern bathroom tiles on floors and walls, the best way to achieve this is with the same tile. However, it can be tricky to choose the right design. Firstly, you'll need to check which material will be best, such as porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles. Then you may want to consider the style, size and shape. Are you thinking patterned bathroom tiles will suit your scheme and how will this affect the walls and floors? Here are some of my expert tips for matching wall and floor tiles so you can create a harmonious design

A unique look for a large bathroom

Your bathroom space should be a key consideration when you consider matching your wall and floor tiles. If you've got plenty of room to play with, using the same tiles for walls and floors can help to elevate a feeling of open luxury in your bathroom. Choose patterned bathroom tiles or perhaps darker colours if you want to produce a more striking finish.

How to use bathroom tiles in a smaller area

If you've got limited space in your bathroom, picking the same tile style on walls and floors can instantly help to make this room feel more spacious. You can accentuate this look further if you choose a lighter colour.

Matching bathroom floors and walls with complementary colours

Using complementary colours can help to tie your look together. Think typical colour pairings, which are opposite sides of the colour wheel, such as pink and green for example. Each colour can make the other pop, which is ideal if you're looking for a bathroom design with the ultimate wow factor. If patterned tiles don't appeal, simply consider picking solid colours, which pair well together.

Using pattern to tie your bathroom wall and floor together

Patterned bathroom tiles can look particularly effective if you match them from your walls to your floor. They can create a seamless finish or you can create contrast with a coordinating pattern. This will still create more cohesion in the room with a maximalist finish.

How to mix and match with different tile shapes and sizes

If you plan to match your wall and floor tiles, you can easily combine various shapes and sizes to create dramatic impact. You could try square tiles or mosaics on your walls and large rectangular tiles on your floor for a striking finish.

Take your bathroom style into consideration

Think about the style you're looking to achieve before you make your tile choice. For a contemporary bathroom, large-format tiles may suit your space whereas in a classic-style bathing haven, metro tiles may be more suitable.

How to work with accent tiles

Accent tiles can provide a brilliant way in which to add drama to your bathroom design. These tend to be smaller in size, such as small square tiles, however they can highlight a specific part of the room or define an area, such as the shower space. A mosaic accent tile, for example, can be used to create a focal point in a wet room or provide a striking backsplash behind a basin. You can also use accent tiles to make a feature with colour or texture within a tile design in a neutral colour.

How natural and artificial light can affect the tiles in your bathroom

Tile patterns and colour can change somewhat, according to the amount of natural and artificial light flooding into your bathroom and the way it may look at different times throughout the day. If your bathroom is lacking in natural light, you may want to consider a lighter colour tile for walls and floors which will help to bounce more light around the room.

Advantages of matching bathroom floor and wall tiles

Creating more cohesion

If you match for wall and floor tiles, you can instantly produce more cohesion in a new bathroom design. This style is particularly popular because the look is creates is more uniform, making this a great choice for a modern bathroom. A cohesive bathroom can instantly look more pristine and bigger. However, this also produces a seamless finish for a contemporary aesthetic.

Easier to clean and maintain

Cleaning and maintaining the bathroom can be easier when the floor and wall tiles match. This is because, with a uniform and large-format tile design, there are fewer grout lines to clean. This ultimately makes the process less time-consuming. Also, if the same tile is used for both the floor and walls, you can simply use the same cleaning method, which will make your life easier.

Increases the resale value of the home

Matching floor and wall tiles can increase your resale value. This cohesive design style can make your bathroom appear more luxurious, making your home more attractive to potential buyers. A well-designed bathroom such as this can also help to sell your home a lot quicker.

Disadvantages of matching bathroom floor and wall tiles

Design options may be limited

Matching bathroom floor and wall tiles can limit the design options available. When you feature the same tile for both surfaces, creating a unique and personalised look can be difficult. This can be especially challenging if you have a specific design style in mind or you want to incorporate different patterns or colours.

Can feel monotonous

Matching bathroom floor and wall tiles can feel somewhat monotonous. Using the same type of tile for both surfaces could create an uninspiring look that lacks depth and character. This can be especially problematic if the bathroom is small or lacks natural light. 

Matching tiles could be expensive

Matching bathroom tiles on your flor and walls can be expensive. The cost of buying and installing the same type of tile for both surfaces can be significantly higher than using different tiles because high-end tiles, which are suitable for both floors and walls, can be particularly expensive.

To match or not to match

Choosing whether or not to match bathroom floor and wall tiles depends on your own style and personal preference. Matching tiles can create a cohesive look which can be easier to maintain and can increase the value of your home but it can also limit design options.

On the other hand, mixing and matching different tiles can create a unique and personalised look, but it can also be expensive and challenging. Ultimately, consider your budget, design style, and maintenance needs when choosing whether or not to match bathroom floor and wall tiles.