Bathroom ceramic tiles: choosing, installing, and maintaining the perfect bathroom surface

Our Oken Brick Blue ceramic wall tiles, crafted from durable ceramic with a rich glazed finish, introduce bold, decorative colour to bathroom walls. Their deep blue tones elevate the style of any bathroom scheme

Now, you might be wondering about the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. While porcelain is technically a type of ceramic, it’s fired at even higher temperatures and is denser with lower porosity. For bathroom walls, standard ceramic tiles are absolutely perfect and more budget-friendly, whilst porcelain might be overkill unless you’re dealing with heavy traffic areas or need that extra durability.

Ceramic bathroom tiles excel in moisture-rich environments because their glazed surface is virtually impermeable to water. This means they won’t absorb moisture like some natural materials might, protecting your bathroom walls and floors from damage. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to clean – a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them looking fresh, and they resist stains, mould, and mildew when properly installed.

The affordability factor is another huge advantage, especially when you don't want to overspend during an already expensive time of year. Quality ceramic tiles can transform your bathroom without breaking the bank, and you'll be proud to show it off to visitors. And, with today’s advanced manufacturing techniques, you can achieve the look of expensive materials like marble or natural stone at a fraction of the cost.

Types of ceramic tiles for different bathroom areas

As you prepare your home for Christmas, choosing the right tiles matters—especially if you're tackling a fast but effective pre-guest refresh.

Our Ochre Large Brick ceramic wall tiles feature a warm glazed finish that enriches bathroom wall spaces with earthy, inviting style. These ceramic decorative tiles add depth and personality to contemporary bathroom designs

Wall tiles are where ceramic really shines for a bright look that feels welcoming for holiday guests. Glazed ceramic options are perfect for bathroom walls because they provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that reflects light beautifully. You’ll find wall tiles typically ranging from classic 150x150mm squares up to large format tiles of 300x600mm or even bigger. The larger sizes are fantastic for creating a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines to maintain.

Our Salisbury Taupe on Dover White ceramic floor tiles combine durable ceramic construction with a smooth matte finish, making them ideal as bathroom floor tiles. Their neutral tones offer classic style with a sophisticated decorative touch 

Floor tiles need to be more practical, focusing on safety and durability. For bathroom floors, you’ll want ceramic tiles with some texture or a slip-resistant surface. These typically come in sizes from 300x300mm up to 450x450mm, providing good coverage while maintaining practicality for smaller bathroom spaces.

Mosaic ceramic tiles are brilliant for adding character and solving practical problems. These small tiles, usually ranging from 25x25mm to 50x50mm, are perfect for shower niches, feature walls, or areas where you need to create gentle slopes for drainage. The increased number of grout lines actually provides better grip in wet areas, making them ideal for shower floors.

Decorative and accent tiles allow for subtle seasonal styling and let you inject personality into your bathroom design. These might include hand-painted ceramic pieces, relief patterns, or border tiles that add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Use these sparingly to create focal points or define different areas within your bathroom. 

Our Galana Gloss 1000 x 330mm ceramic wall and floor tiles, made from large-format ceramic with a high-gloss polished finish, deliver sleek, contemporary style. Perfect as both bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles, they create a bright, clean aesthetic

Popular ceramic tile designs and finishes for modern bathrooms

Whether you're giving your bathroom a winter makeover or planning a New Year renovation, the design options are endless...

Classic subway tiles remain a timeless favourite, and for good reason. Available in traditional 3x6 inch, 4x8 inch, and larger 6x12 inch formats, these rectangular ceramics work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings. The simple white versions are endlessly versatile, whilst coloured options can add character. You can install them in classic brick patterns, vertical stacks, or trendy herringbone layouts.

Marble effect ceramic tiles give you all the luxury appeal of natural stone without the maintenance headaches so guest feel extra special during the holidays. Modern digital printing technology creates incredibly realistic marble patterns, complete with natural-looking veining. These work beautifully for feature walls or to create a spa-like atmosphere throughout your bathroom.

Our Chalet Honey ceramic floor tiles offer a warm wood-look finish crafted in durable ceramic—ideal for bathrooms wanting natural style with practicality. These bathroom floor tiles combine comfort, charm, and decorative appeal

Wood-look ceramic planks might sound like an oxymoron, but they’re genuinely stunning for creating warm, spa-like bathroom retreats. These tiles capture the grain and texture of real wood whilst providing all the water resistance you need for wet areas. They work particularly well for larger bathrooms where you want to create a more relaxed, natural feeling.

Geometric patterns and encaustic-style ceramics are perfect for creating statement walls or adding bold patterns to your design. From hexagons to intricate Moroccan-inspired patterns, these tiles can transform a plain bathroom into something special. Just remember – a little goes a long way with pattern, so consider using them as accent pieces rather than covering entire walls.

When it comes to finishes, you’ll need to choose between matt and gloss options. Gloss finishes reflect more light and can make small bathrooms feel larger, but they show water spots more readily. Matt finishes hide imperfections better and provide a more sophisticated look, but require slightly more maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Top tips for choosing the right ceramic tiles for your bathroom

Our Tropical Oasis Single ceramic bathroom tiles showcase vibrant decorative artwork on smooth ceramic, bringing exotic style to bathroom walls. Perfect as standout decorative tiles in feature areas

Choosing ceramic bathroom tiles in the run-up to Christmas involves more than just picking something that looks nice. These tips will help you choose smartly, whether you’re aiming for a festive-ready bathroom now or planning ahead for the New Year:

Size considerations can dramatically impact how your bathroom feels. Larger tiles, such as 300x600mm formats, create fewer grout lines, which makes small bathrooms appear bigger and more seamless. However, smaller tiles like mosaics are more forgiving if your walls aren’t perfectly straight and provide better grip in wet areas. For walls, you can generally go larger, whilst floors might benefit from medium-sized tiles that balance aesthetics with practicality.

Colour psychology plays a bigger role than you might think. Light-coloured ceramic tiles reflect light and create a spacious feel, making them perfect for smaller bathrooms or those with limited natural light. Dark tiles can hide water spots and soap residue better, but they can make spaces feel smaller. Neutral tones offer the best of both worlds – they’re forgiving whilst maintaining that clean, fresh bathroom feel.

Slip resistance is absolutely crucial for bathroom floors, particularly in shower areas. Look for ceramic tiles with a rating of R10-R11 for bathroom use. These ratings indicate how much grip the surface provides when wet. Textured ceramic surfaces, mosaic layouts with more grout lines, or tiles with slight surface patterns all help improve safety.

Water absorption rates matter more than many people realise. For bathroom use, look for ceramic tiles with water absorption rates of less than 10%. Most quality glazed ceramic tiles will meet this requirement easily, but it’s worth checking, especially if you’re considering unglazed options.

Budget planning should include more than just the tile cost. Quality ceramic tiles suitable for bathrooms typically range from £15-£50 per square metre, with installation costs adding another £25-£40 per square metre. Remember to factor in adhesives, grout, trims, and any necessary preparation work when calculating your total investment.

Our Pine Single ceramic wall tile, featuring a natural-inspired ceramic design with a subtle matte finish, adds organic style to bathroom spaces. Ideal for creating calming, decorative bathroom wall tile schemes

Installation essentials: professional tips for long-lasting results

If you’re completing a renovation before hosting Christmas guests, installation quality is critical—you don’t want last-minute issues just before everyone arrives.

Surface preparation is where many DIY projects go wrong. Your substrate needs to be completely stable, dry, and level. For bathroom walls, this usually means applying a proper tanking system or waterproof membrane, particularly around shower areas. Any movement in the substrate will eventually cause ceramic tiles to crack or become loose, so this step cannot be rushed.

Adhesive selection makes a huge difference in wet environments. Always use a flexible, waterproof ceramic tile adhesive specifically designed for bathroom use. These adhesives can accommodate the slight movement that occurs in buildings whilst maintaining a strong bond. Never use standard wall adhesives in bathrooms – they simply won’t cope with the moisture and temperature variations.

Layout planning separates professional-looking results from obvious DIY attempts. Start by finding the centre point of your wall or floor and work outwards. This ensures you don’t end up with thin sliver cuts in prominent areas. Use proper tile spacers to maintain consistent grout lines, and always plan your cuts carefully. Large format tiles require especially precise layout planning since any errors are more noticeable.

Grouting best practices are essential for both appearance and water resistance. Use waterproof grout designed for bathroom use, and ensure you clean excess grout from the tile surface before it fully cures. The grout lines should be slightly lower than the tile surface, not proud of it, and make sure to properly seal all corners and junctions with appropriate sealants.

Common installation mistakes include inadequate surface preparation, using the wrong adhesive, poor layout planning that results in awkward cuts, and insufficient waterproofing around wet areas. These issues might not be apparent immediately but will cause problems down the line, so it’s worth investing in proper preparation and materials from the start.

Maintenance and care: keeping your ceramic bathroom tiles looking perfect

Our English Garden Panel A, Panel B and Panel C ceramic wall tiles feature beautifully illustrated botanical artwork on high-quality ceramic. These striking decorative tiles bring captivating style to bathroom feature walls

One of the biggest advantages of ceramic bathroom tiles is how easy they are to maintain, but like everything in your home, they need proper care to keep looking their best.

Daily cleaning couldn’t be simpler. A quick wipe with a damp microfibre cloth removes most water spots and soap residue from ceramic surfaces. For more thorough cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for ceramic tiles. Avoid harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners, which can gradually damage grout lines and dull the surface of your tiles.

Deep cleaning should be done weekly or when you notice soap scum or limescale buildup. A mixture of warm water and white vinegar works brilliantly for removing these deposits from ceramic surfaces. For stubborn mildew in grout lines, a paste made from baking soda and water can be very effective. Apply it, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush.

Grout maintenance is often the weakest link in ceramic tile installations. Grout lines should be resealed annually in high-use areas like showers. If you notice grout becoming discoloured or crumbling, address it quickly to prevent water getting behind your tiles. Modern epoxy grouts are much more resistant to staining and moisture than traditional cement-based options.

Dealing with damage quickly prevents small problems becoming big ones. If you notice a ceramic tile has become loose, it needs immediate attention. Water penetration behind loose tiles can cause significant damage to your substrate and surrounding tiles. Similarly, cracked tiles should be replaced promptly to prevent water infiltration.

Your long-term care schedule should include annual grout inspection and resealing, checking sealant around baths and showers, and replacing any damaged tiles promptly. With this simple routine, your ceramic bathroom tiles should look great for 15-20 years or more.

Our Seaton Ceramic Sky wall tiles, crafted from durable ceramic with a glossy sky-blue finish, provide uplifting colour and fresh style for bathrooms. Ideal as serene, light-enhancing bathroom wall tiles

Solving common ceramic bathroom tile problems

Even with the best installation and maintenance, you might occasionally encounter issues with your ceramic bathroom tiles. Here’s how to address the most common problems without panic or unnecessary expense.

Water penetration issues usually stem from failed sealant or compromised grout lines. If you notice tiles becoming loose or discoloured patches appearing, check all the sealant around your bath, shower, and sink areas. Old or cracked sealant should be completely removed and replaced. For grout problems, you might need to rake out and replace damaged sections rather than just applying new grout over the top.

Managing condensation is crucial for preventing discolouration and mould growth. Poor ventilation causes moisture to build up on ceramic tile surfaces and in grout lines. Ensure your bathroom has adequate ventilation – either through windows or an extraction fan. Wipe down tiles after showers, and consider using a dehumidifier if condensation remains a persistent problem.

Fixing loose tiles doesn’t always mean full replacement. If a ceramic tile sounds hollow when tapped but isn’t completely loose, you might be able to drill small holes and inject new adhesive to re-secure it. However, if tiles are obviously loose or cracked, replacement is usually the safer option to prevent water damage.

Dealing with movement joints is particularly important in larger ceramic tile installations. Buildings naturally move slightly with temperature changes and settling, so proper expansion joints prevent tiles from cracking under stress. These joints should be filled with flexible sealant rather than rigid grout.

Colour matching for repairs can be challenging, especially with older ceramic tiles. Take a sample tile or clear photo to your supplier – they might be able to source a close match or suggest alternatives. Sometimes, replacing a few tiles with a complementary colour or pattern works better than trying to find an exact match.

Cost considerations and budgeting for ceramic bathroom tiles

Our South Beach Collins ceramic tiles, finished with a smooth contemporary glaze, bring coastal-inspired style to bathroom interiors. These decorative ceramic tiles create bright, modern bathroom wall looks

Christmas is already an expensive time of year, so cost planning is essential. Understanding the full cost implications of your ceramic tile project helps you make smart decisions and avoid budget surprises. And if you’re not ready for a full renovation before Christmas, even targeted tiling upgrades—like a new splashback or feature wall—can completely transform your bathroom at a lower cost. Let’s break down all the elements you need to consider.

Price ranges for ceramic bathroom tiles vary significantly based on quality, size, and design complexity. Basic ceramic wall tiles might start around £15 per square metre, whilst premium designer ceramics with complex patterns or large formats can reach £50 per square metre or more. Generally, you get what you pay for in terms of consistency, durability, and design quality.

Hidden costs often catch people off guard. Beyond the tiles themselves, you’ll need adhesive, grout, spacers, trim pieces, and sealants. Professional installation typically costs £25-£40 per square metre, depending on complexity and your location. Preparation work like tanking or substrate repair can add significantly to costs.

DIY versus professional installation is a common dilemma. Simple wall tiling in straightforward areas might be suitable for confident DIYers, but bathroom floors, shower areas, and complex layouts really benefit from professional expertise. Poor installation can cost far more to remedy than hiring a professional from the start.

Long-term value is where ceramic tiles really shine. Quality ceramic bathroom tiles can last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance, making them an excellent investment. They also add value to your property and rarely look dated if you choose classic designs. Factor this longevity into your cost calculations.

Money-saving tips include timing your purchase during sales periods, buying extra tiles when you initially purchase to avoid future matching problems, and choosing versatile designs that won’t date quickly. Consider mixing expensive feature tiles with more affordable basics to achieve a high-end look within budget. 

Our Canopy Beech ceramic wall tiles feature warm beech-tone detailing on ceramic with a soft matte finish. These nature-inspired bathroom wall tiles bring calming decorative style to bathroom schemes of all sizes

Why we are your best choice for ceramic bathroom tiles

As you prepare your home for Christmas gatherings or plan New Year renovations, choosing a trusted tile supplier for ceramic bathroom tiles ensures a smooth and stress-free process. Here's why we should be your first choice for ceramic tiles (porcelain, glass and mosaic and so on):

Our curated collection of ceramic bathroom tiles has been specifically tested for UK bathroom conditions. We understand the challenges of British homes – from Victorian houses with uneven walls to modern new builds requiring precision installation. Every ceramic tile in our range meets rigorous British Standards for water absorption and slip resistance, ensuring they’ll perform beautifully in your bathroom.

Expert advice comes from our team’s over 20 years of bathroom tiling experience. We’ve seen every type of installation challenge and can guide you through the selection process based on your specific requirements. Whether you’re dealing with a compact en suite or designing a luxury wet room, we’ll help you choose ceramic tiles that work perfectly for your space and budget.

Quality guarantee underpins everything we do. All our ceramic bathroom tiles meet strict standards for water absorption, slip resistance, and durability. We stand behind our products and provide comprehensive warranties because we’re confident in their performance. If you encounter any quality issues, we’ll work with you to resolve them quickly.

Comprehensive support extends far beyond the sale. From initial design consultation through to aftercare advice, we’re here to help trade professionals and retail customers alike. Our technical support team can advise on installation techniques, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting, ensuring your ceramic tile investment performs perfectly for years to come.

Competitive pricing with transparent costs means no nasty surprises. We provide clear pricing for all ceramic tiles, accessories, and delivery, so you can budget accurately for your project. Our bulk buying power allows us to offer professional-quality ceramics at competitive prices, whether you’re buying for a single bathroom or multiple properties.

With our extensive range of ceramic bathroom tiles, from timeless classics to cutting-edge modern designs, we can help you create the perfect bathroom that combines style, practicality, and lasting value.