Bathroom Tiling That Lasts: Design Tricks, Layout Choices & Mistakes to Avoid
Bigger Tiles Aren’t Always Better
Large format tiles are on trend — but are they right for your space?
They can make small spaces feel bigger, but only if the layout works.
Poorly placed cuts or grout lines can kill the effect.
You often need flatter walls/floors for large tiles to avoid lipping.
Grout: The Unsung Hero (or Villain)
Light grout looks fresh but shows dirt quickly.
Dark grout is low-maintenance but can feel heavy in small bathrooms.
Colour-matching grout to tile creates a seamless, modern feel.
Grout line thickness matters — even 1–2mm changes the look.
Pattern Play: Laying Tiles for Maximum Impact
Vertical stack vs horizontal stack vs herringbone — each sends a different message.
Don’t just follow trends — think about ceiling height, light direction, and feature walls.
Consistency across floors and walls can feel clean, but contrast adds interest.
Texture + Finish: Not Just a Visual Choice
Gloss tiles bounce light and feel more traditional.
Matt or textured tiles add depth but can be harder to clean.
A mix of finishes (e.g. gloss wall, matt floor) can add subtle sophistication.
Avoiding the Common Mistakes
Not checking how tile layout aligns with bathroom fixtures (like the edge of a vanity or mirror).
Failing to plan tile placement with your builder or tiler — “default” layouts are rarely ideal.
Choosing a tile you love without checking lead times, box quantities or spare stock for future repairs.
Tiling Datums: More Than Just a Starting Line
A smart tiling datum — the height or reference line from which tiles are set — can dramatically improve both the visual balance of a bathroom and its functionality.
Colour breaks: Introducing a horizontal break in tile colour or material (e.g. halfway up the wall or at shoulder height) can help define zones, reduce visual heaviness, and create that classic half-height tiled look — ideal for powder rooms or heritage-style homes.
Built-in shelves: A consistent tiling datum can double as the perfect location for a recessed shelf (niche) — so the grout lines and shelf edges align beautifully.
Mirrors and vanities: Aligning tile lines with the base or top of a mirror, tapware, or vanity ensures everything looks intentional, not accidental.
Full-height vs partial tiling: Datums help transition between tiled and painted surfaces in a way that looks clean, especially when working around windows or angled ceilings.
A good datum is like a silent coordinator — keeping everything crisp, aligned, and visually calm.
Tiling Done Well
Tiles might seem like a small detail, but when they’re done well, they elevate the whole space. And when they’re not — you’ll notice every day.
That’s the difference design makes.
Need help creating a bathroom that looks good now and lasts? Let’s talk.