Bathroom Tiles Trends
Bathroom tile options have never been more exciting. Advances in tile design and production have created near limitless choices for Sydney bathroom renovation projects.
In this post, we explore some of the most popular bathroom tile trends that continue to shape modern bathroom designs.
Bathroom Tile Trend #1: 3D Effect and Sculptural Tiles
You won’t believe your eyes with 3D-effect bathroom tiles! Normally used as feature tiles, 3D tiles demand attention with their embossed or elevated designs. 3D tiles offer a superior level of flexibility for bathroom designs. Available in a wide range of colours and styles, well-matched 3D tiles can really make your bathroom renovation unique.
3D effect tiles can also be used as wall accents, acting as a work of art within your bathroom.
Bathroom Tile Trend #2: Bohemian Style
Bohemian (or “boho”) style bathroom tiles bring an eclectic and relaxed feel to a space. Careful designing is required to ensure you achieve a modern and luxurious aesthetic; It’s easy to “get it wrong” with bohemian style tiles!
These tiles often feature bold patterns, warm tones, and artistic details that create a unique bathroom environment.
Bathroom Tile Trend #3: Bright Shades
Want your Sydney bathroom to be memorable and make a statement? Why not go with bright-shaded tiles?
Bright neon tiles can be used to bring a sense of fun and boldness to a bathroom, whether you choose a single colour or multiple colours.
Neon too much for your liking? You could also try softer shades such as apple or mint green, or even a contrasting red to help your bathroom “pop”.
Bathroom Tile Trend #4: Glass Tiles
From one of our bathroom renovations in Ultimo
Glass bathroom tiles can help your bathroom to appear more spacious and brighter than it is, because of their reflective nature. They’re also super-easy to keep clean, with dirt and marks being removed often with a simple cloth and glass cleaning solution.
Other advantages of glass bathroom tiles are their tendency to resist growths such as mould, and the fact that they do not absorb water; while ceramic tiles tend to absorb between 0.5% to 3% water, glass has a 0% absorbency rate
Bathroom Tile Trend #5: Hand-Painted Tiles
A primary attraction of hand-painted bathroom tiles is their ability to bring an element of artistic expression to your bathroom.
Whether it be a complex flower design covering multiple tiles, or individually-styled tiles in a complementary pattern, hand-painted tiles allow you the freedom and flexibility to customise your bathroom in a way that is uniquely yours.
Bathroom Tile Trend #6: Hexagonal Tiles
Hexagonal tiles remain a timeless option, despite the perception by some people that they are an old-fashioned option for bathroom tiles. In truth, hexagonal tiles tend to be one of the more “tried and true” options for tiles in the bathroom because of their simple design… providing the colours are not too outrageous!
They offer you great versatility, durability and flexibility – you can use them for small bathrooms, large bathrooms and everything in-between – in a wide range of design styles. Since they offer a seemingly endless surface, they’re a great foundation for displaying graphics on the bathroom wall.
You can use hexagonal tiles on the bathroom floor, or even reserve them for a feature wall.
Bathroom Tile Trend #7: Large patterns
From one of our Turramurra renovations
Large patterned tiles are ideal for spacious bathrooms, creating bold and striking surfaces. While small bathrooms generally don’t work well with large pattern tiles (because they make the room look smaller), they can transform your bathroom walls or floor with stylish designs that capture your attention.
Technology improvements have led to printed bathroom tiles being safer (less slipping!) and more durable, opening up more options for attractive, unique tile patterns for your bathroom floor.
Bathroom Tile Trend #8: Marble and Stone-Look Tiles
It’s hard to beat the “wow factor” created by marble bathroom tiles. They’re a luxurious, hardwearing, light-reflective option for your bathroom floors and walls, which is why they are one of the most popular choices for Australian bathrooms.
Surprisingly, marble bathroom tiles are not as expensive as many people expect, given their premium appearance. When you consider how many years they will last given their durability, the price becomes even more affordable
Bathroom Tile Trend #9: Matte Finish Tiles
Matte (or “matt”) bathroom tiles offer a stronger grip than glossy tiles, making them ideal for bathroom floors. They’re also very easy to maintain; matte bathroom tiles hide marks and stains very well, reducing the amount of time you’ll spend on your hands and knees cleaning them!
Matte bathroom tiles are an excellent option for creating a warm and natural look, with a sense of calm and relaxation to your bathroom
Bathroom Tile Trend #10: Metal Finish Tiles
Offering resistance to water, stains and smudges, metal bathroom tiles may be an excellent option for your home. While they can be perceived as cold and industrial, a modern take on metal bathroom tiles is to use warmer colours (gold, copper, bronze, etc.), which can bring a taste of luxury and elegance to your bathroom when used to enhance existing elements.
Another advantage of metal finish bathroom tiles is their reflective nature. This allows them to bring additional light and perceived space to your room, especially helpful for smaller bathrooms or ensuites.
Bathroom Tile Trend #11: Pressed Metal Tiles
When used well, pressed metal tiles (sometimes referred to as pressed tin tiles) can create a striking visual delight within your bathroom or wet room.
They can be used as a feature wall, as an accent or splashback behind your bathroom vanity, or in any number of other ways to help your bathroom stand out
Bathroom Tile Trend #12: Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic bathroom tiles are known for the ability to resist stains, smudges and water build-up, because they are non-porous. On top of that, mosaic tiles are not affected by humidity. These are low maintenance – the tiles are easily cleaned with simple, natural cleaning products.
They can be trickier to install, but once they’re in place, you’ll have bathroom tiles that will serve you well for many years to come with minimal fuss and effort required to keep them looking “good as new”.
Bathroom Tile Trend #13: Natural and Light Colours
Neutral bathroom tile colours have been popular for a VERY long time, because of their simplicity and versatility.
Neutral colour bathroom tiles offer an understated impression, allowing other feature areas of the bathroom to take the limelight. And of course, neutral colour bathroom tiles tend to age better than the brighter, bolder tile alternatives!
Bathroom Tile Trend #14: Plant and Floral Patterns
Bring a feeling of nature into your bathroom with plant or floral pattern tiles. A close cousin to Bathroom Tile Trend #5, plant-pattern bathroom tiles are growing as a “green idea” trend.
Plant pattern bathroom tiles can bring a sense of tranquillity and peace to your bathroom when designed tastefully; simplicity and elegance are key for this trend.
Bathroom Tile Trend #15: Shaped Tiles
Unique tile shapes such as chevrons, scallops, fish scales, and geometric patterns are increasingly popular for creating designer-style bathrooms.
Given their non-traditional nature, shaped bathroom tiles are going to look their best when a qualified and experienced designer is involved. But in the right hands, they can create an eye-catching Sydney bathroom.
Bathroom Tile Trend #16: Subway Tiles
There’s a reason why subway bathroom tiles have become so popular – they offer great versatility, and can act as a strong contrast to more prominent bathroom elements.
Subway tiles continue to evolve with modern colours, finishes, and layouts such as vertical stacking and contrasting grout.
Bathroom Tile Trend #17: Textured Finish Tiles
Textured bathroom tiles offer more slip resistance than most other tile types. That’s because textured tiles are made from ceramic or porcelain, with a textured gripping surface applied on top.
Apart from the obvious non-slip benefits, textured finish tiles are also highly durable, long-lasting and highly water-resistant.
So, if family safety is a primary consideration in your bathroom design or renovation, you may want to consider the value of textured finish bathroom tiles.
Bathroom Tile Trend #18: Waxed Effect Tiles
Not to be confused with wax coating (which is often applied to tiles by the manufacturer during shipping), waxed effect bathroom tiles are tiles that have been painted with microcracks applied. These cracks give the impression of aging, making them perfect for retro, antique or country bathroom designs.
Warmer colours are recommended for waxed-effect bathroom tiles.
Bathroom Tile Trend #19: Wood imitation/faux-wood
Most people shy away from using timber slabs as flooring in their bathrooms. The maintenance required with natural wooden bathroom floors is a huge deterrent for many homeowners, despite the earthy, warm aesthetic they can produce.
As an alternative to natural wood, use wood-like, timber-like or faux-wood bathroom tiling. Typically made from glazed porcelain, they’re finding favour in Sydney bathrooms because they’re versatile, available in a wide range of styles and colours, long-lasting, resistant to stains and easy to maintain.
With these bathroom tiles, you can enjoy the attractive look of natural timber’s grains, patterns, and organic appearance, without becoming a slave to maintenance!
Bathroom Tile Trend #20: Mix & match
Can’t decide on which bathroom tile is best for you? Why not use several!
With careful styling and design, you can create a stunning Sydney bathroom with any number of combinations of tiles shown in this post. The trick is to find complementary styles which support the overall look and feel of your home, while avoiding the feeling of “overwhelm” created when you use too many different styles in one space
Get professional assistance with bathroom tiles & design
Selecting the best bathroom tiles for your Sydney bathroom renovation project can be daunting. Like most things in life, options can create confusion! That’s why we find it best to spend some time researching the various styles on the market, selecting a few of your “preferred choices”, and bringing your thoughts to a professional bathroom designer.
If you’re looking to redo your bathroom and want some assistance with the design and implementation, start a conversation with our experienced and passionate team today.
