Introduction

For me, this is the ultimate surface design. Replacing poured concrete, paint, carpet, wood flooring, bamboo, luxury vinyl, and even wallpaper. Used practically to protect from water or just an indulgence to add colour, texture, pattern and your own signature. So decorate your floors, walls, niches, splashbacks, windowsills, en-suites, cloakrooms and wet rooms. A wonderful material to add energy and seduction to your interior space.

1. Geo tile by Victoria Plumbing

The Akara tile collection features stunning patterned tiles (with coordinating plain tiles) that will create an eye-catching feature on the wall or floor. Made from durable porcelain with a matt finish. This tile is called Geo individually 20 x 20cm in size but 4 of them make a 40 x 40 pattern. It is striking and complementary to so many interior styles.

2. Trousdale-Hughes by Claybrook Studio

Very popular at the moment are Terrazzo tiles whose history goes back for decades. A technique of placing chips of marble or granite in cement. Then polished making it shiny and smooth. Real terrazzo would probably outlive us all. This take on it is unique as it is made of porcelain, in a soft hue suitable for shower walls, floors, splashbacks, and over underfloor heating. Comes in a large modern format 60 x 60. Full of character.

3. Artesano Rose Mallow by Tile Mountain 

This tile called Artesano Rose Mallow is described as combining time-honoured design with modern styling. It is elegant, classic and so versatile. This ceramic tile is also available in nine subtle hues so you should be able to find a colour that works with your scheme. At home in bathrooms, kitchens, or as a feature wall. The undulating surface is really lovely with a subtle glistening effect - it almost looks wet. It’s gained many 5 star reviews. Option to be laid in many formats and looks great with a contrasting grout colour.

4. Quinta Marron Reclaimed Burt & May

The original pattern of this encaustic tile was taken from some reclaimed tiles from Spain. Now recreated by B&M with their own selected pigments and speciality finishing techniques to give it an authentic antiqued look. A rich pattern in many colours invites many options to complement the tile. With a Meditterean feel, this pattern will bring joy to your personal sanctuary.

5. Stello Black by Topps Tiles

Stello Black floor tile is a handsome porcelain off-black tile that looks like a Spanish encaustic from afar & can be used in wet rooms, floors, or on the wall. It definitely provides the wow factor used on the floor or up one wall for drama. It has a slip-resistant finish and works efficiently with underfloor heating. Pop it on a patio as it is durable enough for the outside.

6. Origami Gold by Tiles and Bathrooms Online

The star of the show, if Glam Luxe is on your wishlist, here is a fabulous 3D relief patterned and textured tile. Say hello to Origami Gold. A ceramic that is a wall-only tile made in Spain. Set it among black tiles of the same size as jewels or the black version of this tile (as shown) or all grouped in a small alcove. Although a small downstairs cloakroom comes to mind you can use these wherever takes your fancy. Marabese has a few selected showrooms but this is one of those tiles you have to see in person, it is so detailed - so visit or go online and request a sample.

7. Gravity Aluminium Braid Metal Titanium by Porcelanosa

Yes, it is metal, yes it is intricate, yes it looks spectacular installed on the wall. Show your tiler a sample first and make sure he/she is a professional installer and has the right tools. It is a metal mosaic and requires precision. The result will be stunning and the unique texture it brings will wow your bathroom.

Finally…

It was so difficult to choose only 7 tiles, at different price points that I felt would appeal to my audience and really WOW their bathrooms. Challenged by the fact that a flat, thin piece of decorated clay (or glass or metal) is so hard to photograph or show its real potential online.

The tiles are the first layer of decoration in a bathroom and often the backdrop to sanitary ware, screens, brassware, and cabinetry. It is not a standalone product so not meant to sing solo.

Remember: Floor tiles can usually be used as wall tiles but wall tiles are way too delicate for the floor. Do get in touch with us if we can help you with your choices.