Help pick tile for small bathroom- please

ksal2010

13 years ago

Hi all,

We are in the process of renovating our house. We weren't expecting to do the bathroom yet but found some things during construction process that forced us to do it. We picked up this Martha Stewart Skylands vanity and mirror for a great price and a brushed nickel 3 light vanity light but are now having trouble picking a bathroom tile. In my last bathroom I want something that will make the bathroom look more elegant and timeless. We are putting new hardwoods throughout the house and staining them dark walnut with a matte finish. I don't want to do wood floors in the bathroom because our laundry will also be in there. The bathroom (including laundry) will be about 7x6.

Also would love paint color suggestions too.

Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

Natalie

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

12" x 24" ceramic tiles to visually expand the space: http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=2541&recordID=5076266
Walls check: SW 7057 and SW 7015.
If wall tile is desired then deepen wall color to SW 7016 or SW 7058 with pictured glass mosaic tile. Enjoy!

http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=420&recordID=5021708

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Comments (14)

PRO
Agrestal Designs
13 years ago
My first question would be what is your budget for the tile project? Also, are you installing yourself or hiring a professional? On the low-end of install and budget, a white ceramic subway tile with light grout is both timeless and contemporary. However, moving upwards from there, you have a multitude of options and making some recommendations without knowing your budget wouldn't be very helpful of me. :)
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ksal2010
Original Author
13 years ago
We don't really want to go over $10 sf for budget. We aren't planning on doing any wall tiling. I'm not crazy about subway tile. I like the gray tile Natalie suggested. What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles? Is one better than the other? I also really like the look of the marble / natural stone tiles but was told that they would be a terrible choice for this room because it has the laundry in it and because it will be fairly high traffic (only bathroom on 1st floor). Thanks so much for your help!
ksal2010
Original Author
13 years ago
Hi Agrestal Designs - I also forgot to say that we are having a professional do the tiling. Thanks!!
ruthmand
13 years ago
http://thetileguy.com/ceramic1.html

Here is some info that my answer you question re the difference between porcelain & ceramic tiles and help you make a decision. The gray tile would look fabulous with your espresso vanity and if you look around you can get a similar pattern in porcelain as well and maybe even a better price. Just saw a very similar tile at Lowes yesterday.
PRO
Agrestal Designs
13 years ago
Natural stone tiles need to be sealed to help keep them clean, which is why it would be suggested to not go that way for your application. Porcelain tiles come in a lot of fantastic "patterns" that are now digitally applied and you can get the look of natural stone with the performance of porcelain (porcelain and ceramics are both fired but porcelain is a denser body and can be stronger). Dal-Tile makes several digital-imaged, porcelain tiles that are made in the USA and have recycled content (my two favorite considerations). The link below is the San Michele series so that you can see that you can have the look of natural stone without the potential problems.

http://products.daltile.com/series.cfm?series=324&item=4779&
ksal2010
Original Author
13 years ago
thanks!
sarahfaith9
13 years ago
I agree about the 12X24 tile, am using a deep charcoal version of it in a bathroom i'm redoing now too. I love using bright, unexpected colors in a bathroom. my girlfriend has a bright orange powder room and I think yours would look great with a bright, vibrant yellow paint. It might also look very chic to use printed wallpaper. Maybe white with a royal blue or purple pattern? If you go with wallpaper, try to score a vintage mirror at a thrift shop - would cut down costs and give you a boutique vibe.
ksal2010
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
So - these are the tiles we ended up picking (Ergon elegance 12x24 grey porcelain). Any suggestions for wall color? We want it to look sophisticated/current. I think I am going to use wallpaper in a bathroom upstairs that is all white tile so we don't want to use wallpaper downstairs in this bathroom. But, I am open to ideas for this space. I will try to edit my original post to include the tile photos with them so you can see them close together. Thanks!!
PRO
Chroma Design
13 years ago
Nice selection on your tile. Love the look and larger size. Props to Natalie on her 12x24 light gray suggestion, it was awesome.
Just because you are using wallpaper in the upstairs bath, doesn't mean you can't use it in this. So don't exclude it yet. As for wall color alternative, a light straight gray will give a narrow, monotone palette. If that appeals to you, look at BM OC-28 collingwood. The look is similar to your example photo. For slight contrast look to a light gray with a steely gray green undertone. I think this is best with the charcoal tone of the tile. Look at BM OC-49 titanium.
Hope this helps.
ksal2010
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks so much!!
benjijk
13 years ago
Here are a few recommendations -
http://tiledaily.com/2011/10/05/bamboo-pattern-porcelain-tiles/
http://tiledaily.com/2011/10/10/linen-pattern-porcelain-tile/
http://tiledaily.com/2012/03/08/urban-matte-porcelain-series-grey/
Wood porcelain tiles also give a great look, here's a link to a variety of them -
http://tiledaily.com/category/porcelain/wood-porcelain/
ksal2010
Original Author
13 years ago
hi benjik,

thanks! i love the linen tile you suggested!
Shaadi Khair
6 years ago
hi all, I'm doing research to find the materials that I want to use in my new home build, this is my first home and I want to make it right. many people suggested porcelian is the best choice for bathroom, but haven't seen anyone talk about the mildrew or mold issues.. how does porcelian tackle milddrew and mold issues in shower area? anything to be cautious of when builers are laying down the flooring?