Need help selecting tile for a new shower

9 years ago

I have already installed new a new granite vanity countertop and matching backsplash and now it's time to demo the old 4x4 white square ceramic shower stall. The question I have is, how closely should I match the vanity/backsplash in the first picture? Also pictured are 2 tile samples I felt would work in the same bathroom and am trying to decide between the two, but am open to other suggestions. I can also get 12x12 marble that is very similar to the white-ish porcelain tile pictured, but is obviously a bit more expensive (though affordable at $1.99 per sqft)

. Thanks!

Featured Answer

felizlady

9 years ago

When I remodel a bathroom, I pick the tile and granite for everything at the same time...and use different sizes of the tile for the shower floor, shower walls and bathroom floor.
Since your backsplash is glass and your counter granite, you may have to go with a porcelain tile for the shower walls and floor. Select something that matches one of the lighter colors in the granite and comes in several sizes, including small mosaic pieces. Do the shower walls in larger format tiles, and use small 1x1" or 2x2" mosaic tile for a non-slip floor. Do a vertical or horizontal strip of the glass tile (must match the backsplash) in the shower to make the shower coordinate with the vanity. The shower door (and any glass wall sections) should be in clear or lightly-frosted glass with no color. Make sure you can reach the controls to turn on the shower spray without getting inside. For hardware, match the style on the vanity....same material, same finish, and hopefully the same design. I like a stationary standard shower head plus an height-adjustable (on a vertical bar) hand-held shower wand. It comes in handy for showering children, rinsing shampoo from your hair and rinsing the corners of the shower when cleaning. "Rain" heads are a fad and are not the most useful unless you wash your hair every day and don't mind running water on your face.

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Comments (8)

PRO
User
9 years ago
It's unclear how well these would go, because they're in separate photos so the lighting could be different. I know that sounds picky, but with the lighting as dim as it is, it's tough to give an accurate reply.

That said, I personally prefer the lighter tile for two reasons:

1. In a shower stall, you already feel like you're in a small, enclosed space. The lighter color will make it feel brighter and more open.

2. Soap scum shows up less on lighter colors. Unless you're religious about cleaning your shower weekly, the darker color is going to look dirtier faster.
elainesteinke
9 years ago
I think either tile would work, the darker one draws out the darker vanity/backsplash colours and the lighter the lighter v/b colours. I think the lighter would be my preference. You might also consider a bit of mixing and matching of your backsplash tile with the shower tile to draw them together in the design. This pic is a bit busy for my taste, but maybe just a border 3/4 the way up the shower stall.
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User
9 years ago
White marble never ever goes with yellow granite and a very busy brown glass mosaic. You need to stop, and get a designer involved. You've already made some decisions that don't work well. And unless you take two weeks and read every thread on here about properly waterproofing your shower before tile happens, you too are likely to be a victim of improper shower construction.
acm
9 years ago
As to your "how closely should I match" question, anything that matches tonally and doesn't bring in too much contrasting movement will be fine. I like both those tiles, and you could do a narrow vertical accent band in the glass from your vanity backsplash, or use it in the back of a wall niche. Then the rest could be a simple solid tile.
dawna177
9 years ago
Wow Felizlady, you hit the nail on the head with that post!
PRO
User
9 years ago
Since your counter has so much movement I would use the "white-ish" tile for the shower stall with a more mosaic-like tile for the shower floor (similar to your backsplash).

Hope this helps!
PRO
Jennings and Company
9 years ago
I like to suggestion from Glo, I think the simpler whiter tile with a border and mosaic but simple floor would look great. You don't want 2 main focal points and you already have one with the vanity/sink. Plus the shower will look brighter and bigger. I think your choices are great! Very pretty. Put a picture up when you're done!