Glossy shower, matte everywhere else?

4 years ago

I'm going for the classic black and white look in my 4x10 bathroom. White subway tile (3x6), 2" white hex, probably with some black flowers. I am leaning toward matte. I think it's a better fit, less formal, with the rest of my house. But I find glossy easier to wipe clean.

What do you think about using glossy from the top of the shower door down & matte everywhere else in the bathroom? Could I also switch to a larger tile?

Traditional Bathroom · More Info

I'm thinking like this except the band of subway tile goes across the top of the shower area. There'll be about a foot of drywall between the top of the tile and the ceiling.

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Beth H. :

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

first off, this picture you've posted looks horrible w/the subway tile inlay inside of the larger marble tiles.

When you say a band across the top, what do you mean? what tiles are you considering for the shower besides subway?

if you like the classic subway, then do the black liner instead of a 'band' for accents.

I'd suggest you do a larger subway tile (how about a 4x12? ) for easier cleaning.

Second, you can do glossy inside the shower and matte or a honed on the floor outside the shower.

Is that what you mean?

This is my shower. I used 4x12 subways and a honed black marble shower floor. outside, I used 4x16 honed carrara. The marble curb is also honed.

If you like black and white, try this

here's an accent w/black mosaic tiles

something like this looks much more classic. do a black pencil liner around an accent on the back wall. you could do this (more pricey)

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Comments (9)

marge234
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Sorry that wasn't clear. Thank you for your help. I like how you have two different tiles in your shower area.

I am trying to decide whether to consider other tiles besides subway. Can I do a large glossy shower tiles and matte subway on the walls?

edited: The floors will be matte no matter what.
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Beth H. :
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
yes you can, but there are exceptions.

"large glossy subway shower tiles and matte subway on walls"?

you mean you want a different subway tile on the outside of the shower? or the same tile but in a matte version.

That might look odd.

what's wrong w/using the same tile on the walls? you could do the matte on the floor.

these wall tiles are all matte. using glossy inside, and the matte on the outside would look weird

start w/your tile selection first, and narrow things down.

what's the design going to be?
marge234 thanked Beth H. :
marge234
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you. This but with glossy inside the shower & matte outside is what I had in mind. The only difference is my wall tiles won't go to the ceiling. I appreciate your telling me it's a don't. I was thinking the glass would be enough of a transition, but I see now that idea doesn't make sense. If I'm that worried about cleaning I should switch to glossy wall tile.
plan2remodel
4 years ago
Take the shower wall tile all the way to the ceiling -- don't leave a foot of drywall there. It is a PITB to paint that strip of drywall above the tile line, and also this improves the waterproofing of the shower.
marge234 thanked plan2remodel
marge234
Original Author
4 years ago
thanks plan2 The guy who is doing the work talked me out of tiling to the ceiling, he said leaving some drywall makes the room look larger. I'll raise the point about moisture.
plan2remodel
4 years ago
Is "the guy" a licensed general contractor, licensed waterproofer? or licensed tile installer? My experience with remodel is that everyone involved considers themselves a designer. What did your designer say?
marge234 thanked plan2remodel
marge234
Original Author
4 years ago
He is licensed, thanks. My designer thought it was a good point. I appreciate you checking. I'm trying to crowdsource ideas so I don't drive the tile-setter crazy trying to decide what I want. Do you think I'll regret all matte wall tile?
marge234
Original Author
4 years ago
I was trying to have my cake & eat it too. But I guess I have to make a decision after all lol. Thanks both for your feedback.