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Home DecoratingDesign DilemmaBathrooms
alisan_royster

Need primary bathroom tile advice (floor and walls)

last year

I need to finalize tile selections for our primary bathroom (whole home remodel). We're limited on floor tile because we didn't realize that not having a linear drain in our curbless shower would require us to use smaller floor tiles to accommodate the slope of the shower floor (something that the plumbing salesperson didn't mention, and we didn't know to ask about). Unfortunately, we didn't find out about this until after the plumbing and drain were roughed in and the shower floor membrane (not sure what it's called) were already done, so switching to a linear drain is an option.


Floor tile: I'm trying to use a floor tile that's available in multiple sizes to avoid switching to a completely different tile at the threshold of the curbless shower. The current plan is to use 1" Sukabumi tiles for the shower floor and switch to 4" Sukabumi tiles for the rest of the bathroom floor. I know these tiles are typically used for swimming pools, but they are marketed as indoor tiles as well. I'm a little concerned about the amount of grout that will be on the shower floor, but that would be the case with any small tile. I've also read about some Sukabumi tiles crumbling over time, which has me nervous... but if they're used in swimming pools, surely they would stand up to bathroom use! I would love to hear any personal or professional experiences (pro or con) regarding these tiles -- and thoughts on how much larger of a tile I could use if we don't use 1" tiles in the shower.


Wall tile: The only wall tile will be in the shower area. The rest of the walls will be painted. The vanity cabinet will be slab front MCM-style walnut, with a creamy-white countertop. I'm concerned that the wall tile I've selected (4x12 Savoy Leaf) might be too much color when paired with the floor tiles, and would love to get input. For what it's worth, this is will be our forever home, so we are not concerned about making selections based on selling the house in the future.


It was really hard to get an accurate photo of the two tiles together that capture the true color of the tiles, especially the wall tile. It looks more gray in the photos than it does in person. The two tiles do match well. I'm nervous to ask for opinions here, but even more nervous that I'm about to make a big mistake!




Featured Answer
  • last year

    That's a good question. I don't tend to be swayed by trends -- and I have already loved this color forever, so in terms of getting tired of it (or not) I think it's a safe choice.


    Comments (16)

    • last year

      My only comment: tiles are a beautiful color, but...do you think you will love this color "forever"?

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    • last year
      last modified: last year

      I found this photo. (Enlarge it to see how the floor meets the shower floor). Love the look and it may solve your problem. It looks like a border was run around the main area (with the small tiles as in the shower); and the border is also part of the shower floor. Clever install, as the tile looks like a rug.



    • last year

      That's an interesting option! Thanks for finding and sharing it.

    • PRO
      last year
      last modified: last year

      I like 12 x24 porcelain tile in a neutral color for both bathroom floors and shower walls . I think that color is one that whn you tire of it you will hate it since it drives every other choice you make in the space . If you stayed netral for the tile then you can paint the walls that color add it as accnets and when you tire of it the only change will be wall color and accents . You do realize that whole space will need really good waterproofing with a curbless shower . BTW I use the same tile only smaller for the shower floor but a curbless linear drain should have been done to allow for larger tile but now IMO keep it simple BTW I love that color but IMO for the walls

    • last year
      last modified: last year

      Mosaic tile for a shower floor is fine, no worries about that.

      I'm concerned that the wall tile I've selected (4x12 Savoy Leaf) might be too much color when paired with the floor tiles,

      Either green shower walls or green floors, not both. Do not mix and match green tiles, it would be too much imo.

      I like the Sakabumi:



      The shower floor tiles and bathroom floor tiles should match whatever the color --with mosaic for the shower.

    • last year

      @Patricia Colwell Consulting - Yes, you're right about the linear drain. I'm frustrated that this issue never came up when we were discussed plumbing selections with our supplier, when it puts such a huge limit on tile we're able to use for the shower floor.

    • last year
      last modified: last year

      @tracefloyd I was definitely concerned about the wall tile being too much color with the floor. Thanks for verifying my misgivings!


      In the photo you shared, I really like that tile on the wall! I'd been thinking of keeping the Sukabumi on the floor and switching up the wall tile, but now I'm reconsidering that plan.

    • last year
      last modified: last year

      If green tile for shower walls, then green for the outside of the shower, all sides and top of the pony wall facing the toilet would be green. The look is phenomenal.

      I saw your tile and thought of Gweneth Paltrow's spa. Very similar.



    • last year

      How are you going to incorporate the creamy white vanity top? Creamy white paint or creamy white tile? Both?

    • last year

      @tracefloyd Thanks for suggesting continuing the green wall tile outside the shower on the pony wall. I had been considering this option but wasn't sure if it would be too much -- but it seems like it would better integrate the tile and color with the rest of the room rather than having the shower seem like a separate element with no connection to the rest of the room.


      My plan is for the creamy white vanity top (not yet selected) had been to repeat as the caps of the pony walls, the shower ledge, and the bottom of the shower niche all of those in a thinner profile). If we put the green tile on the top of the shower side pony wall, would it make sense to still cap the pony wall on the vanity side with the same creamy white material?


      Would creamy white wall paint and a beige-ish floor tile with the same undertones look right?

    • last year
      last modified: last year

      We have 48" high for pony walls for the shower if you are still at that stage of reno. Nice look.

    • last year
      last modified: last year

      You will have an uneven surface where the wall tile ends so I suggest a vertical tiled threshold there of a couple inches deep - reduce the pony wall by the same amount.

      For the vanity you want a wrap-around backsplash on all three sides.

      This color blocking is difficult with a cream vanity top. Not sure what color floors because of the dark wood too.


    • last year

      I think it's a nice combination, and since the floor and shower floor will match, it won't seem like too much. You need grout on a shower floor for grippiness, but match the tile color as closely as you can to reduce the contrast between that and the main floor.


      I'm more of an accent-tile person myself, but if you've loved this color for ages, this seems a nice balance. You can paint the walls a pale greenish gray that will be neutral enough.

      Alisan Royster thanked acm
    • last year
      last modified: last year

      Is this kinda the look you're after? Green tile, walnut vanity with cream top, white walls.





    • last year
      last modified: last year

      I would suggest you try floorplanner.com at this point for your color blocking in 3D. Free to use online.

      Here is the vertical threshold I mentioned for the stoppage in wall tile, to the ceiling or whatever height the tile.




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