19 Ideas For Mixing & Matching Bathroom Tiles Like A Pro

A great way to add visual interest and personality to your bathroom is by mixing and matching your bathroom tiles.

Whereas neutral and plain bathroom tiles are common, incorporating multiple colors, shapes, finishes, and sizes for your bathroom tiles allows you to enhance your space’s texture so it is not limited to a single hue.

This, however, ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the overall design aesthetic you are trying to achieve.

If you feel like you’d like to combine tiles, this guide should help:

Design Rules & Ideas to Mix & Match Bathroom Tiles

Whether you have a small or a large bathroom, you can still add interest to your space whilst creating the illusion of a bright and airy space.

Here’s how to get it right:

(a) Always start with the size and layout of your bathroom in mind.

Yes, the size and layout of your bathroom can impact your choice of bathroom tiles.

This is because the bathroom, in most homes, tends to be the smallest space, and even if you’re a confident decorator, this is not to be taken lightly. As well, as the layout of your space. However, the bathroom can be super spacious in some homes.

To get your tiling correctly when mixing and matching, consider:

1. The tile size: If you have a small bathroom, using large tiles can make the space feel even smaller.

Conversely, using small tiles in a large bathroom can make the space feel busy and cluttered.

As a general rule, it’s best to use larger tiles in larger spaces and smaller tiles in smaller spaces.

2. The layout of your bathroom: If you have a long and narrow bathroom, using tiles that are laid horizontally can help make the space feel wider.

If you have a bathroom with low ceilings, using vertical tiles can help draw the eye upwards and make the ceiling feel higher.

3. The tile color and pattern: The color and pattern of your tiles can also impact the perceived size of your bathroom.

Lighter-colored tiles can make a small bathroom feel brighter and more spacious, while darker tiles can add depth and drama to a larger bathroom.

Similarly, using a patterned tile can add visual interest and make a space feel more dynamic.

Note…

The size and layout of your bathroom can also impact the practicality of your tile choice.

For example, if you have a large bathroom with a lot of traffic, you may want to choose tiles that are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles are great for such bathrooms.

(b) Limit the number of colors in your small bathroom to avoid overwhelming the space.

We recommend sticking to two or three colors maximum, ensuring one color is dominant, in order to balance out the other colors that accentuate your space.

(c) Use contrasting colors to help define different areas of the bathroom and create a sense of depth.

We recommend using light-colored tiles on the walls and dark-colored tiles on the floor (although you can always go vice versa if you’re experimental).

Darker shades on the floor help to anchor your space, helping you ground the room and give it a sense of balance. You can then use lighter shades on the walls.

Always choose a cohesive theme or color scheme for your space to help bring everything together and create a sense of harmony.

You can also mix bold colors and patterns in your space to create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Use the 60-30-10 rule to ensure balance: it suggests using one dominant color (60%)-ideally for walls, one secondary color (30%) for the floors, and one accent color (10%) for your bathroom furniture. This can help you balance bold colors and create a cohesive look.

We also advise creating balance with neutrals, especially for larger surfaces, such as walls and furniture, and reserve bold colors for an accent wall and other bathroom accessories.

For example, you can use a brightly colored or boldly patterned tile in the shower area.

NOTE: Pairing bold colors or patterns with neutral colors, such as white, beige, or gray, can create balance and prevent the colors from overwhelming the space.

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(d) Create a color gradient as you mix tile colors to make your overall aesthetic more appealing.

To do this, start by selecting a color palette that you want to use in your bathroom. This could be shades of the same color or a combination of complementary colors.

You want to then determine the direction of the gradient. An example would be to start with a light color at the top or bottom of the wall and gradually transition to a darker color.

(e) Stick to a consistent tile pattern to create a cohesive look throughout the bathroom. For example, you can use the same color and pattern of tiles on the floor and walls.

If your bathroom is small, using too many different types of tiles may make the space feel busy and cluttered so keep it consistent.

However, if you have a larger bathroom, using a variety of tiles can help break up the space and create distinct areas for different activities.

(f) Consider the lighting: Finally, consider the lighting in your bathroom when choosing tile colors.

Darker tiles can make a small bathroom feel even smaller if there isn’t enough natural or artificial light. In contrast, lighter tiles can help reflect light and create a brighter, more open feel.

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Mixing up your tile colors is a great way to inject color into your bathroom, below are more bathroom ideas for mixing and matching bathroom tiles.

It is important to be thoughtful and intentional about the interplay of pattern, color, and scale in your space. If you’re looking to create a playful bathroom, use multiple colors and themed patterns.

However, if you’re aiming for a more calming and spa-like feel, it’s best to limit yourself to subtle variations in color and texture for your tiles to avoid creating a jarring effect in the space.

Disclaimer: The images are courtesy of: Gia Renovations, The Tapend Design, Matki Showering, and BertandMay.