Choosing tiles for your wetroom

A wetroom is a popular bathroom design option that offers both a stylish aesthetic and a practical, functional space. These are designed to be fully waterproof, with open, walk in showers instead of an enclosed shower space. This means that the whole room will be exposed to moisture and droplets. As a result, the tiles you choose are very important for safety, as well as the visual design. So what should you consider when choosing tiles for your wetroom? And how can you be sure to achieve the right results for your space?

So what are the important considerations when choosing tiles for your wetroom?

There are a number of different factors to take into account when choosing the tiles for your wetroom, especially if you are aiming to achieve a certain look, style or effect. These considerations include:

• Choosing the right style tiles
• Choosing the right size tiles
• Choosing the right tile shape
• Practicality and functionality

Choosing the right style of tiles for your wetroom 

When choosing the right style of tiles for your new wetroom, you could consider:

• Contemporary tiles- A wetroom is often considered a contemporary option for bathroom spaces, and the tiles you choose can help you achieve this. For a sleek, modern look, choose tiles with a minimalistic design, in neutral tones like grey, beige, and charcoal. Polished or matte finishes are both common in contemporary tiles, though for a wetroom, polished tiles should be used only on the walls, due to their slippery surface when wet. 
• Traditional tiles- A more traditional style can be created in a wetroom, with metallic fixtures and fittings, and of course, traditional tiles. These tiles often have a softer colour palette, with whites, creams, and soft blues or greens that reflect vintage or Victorian styles. For a traditional British wetroom, consider Victorian-style tiles, which typically come in smaller formats with detailed patterns or borders. These traditional tiles can bring warmth and charm to the space, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
• Patterned tiles- If you want to create a wetroom that truly makes a statement, patterned tiles can be an effective choice for both traditional and contemporary style wetrooms. These tiles feature bold designs and patterns, from floral, traditional style patterns, to geometric contemporary designs, and even Moroccan-inspired motifs. As such, these tiles can be very effective for creating focal points within the wetroom, particularly behind the shower or sink. It’s important to choose these patterned tiles that align with your overall style and theme, to create cohesive and effective visual results. 
• Natural-effect tiles- Natural effect tiles are those that mimic natural materials, particularly wood and stone. This can bring an earthy and organic visual effect to your wetroom space, creating a relaxing and soothing environment. These also complement both traditional and contemporary design choices, for a versatile tiling option. Stone effect tiles can create a spa like atmosphere, while wood effect tiles add warmth and texture. 

Choosing the right tile size for your wetroom 

The size of the tiles you use in the wetroom can have a big impact on the visual effect and the practicality of the space. You could consider:

• Large format tiles- Large format tiles are typically sized at 60×60 cm or larger and work well in wetrooms, especially those with limited space. Using fewer, larger tiles creates a continuous surface with minimal grout lines, enhancing the room’s clean and modern look. This effect is particularly beneficial for smaller wetrooms as it reduces visual interruptions, helping the room appear more spacious. Large tiles also make maintenance easier, as there are fewer grout lines to clean, which is an added benefit in moisture heavy environments like wetrooms.
• Smaller tiles- While large tiles are popular, smaller tiles can be useful for creating slip resistant flooring as they have more grout lines. This increases friction and traction helping to keep your wetroom space safe. You could also consider mosaic tiling, which can add to the design element, allowing for more intricate patterns or colour gradations. 

Choosing the right tile shape for your wetroom tiling

The shape of the tiles you choose can also have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your wetroom. Some popular options include:

• Hexagonal tiles- Hexagonal tiles are becoming an increasingly popular option for contemporary spaces. These tiles offer a unique geometric pattern that can catch the eye and make for a stylish and attractive design feature in any wetroom. These are useful as either floor or wall tiling options in the wetroom, and are popular in neutral tones, as well as black, white or grey. It can be very effective to combine these tiles with a contrasting grout colour, to accentuate the unique shape of the tiles, and to create a bold and interesting visual effect. 
• Rectangular tiles- Ever popular, rectangular tiles can be a versatile choice that can work well in both traditional and contemporary wetroom settings. These are also very effective for timber effect tiling, which may be rectangular to mimic hardwood flooring. Subway tiles are another popular rectangular tiling option.In smaller wetrooms, vertically aligned rectangular tiles can give the illusion of height, making the space feel taller, and larger. This can be very effective for creating the right feel in your new wetroom.
• Square tiles- The classic choice, square tiles are key to providing a balanced and symmetrical look. They are commonly available in large or small formats, allowing for flexibility in design. Larger square tiles create a cohesive, contemporary appearance, while smaller square tiles can be used for a more traditional aesthetic, or as floor tiles for better slip resistance. Square tiles are straightforward to install, and their even proportions make them ideal for symmetrical layouts.

Practical considerations for wetroom tiling

As well as the visual design and aesthetic considerations for wetroom tiling, you should also take into account the practical considerations too. These include:

• Anti-slip tiles- Safety needs to be a top priority in any wetroom space, due to the high level of moisture and water in the room. As a result, anti-slip tiles are the perfect option. These are specifically designed to provide extra grip and prevent slips from wet surfaces. As such, these can be a vital consideration for any wetroom, especially in homes with children or elderly residents. Tiles with a higher slip-resistance rating, typically marked with an “R” rating (like R10 or R11), are recommended for your wetroom floors. 
• Grout lines- The type and colour of grout used with your tiles can affect both aesthetics and maintenance. In wetrooms, waterproof epoxy grout is the better option when compared with traditional cement-based grout, because this is less prone to mould and staining. In addition, you could consider opting for a grout colour that closely matches the tile colour, as this will create a more seamless look, reducing the visibility of grout lines. However, contrasting grout, such as dark grout with light tiles, can make a bold design statement while also hiding stains more effectively.
• Textured tiles- Textured tiles are another option that can provide an additional layer of safety by providing additional traction, reducing the likelihood of slipping. Textures can range from subtle, like a soft stone finish, to more pronounced effect, and these are effective for both floors and walls, adding visual depth and interest. 

If you’re creating a wetroom and looking for tiling options, we are the team for you here at Tiles 2 Go! As the number one choice for tiling in Preston, we have a variety of tiles to choose from. Why not take a look at what we have in store or online, today?