Bathroom tiles: materials, colours and practical advice

Choosing the right bathroom tiles is one of the most important decisions in a renovation or new-build project. The bathroom is a technical space, exposed to humidity, steam, cleaning products and temperature changes, but it is also increasingly important from an aesthetic point of view.

For this reason, porcelain stoneware tiles are now the most popular choice: durable, versatile and able to combine design with high technical performance.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best materials, the most suitable colours and practical advice to create a bathroom that is both beautiful and long-lasting.

🛁 Why choose porcelain stoneware for the bathroom

Porcelain stoneware is considered the ideal material for bathrooms thanks to a combination of technical features that are hard to match.

Main advantages:

• Very low water absorption
• High resistance to stains and cleaning products
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Long-lasting performance
• Wide range of aesthetic effects (concrete, stone, marble, wood)

Unlike natural materials or more delicate surfaces, porcelain tiles are not affected by constant humidity and are perfect for both floors and walls.

🧱 Best materials and effects for bathroom tiles

One of the greatest strengths of porcelain stoneware is the variety of design effects, all suitable for bathroom use when chosen correctly.

Stone-effect tiles

One of the most popular choices for modern bathrooms.

• Natural and balanced look
• Perfect match with wall-hung sanitary ware and minimalist furniture
• Suitable for both floors and walls

Ideal for contemporary bathrooms and spa-inspired spaces.

Concrete-effect tiles

Perfect for those who love a clean, modern aesthetic.

• Uniform and understated surface
• Wide range of colour options
• Pairs well with wood, metal and glass

Very popular in urban and minimalist bathroom designs.

Marble-effect tiles

An elegant alternative to natural marble.

• Timeless and refined appearance
• More practical than natural stone
• Suitable for floors and wall coverings

A great choice for bright and elegant bathrooms.

Wood-effect tiles

Increasingly used in bathroom design.

• Adds warmth and character
• Perfect when combined with stone or concrete
• Ideal for floors or decorative walls

It’s important to choose surfaces suitable for humid environments and pair them with the right finishes.

🎨 Best colours for bathroom tiles

Colour choice has a major impact on how a bathroom feels and looks.

Light colours

• Make the space appear larger
• Reflect light more effectively
• Ideal for small or poorly lit bathrooms

Examples: beige, ivory, light grey, natural stone tones.

Medium and dark colours

• Create a more intimate and sophisticated atmosphere
• Best suited to large or well-lit bathrooms
• Perfect for feature walls or walk-in showers

Examples: medium grey, anthracite, dark stone tones.

A very popular solution is dark flooring combined with light walls, or using a bold colour on just one wall.

🧩 Finishes: natural and anti-slip

In bathrooms, finish selection is just as important as colour.

• Natural finish
  The most common choice: balanced, elegant and easy to maintain.
• R10 anti-slip finish
  Recommended for floors, especially in bathrooms with walk-in showers or heavy daily use.

Choosing the right finish improves safety without compromising design.

📐 Recommended tile formats for bathrooms

Tile size also plays a key role in the final result.

• Medium formats (60×60, 30×60)
  Versatile and easy to install, suitable for any bathroom.
• Large formats (60×120, 80×80, 90×90)
  Create a seamless look with fewer grout lines and a more modern feel.
• Small bathrooms
  Large-format tiles can work very well when installed correctly.

✅ Practical tips before choosing bathroom tiles

Before purchasing bathroom tiles, keep these key points in mind:

• Always consider natural and artificial lighting
• Think of the bathroom as part of a wider interior design concept
• Choose materials that are easy to maintain over time
• Prefer timeless solutions over short-lived trends

🏁 Conclusion

Bathroom tiles must combine aesthetics, functionality and durability.
Porcelain stoneware offers endless possibilities: from natural to contemporary effects, from light to bold colours, always with excellent technical performance.

A well-informed choice will result in a bathroom that looks great today and remains perfect for years to come.