Bathroom tiles can pretty much make or break the entire aesthetic of this room, so carefully choosing the right one is crucial. A common question that will most likely stir your noodle is if the bathroom floor and wall tile must match. Well, that’s the safe route. But what if you want to experiment with the interior décor? Are you breaking a cardinal rule in bathroom design if you’re going to go towards that route?
Bathroom floor and wall tiles can either match or not. This decision lies in the preference of the homeowner. Of course, if you plan to mix different tiles for your bathroom’s floor and wall, it is essential to maintain a sense of cohesion throughout.
You would not want a bathroom that feels like a mish-mash of random shapes and colors, as the room will feel cluttered and disorganized. So if you want some pointers on creating a cohesive bathroom vibe with floor and wall tiles, then read on, my friend.
Table of Contents
Difference Between Bathroom Floor and Wall Tiles
If you are new to the tile market, know that there is a significant difference between floor and wall tiles. Each type must be installed in its specific area to avoid problems. Most will suggest that porcelain tiles are best suited for the floor while ceramic is suitable for the wall. As we have stated repeatedly, there are no set rules here, but these are noteworthy guidelines.
Now, the main difference that separates a floor tile from a wall tile is its durability. As you would expect, floor tiles must handle the weight and foot traffic with no issues. As such, floor tiles must have a Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating of one to four. The PEI rating indicates the level of weight and wear and tear that the tile can withstand.
For bathroom walls, you can opt for tiles with a PEI rating of zero as these are primarily for aesthetics only. Now, you can also choose to place floor tiles on your wall as long as the wall can support the tiles’ weight. Most cement walls can support all types of tiles, but we advise you to avoid installing tiles on skimmed drywall as these are not designed to carry any significant weight.
Should Bathroom Floor and Wall Tiles Match or Not?
The answer to this million-dollar question is a resounding, maybe. While some interior designers state that you should not match bathroom floor and tiles as this can make the room appear cramped, others say otherwise. You can also install floor tiles to the wall, as long as the wall can support the weight, if you wish.
No rule dictates what you should or should not do when it comes to tiling your bathroom floor and wall. However, you must maintain a consistent aesthetic theme throughout. In addition, the bathroom floor and wall tile must visually complement each other to maximize the aesthetic benefits that they can provide.
Tips On Matching Bathroom Floor and Wall Tiles
If you are not that confident in bathroom design, don’t fret, as we compiled a list of tips that you can incorporate into your planning stage. Read on to know how you can craft a cohesive aesthetic for bathroom floor and wall tiles.
Maintain Visual Consistency
You can mix and match colors, but you must maintain consistency in the pattern. For example, if you installed rectangular tiles on your bathroom wall, it is advisable to do the same for the floor. Keeping the tiles within the same pattern will help create a unified look and avoid a disheveled appearance.
Creating Balance
If a particular patterned tile catches your fancy, we recommend that you install plain tiles on the other side of your bathroom. For example, you can install an intricately patterned tile on your bathroom wall but go with a more subdued and plain tile for the floor. Again, this will help prevent creating an unfocused aesthetic and shine the spotlight on areas you want.
Stay Within a Single Color Range
While you can combine two colored tiles from different sides of the spectrum, there is an advantage to staying within the same color shades. Using slightly different hues for the floor and wall can help develop a classy ambiance that maintains a sense of consistency.
Do Not Go with an All-Similar Matte Tile Finish
Using the same type of matte finish in a room can leave it with a somewhat rough appearance. If you want to build a sleek and classy bathroom, we suggest combining two types of matte tile with different finishes to help create a more elegant appearance.