If there’s one question I get asked oh-so regularly, it’s how to make a statement in the bathroom.
For most people that means how to select a feature tile and where exactly to feature it. Making big decisions that feel so permanent can be understandably very overwhelming. While some are more confident with going “all out”, the majority of us are most comfortable in playing it relatively safe but leaving that 20% open to being “wowed” by a feature tile.
Figuring out what wall and where, and how much to use a feature tile can be very much personal decision as well as situationally dependent. There is no one-size-fits-all and there is no rule of thumb on creating a feature wall in the bathroom sadly (that would make it too easy!).
Traditionally feature tiles take centerstage on the wall first seen on entry. However, the layout of the bathroom space will be the ultimate guide in how to approach this task. If not the wall on entry, then other popular spots are behind the vanity or within the shower. If you’re lucky enough to have space that allows for a bathtub, then running the feature tile behind the tub can further enhance the impact of this key feature in the room. For other spaces, sometimes it’s the longest wall where it is best to create a feature in order to add some interest where the bulk of visual weight is located. One of the most important things to note is that the more walls a feature tile appears on, the less impact it will have. It might sound obvious but if you have a tile running on more than half of the walls then it will lose its desired effect.
So here are my toppest of considerations in making the right decision on where to use a feature tile:
Firstly, where do you want to have the impact?
Before starting to even open up Pinterest you need to firstly determine which surface in your bathroom is the one where you want to have the greatest impact. Most people enter a bathroom renovation scheming a feature wall but in fact, what they may be crying out for is a feature floor tile.
Considering some of the other design decisions you’ve made in other parts of your home can help with this. For example, let’s talk about designing a bathroom in a traditionally “Hamptons” style of home. These bathrooms are most notably, crisp and bright. The timeless classic design of this style calls for most of the wall and face level selections to be quite pared back. The selection of a feature tile will be one more led around tone and texture. I.e. incorporating a subtle, marble effect tile often seen in a fish scale or hexagon design, or opting for a white subway tile. When you’re working with a white subway tile you can create more visual interest using a pattern of design. Herringbone and horizontal stack patterns are popular ways to make this simple tile shine. If you are in fact wanting the base of the room to anchor your design and then be surrounded with crisp white tones on the walls, then selecting something like the timeless encaustic style of tile for example can have a huge impact.
A feature floor tile might be the punch you need
Here are some inspo ideas in selecting a feature tile that has impact;
- Small scale tiles such as mosaics, penny rounds, fish scales and the like can often feel busy because of the amount of grout that is used as well as the number of tiles used. In order for a bathroom not to feel too overwhelming it can be important to balance them out using larger format tiles – such as a 600mm x 300mm or 600mm x 600mm on the other walls.
- More and more popular as time ticks on are simple, plain coloured tiles that have immense texture to them. The traditional subway tile has come a long way to create dimension in a room through the versions of it which have a handmade-look to them. Similarly, the Zellige style tile has rose to fame given its timeless square format being elevated through its craftmanship and textural finish.
- If you’re going to go bold in colour either on the floor or wall it looks great when strikingly contrasted. For example, a dark floor helps to ground a space and give it a sense of structure which is further enhanced when set against a contrasting colour like a bright white. On a more muted note, the texture of a tile such as travertine can give dimension on the floor that can then be offset by darker rusty tones like terracotta on the walls.
- If you want to have a more consistent look and opt for less different tiles in your space then you can create a feature using a pattern for example, using a herringbone design on one wall. Or use a similar type of tile but in a different shape and size.
- A feature wall doesn’t have to be the full wall. The half-height tile effect is really popular and most commonly seen when using the same floor tile to run up to a nib wall height in the shower for example. Concrete style tiles and terrazzo tiles are having a moment with this design trend.
Balancing out small and large format tiles
What is the practicality of your selection?
While a small, mosaic style tile might have you getting all the feels in your design. You need to think about the practicality of your tile selection on the wall surface it will be covering. For example, a smaller format in the shower may be harder to keep clean and ongoing grout maintenance might be the bane of your existence. Selecting a tile that is easier to clean and maintain might be a better decision for you in the long run. For some more modern bathrooms, tiles with a high gloss coverage can look perfectly at home on the floor. However, it’s important to consider the slip factor in making this selection. Basing the room in a more practical, matte tile and bringing the sheen onto the walls might fare better for you in the long run. Also think about spills and hair and the like that are very common in this space of the home and whether you want to see them detracting from your feature floor tile.
Consider the practicalities of your floor tiles
Lighting…
Often an afterthought but so very important in determining the right feature tile for your space. Just like paint on the wall, the lighting conditions of the room will affect the appearance of the feature tile. A wall with natural light or accent lighting can help highlight the tile and make it stand out. A space with low light will make a tile appear darker so if you don’t want to set a dark and moody tone in your bathroom err on the side of caution with a lighter shade that will hold up in those lighting conditions. Adding lighting such as a pendant or wall light to the feature wall in your room can also further add to the impact that you are aiming for. When you are in a tile shop looking at your options be sure to view the tile both on the ground and leaning against the wall so you can see how it appears in the different light conditions.
Consider the impact of lighting on your tile choice
And of course, the old chestnut of budget:
Yep the reality of not blowing the budget sadly does need to be a key consideration in making the right tile selection. Consider your budget for the project as a whole, and how much you can afford to spend on the feature tile. If you have a limited budget, you may want to choose a smaller wall or a less expensive tile. Come back to the first question about where you want to have the impact and sometimes being creative with the pattern or design using a less costly tile will still have the same desired effect.
And let me add a 5th consideration into the mix…. Hopefully not overwhelming you in the process!
Does it need to be a tile that is the feature on your walls?
Could something other than a tile be your option?!
One of the most impactful statements you could make that doesn’t come off too showy or “in your face” is the use of wall and ceiling texture. There are so many products constantly hitting the market that are now suitable for use in the bathroom. There are beautiful textured paints that can bring another element to your bathroom and there are treatments such as Venetian Plaster, Micro cement, and moisture resistant paneling that can help in leveling up your bathroom feature game. Check out the range of Surround by Laminex products for example. They’ve been popular for a while now in the living and bedroom settings and by gosh are they now opening up a new world of possibility in the bathroom!
Textured walls are having a moment
So to wind things up, overall, the decision on which wall to feature a tile and what style of tile that should be ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the factors mentioned above. Take your time to consider all the options, seek out inspo on Pinterest and by scrolling the homes for sale on realestate.com.au. Engage an expert to provide you a solid sounding board or take these decisions out of your hands entirely if you are feeling just too overwhelmed and petrified of making a decision you’ll regret. I love helping my homies really nail their own thinking when they have lost confidence along the way.
I hope this article helps you get a bit clear and more confident in how your bring that 20% to your bathroom!
