The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Bathroom Tile

Tile. It’s the unsung hero of the bathroom. It protects your walls from water, adds personality, and—if you choose wisely—makes every shower feel just a little more luxurious. But with great tile comes great responsibility (and sometimes a hefty price tag). So before you go diving headfirst into a sea of ceramic, let’s talk about how to pick the right tile without blowing your budget (or as I like to call it "Boo-jaay") or regretting that trendy decision six months from now.

Have Fun with It—Color is Your Friend

Let’s be real: bathrooms can be, well, boring. But tile? Tile is where you get to have fun. A deep emerald green, a moody blue, or even a terracotta moment can completely transform your space. If you’re not ready for full-on technicolor, consider a neutral base with a pop of color in an accent tile. A little zhush goes a long way.

The Tile Math: Mixing High and Low

Tile is expensive. It just is. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a designer look on a real-world budget. Mixing an affordable classic—like subway tile—with a more luxe, patterned tile or handmade tile in smaller doses can give you that high-end feel without maxing out your credit card. Think of it like pairing a great blazer with your favorite vintage jeans—effortless and balanced.

Tile Size and Placement: Getting the Scale Right

The size and placement of your tiles can completely change the feel of your bathroom. Larger tiles can make a small space feel bigger and create a sleek, modern look. Meanwhile, small tiles—like penny rounds or intricate mosaics—can add texture and detail but require more grout and maintenance. Running tiles vertically can make ceilings feel taller, while a stacked or herringbone pattern can add movement and interest. Choose wisely based on your space and style goals.

Always Have a Contingency Fund

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re tearing out old tile, there’s a good chance you’re going to find a surprise or two—like mold, weakened floorboards, or plumbing that looks like it belongs in a museum. Having a contingency fund (think 10–20% of your reno budget) ensures that when you do hit a snag, you’re not left showering at the gym for the next six months.

The Dirt Dilemma: Light vs. Dark Tile

Let’s talk real life. The whiter the tile, the more you’ll see every speck of dust and hair. The darker the tile, the more it will show soap scum and hard water stains. The sweet spot? Medium tones or patterned tiles that disguise dirt between cleanings. Speaking of…

Colorado’s Hard Water and the Battle Against Pink Tiles

If you live in Colorado, you already know our hard water can be a real pain—especially for white tiles. If not properly maintained, that bright white grout can turn pink thanks to mineral deposits and bacteria. The fix? Regular cleaning (sorry, no way around this) and sealing your grout annually to keep everything looking fresh.

How Often Should You Be Cleaning?

Brace yourself: Ideally, a quick wipe-down should happen weekly, and a deep clean (think grout scrubbing, sealing, and polishing) should be on the schedule every few months. If that sounds like too much, consider choosing materials that are more forgiving, like darker grout or matte finishes.

Tile Finishes: Glossy vs. Matte

Speaking of finishes, here’s the deal:

• Glossy tiles reflect light beautifully and make a small bathroom feel bigger, but they also show water spots like nobody’s business.

• Matte tiles are more forgiving when it comes to smudges and streaks, but they won’t bounce light around in quite the same way.

Pick what works for your lifestyle (a.k.a. how much time you want to spend wiping down your walls).

Final Thoughts: Design for You, Not Just the Trends

At the end of the day, your bathroom should be a place you love—whether that means a minimalist spa retreat or a colorful, tile-filled jewel box. The key is balancing style with practicality, knowing where to splurge and where to save, and making sure that whatever choices you make, they stand the test of time (and shower steam).

Now go forth and zhush up that bathroom with confidence!

Not sure how to get started, I got you! Schedule a consult with me here.