The same tile often can be used on the floor and the walls.
Tiles don't have to be confined to the bathroom floor or the shower. Many bathroom designs take tiles from floor to wainscot height or even to the ceiling. When tiles are used on the bathroom walls, the design becomes more of the focus in the room, putting the design on equal footing with the function of the space. While there are some tiles which should remain on dry wall areas only, there are many types of tile to choose from for use on all the walls in the bathroom.
Traditional Bathroom Designs
Many classic bathroom designs use tile on the walls as well as on the floor and shower. These wall tiles usually run to either wainscot or picture rail height, or about waist or shoulder height.
To create a traditional or classic bathroom design, stick to ceramic tiles on the shower walls. These tiles can be used throughout the bathroom, including the shower walls and backsplash. Consider using handmade 3-by 6-inch for variation and texture in a running bond pattern. Include a decorative border tile in a hand-painted design just below the chair rail or finishing cap tile. Run this same border at eye level in the shower to unite the two spaces.
Contemporary Bathroom Design
Think very large and very small for wall tiles in contemporary bathrooms. Consider using glass tiles on the walls from floor to ceiling to open up small bathrooms. Glass mosaics will reflect light on each individual tile, creating a sparkling effect, while larger glass tiles up to 2-feet in length create smooth lines.
Oversized porcelain tiles are also perfect for the walls in contemporary bathrooms. Look for finishes like leather, fabric and ultra-smooth gloss to add texture and interest to the walls.
Combine two different materials such as glass mosaics with ceramic tiles to bring a touch of modern to an otherwise classic bathroom design.
Stone Bathroom Designs
Stone tiles of all kinds, including polished marble and river rocks, are an excellent choices for bathroom walls. Avoid marble inside the shower where the water may discolor it, and keep it on the dry walls to wainscot height for an elegant look. Use a more durable stone or ceramic tile on the shower walls such as granite, slate or river rocks in a similar color. Use a matching border to tie the spaces together.
Consider using river rocks all over the bathroom walls as well as the shower floor and ceiling for a Zen bathroom retreat. Alternatively, use a textured stone like slate or travertine to add depth and texture without using stones.
Coordinate With the Floor
If it can be used underfoot, it can be used on the walls. Use any floor tile as a wall tile to open up the room. For transitional bathroom designs, use a smaller version of the floor tile on the walls. Modern designs should use the larger tile on the wall, with a mosaic underfoot.
Use two colors of the same style of , with the darker underfoot and the lighter on the wall for a more subtle design. Use a border that pulls both colors together at chair rail height to add some interest to the walls.
Tags: bathroom designs, ceramic tiles, classic bathroom, Consider using, floor tile, river rocks