by looking through photos, you can get fresh ideas for the tile you choose for the bathroom floor, living room, and kitchen. The bathroom is one of the most private and intimate rooms in the house. It should be a fun and relaxing personal space while showing character. For this reason, your taste and style should be displayed through decoration, such as bathroom tiles. So if you're looking for inspiration to transform an old bathroom from dull to classy, you've come to the right place! Tiles are thin sheets of square or rectangular slabs. They are used to cover different areas of the house. They can be made of different materials such as ceramic, stone, glass, or metal. Tiles have been around since the 13th century BC. They are more common in Middle Eastern civilizations than in the West. The ancient Mesopotamian used colored bricks to decorate the doors and walls of temples. The floors of ancient Indian houses were covered with clay. In antiquated Sri Lanka, polished stone tiles were utilized to line swimming pools. Today, tiles are widely used all over the world. They are used on roofs, floors, walls, and even ceilings. They are used for practical and aesthetic purposes. There are many reasons why tiling is particularly suitable for the bathroom. Here are a few:
- The tile is waterproof.
In rooms where splashes and spills are common, you definitely need walls and floors that can withstand them. Unlike hardwood floors and decorative wallpaper, tiles are waterproof, so you can use them around your bathroom. 
The water itself is not the problem. You can also easily wipe moisture from treated hardwood or laminate. However, frequently humid environments such as bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold. Moisture can penetrate between and under the adhesive. It softens and removes glue that can peel, warp and warp old wallpaper. These damp areas are where mold likes to thrive, which can make an uncleaned bathroom an unsanitary place.
- Tiles are easy to clean and disinfect.
Tile is also easier to clean than most surfaces. You just need to clean them. You can also use a variety of cleaners to sanitize tiles. This can be why numerous hospitals utilize tiles in their operating rooms.Can you imagine a fully carpeted bathroom? Not only is it a pain to clean and maintain, but it's also unsanitary. The water absorbed by the carpet fibers cannot completely dry out in a humid environment, making it the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and fungi. You should frequently wash and sanitize your mat. But for bathroom tiles, all you need is a rag or sponge and a bottle of cleaner.
- Ideal for radiant heating.
If you live in a winter region, you will love bathroom tiles. They are ideal for radiant heating technology. In particular, elegant stone bricks are cooler in warmer months and warmer in cooler months. Imagine taking a hot shower in winter and walking on icy floors. With stone tiles, this will not be a problem.
- They are durable.
Another issue that countries with four seasons may face is sustainability. Everything expands when heated and contracts when cold. This is why some materials crack or warp over time. Ceramic and stone tiles are particularly durable and can be used for a long time. Even if your bathroom constantly oscillates between hot and cold, ceramic and stone tiles are less likely to crack or crack. You'll be able utilize a assortment of tiles in your bathroom. Here are some of the most popular, along with pros and cons:
- Ceramic
The tiles are glazed tiles made from clay, stone, and even recycled glass.
- advantage:
- sustainable
- Enameled ceramic repels water
- Wide range of colors and patterns to choose from
- Affordable compared to other tiles
- disadvantage:
- Not as waterproof as porcelain (but much cheaper)
- Especially when it's cold in winter
- Terracotta Warriors
Terracotta tiles are like ceramics, they are all made of clay. However, clay is heated to a lower temperature than ceramic. Since terracotta is closely related to ceramics, it has many advantages and disadvantages.
- advantage:
- sustainable
- Enameled ceramic repels water
- Wide range of colors and designs to choose from
- Affordable compared to other tiles
- Winter won't be as cold as ceramics
- disadvantage:
- Not as waterproof as porcelain (but much cheaper)
- Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are made from heavy duty PVC sheets, a durable plastic polymer. Because vinyl is less expensive than ceramic, vinyl tiles are less expensive and preferred by many.
- Advantage:
- Less prone to cracking and breaking
- Cheap
- Easier to install and replace
- Disadvantage:
- Not as durable as ceramic; will disappear in 10 years or less
- Glue used as an adhesive can be toxic
- Cheaper quality vinyl tiles can generate exhaust fumes
- cannot be repaired (must be replaced)
- Stone
Stone bricks can be made from limestone, granite, marble, and slate. The advantages and disadvantages of stone bricks depend on the type of stone they use.
- Marble
- advantage:
- Its texture patterns and colors are pleasing to the eye
- disadvantage:
- Scratches and stains easily
- Expensive
- A sealer is necessary because marble is porous
- Granite
- advantage:
- One of the most durable stone tiles
- Not easy to scratch
- disadvantage:
- Heavy, so be careful if using it in an upstairs room
- High maintenance costs as granite reacts with certain chemicals
- Slippery
- Gray hues might not appeal to some
- Limestone
- advantage:
- Only available in natural designs and colors; ideal for those who prefer a minimalist or natural aesthetic
- Softer than other stone bricks, so you can shape them to some extent
- Affordable price compared to other stone tiles
- disadvantage:
- Very porous; requires sealant
- Not as durable as marble
- Difficult to install because heavy
- Low pH cleaners (like vinegar or citrus cleaners) cannot be used
- Slate
- advantage:
- Incredibly durable
- Water, scratch, and bump resistant
- cleaning is easy
- Non-slippery due to rough texture
- disadvantage:
- expensive
- May be uncomfortable to walk on due to texture
- Glass
Glass brings a unique visual appeal to the room. This is perfect if you want a more refined aesthetic. One of the newest tile trends is the look of glass subway tiles, perfect for those looking for a clean, minimalist design.
- advantage:
- Translucent but can be dyed in infinite colors
- Cleanup is a snap
- Anti-Mildew and Mildew Proof
- Does not absorb water
- Beautiful because it reflects and refracts light
- disadvantage:
- Installation is very difficult; never DIY
- Sliding; not recommended for use on floors
- expensive
- Linoleum
Linoleum can be installed in sheets or large batches. Linoleum can come in liquid shape too.
- advantage:
- Durable, especially with high quality inlays
- easy to install
- easy to clean
- biodegradable
- Bare feet are comfortable because they are soft
- disadvantage:
- easy to scratch
- Exhaust gases produced one week after installation
- Doesn’t age well
As you can see, you have a lot of options when it comes to the types of tiles you can use. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Select the one that best suits your requirements. Now that you know the type of tile you want, it's time to think about the design. Tile design means more than just the appearance of individual tiles. It can also represent the pattern formed after laying the tiles. Because tiles can be cut into rectangles or squares, you can create interesting designs and patterns on walls and floors. Here are a few of the foremost well known:
- Band (brick style)
This is the most common tile pattern. You see it in numerous places all the time. In fact, the New York City subway exterior using beveled subway tiles is laid out in a brick-like ribbon pattern. The strips can be arranged in a columnar or alternating pattern. Columnar means that the edges are aligned with each other. When using Alternate, you will need to shift the alignment of every other tile strip.
- Herringbone
Herringbone refers to the V-shaped pattern formed when mosaic tiles are inlaid. It creates a fishbone look. This is a very trendy tile pattern that is a staple in many tile stores and decor catalogs. Rafters can also vary in angle. You can change from a 45 degree rafter to a 90 degree rafter. You can choose to use the chevron pattern throughout the bathroom, or just in one section as a focal point. Try herringbone tiles in the shower for a sleek and stylish design option.
- Square
Not to be confused with square tiles, a square pattern is the arrangement of rectangular tiles to form a square.
- Basketry
Basketweave is a pattern created when tiles are alternated between horizontal and vertical. This is the basic concept, but you can play around with the design by choosing how many rows or columns to use for each braid. Once you've decided on the types of tiles and patterns, it's time to dive into the details. Before you go out and buy tiles, there are a few other things you need to consider. First, consider the size of your bathroom. Yes, this actually means measuring walls and floors. You need to know the size to know how many tiles should be and what size the tiles should be. Also, consider the size of a typical bathroom. Is it small? If so, smaller cut tiles may be better for you. On the other hand, using larger tiles in a smaller space creates the illusion of spaciousness. Consider different effects and view photos online for inspiration. The next thing to consider is the final placement of the tiles. Although some types of tile are suitable for walls and floors, it is best to be specific about tile placement when purchasing. This is because the floor tiles are glazed with a harder material, so they can withstand the wear and tear of heavy daily traffic. If you use wall tiles on the floor, you can expect them to wear out faster. Then you also have to consider the lighting in the bathroom. Do you use flood lights? Frosted lights? Natural lighting? Some tiles look better in certain lighting conditions. For example, glossy tiles are great for dimly lit bathrooms because they reflect low light. After that, you should also consider the color of the grout you will be using. White will make designs and patterns stand out, while muted pastel colors will make lines more insidious. Another thing you should consider is having a plan B and C. What would you do if your dream tiles and patterns couldn't come true? For example, if the final quote exceeds your budget or if the design cannot be the same size as your bathroom? If so, it's a good idea to have secondary and tertiary options ready for you. 
Finally, take a tour and request or purchase tile samples at the store. Sometimes the store makes rough cuts from the end of the tile, which they give away for free. Otherwise, you can buy sample tiles to take home. Why is this important? Because the tile you like in a photo online or in a store may look different in your own bathroom. Sometimes the colors clash with the lighting or the patterns clash with other decorations. If you take home a sample of the tile, you can see for yourself if your selection will work for your final design. Tiles have been used for thousands of years as a practical and aesthetic means of covering walls, roofs, and floors. There's a reason tile is still used in modern homes today. Tile is the best choice for bathrooms. They are preferred because they resist spills, stains, mold, and mildew. It is also easier to clean and disinfect than other types of wall coverings and floors. With this comprehensive guide to bathroom tiles, you're sure to find something you'll love. Start redecorating your personal space today!