Nice tiles for the bathroom. Basic criteria: which tile to choose for the bathroom? Laying method: horizontal or vertical

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For a long time, the question of which tile to choose for the bathroom has had one answer - ceramic or tiled. This material has long gained trust among consumers. Thanks to modern technologies, manufacturers are able to produce material High Quality with excellent characteristics. A varied assortment poses the question of which tile is best for the bathroom in terms of size, color, style? In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is necessary to take into account many subtleties. This will be discussed further.

What is this article about?

Description of material

Despite the fact that the construction market is full of other good materials for floor finishing, most people still choose tiles. This is due to many advantages. Here are some of them:

natural material, it is chemically passive;
safety for human health;
the tiles are easy to use and do not require complicated cleaning;
does not deteriorate from exposure to harsh chemicals;
easy to install;
large selection of colors, styles, sizes;
environmental friendliness;
the material is not subject to combustion.

When choosing tiles for the bathroom, you should pay attention to the fact that it contains water and clay, this indicates that the material has a natural basis.

What qualities should tiles meet?

Tile material can be used for finishing walls and ceilings. You can often find entire sets that are harmoniously selected to decorate a room. In this case, the proposed material is identical in color, pattern and direction. In general terms, when wondering how to choose a tile, you should take into account that the material must meet the following requirements:

the dimensions indicated on the packaging must match the actual parameters;
fragments should not have cracks or chips;
the surface should not be subject to abrasion;
resistance to high and low temperatures;
should not leave scratches;
moisture resistance;
the surface does not change under the influence of chemical reagents;
does not lose color saturation;
has a long service life;
has an anti-slip effect.

Before choosing a tile, you can easily check the degree of slip. To do this, you do not need to lay the material, just place a few drops of liquid on the product and check with your finger how easily it glides over the tile.

Range

When planning to choose tiles or ceramic material, you should familiarize yourself with its range. According to the manufacturing method, the following varieties can be distinguished:

Bicottura. In this case, the tile is fired 2 times and then covered with glaze. A good option for walls, but for floors - not the most suitable. Despite its resistance to chemicals, it is prone to low strength.
Monocottura. This type of material can be safely laid on the floor. The tile is fired only once. The result is high strength.
Clinker. One of the most common options. In the process of manufacturing tiles, modern technologies are used, which make it possible to obtain particularly durable products with a low-porosity structure. The only drawback is the small range. These are mainly natural shades.
Porcelain tiles. Has high scores on almost all points. Usually the range is represented by imitation marble or granite. In addition, the tile has a slight roughness, which is even more reminiscent of the original.

Despite the fact that most often preference is given to tiles, you should remember about other types of products:

Mirror and glass. They mainly finish walls and ceilings, since the strength of the material is low, but durability and moisture resistance are at a good level.
Polymer material. Most economical option with a large assortment.
A natural stone. Natural material is the most expensive. By using modern equipment stone cutting is quick and accurate, and thanks to high-quality processing, the stone is adjusted to standard sizes.

The most necessary data is always placed on the label, so you should not ignore this information. Most often you can see the following markings:

a foot on a dark background means that the tile can be used for flooring;
high wear resistance is marked with a hatched background;
if a palm is indicated on a black background, it means that the material is used only for wall decoration;
if the tile is resistant to chemical aggregates, the label will show a flask;
gear with numbers indicates the level of wear resistance.

But in this case there are so many design solutions that it is quite difficult to determine which tile is best to choose for the bathroom. In order to make the task easier, it is better to first deal with the manufacturer, and only then with the collection. As a rule, tiles are chosen based on color, texture and pattern.

You shouldn’t settle on one collection in different shades or one color from different series. Such a finish will look inharmonious. It is better to choose one, already thought-out design solution, which includes many variations of decor and rates.

When purchasing tiles for the bathroom, it is important to always fulfill one condition: the number of colors that are included in one combination should not be more than three. This number includes not only the main color, but also shades from a certain collection. Otherwise, such oversaturation will irritate the eyes and look too tacky.

Now let’s try to figure out how to choose the right tile based on color. First of all, you need to carefully consider the color scheme; you should purchase it, taking into account the opinions of all the people living in the house and the degree of lighting. Let's look at the most common colors:

Green. Classic option. It has a good effect on mood and is very invigorating.
Blue. It is used to create a solid interior, but for many such a cold shade can cause constraint. At the same time, against a background with light tones, any dirt is very noticeable.
Red. The color perfectly tones and excites.
Orange. The color scheme in this shade can lift your spirits and set you in a positive mood.
Lilac. An excellent room option for ladies. If you combine it correctly with another color, it can be a wonderful solution for the whole family.

Style direction

Determining the tile design is one of the most difficult and important issues. Choosing ceramic tiles for the bathroom based on stylistic direction will further influence the overall mood and perception. Without much imagination, it is better to trust the professionals.

The universal solution is classic style. The simplest option, but at the same time absolutely win-win. The upper part of the wall is finished with light tiles, the lower part with darker tiles, and between them there is a narrow insert with a pattern. It's best if Bottom part the wall matches the floor in shade or is completely identical to it.

The natural design looks bright and refreshing. To do this, it is better to give preference to collections in green, blue, beige tones. Wood shades will fit perfectly into the interior. Against a background of plain tiles, you can place elements with a pattern of grass, flowers, shrubs or bamboo. You can create combinations on a marine theme.

For lovers of extraordinary style will suit east direction. Tiles with Turkish ornaments and hieroglyphs will create a unique atmosphere. The color scheme should be rich. The room should contain shades of gold, turquoise, red, and blue. Bathroom tiles in the form of a mosaic will further convey the flavor of the East.

Mirror reflection can be recommended to connoisseurs of everything original. This material can visually enlarge a room, so it’s perfect for a small bathroom; all you need to do is make a few mirror inserts.

Which tile to choose for the bathroom - glossy or matte? The first one is most often found on sale; it reflects light and is easy to care for. The matte surface is calmer, but in any color it always looks brighter than glossy, so this type of finish is mostly produced in calm tones. This is an ideal floor covering. A textured surface will look impressive; it conveys natural materials such as stone, snake scales, pebbles, and metal in an unusually realistic way.

In addition to the criteria already listed, help choose ceramic tiles for the bathroom will have the following characteristics.

Absorbency. With a high value of this indicator glue solution It will be difficult to keep the material on the wall, and over time it will fall off. This tile is more suitable as a floor covering. In order to determine the degree of absorption, it is enough to pay attention to the inside of the tile. The fewer pores it has, the better. Ideally, they should not exist at all.
When selecting tiles for the bathroom, take into account the evenness of the reverse side. There must be depressions on it, which are subsequently filled with an adhesive solution.
Front side. There are several factors to consider here. Firstly, the surface must be perfectly smooth. Secondly, there should be no bubbles or roughness. And thirdly, this is the uniformity of distribution over the surface. When selecting material, it is necessary to carefully inspect and feel the product.
Form. It is very important to purchase products with the correct geometry. The edges should be smooth and crisp and match each other.

When choosing tiles for the bathroom, special attention should be paid to its size. As a rule, it is divided into 4 types:

Large. Starts from 25x40 cm. Its installation requires fewer seams, while moisture resistance increases. This option visually makes the space larger, but is not suitable for walls with defects, since it is difficult for them to correct the curvature.
Average. Usually it is 20x25cm. The best option for a small bathroom. By laying it vertically, you can increase the height of the ceiling, and horizontally, you can expand the space.
Small. The size of such tiles does not exceed 10x10cm. Perfectly hides unevenness. It is better to use in large rooms and combine with other types.
Mosaic. Consists of small squares. Sometimes you can find round tiles. Most often it serves as a decorative element, placed between transitions from one shade to another, when tiling the bathtub and other components of the room.

The ratio of room sizes and tiles

It is generally accepted that the choice of tiles for a large bathroom should focus on small format materials. Thanks to a small number of seams, the room visually becomes larger. Therefore, if the room is small or medium-sized, then it is better to choose large tiles. But in this case the surface must be perfectly flat.

Mosaic tiles are suitable if the bathroom has shaped ledges or niches. Tiles with ornaments or in the form of a decorative border can also be included in this group. It is best to separate certain areas in this way. In addition, it is important to note that in a large bathroom, as in a small one, the material can be harmonized different sizes, the main thing is to do it correctly, so as not to visually narrow the already small room or not to do more, and the room is already quite spacious.

When choosing tiles for a small room, it is better to choose light shades. If you still want to add a darker color, then it is better to finish the floor with it.
When buying dark tiles, remember that no matter how high quality they are, any stains and dirt will be more noticeable on them.
If there is no possibility or desire to regularly carry out wet cleaning, it is better to give preference to a matte surface, perfect option- imitation stone.
Tile mosaic will perfectly decorate walls with a complex configuration.
You should not lay bright tiles over the entire surface, this will irritate your eyesight; it is better to use such elements to highlight zones and focus attention on certain areas.
In order to significantly simplify the task, it is better to buy a ready-made set. It will take into account all parameters, relationships of shades, patterns and shapes. Often they immediately include elements for finishing the ceiling and walls, and various decorative combinations.

Please note that tiles with imitation marble look especially impressive and expensive, and in order for the surface to look as smooth and even as possible, it is necessary to accurately select the color of the grout for the joints. The manufacturer is important. It is better to give preference to well-known and trusted brands, although this rule does not always work. Sometimes a little-known manufacturer can produce a product of really high quality.

Conclusion

When setting yourself the difficult task of choosing tiles for a bathroom, it is important to take into account all the characteristics and external parameters. Since the selected material has a long service life and is not cheap, it is better to think about the future design of the room in time, so that in the future it will delight its owners and create a great mood!

Bathroom due high humidity It is considered quite complex in terms of interior design, for which it is not easy to select finishing materials. Fortunately, almost all types of tiles are suitable for the bathroom. The right tile should be practical, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to clean.

Which tile is better to choose for the bathroom floor and walls, photos of interesting solutions, fashion trends - this will be discussed in the article. When choosing, you should pay attention to some important parameters, characteristics that ensure the highest possible comfort in the room.

Options and Properties

To choose the right tile, you should select it not only according to aesthetic qualities, but also according to important technical characteristics and properties of the tile. The main parameters are as follows:

Protecting the floor from abrasion. There are 5 classes dividing tiles based on abrasion resistance. In bathrooms where shoes are not worn, tiles with abrasion class 3 (750-1500 revolutions) can be placed on the floor. This class is sufficient to ensure the durability of the floor, good appearance long years. Before installation, it is necessary to waterproof the floor, protecting the tiles from damage caused by standing water.
Resistance to household chemicals. The bathroom requires cleaning periodically. disinfection, so strong chemicals are often used here. When choosing tiles, you should consider options that are resistant to detergents and disinfectant liquids. Then the surface will not lose color or structure as a result of frequent cleaning.
Non-slip. Important Feature bathroom floors – slip resistance. The surface of the tile should not be rough or slippery - therefore it is better to avoid a glossy surface, as in combination with water and moisture it will become dangerous. Slippery varies in classes from R9 to R13; for a bathroom it is better to choose the highest class R13.
Moisture resistance. There are 3 groups of moisture resistance of tiles: 1 – the most moisture resistant, 3 – absolutely not moisture resistant, not suitable for bathrooms.

These parameters are indicated on the packaging. Knowing the meaning of the symbols, you can easily check whether the selected product meets the necessary criteria.

Symbols on ceramic tiles

Aesthetic properties, design options

Technical specifications discussed above are very important, but should not be overlooked decorative function finishing material. Properly selected tiles that match the interior style will create a truly stunning effect, turning an ordinary room into a luxurious spa!

Choice of color, pattern

Traditionally, for small bathrooms, light wall decoration options are recommended, visually expanding and decorating the interior. IN Lately designers propose to deviate from this rule. Walls with dark, bright colors can distract from the big size interior, turning into a fashionable trinket, such a room resembles a luxurious jewelry box!

Don't also forget about unusual solutions, helping to add desirable variety to the interior without taking up precious space. For example:

mosaic,
patchwork,
decors with interesting topic,
textured surfaces 3D,
fashionable concrete walls.

Fashionable geometric tiles in the bathroom, photo

Glossy or matte or with a 3D effect?

The first ceramic tiles appeared in Europe in the 11th century, they were used to decorate stoves. Clay elements made on a potter's wheel were concave. In the 15th century they appeared flat slabs, decorative samples were decorated with hunting scenes and complex floral patterns.

Every year ceramics became more imaginative and durable. Today, high-quality models of this finishing material can surprise with their variety of sizes, richness of color, stylish design. Sometimes they have a stylish shine, sometimes they surprise with a spectacular matte surface, or tempt with a fashionable 3D effect. For those who are lost in the sea of design solutions, we have prepared quick guide How to beautifully choose floor and wall tiles that add style and character to the bathroom interior.

Subtle glossy shine

Looks impressive bright interior, which has a delicate shiny surface. Subtle reflections will make the space appear larger than it actually is. A unique effect is achieved thanks to shiny tiles. It will perfectly decorate a small interior that needs to be filled with light. Fashionable shiny tile surfaces should have patterns in a minimalist style. There is no room for intricate floral motifs or extravagant decorations. Designers create sparkling collections in a balanced color palette.

Design in light colors origami style brings freshness, harmony. This is a great choice of tiles for a small bathroom in the following styles:

Scandinavian,
minimalistic,
eastern

An interesting solution is a melange wall in beige, gray, and classic black and white. Collections with melange decor are ideal for modern spaces and rooms decorated in rustic style. They will make the interior cozy. The missing dynamics will be given to the space by decors:

shimmering multi-colored inserts,
mosaic.

Elegant matte tiles

Glossy surface helps to visually enlarge the interior and complement it with light. Ceramic tiles with a matte surface make up the essence modern elegance. Matte walls, decorated in soft colors, bring comfort and nobility to the interior. It is worth experimenting with matte surfaces only in large rooms that do not need to be optically enlarged.

Ceramic surfaces decorated in neutral tones can resemble fabrics. Thanks to this, the walls seem finished soft material, the interior is immersed in comfort. This design is perfect choice om for styles:

modern,
retro.

The amazing juxtaposition of monochrome tiles and elements with a kaleidoscopic pattern will be a highlight modern interior. Geometric motifs add dynamics. A matte ceramic wall will be an amazing decoration in modern spaces. Today, the main role is played by cement-effect tiles, the monotonous surface of which will be diluted with energy components, topped with an abstract pattern. These design options are suitable for interiors in the following styles:

loft,
industrial,
eclecticism,
high tech.

Shiny accessories look beautiful against a matte wall:

steel,
copper,
chrome plated.

Tiles with 3D effect

Fashionable 3D effects often appear on walls. Thanks to them, the room takes on a completely new, intriguing look. Convex compositions form an amazing three-dimensional mosaic on the walls, adding depth to the room, helping it appear visually larger. Great value has a play of light and shadows, emphasizing the patterns of individual structures. 3D decors are ideal for large and small spaces:

in a spacious bathroom they will become the main decoration;
in a small room they will add lightness and visually expand the space.

3D bathroom design with tiles, photo

3D patterns can be inspired by painting natural world. Geometric shapes like leaves appear on the delicate white tiles. The basis for the three-dimensional elements is muted graphite tiles. Such collections are suitable even for complex styles:

Provence,
shabby chic.

Collections with 3D patterns are ideal for minimalist interiors. They can resemble the surface of a lake with soft ripples caused by a light breeze. This is an ideal choice for lovers of skillful, light arrangements. Against this background, plumbing fixtures, taps, mixers in fashionable colors of copper, bronze, decorative elements interior

What to choose for a small bathroom?

Arrangement of a small bathroom - not an easy task even for an experienced designer. A space of several meters should be practical and stylish; you should carefully select not only furniture and plumbing, but also wall and floor finishing elements. What size and color scheme of tiles to choose for the bathroom small size, narrow?

Modern ergonomic devices will help create a functional space. Correctly selected tiles will help to optically enlarge the interior. There are several proven ways to make a small room visually more spacious:

large, light tiles;
small tile;
seam lighting.

Large, light tiles

There are several myths about choosing bathroom tiles. For example, they say that small tiles are the best for a small bathroom. This is wrong! Large formats form a single, seamless surface, allowing a small bathroom to appear visually more spacious. You need to choose a light color - in small rooms perfect fit:

snow-white tone,
ivory,
beige,
subtle shades of gray.

You should not completely abandon colored elements (colorful mosaics, decor, contrasting elements); they can be used in small areas, on:

sink,
bath,
shower cabin,
niche in the wall.

Photo of bathroom design with large format tiles

Small tiles

For lovers of small format tiles, grout will be an important element. The choice of grout is a responsible issue. By matching the grout to the color of the tile, you can prevent the walls from dividing into small pieces. In a small bathroom, clear color divisions are undesirable; the tiles should visually represent a single surface. The ceiling and walls painted in the same color will give the interior a feeling of spaciousness.

Seam lighting

New fashion trend - lighting tile joints, allowing you to achieve interesting effects and create a unique atmosphere. If previously such effects were achieved using grout with glitter and LED strips, today new solutions have appeared.

Decorative lighting can be organized using optical fiber that is resistant to moisture. Optical fibers do not conduct electricity and are safe. Fiber optic seam lighting can be installed in the bathroom, creating truly unique decorative designs, capable of completely changing the atmosphere of the interior.

Installation method: horizontal or vertical?

Diagonal laying

In a bright, snow-white bathroom, a black and white floor with tiles located diagonally looks beautiful. This composition will optically enlarge the interior. This classic concept will primarily attract fans of the elegant ambiance of the bathroom with a fashionable hint of retro, art deco.

Glossy tile

An interesting solution for a small bathroom is glossy tiles on the walls. Glossy floor tiles should be avoided for safety reasons as they are very slippery. This solution will make the room much brighter and visually larger. Polished, glazed tiles can be placed on the walls. Those who like extravagant solutions will like tiles with gold and silver textures.

Interesting solutions for a small bathroom:

modern lighting with LEDs;
thin glass furniture;
large mirrors.

The right tile will create a foundation in the bathroom, an ideal background that optically enlarges the interior, while it can act as its main decoration. You should choose not only the type, but also the format. To do this, you need to know which tiles to choose for a small bathroom and which ones for a large one. Worth knowing about fashion trends in interior design to furnish a bathroom that is not only functional and practical, but also beautiful, modern, and stylish.

The bathroom becomes not only functional, but also a beautiful, fashionable room in a modern apartment. This is a place of relaxation and relaxation after a stressful working day. That is why the bathroom design should be unobtrusive, harmonious, and cozy. As a rule, tiles or porcelain stoneware are used to decorate a modern bathroom. And the choice of this finishing material determines what your bathroom will ultimately be like.

If you don’t know what style to decorate your bathroom, what tiles to choose, how to think about a color combination, then read this article. In it we will look at the latest trends in bathroom design, current color and stylistic solutions, and popular finishing materials for 2017-2018.

Bathroom decor with tiles: latest trends and new designs 2017 - 2018

Recently, minimalist urban and stylish light Scandinavian design have been rapidly gaining popularity. These two trends in interior design have won the hearts of many owners. modern homes. Loft is gradually migrating from cafe interiors to our homes, and the restrained Scandinavian style imposed by IKEA catalogs is increasingly being chosen by designers for decoration. modern kitchens and bathrooms. Both directions are distinguished by their conciseness and practicality.

Popular styles

If you have a small bathroom, then it is better to decorate it in light Scandinavian style. To do this, you will need either white tiles or very light ones. The floor can be decorated in black and white color scheme. To do this, choose a mosaic, hexagonal tiles or beautiful tiles with an interesting black and white pattern. Often, in the design of a Scandinavian-style bathroom, rectangular white tiles are used, imitating brickwork, moreover, in dry areas it is not laid across the entire wall, but ends in the middle of the wall, decorating the end with a beautiful border. The remaining wall can be painted light blue, purple, grey, turquoise or any other color you like.

If you have a large bathroom, then you can decorate it in an urban style. As a rule, creating such an interior requires walls that imitate “bare” concrete, but finishing can also be done with textured tiles dark shades, but it is better to use natural stone or porcelain stoneware slabs. Recently, matte tiles of a fairly large size with the texture of natural stone or wood have been gaining popularity. Examples and photos of a bathroom with dark-colored tiles are presented below.

Current shapes and designs of ceramic tiles

The favorite among materials for finishing the bathroom is still tiles. Only the shape, color, patterns and texture of the tiles change. Recently, rectangular tiles measuring 60 x 30 cm have been used to decorate the bathroom. Natural stone and porcelain tiles, which have different shapes, but the slab itself is quite large, are also in fashion. Such materials are good for decorating large and spacious rooms. The latest trend in bathroom design is the use of marble slabs; see the photos for examples of such interiors.

If you have, then it is better to give preference to light or white small tiles or even use small mosaics for decoration. Now small tiles imitating brick have become fashionable. Glass mosaic is also trendy; it is used to decorate the area near the sink or shower wall. If you are decorating in a Scandinavian style or with Art Deco motifs, then the floor can be laid with stylish pixel tiles with geometric black and white patterns. At first glance, it somewhat resembles a mosaic, but this tile design looks much more interesting. You can find pixel tiles in the catalogs of online stores selling Italian ceramics.

Now designers are experimenting not only with combinations of colors and textures, but are also constantly searching for new ideas and forms. Therefore, now, when developing, they are increasingly using tiles of non-standard shapes and colors. They are also experimenting with options for laying ceramic tiles. It is laid out in a herringbone pattern, with narrow rectangular plates, and different forms of tiles and mosaics are combined in one interior. Hexagon-shaped tiles are back in fashion.

Photo of a bathroom interior with tiles: a new take on classic hexagonal tiles

Cladding wet areas with glass mosaic

Fashionable shades of tiles for the bathroom

In 2017 – 2018, designs that claim naturalness and authenticity will remain popular. “Natural” finishing materials such as wood, stone, clay, etc. will be in fashion. Therefore, to decorate modern bathrooms, matte tiles in beige, brown, gray shades with the texture of wood or stone will be used. If funds allow, you can finish the bathroom natural stone, while laying the floor and walls with slabs in the same color scheme. Single color designs are very popular right now.

Bathrooms decorated in black and white colors look no less stylish. For large baths, it is important to use tiles of various shapes and different colors to create a visual separation between the wet and dry areas in the bathroom.

In catalogs with Italian tiles, you increasingly come across tile options with Scandinavian-style ornaments. By choosing similar colored tiles you can very easily create an interesting and at the same time uncomplicated interior. Simply divide the space into zones, cover one part of the wall with colored tiles with patterns, and the remaining wall with classic white tiles. For an example of this tile design in the bathroom, see the photo.

Which tiles for the bathroom should you choose?

As already indicated above, when choosing tiles and in general finishing materials You should start primarily from the size of the room. It will be easier to cover the walls with small tiles, and finishing a large room will be less labor-intensive if you choose large rectangular or square tiles.

The color of the tiles will depend on the overall concept that will be used in the design and decoration of the room. If we talk about the combination of furniture color and tile shade, then it is better to choose either very similar tones, or, on the contrary, very contrasting ones.

Most fashionable color this season will no doubt be grey. But don't think that an interior with gray tiles will be boring. Using the rich variety of shades and textures of this finishing material, you can create an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation in a gray bathroom. Considering the usage trend natural materials, stone tiles will be very popular this year. Here is an example of a photo of a bathroom tile design, in which you can see how the nobility of stone is combined with minimalism and others natural materials creates a truly stylish and modern atmosphere.

Often, to create a single harmonious atmosphere, ceramic tiles are chosen for finishing, duplicating the texture of bathroom furniture, i.e. if the furniture has glossy fronts, then the tiles should be glossy, and if you plan to buy furniture from natural wood, then the tile should repeat its texture.

Life hack: how to lay tiles yourself?

If you have decided to renovate and develop a bathroom design yourself, then video lessons that are devoted to laying bathroom tiles and small bathroom design tricks can help you.

Training video: tiling a bathroom

Tutorial video: how to make a hole in a tile

Beautiful tiles for the bathroom: photos with design ideas

You can create a beautiful, thoughtful bathroom interior, in which everything is carefully planned, on your own. Get inspired by a collection of photos from interesting design tiles in the bathroom and come up with your own interior solutions. After all, you can decorate absolutely any bathroom stylishly and beautifully, no matter if it is located in Khrushchev, panel house or cottage.

Stylish tiles

Interior solutions for the bathroom

Non-standard installation methods tiles in the bathroom

Modern bathrooms

Hexagon Bathroom Tiles

Magnificent interiors with mosaics

Various bathroom tiling solutions

Restraint and minimalism are in fashion

Bathroom interior with hexagon tiles

Interior with blue tiles

Bathroom interior with fashionable hexagonal tiles

Color options for bathroom tiles

Orange tiles in the bathroom

Photo gallery of ceramic tiles from the collections of Russian and European manufacturers

In this section you will find interesting collections of ceramic tiles from Russian and foreign manufacturers.

Alcor bathroom tiles, interior design photos

Bathroom tiles Kerama Marazzi, interior design photo

Bathroom tiles Europa Ceramica, interior design photo

Bathroom tiles Cersanit, interior design photo

Ceradim bathroom tiles, interior design photos

You can find out prices for ceramic tiles on the official websites of manufacturers. If you want to save money, you can do it with a pattern that imitates tiles.

Tile is the most suitable finishing material for the bathroom; it is used both for wall cladding and as flooring. But in order for a tiled bathroom to look attractive and the finishing itself to last a long time, it is important to choose the right material.

There are a number of reasons why tiles are preferred for finishing a bathroom.

It is hygienic and chemically inert, so it is easy to clean, and a wide range of household chemicals can be used to care for it.
The tile is not afraid of high humidity and direct contact with water, and is resistant to temperature changes, which makes it ideal solution For bathroom
This material is environmentally friendly, safe for health, does not burn, does not accumulate static charge and does not conduct current.
The tiles are quite strong and durable
Finally, it looks attractive, and a wide range of design solutions are available to create an interior to suit every taste.

What to consider when choosing tiles for the bathroom

Often, both the floor and the walls are tiled in the bathroom; for these purposes you need to purchase different varieties tiles, they are easily distinguished by markings with the image of a palm or foot. Floor tiles are usually thicker and larger than wall tiles. It is important that it has a matte, rough texture - glossy smooth tiles have a slippery surface, and when laying them on the floor there is a risk of injury.

You need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the tile, its brand, country of production, as well as size and design.

Technical characteristics and grade

Wear resistance (abrasion resistance). There are 5 classes of wear resistance of ceramic tiles, 3-5 are used in high-traffic areas and public places; for a bathroom in an apartment or private house, 2 classes are enough for the floor and 1 for the walls
Moisture resistance - since there is a high level of humidity in the bathroom, it is better to purchase the most moisture-resistant tiles, class A or AA; for walls you can choose a coating with a class lower than for the floor
You should pay attention to resistance to chemicals (in the labeling it is indicated by a picture of a flask), this characteristic is quite important for a bathroom
Don’t overpay for frost-resistant tiles for interior finishing work
Floors require harder, more durable tiles than walls, an indicator of increased hardness is an icon depicting a cut diamond
The pattern of a shoe on an inclined plane is an indicator that the tile does not slip even when wet; it is advisable to lay tiles with this marking on the bathroom floor

It is better to buy 1st grade tiles for the bathroom, with the lowest percentage of defects. European manufacturers mark premium tiles in red, Blue colour- this is the 2nd grade, green is the 3rd.

In Russia higher quality tiles comply with GOST standards, which are periodically updated, so you should pay attention to the latest numbers indicating the year of adoption of GOST. Tile, the corresponding specifications are not of such high quality.

Dimensions and quantity

As a rule, the larger the room, the larger the finishing material that can be used in it, this is also true for tiles. There is one more nuance: than smaller tiles, the more it will be total area seams. Indoors with high level humidity and insufficient ventilation can lead to the appearance of fungus and mold, which grow precisely in the seams.

Large tiles are suitable for a large spacious bathroom; larger tiles are usually laid on the floor than on the walls
For a small bathroom it is better to choose small and medium sized tiles
Mosaic tiles will be a good solution for a bathroom in a private house where excellent ventilation is organized. The process of installing it is very complex and time-consuming; you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to invite a qualified craftsman

The packaging of the tiles indicates the number of tiles in the pack and their total area. Knowing the surface area that needs to be tiled (the area of the doorway and window is subtracted from the total area of the walls), you can easily calculate how many packages of tiles will be needed. You can use a special online calculator. It is necessary to purchase it with a reserve of 5-15%; purchasing the missing tiles later will be problematic, since products in different batches may vary slightly in tone.

Color and design

The modern ceramic tile market offers many collections with a variety of color solutions, pattern and texture. When choosing tiles according to this criterion, you can be guided by your own aesthetic preferences, but you need to remember that floor and wall tiles should be in harmony with each other, as well as with the furniture and accessories in the bathroom. There are a number of other recommendations to consider:

Light tiles are more versatile, dark tiles visually make the room smaller, so you shouldn’t install them in small bathrooms. Dark tiles are not of lesser quality; dried drops of water are clearly visible on them
For small spaces, plain or small-patterned tiles are suitable. A large pattern on single tiles or a large-scale panel will look impressive only if you look at it from a sufficient distance, that is, in a spacious bathroom with an area of at least 10 m²
the vertical direction of the pattern helps to “raise” the ceiling, but the walls visually move; a small bathroom with this solution will begin to resemble a well
You should not overuse tiles with a glossy texture, although they visually enlarge the room, the glare reflected from its surface quickly tires the eyes
if you choose a combination of black and white tiles to decorate your bathroom, you need to take care of good lighting
It is better to use decorative inserts and borders from the same collection as the main tiles
It is not recommended to combine more than 3 colors and shades in the decoration of walls and floors
if the floor contrasts with the walls, it should be combined with the furniture; the color of the floor and wall tiles can also be the same or differ by a couple of tones; darker tiles are usually laid on the floor. Instead of the classic, but already boring solution of “dark bottom, light top”, today in the bathroom they often make horizontal or vertical dark stripes on a light background.

Changing tiles is much more difficult than re-sticking wallpaper or repainting floors and walls. Therefore, you need to seriously think through the design so that the finish does not become boring and begin to irritate after a few months.

Domestic and imported tiles differ significantly in price and quality. Italian and Spanish products are most highly valued on the world market, combining exceptional quality with spectacular appearance. If you are not limited in finances, you should opt for it. It should be remembered that master tilers value the services of laying expensive luxury tiles more highly, so the costs will be significant. If you need more a budget option, you can buy Polish or Belarusian tiles, which, with decent quality, are more affordable.

Tiles produced in Russia are cheaper than others, but their reputation is not very good, defects are common, and the tones and sizes of tiles within the same package vary. You can purchase high-quality tiles without extra costs by choosing products from Russian factories using European technology. In Russia, tiles from the brands Lasselsberger (Austrian-Czech technology, plant in Ufa), Cersanit (Poland), Kerama Marazzi (Italy) are produced.

What to look for at the time of purchase

You can choose tiles in absentia, using catalogs, but immediately before purchasing you need to look at it with your own eyes and check a number of points:

the symbols on the label must correspond to the technical specifications you require
the article and lot number on all packages must match
make sure that the tiles in the package are the same dimensions and that the dimensions of the decor match them
Before purchasing, you need to check the tiles for the absence of glaze defects - cracks, chips, sagging (various irregularities are permissible only if this is due to design solution), the surface should be flat, not convex-concave, and the corners should be right
if tiles are purchased with delivery, they must be checked for integrity not only at the time of purchase, but also after delivery
It’s better to buy tiles with a reserve and hand over the excess to the store than to face the impossibility of purchasing additional material in the desired color during the renovation process.

Bottom line

When choosing tiles for the bathroom, you need to remember that floor and wall tiles differ in performance characteristics. The main requirement for bathroom tiles is moisture resistance and chemical inertness; the flooring material must be harder and more wear-resistant and have a non-slip surface.

With regard to tiles, the same principles for selecting sizes, colors, and patterns apply as for other finishing materials. It is imperative to purchase tiles from one batch and carefully check for integrity and absence of defects. You should not buy the cheapest tiles; installation problems may arise.

Finishing a bathroom with ceramic tiles – practical option, which opens up wide opportunities for creating unique design. Thanks to its moisture-proof qualities, wear resistance and resistance to various types of contamination, this decorative wall or floor covering lasts for decades. However, in order for it to maintain a fresh, neat appearance throughout its entire service life, it is necessary to wisely select and install it with high quality. This article will help you understand which tiles to choose for the bathroom so that the results of the renovation do not become boring after a year and do not lose their relevance.

Quality Standards

Let's begin our review of the range of ceramic tiles by considering the quality criteria that are regulated state standards. Tile is produced in three main ways:

Casting. Thick ceramic tiles are made using casting; their surface is not perfectly smooth. This option is not suitable for finishing a bathroom, since dirt and harmful microorganisms accumulate in the uneven tiles, which makes it difficult to keep the walls and floor clean;
Extrusion. Most are produced this way modern tiles for the bathroom. The tiles produced by extrusion are even, smooth, with ideal corner geometry and uniform thickness;
Pressing. Pressed ceramic tiles are characterized by increased strength and low porosity. These qualities make it an excellent option for flooring.

The tiles are produced in five strength classes from PEI I to PEIV, the higher the class of the tile, the greater its strength and wear resistance, for class I or II.

All the necessary information about the characteristics of the tile you like is contained on its packaging; it is presented in a graphic code:

The snowflake represents resistance to low temperatures;
A hand on a dark background says the tiles are for walls;
A foot on a dark background means it is a floor tile;
The flask is a sign of resistance to aggressive chemical compounds;
Crystal – degree of hardness;
The letters AA are the moisture resistance class; the second letter of the coding is closer to the end of the alphabet, the worse the tile is protected from water.

Criteria for correct selection

A wide range of construction stores allows you to carry out any design idea, however, making a choice on your own can be quite difficult. To decide which tile is best for the bathroom, first of all you need to decide on fundamental issues:

Destination. Floor and wall tiles have completely different qualities. If low porosity and abrasion resistance are important for floor finishing, then moisture-proof properties are important for walls;
The nature of the use and care of the sanitary room provides its own requirements for building materials: resistance to chemicals, wear resistance, moisture protection;
Size of tiles. Large tiles make cramped spaces visually smaller, so they are recommended for a spacious room. Tiles consisting of small elements are suitable for small bathrooms;
Decor. To decorate the walls in the bathroom, mosaics, panels, borders, contrasting stripes, and mirror elements are used. If you prefer laconic solutions, pay attention to combining tiles of different colors;
Manufacturer. The tiles are produced by domestic and foreign companies, but Italy is considered the leader in the ceramic tile market. Imported products are not cheap, the price depends on currency exchange rate fluctuations, and domestic manufacturers can already seriously compete with them;
Color. The variety of colors of tiles is so great that sometimes your eyes run wild. Traditionally used in the bathroom light colors, since they do not show traces of drops or stains. Dark colors are only suitable for spacious, well-lit rooms. When choosing the color of the tile, you determine the whole range of finishes, since designers advise limiting the finish to three shades.

Advice! When buying tiles, do so with a margin of 5-10%, which will be useful in case of damage and adjustment, and also make sure that all boxes are from the same batch, since the color in different supplies from the same manufacturer can vary significantly.

Color solutions

Tile provides a wide range of options to choose from. Since the area of the walls and floor of the bathroom, finished with tiles, takes up a lot of space, the purchase of plumbing fixtures and furniture begins by choosing the color of the tiles. First of all, this decision is a matter of taste, but there are certain rules which designers usually follow:

In small rooms it is better to give preference to light shades - beige, green, blue. In a spacious bath it is permissible to use rich colors - brown, purple, orange;
The color of the floor should match the color of the walls; it can be one tone lighter or darker. A contrasting floor is a bold decision, which, unfortunately, visually reduces the area of the bathroom;
The grouting of the joints between the tiles is chosen either in a matching color or in a contrasting color. Please note that the grout composition light shades do not use for the floor, since keeping it clean is expensive;
If you don't have a specific preference, consider natural, natural colors. They do not strain the eyes, are pleasant to humans and create a relaxing atmosphere;
Before you make a choice, think that the color of the tile determines the entire range of bathroom decoration; you will have to select plumbing fixtures, fittings, furniture and the design theme for it. By the way, marine style in the design of a bathroom is always relevant.

Some manufacturers offer tiles that imitate the color and structure of natural materials; for example, wood-look tiles look great on a bathroom floor.

Decor selection

Decorating a bathroom involves the use of different decorative methods that decorate it in their own way. Designers recommend paying attention to the following options:

Typesetting panels. A panel is a picture applied to tiles using photo printing or manually; it can consist of one or several elements. Typically, the manufacturer includes panels in a collection of ceramic tiles, which includes wall coverings, floors, borders and other decor options, made in the same style and color. The use of panels makes the interior more sophisticated and expensive;
Mosaic. This is a method of wall decoration that uses small tiles of one or more colors to create a beautiful pattern or design. Walls finished with mosaics shimmer beautifully in the light of the lamps and visually expand the bathroom space due to the glossy surface. The disadvantage of this type of decor is the complexity of the work. Since it is difficult to cope with laying mosaics on your own, you need the help of a professional, whose services sometimes cost more than the material;
Combination of different colors. The contrasting color of the tiles in the bathroom will help set accents in the interior. Vertical stripes visually expand the space, making the room more spacious. And if you add it to the wall decoration mirror tiles, even the simplest tile will sparkle with new colors.

To summarize, here are some tips on choosing tiles that experienced craftsmen give to their clients:

To finish the bathroom floor, purchase ceramic tiles 9-12 mm thick, produced by pressing or extrusion;
For walls, choose tiles from samples with a thickness of 6-9 mm;
If you use the products different companies, make sure that the thickness and dimensions match, since a discrepancy between these parameters will cause significant difficulties during installation;
Carefully check the color, quantity and quality of the purchased tiles before signing the invoice. Differences in color, cracks and chips indicate low quality of the product; it is better to discard such a product immediately.

The choice is not an easy matter, especially if it concerns something that will serve for decades. Therefore, when deciding which tiles to use to decorate the bathroom, take your time and do not chase fashion.

Video - secrets of choosing ceramic tiles

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