Choose tiles for the bathroom. Which tile is best for the bathroom: secrets of choosing the right one

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When planning to renovate a bathroom and toilet, you need to decide in advance on the choice of finishing materials. Today there are quite a few finishing options, but in most cases consumers prefer ceramic tiles. It can be placed on the floor and tiled on walls; it is durable, strong and beautiful. However, in stores a wide range of It’s no wonder you get confused when you think about the question of how to choose the right tiles for the bathroom?

The bathroom, as a rule, has a small area, and the toilet area is not very spacious. But when renovating this room, many problems arise. And questions begin to arise already at the planning stage. It can be difficult for consumers to decide what color the tiles in the bathroom should be, what size is optimal, and will a glossy or rough structure be more convenient to use?

Naturally it should be High Quality so that it can last a long time while maintaining its visual appeal. After all, few people like the prospect of annually changing ceramic tiles on the walls and floors. Interesting options displays can be seen in photos in catalogs and specialized publications.

What to consider when choosing?

So, what parameters should you pay attention to when purchasing? This is, first of all:

Performance qualities and characteristics.
Shape and size.
Color and texture.

Let's consider these parameters in more detail.

Performance characteristics

Ceramic tiles are produced in different options, therefore it is very important to learn how to correctly read the information indicated on the product label.

Requirements for ceramic tiles

The consumer should know that tiles are produced for various purposes, so you need to learn how to choose the right materials for bathroom and toilet renovations. So, it should be:

Waterproof.
Resistant to water vapor and temperature changes.
Resistant to various chemicals.
In the event that it is purchased colorful tiles, then its coating should not fade over time.
Resistant to abrasion and scratches.

Types of tiles

Ceramic tiles differ in the manufacturing method. The following types are distinguished:

Bicottura is a double-fired material, usually produced glazed. This material is suitable for wall decoration; this type of tile is not suitable for flooring.
Monocottura is a single-firing material, it is more durable and can also be used for floor cladding.
Clinker is the most durable of the listed types. During production, a special technology is used that makes it possible to obtain low-porosity and very durable material. As a rule, this type of material has natural shades. The clay color and brown color scheme are perfect for flooring.

Porcelain tiles are a special, highly durable type of floor tile. It is characterized by high abrasion resistance and does not form scratches on its surface. As a rule, porcelain stoneware is designed to look like stone, its surface imitates the cut of granite, marble and other natural materials.

Advice! In addition to tiles, glass or mirror tiles. In terms of durability and moisture resistance, this material is practically not inferior to ceramics, however, glass is even less resistant to impact loads. Therefore, this type of finish is more often used for walls and ceilings.

Reading the information on the label

To indicate the characteristics of tiles, manufacturers use pictograms rather than descriptions:

The silhouette of the foot on a black background indicates that it is intended for flooring. If the background is not black, but shaded, then this indicates increased wear resistance of the product. But this indicator is not necessary to take into account when performing renovations in a home bathroom.
Wall tiles are indicated on the label by the silhouette of a palm against a dark background.
Resistance to chemicals is indicated by the silhouette of the flask and the letter designation.

Advice! For renovations in a bathroom in a private house or apartment, the optimal chemical resistance rating is AA.

The wear resistance indicator is indicated by a gear-shaped pictogram and numbers. For home conditions, the recommended wear resistance coefficient is 2, since such a floor will be walked on mainly barefoot or in soft shoes.

Pictograms also indicate the thickness of the tile. So, for wall cladding you should choose a material with a thickness of 6-9 mm, and optimal thickness floor – 9-12 mm.
You should definitely take into account such an indicator as the anti-slip coefficient. It is indicated by a pictogram in the form of a silhouette of a boot standing on an inclined plane, as well as numbers from 1 to 4. The higher the number, the less slippery the tile will be, but at the same time, an increase in the anti-slip coefficient increases its cost.

Shape and size

Tiles are usually produced in the form of squares or rectangles, but their size can vary. Size matters from both a practical and aesthetic point of view. Seams are the most vulnerable area of the coating in terms of the possibility of water penetration.

Even if treated with special grouts, mold often forms in the seams. Therefore, from a practical point of view, larger tiles are more profitable than small ones, since the coating will have fewer seams.

On the other hand, if the configuration of the room is complex, then the use of tiles big size it is irrational, since you will have to cut the material often. In addition, using small tiles you can lay out various patterns.

Choice of color and texture

When choosing color, texture and design, you should take into account not only your own taste, but also the size of the room. For a small bathroom or toilet, large-sized tiles are not suitable; you should choose small ones. The optimal size is 20 by 20 cm. If the room of a small bath or toilet will be finished with rectangular tiles, optimal size– 20 by 30 cm.

Advice! Do not forget that the color of tiles may look different in sunlight and artificial lighting.

Let's look at the most popular design options:

Very often, when decorating a bathroom and toilet, shades of water are used - these are turquoise and blue tiles. Light shades of sea wave and delicate azure look beautiful. But don't forget that Blue colour belongs to the cold range, in addition, the blue color of a deep saturated tone can have a depressing effect on the psyche. To eliminate this effect, it is worth using a combination of colors; gold and white tiles are perfect for this purpose.
The traditional design option for a bathroom is green colors. This color is associated with natural freshness, greenery of forests and meadows. It is better to choose light shades. For example, pistachio or light green cladding looks very fresh on the walls, but malachite or emerald is perfect for the floor.

IN Lately Red colors have become widely used for bathroom decoration. IN small spaces, it is better to use this color locally, covering only certain areas, for example, near a mirror or sink. A burgundy or coral lining would look good on the floor. In large rooms this color can be used on a larger scale, however, it is recommended to use color combinations here too. So, red and white tiles with appropriate decor look very elegant. Raspberry or ruby shades are well set off by gray or silver cladding with a pearlescent tint.
If you want to create a sunny and bright design, orange colors will come in handy. Of course, this color should be used only locally, but calmer tones are better as a base - beige or peach cladding does not irritate the eye, setting the mood for relaxation. As bright accents Yellow tiles for the bathroom are also applicable. Warm shades of brown or wenge are suitable for the floor.
To create a romantic and feminine interior, lilac tiles can be recommended. In this case, a purple color scheme can be used as decor, but a light one will still look better as a base color.
A classic of the genre - the use of two basic colors, black and white striped tiles for the bathroom or a combination of tiles of these two colors looks very stylish. However, this design visually makes the room smaller, so it can be recommended for spacious bathrooms. In a small bathroom, it is better to keep the wall color light; black tiles can be used to decorate the floor.

Advice! Marble floor tiles look beautiful in such rooms.

When choosing the color of a material, you should always give preference light shades. If you really want to use dark colors, then it is better to use them for floor coverings.
Do not forget that dark glossy floor tiles, although they look extremely impressive (you can see examples in the photo on the Internet), require careful care. On such a surface there are traces from dried droplets of water, from traces of wet feet, every speck of dust is visible on it.

If you don’t want to wash the floor several times a day, it’s better to avoid dark, glossy floors. In this case, would be better suited matte tiles that imitate the surface natural stone.
If the walls in the bathroom have a complex configuration, then in this case it is best to use tiled mosaic.
You should not use too many colors in interior design, as this creates variegation that irritates the eye. It is enough to use 2-3 colors.
Bright shades are recommended to be used to highlight individual interior elements.
You can greatly simplify your choice of tiles. To do this, you should use ready-made solutions. Such collections include samples of basic tiles for walls and floors, decorative elements, panels, borders. By combining these details to your liking, it will not be difficult to create a harmonious and unique interior.

Choosing the right tiles for finishing the floors and walls in the bathroom is not easy. After all, coatings are created for a long time, so mistakes are unacceptable.

But now all “progressive humanity” often resorts to the services of online stores, which are in increasing demand every day due to their convenience and loyal pricing policy, and the assortment in virtual retail outlets is sometimes much wider than in construction stores. It's worth taking a closer look at this method of shopping.

Which tile is better to choose for the bathroom: types

Cladding material may play a role flooring or intended for wall decoration. Some designers, not lacking in “creative courage,” suggest using floor tiles for both floors and walls. And there is nothing wrong with this, since floor tiles are more durable than tiles for finishing vertical surfaces.

All produced tiles are divided into 5 classes, the main ones performance characteristics For ceramic coating are abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. For bathrooms, material of 1-2 classes is used, and if desired, you can use tiles of the fifth class, which are suitable for all rooms.

The optimal thickness of floor tiles is 9-12 mm, and wall tiles are 6-9 mm. As for the surface of the material, it can be either glossy or matte. And if a person loves everything shiny and wants to add something special to the bathroom interior, then the first option will suit him best. Matte bathroom tiles – The best decision, so it is characterized by low water absorption and resistance to chemicals, which are inevitably present in household chemicals And cosmetics, besides, it is stronger than glossy.

Criterias of choice

Choosing good bathroom tiles should be based on:

operational characteristics;

texture and design;

size and shape.

All detailed information about the material is indicated in the labeling and conveyed to the buyer in the form of pictograms. For this reason, people who are not familiar with this “graphic language” or who are afraid of making mistakes are recommended to make such purchases online, because there is a detailed description for each product item in the online store.

Which tile manufacturer is better to choose for the bathroom?

In pursuit of brands, people always forget the proverb about “shining gold”, naively believing that imported ceramic tiles are something outstanding. In fact, the quality of products does not depend on the country of manufacture, but on who, from what, using whose technologies and on what equipment produced it. Therefore, it is logical to assume that ceramic tiles made in the Middle Kingdom and Italy are two big differences.

When choosing a facing material, everyone proceeds from their own financial capabilities, and the most expensive purchase option is imported ceramic tiles with a glossy finish, the photo of which is posted here. As for quality, you need to understand one thing: good products cannot be cheap. Naturally, the tile should not crumble in your hands and cannot have pronounced defects, such as irregular sizes, uneven coloring, etc. And if the tile is intended for the floor, then it must be treated with an anti-slip coating.

Mosaic tiles - what is it?

The main difference between this material and tile is its size. Small pieces of ceramics can create a real miracle if they fall into skillful hands. At the moment, this, along with ceramic tiles, is the best option for finishing rooms with high humidity,

Ceramic tiles for the bathroom are the best solution. Almost always when we're talking about Regarding the material for finishing the bathroom, preference is given to tiles. But few people know how to choose and install it correctly. After all, every business has its own subtleties and nuances, and choosing tiles for the bathroom is no exception.

Main characteristics of bathroom tiles

The main advantage of ceramic tiles is their practicality. She's easy to work with and isn't afraid high humidity, the tiles can be easily restored to their original form by cleaning them from all contaminants.

In addition, such material can be used in almost any conditions. It can withstand high temperature changes, and the widest range of colors and sizes of ceramic tiles will allow you to choose suitable option for any interior.

But how exactly to choose finishing materials that would not only fit into the interior, but also be able to last a long time and reliably? To do this you need to know a few details.

High quality tiles will be safe for others, as they are sufficiently environmentally friendly. When choosing tiles, you need to pay special attention to cracks and splits.

If any - tiles Low quality. For high-quality tiles, scratches and unevenness are allowed only if this is a design decision.

One of the most important tasks when decorating a bathroom is to correctly calculate the number of tiles needed for the job. It should be enough to ensure a high-quality result, but not too much so as not to commit extra expenses or litter the free space with remnants of finishing work.

It is recommended to increase the quantity of tiles purchased by 5-7 percent to insure against accidental damage to the material during operation. An electronic calculator will help you calculate the optimal amount of tiles for your bathroom. It can be found on most construction sites.

To calculate tiles, such calculators use data on the height and length of the wall, the area of the room, the length and height of windows, doors, bathrooms, and the dimensions of the tiles themselves.

The output will be the number of tiles required for the work. But such calculations will not work if you use complex solutions for decorating the room. For example, mosaic.

Recently, mosaics have been increasingly used to decorate bathrooms. Basically, this is done to give a Greek style, but with the help of mosaics you can lay out any other design.

If you have made a choice in favor of such a finishing material, it is better to contact a specialist. Independent attempts to work with this material often lead to problems and additional costs for rework.

Mosaic is a very specific type of finishing, which should not be chosen if it is not possible to invite an experienced master of this type of work. When choosing an adhesive for the job, it is recommended to pay attention to the advice of the tile manufacturer.

After all, it is the manufacturer who will suggest the option that suits the selected tile better than others. This means their products will last longer and be more reliable.

The color and size of tiles for the bathroom are selected based on personal preferences. Although, you should not forget about the generally accepted design rules, and remember that an unsuccessfully chosen color or size of tiles can lead to unpleasant sensations while taking a bath.

For example, a light top and dark bottom will visually reduce the size of the bathroom. The same effect is achieved by large slabs on the floor.

If you want to visually expand your bathroom, designers recommend a combination of vertical stripes and small tiles on the floor.

Today, construction stores offer a huge selection different types tiles for the bathroom. These are ceramic, floor, wall, etc.

But for whatever purpose you buy ceramic tiles for the bathroom, you need to pay special attention to the quality certificate. Only then can you be sure of the reliability and durability of the chosen material.

Choosing the right ceramic tiles for the bathroom

Ceramic tiles are quite durable and beautiful material, which will serve you for a long time. In addition, it is not fussy to clean, and its main advantage is the price.

You can buy ceramic tiles at any hardware store. Today, all hardware stores have a fairly wide range and ceramic tiles are no exception.

In addition, specialists can advise you in the store and help you choose. But still, before going to the store, we advise you to read our article and take into account a few important points, which will help you make the right choice.

What should you consider when choosing ceramic tiles for your bathroom?

1. Decide for what period you are going to buy the material.
Are you doing renovations? for a long time? Then don't try to save on material!

Remember the fact that in the manufacture of cheap tiles, cheap material is most often used. In appearance, it is less durable and reacts poorly to sudden changes in temperature and humidity.

Better quality tiles are another matter; it is clear that their price will be an order of magnitude higher, but you will still benefit. After all, it will last you longer and, among other things, it will have a coating that repels dirt.

This will make caring for this species much easier for you.

2. Decide on the manufacturer.
Most quality tiles Italian tiles are considered for the bathroom. This is the best manufacturer in the whole world and has no analogues.

It is clear that this is not the cheapest tile on the market today, but it pays for its price. After all, this is not just European quality - it is quality, practicality, beauty and durability rolled into one.

Of course, many will not throw away money and will try to purchase cheap option, then remember that if you look hard enough, you can get an excellent option at affordable prices.

3. The third step that is worth thinking about is decorative design.
Take it seriously. After all, once you select a picture, you cannot change it.

Think about everything: what kind of design do you want: discreet or vice versa; what tone: stylish and contrasting or more gentle and calm.

All this is very important when choosing ceramic tiles, because the bathroom should bring you joy and pleasure, not sadness or irritation.

4. If you decide to buy tiles in a store, be sure to check all the packaging and make sure that all the tiles are the same color. This is also important. Indeed, often in stores one type of tile is presented in different colors.

Imagine how unpleasant it will be for you if you arrive home and it turns out that you brought different shades. It is clear that you will replace it, but at the same time you will waste your time.

5. Calculate the required number of ceramic tiles. It is not difficult. To do this, you need to calculate how many square meters in the bathroom you will cover with ceramic tiles.

You have calculated how many tiles you need, but do not take them back to back, it is better to take them with a reserve. About another 5% of the required amount.
Taking into account all the above points, it will be easier for you to make your choice.

But do not forget that in addition to tiles you will need other materials:

Tile adhesive. It must be calculated individually. It all depends on the dimensions specified by the manufacturer. You can find them on the glue packaging.
Don't forget to also purchase crosses for gaps, a fugue, a latex additive for a fugue, and a glue spatula. Be sure to get one with a wide gap, this will allow the glue to lay evenly.
Rubber hammer, it is useful for laying tiles.
And don’t forget the main thing - a tile cutter and a glass cutter for tiles.

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 high-quality material 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 outline When wondering how to choose a tile, you should keep in mind 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. During the manufacturing process, tiles are used modern technologies, 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 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 dearest. With the help of modern equipment, stone cutting occurs quickly and accurately, 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 tiles 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.

And here design solutions V in this case so many 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.

Don't stop at just one collection different shades or on 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 version. 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.

Direction in style

Determining the tile design is one of the most difficult and responsible 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. Top part The walls are finished with light tiles, the bottom one is darker, 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 surface made from a textured coating will look impressive; it conveys unusually realistic natural material, such as stone, snake scales, pebbles, metal.

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

Absorbency. If this indicator is high, it will be difficult for the adhesive solution to hold 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 inner side tiles 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 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 in an already quite spacious room.

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 kit. 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!

Tile has been considered the best option for finishing bathrooms and toilets for many years in a row. Thanks to innovative technologies, manufacturers are able to produce high-quality materials with high performance and also attractive appearance. The rich assortment makes you think about which tile to choose for the bathroom, which color and size is best. To make the right choice and perform high-quality repairs that will delight you for many years, you need to know about all the requirements and characteristics. This is what this article will discuss.

Choosing tiles

Despite the fact that today construction stores offer a huge selection alternative options For floor finishing, people prefer tiles. In particular, this is due to a large number of advantages. The list of the most important advantages includes:

high degree of chemical passivity;
absolute safety for human health;
ease of maintenance during operation;
resistance to aggressive detergents;
ease of installation;
large assortment (differs in colors, textures, patterns and shapes);
environmental friendliness;
does not burn.

The tile contains clay and water, so we can safely say that it is a natural material.

Tile range

When planning to buy tiles for the bathroom, you must first familiarize yourself with its varieties. Thus, ceramic tiles, depending on the manufacturing method, are divided into the following types:

Bicottura. It is fired twice and covered with glaze. Despite its high resistance to aggressive detergents, it has reduced strength. However, this is an excellent option for wall decoration.
Monocottura. During production, the workpiece is fired once. The result is a highly durable material that can be laid on the floor.
Clinker. This is a common variant of ceramic tiles. During the production process they are used innovative technologies, which make it possible to obtain a low-porosity and durable material. However, there is only one minor drawback - the limited design: only natural shades are present.
Porcelain tiles. Floor tiles increased strength has high resistance to abrasion and scratching. In most cases, porcelain stoneware manufacturers create imitations of natural stone: granite or marble. In addition, there is a rough surface, which gives the tile a greater resemblance to the original.

Despite the fact that consumers most often prefer ceramic tiles, there are other varieties:

Glass and mirror. Moisture resistance and durability are as high as ceramics. In this case, the disadvantage can be called susceptibility to shock loads. Therefore, it is used to decorate walls and ceilings.
Polymer. This is one of the most affordable options that everyone can afford to buy. A conscientious manufacturer offers its customers tiles in a variety of designs.
A natural stone. The most expensive material is a real stone. Thanks to modern equipment You can precisely cut the stone and process it to standard tile sizes.

If there is a thin layer of glaze, the tile's resistance to abrasion is reduced, so this tile is recommended for wall decoration.

We study the information on the label

An important step in choosing tiles for the bathroom is studying the information on the label, since this is where manufacturers record the necessary data for the consumer. The most commonly used pictograms are:

The foot on the black background means that this tile can be used for flooring.
The hatched background indicates increased wear resistance.
The silhouette of a palm on a black background means that the tile is intended for wall decoration.
The image of the flask and abbreviation indicates high stability to the action of aggressive substances.
The gear with numbers indicates the degree of wear resistance. In a residential building, a coefficient of 2 is quite sufficient, since at home everyone walks around barefoot or in soft slippers.

Also pay close attention to the information on the thickness of the product, which is present on the label, and the anti-slip coefficient. The last point is very important in a house where there are small children.

When decorating a bathroom in a private house or apartment, it is recommended to buy tiles with an AA resistance rating.

Pay attention to design

There are many options for different design solutions, so choosing the right one is considered the most difficult stage, as it forces you to consider many different proposals. To make the process easier, professionals recommend first deciding on the manufacturer, and then the collection. As you know, each of them includes several models that differ according to the following criteria:

color;
drawing (one topic chosen);
texture.

Give preference to several at the same time color solutions tiles that are in different collections are not worth it, since such tiles will not be harmoniously combined with each other. Each collection offers many options for decors and inserts, which are made in the same style direction.

It is also important to follow one more tip - this is the permissible number of colors when decorating a bathroom. The optimal option is considered to be a combination of 3 primary colors, as well as their shades, which include the color scheme of all surfaces and decorative elements. A large number of flowers will be too tiring for the eyes. In addition, this is a bad solution for a small bathroom, as the room will look tacky.

In the process of combining several collections or elements from different manufacturers, you should know exactly the dimensions of the tiles. Since they may differ not only in size, but also in thickness, which will cause difficulties during installation.

Color options

To make your bathroom interior more attractive, you need to carefully consider how color scheme it's better to do it. The needs and wishes of everyone living in the house are taken into account here. It is also necessary to consider the degree of illumination, as well as the type of lamps used. Let's look at the most common color options:

Green. This is a traditional solution for the bathroom. This color has a positive effect on your mood and invigorates you in the morning, which is very important.
Blue. Used when you want to create a solid interior. At the same time, on light colors Even minor dirt will be immediately noticeable. Do not forget that this is a cold shade and many will feel discomfort.
Red. Shades of this color have a stimulating effect and increase overall tone.
Orange. Such a room in a person’s subconscious will be associated with the sun, which means it will lift your spirits and set you up for a good start to the day.
Lilac. Fits perfectly into a girl's bathroom. When combined with other colors such as red or blue, it is suitable for a family bathroom.

The classic design is considered to be a combination of black and white, as well as their shades. Designers recommend using high-quality branded tiles in this case.

Main criteria

In addition to the above information, other important characteristics will help you decide which tile is best to buy for your bathroom.

Absorbency

If the selected finish has a high moisture absorption rate, then its weight will be increased several times, so the adhesive solution will not be able to hold it on the wall. Over time it will disappear. You can determine the degree of absorbency yourself; to do this, just examine the reverse side for the presence of pores. Ideally they shouldn't be there.

Evenness of the wrong side

The reverse side of the tile has a depression. When laying, it is very important to completely fill the void with adhesive solution. Otherwise, a cavity will form, which will affect the adhesion of the finishing material and the wall.

Front side condition

Here it is worth considering several signs at the same time:

perfectly smooth surface;
absence of roughness and bubbling;
uniform distribution over the entire surface.

It is quite enough to carefully inspect and feel the tile to determine the presence of the specified parameters. Keep in mind that manufacturers make tiles with a matte or glossy surface. Each of them has its own advantages.

Geometry

To install tiles efficiently, it is very important to select elements with the correct geometry. In this case, all seams will be smooth and clear. To check this indicator, it is enough to place several tiles on the side in a stack on a flat surface. If the top edge of the tiles does not coincide with each other, this means that there are differences.

Even minimal discrepancies of 1–2 mm transfer products to the category of defective products. It is not recommended to purchase it.

Special attention should be paid to choosing bathroom tiles of the appropriate size. Tiles are classified into 4 groups:

Large tiles. Its size is 25x40 cm more. Due to the large size, the level of moisture resistance of the walls increases, since fewer seams are formed during its laying. However, if the walls are not perfectly smooth, then it is difficult to level out the curvature with such tiles. Installation large tiles visually enlarges the bathroom.
Medium tile. Her the average size is 20x25 cm. If the bathroom has a small area, then this is best option. For example, by laying vertically you can visually raise the ceiling, if horizontally you can expand the room.
Small tile does not exceed 10x10 cm in size. It is best used if it is necessary to hide the curvature of the wall. Small tiles are best laid in large bathrooms, but be sure to combine them with others finishing materials. Square tiles often used to create patterns on floors and walls.
Mosaic tiles consists of small squares, hexagons, and even oval shapes. Most often it is used for cladding shower tray and other surfaces.

It is generally accepted that small format tiles are most often used for large rooms. Large tiles visually enlarge the room due to a small number of seams. Therefore, if you have a small or medium-sized bathroom, then choose large-sized tiles. But remember important condition: When laying large tiles, the walls must be smooth.

If the bathroom has niches, depressions or shaped protrusions, then it is better to purchase mosaic tiles. This category also includes tiles of non-standard size with an ornament such as a decorative border. They can be separated functional areas premises.

So, when choosing tiles by size, pay attention to the following points:

Consider the size of the bathroom. For a small bathroom, the tiles should be larger than for a spacious one.
Large tiles in a small bathroom will narrow the space visually. The result will be a feeling of cramping. Therefore, for a small room you can use medium-sized tiles.
When arranging a spacious bathroom, you can combine tiles of different formats, for example, large and mosaic.

These are, perhaps, the main nuances that should be taken into account when choosing tiles by size.

When choosing the color of tiles for a small bath, you should give preference to light shades. If you want to buy darker colors, then you should use them for floor coverings.
Dark shades require more careful care, as dirt and stains will be more noticeable on them.
If you do not want to carry out constant cleaning, you should abandon dark glossy surfaces. For the floor, matte tiles imitating natural stone are best suited.
Walls with a complex configuration can be decorated with tiled mosaics.
Bright colors are used to accentuate and highlight areas or interior decor.
To simplify the process of choosing tiles for the bathroom, it is worth considering ready-made solutions from the manufacturer - these are tile collections. Such sets include combinations for finishing walls, ceilings, as well as decorative elements: panels and borders.

It will look most effective in the bathroom marble tiles, for example, onyx cladding.

All the time that was spent on considering and choosing a tile model is more than compensated for incomparably for a long time operation of high-quality coating. I would also like to note that in order to obtain a beautiful and perfectly smooth surface, it is necessary to choose the right grout color for the joints.

Video

It’s worth saying a few words about the technology of laying tiles in the bathroom; watch videos about this:

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