Want to make your bathroom look crazy stylish? Using modern-looking tiles is a rad way to turn any bathroom into a swanky hangout spot. Whether remodeling or building fresh, these hip tiles can majorly up your design game. Below, we’ll keep everything about contemporary bathroom tiles ideas, including materials, patterns, care, and more.
What Are Contemporary Tiles?
To look current, contemporary bathroom tiles keep things simple—clean lines, basic patterns, and in-your-face colors. You can snag these tiles for walls and floors in ceramic, porcelain, glass, and other materials. They use minimal looks, geometric shapes, and neutral and vivid color combos across various materials.
Best Materials for Contemporary Tiles
The materials you select for modern bathroom tiles play a big role, depending on whether you use them on walls or floors. Different materials work better in different places.
Popular picks include:
- Ceramic Tiles—Ceramic is a classic bathroom tile. It is cheap, durable, and available in many colors and patterns. It is best for walls but works on floors if properly sealed.
- Porcelain Tiles—Porcelain is known for being water-proof and tough, making it great for walls and floors. More dense than ceramic, porcelain can copy natural stone and look better.
- Glass Tiles—Glass tile adds some shine. It is often used for backsplashes and wall decor. Glass tiles beautifully bounce light around and are easy to keep clean.
Choosing the Right Color Tiles for a Contemporary Bathroom
Here are some helpful ideas for choosing a good color:
1. Neutral Tones
Neutral shades like white, beige, and gray are popular choices for modern bathrooms. These mellow tones give your bathroom a clean, fresh vibe and pair well with fixtures and decorations.
2. Bold Colors
If you want to make a statement, use bold hues like deep blues, blacks, or bright yellows. These bright colors give your bathroom a sleek, modern look.
3. Mixing Colors
Up For a unique style, you can mix neutral and bold colors. For example, using white tiles on the walls and black tiles on the floor makes an elegant contrast.
Durability and Water Resistance of Contemporary Tiles
Bathroom tiles nowadays are tough and waterproof. Here’s why:
Keeping Water Out
- Porcelain tiles are extra dense, so water can’t get in. Great for wet areas.
- Ceramic tiles need to be glazed properly so water doesn’t soak in too much. They are good for walls and drier spaces.
- Glass tiles – Nothing goes through these. Perfect to accent the room.
Toughness
- Porcelain is fired hotter, so it’s harder. It can take more of a beating than other tiles.
- Ceramic is still durable but a bit softer than porcelain. If installed carefully, it is fine for most bathrooms.
- Natural stone, like marble, looks nice but can chip if you drop something on it. It also needs frequent sealing.
Resisting Scratches and Stains
Glass tiles scratch easier than porcelain or ceramic. It is best used for backsplashes.
Lasting Many Years
With good installation, today’s tiles keep bathrooms looking great for decades. The waterproofing means no leaks or damage from moisture, so no replacements are needed for a very long time!
Trending Patterns and Textures for Contemporary Bathroom Tiles
Tiles can be about more than just color—they also have cool patterns and textures. In fancy new bathrooms, the tile designs can make a difference in the room’s appearance.
Let me break down some of the popular tile pattern trends:
Geometric Shapes
Geometric stuff like hexagons, triangles, and squares are big in tile designs nowadays. They give a bathroom a structured, modern vibe.
Subway Tiles
People have loved subway tiles for years, and they’re still used everywhere in bathrooms. They have that straight, clean look and often go on walls in a brick-type pattern.
Textured Tiles
Textured tiles add depth, making a bathroom feel less flat. These can mimic materials like wood or stone, helping a bathroom feel more natural and cozy.
Multi-Functional Use: Walls and Floors
A great thing about new-age bathroom tiles is using the same ones on floors and walls. It makes the whole room feel uniform.
Wall Tiles
To get that seamless look, many people extend the tile from the floor straight up onto the walls. This makes everything flow together and can make a bathroom appear more spacious.
Floor Tiles
Floor tiles need extra grip and durability. Many tiles today have a built-in texture to make them less slippery, which is important when feet get wet!
In short, tile patterns and textures are big deals nowadays. They can transform the vibe of a bathroom.
Maintenance and Care of Contemporary Bathroom Tiles
Having nice tiles in your bathroom is great, but you need to take care of them so they stay looking good. Here are some tips:
Regular Cleaning
- Wipe the tiles often with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt and soap scum. Don’t use strong cleaners that could damage the tiles.
- Gently scrub tough stains with a soft brush. Be extra gentle with textured or patterned tiles.
Cleaning Between the Tiles
- The lines between tiles can get dirty over time. Make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the lines for a few minutes before scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.
- Putting a sealant on the lines after cleaning will help prevent future stains and make cleaning easier.
- For stubborn stains on the lines, try a store-bought tile cleaner or diluted vinegar. But test it first before using it a lot!
Sealing Natural Stone Tiles
- If your tiles are marble or slate, they must be sealed every 6-12 months so water doesn’t seep in and damage them. Use a stone tile sealer and let it completely dry before using the bathroom.
- Always use natural stone cleaners on these tiles. Other cleaners can ruin the sealant or the surface.
Preventing Scratches and Chips
- Don’t drag heavy stuff across your tile floors.
- Use felt on furniture or decorations sitting on tile floors.
- Be very gentle when cleaning glass or shiny tiles – don’t use anything too rough that scrubs a lot!
Keeping Mold and Mildew Away
Bathrooms are prone to mold and mildew because of moisture. Help avoid it by:
- Wiping down tiles and walls after every shower
- -Having a fan or open window for airflow
- Using a mild bleach cleaner or mold spray if you spot mold in the lines or tile corners
Fixing Cracks and Chips
- Deal with cracked or chipped tiles ASAP before they worsen.
- Small chips can sometimes be filled in with a tile filler.
- Big cracks might need a professional to fix or replace the tile.
Comparing Modern and Traditional Bathroom Tiles
Let’s look at what makes contemporary and old-fashioned bathroom tiles different:
Design
Modern tiles keep clean lines, basic shapes, and neutral colors simple. Subway tiles or funky hexagons are popular choices.
Old-fashioned tiles are more decorative, with floral patterns, intricate designs, and bold colors.
Materials
Modern tiles use newer materials like porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone.
Old-fashioned tiles tend to use natural materials. They may need some extra care but give a warm, rustic feel. Hand-painted ceramics are also popular.
Colors
Modern tiles use neutral white, gray, black, or soft pastels. A bolder deep blue or matte black adds interest.
Old-fashioned tiles use richer terracotta, bright blues, and deep greens. Light and dark shades are often mixed for cool contrasts.
Patterns
Modern tiles have simple squares, rectangles, and hexagons for a sleek, tidy look.
Old-fashioned tiles get fancy with floral patterns or mosaics. These artistic touches give a sense of history.
Go modern for a clean, minimalist look. Pick old-fashioned for bold colors and ornate charm. Both can be amazing – it just depends on your style!
Best Tile Sizes for Modern Bathroom Designs
Here are some good tile size options:
Large Tiles
- 12 x 24 inch
- 18 x 36 inch
Large tiles have fewer grout lines, creating a smooth, simple look. They also make small bathrooms feel more open. You can put them on walls or floors.
Rectangular Tiles
- 4 x 12 inch
- 6 x 18 inch
Rectangular subway tiles or long tiles add a modern feel. Lay them horizontally to make the room feel wider or vertically to create the illusion of height.
Large Square Tiles
- 24 x 24 inch
Large format square tiles give a bold, consistent look. They work well in both large and small bathrooms. Using fewer tiles reduces grout lines for a cleaner look.
Mosaic Tiles for Accents
- 2 x 2 inch
Use small mosaic tiles to create accents around sinks or showers in niches. This adds interest without overwhelming the clean lines created by large tiles.
Plank Tiles
- 6 x 36 inch or larger
Plank tiles mimic wood or stone but are more durable. They add natural texture to modern designs.
Making Small Bathrooms Feel Big with Modern Tiles
Designing bathrooms for small spaces can be tricky. But modern tiles can help make things look brighter and more open. Here are some ideas:
Light Colors Reflect More Light
- White, light gray, or beige wall tiles reflect light around the room, making it seem more airy.
- Glossy glass tiles also bounce light around, making rooms appear larger.
Bigger Tiles Mean Less Grout Lines
- Using larger tiles means less grout between them. This gives a cleaner, less cluttered look.
- Big rectangular floor tiles or wall slate tiles work great.
Stack Vertical Tiles To Add Height
- Putting up tiles vertically draws the eyes up more. This makes rooms feel taller.
- Tall, thin subway tiles running floor to ceiling help do this.
Mirrored & Reflective Tiles Bounce More Light
- Tiles with shiny, mirrored surfaces reflect light around the room. This expands the feel of the space.
- Glass tiles and metals like bronze or pewter achieve this nicely.
Creative Tile Layouts Expand Space
- Tiling a whole wall floor-to-ceiling makes a bold focal point. It also draws eyes up for more height.
- Matching tiles on both floors and walls give a smooth, blended effect.
Contrast Floor & Wall Tiles for Depth
- Dark floor tiles and lighter wall tiles lead eyes from floor to ceiling. This enhances height.
- Textured tiles add depth without overwhelming the room.
With smart tile choices, even the smallest bathrooms can feel fresh, clean, and spacious. Simple shapes, muted colors, and strategic layouts go a long way.