Choosing the right tiles can make a big difference to how your bathroom, laundry, outdoor area or feature wall looks and performs over time. The right tile is not only about colour and design. You also need to consider where it will be installed, how much grip is needed, how easy it is to clean, and whether the finish suits the space.
At Hora Bathrooms, we supply a range of tiles for bathrooms, floors, walls, outdoor areas, pool areas and feature walls. This guide will help you understand the main tile types and what to look for before choosing.
1. Bathroom Floor Tiles
Bathroom floor tiles need to be practical, durable and suitable for wet areas. Because bathrooms can become slippery, it is important to choose tiles with the right surface finish for the space.
Popular bathroom floor tile choices include stone look tiles, concrete look tiles, travertine look tiles and neutral matte tiles.
For bathroom floors, many customers prefer matte or textured finishes because they usually feel more natural underfoot and can be more practical than high-gloss finishes.
2. Bathroom Wall Tiles
Bathroom wall tiles give you more flexibility with style because they do not usually need the same grip level as floor tiles. You can choose a smooth, glossy, matte, textured or decorative finish depending on the look you want.
Popular bathroom wall tile ideas include subway wall tiles, marble look tiles, stone look tiles and feature wall tiles.
Using the same tile on the floor and wall can create a calm, seamless look. Using a feature tile on one wall can add depth and character without making the room feel too busy.
3. Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor tiles need to handle weather, water and foot traffic. They should also have a practical surface, especially around patios, alfresco areas, entryways and wet outdoor zones.
When choosing outdoor tiles, look for a durable finish, easy cleaning, suitable grip and a colour that works well in natural outdoor light.
Outdoor grip tiles are a practical choice for areas where water may be present, such as outdoor walkways, patios and pool surrounds.
4. Pool Tiles
Pool areas need tiles that are suitable for water, sun exposure and regular cleaning. The right tile can help create a fresh, clean and long-lasting pool area.
For pool areas, consider slip resistance around the pool, water suitability, colour, finish and cleaning requirements.
Pool tiles can create many different looks. Light-coloured pool tiles can give a fresh resort-style feel, while blue, green and mosaic-style designs can create a more classic pool finish.
5. Feature Wall Tiles
Feature wall tiles are ideal when you want one area to stand out. They are commonly used behind vanities, around baths, in showers, powder rooms, kitchens and display walls.
Feature wall tiles can include textured tiles, fluted designs, stone-look finishes, patterned tiles, subway tiles and decorative surfaces.
A feature wall can make a simple bathroom feel more designed without needing to use a bold tile across every wall.
6. Subway Wall Tiles
Subway tiles are a classic choice for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. They work well in modern, coastal, traditional and simple interiors.
Subway wall tiles can be laid in different patterns, including brick pattern, vertical stack, horizontal stack and herringbone.
White subway tiles are timeless, but soft beige, grey, green and handmade-look subway tiles are also popular for warmer bathroom designs.
7. Stone, Marble, Concrete and Travertine Look Tiles
Different tile looks can create very different moods in a bathroom or living area.
Stone look tiles are popular for natural, calm and timeless spaces.
Marble look tiles can create a more elegant and premium feel.
Concrete look tiles suit modern, minimal and industrial-style interiors.
Travertine look tiles are ideal for warm, soft and natural-looking bathrooms.
These styles are popular because they give the look of natural materials while still offering the practical benefits of modern tiles.
8. Tile Colour Tips
Tile colour can change how big, warm or bright a room feels.
Light tiles can make a small room feel larger and brighter. Beige and travertine-look tiles can create warmth. Grey tiles can suit modern bathrooms but may feel cooler. Dark tiles can look dramatic, but they may show dust, soap marks or water spots more easily.
For long-term appeal, neutral colours are often the safest choice.
9. Tile Size Tips
Large-format tiles are popular because they create fewer grout lines and a cleaner look. Smaller tiles can work well for feature walls, shower niches, splashbacks and pool areas.
Before choosing tile size, consider the room size, drainage falls, shower area, tile layout, grout line appearance and wastage during cutting.
For shower floors, smaller tiles may sometimes be easier for creating falls to the drain.
10. Matte vs Gloss Tiles
Matte tiles are popular for floors because they usually feel more natural and practical. Gloss tiles reflect more light and are often used on walls to make a space feel brighter.
A simple rule is to use matte or textured tiles for floors, and use gloss, matte or decorative tiles for walls depending on the style you want.
11. Final Tips Before Buying Tiles
Before ordering tiles, always check the tile size, finish, slip suitability, shade, batch, availability, delivery cost and whether the tile is suitable for floor, wall, outdoor or pool use.
It is also a good idea to order extra tiles for cuts, wastage and future repairs.
Shop Tiles at Hora Bathrooms
Hora Bathrooms supplies tiles for bathrooms, walls, floors, outdoor areas, pool areas and feature walls. We focus on practical designs, modern colours and competitive pricing for Brisbane, South East Queensland, Queensland and New South Wales customers.
If you need help choosing the right tile for your project, contact our team and we can guide you through the options.