How to Choose the Perfect Bathtub Tile Design for 2024?

So, you’re ready to partake in a bathtub transformation, eh? How exciting! Several questions come with this project, including “What tile should I use?”. In today’s post, we are going to dive into all things bathtub tile ideas to help get to the crux of that very question. From high-level knowledge on the power of the right tile for your bathtub redesign to some inspiring looks to direct your design focus, read on and find out more to properly prepare your project.

How to Choose the Perfect Bathtub Tile Design for 2024?

We’re sure this is the million-dollar question on your mind - How do you make sure you choose the perfect bathtub tile design for your home this year? While the choice will be individualistic, there are some pointers we can guide you on.

First and foremost, you should keep your overall design in mind. After all, nothing is worse than a mismatched design or personality crisis a la aesthetics. So, assess your bathroom as a whole and see what your overall scheme is. You may already know this, but if not, some common design schemes are contemporary, rustic, modern farmhouse, maximalist, and bohemian. Once defined, you can dive into the next part.

Find the right tile by asking the right questions. You should know whether you’re someone who is great at maintenance or not. If cleaning regularly and upkeep is not your jam, opt for porcelain or glass tiles that provide a less high-maintenance approach than marble or stone.

The final thing to note on your hunt for the perfect tile is placement. For instance, consider the traction underfoot if you want to use a bathtub floor tile. This requirement is far less lenient than a wall tile. When in doubt, consult a professional.

5 bathtub tile ideas and pictures to inspire you!

Now that you know a few ways to reach your perfect tile design, it’s time for the fun part - inspiration! Below are just a few of the myriad of 2024 design ideas you can find for bathtub tiling projects. They are our favorites, and we hope something will speak to you too!

Sleek, Large Format Tiles

Why be subtle in your contemporary home when you can be bold? Large format porcelain tiles come in a huge variety of colors, textures, and sizes to give you a seamless, customizable look. Whether you crave a faux marble, onyx look, or something more classic like all-white tile, that can be achieved with minimal grout lines. The result is a polished, cohesive design that soothes the eyes!

Stylized with Subtle Textures

Texture is back in a big way. Wood look porcelain tiles, 3D tiles, and handmade-look tiles are just a few formats that people cannot seem to pry their hands off of this year. So, when it comes to designing the bathtub concept of your dreams, don’t be shy to tap into the beauty that is textured tile. There’s a plethora of options on the market - from chevron wood look wall tile to imprinted ceramic tiles. Trust us, this is one design that will have a long-lasting impact.

Create a spa-worthy wet room

Wet rooms are the pinnacle of living your best life. They combine all the beauty expected from a spa retreat into a single room within the confines of your home. These spaces are characterized by their prominently positioned fixtures - a chic rainfall showerhead, a free-standing bathtub, open shelving inside a niche, and of course, a bench or stool for soaking it all in. As for the tiles, think simplistic - natural stone wall or floor tiles, neutral mosaic glass tiles, or glossy zellige tiles work best.

Tile around a window

Got a window in the bathtub-shower setup? Have no fear, tile around it! Whether you want to make a contrast using a subway wall tile and then a color pop pencil liner or just keep it simple with an overall seamless look using a mosaic wall tile, this is a great way to centralize the focal point of the window in a stylish way.

Be eco-chic with recycled glass tiles

Nothing is more on-trend in 2024 than a sustainable, eco-friendly design option. After all, saving the planet is at the forefront of most of our minds, and the design community is with it. One way to do this is to embrace recycled materials, like tiles. Recycled mosaic glass tiles come in a variety of shapes, from hex tiles to penny round tiles, and are a medley of colors whether you want a black tile or a bold, red tile. The choices are seemingly endless, giving you freedom and peace of mind.

Multiply the amount of tiled niches

Why one niche when you can stack ‘em up for ample storage space with a stylish twist? This bathtub tile idea melds together the beauty of functionality with form. You can pair different tiles inside the niches for an eclectic appearance, or you can keep things clean and use the same niche tile for a uniform look. Whether you’re going with a neutral beige mosaic glass tile or something a bit more edgy, like a floral waterjet tile, one thing is for sure – your shampoo will have a very beautiful home.

Things to Note While Buying Bathtub Tiles

Selecting the perfect tiles for your bathtub area involves careful consideration to ensure both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Here are essential factors to keep in mind to make your tile choice unique and tailored to your needs:

Keep Water Resistance Top of Mind

This goes without saying, but we will anyway - any tile that you use within your bathroom, bathtub or shower area has to be water-resistant. This ensures durability, low maintenance, and a longer life span. Consult manufacturer guidelines before falling in love with a tile.

Don’t forget slip resistance

The last thing you want is to use an unsafe tile. The bathroom is an area already known for its slippery surfaces, so be smart. Choose matte tiles or textured tiles on the floor around your bathtub to have grip below the feet, lessening the chance of falls.

Keep maintenance in mind

Some of us are great at cleaning and maintaining tile, we are the champions of chores; for most of us, that’s not the case. If keeping up with deep cleaning or resealing of tiles is not your thing, aim to use a less high-maintenance tile. A great option for lower upkeep is porcelain.

Quality first, always

Yes, you may want to save a few dollars on a cheaper tile option, but that can significantly impact the longevity. Think about it this way - a cheap dress bought off a mass producer’s website won’t have the same lifespan as a designer dress. The same holds true for tiles. Invest a little more upfront, and worry less about replacing later on. You’ll save money in the long-term.

Consider scale and proportion

A small space can feel overwhelmed by using small square mosaic tiles everywhere; in fact, smaller spaces thrive with large format tiles as there are fewer grout lines and more of a seamless, fluid flow. You need to take note of the square footage of your bathroom, and your design goals, and work with a pro if you’re not a DIY enthusiast to ensure the right match.

Take time and order samples

Before you click ‘buy’ and get yourself in trouble, utilize tile samples first. Order a few, have them shipped to your home, and see how they look in natural lighting. Most tiles photograph differently and are different from batch to batch. Samples ensure that what you have in mind and what you get align for maximal success.

Things to Look After or Avoid Once Bathtub Tiles Are Installed

When it comes to post-installation guidance, there are a few things you should have top of mind.

• Ensure the grout lines between the tiles are adequately sealed to prevent water penetration and mold growth.
• Regularly clean the tiles and grout using mild cleaners and soft cleaning tools to avoid damaging the surfaces. More on this below.
• Proper ventilation is essential; use exhaust fans or open windows to reduce moisture buildup after bathing.
• Inspect the caulking around the bathtub frequently and recaulk as needed to maintain a watertight seal.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that could scratch or damage the tiles.
• Additionally, prevent water from standing on the tile surface and be cautious with heavy objects to prevent accidental damage.

By following these items, you can help ensure that your bathtub tiles remain in excellent condition over time.

How to Clean and Maintain Bathtub Tiles

Keeping your bathtub tiles clean and well-maintained goes a long way in keeping them sparkling and long-lasting. Clean off the tiles regularly with a mild detergent or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. This will help remove soap scum and dirt buildup. Avoid cleaners that have abrasive ingredients, which will scratch tile surfaces. For difficult stains, lightly scrub them using a soft-bristled brush or a sponge.

Apply a grout sealer once in a while to avoid the penetration of water and prevent mold growth. It further strengthens the grout lines by giving them a long life; hence, the tiles’ life span will be automatically extended. This should occur in well-ventilated areas for drying the moistures, which cause mildew and mold growth.

After using, clean the tiles properly to avoid catching soap suds or mineral deposits. Use either a squeegee or a towel to dry these surfaces to help prevent unsightly water spots and keep the shine brushes in your tile. Affix the mats or rugs at the entrance of the tub to catch the excess water and protect the floor from damage.

Check regularly for any cracks, chips, or missing grout between the tiles. Take necessary measures to have any damaged tiles fixed or replaced to avoid water damage and always keep your bathtub area’s look at its finest.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, this year is ripe with many bathtub ideas. Ultimately, the decision around which tile works for you comes down to taste and maintenance. Go ahead and shop around to find the ultimate choice for a space that’s stylish and long-lasting.

FAQs

1. What are the biggest trends in bathtub tile design for 2024?

The most popular designs in bathroom tile 2024 style include stylish patterns, bold colors, and textured finishes. Subway tiles with non-standard styles and large-format tiles are other popular choices.

2. My bathroom is small. What tile size should I consider for the bathtub surround?

Try using smaller tiles for the bathtub surrounds like mosaic or small-format subway ones. These types of tiles visually widen the area and allow for more room in the installation process.

3. Are there specific tile materials recommended for bathtub areas in 2024?

In 2024, porcelain tiles make for a great bathtub tile choice thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and versatility.

4. How can I ensure that my bathtub tiles are slip-resistant?

To ensure slip-resistance, you should make sure that you review the manufacturer’s guidelines for the tile. They will state whether or not a certain tile is appropriate for your bathroom’s floors.

5. Are there eco-friendly options available for bathtub tiles in 2024?

There are eco-friendly bathtub tile options in 2024. Some popular options are faux wood look tiles, and recycled glass tiles.

6. How do I choose between matte and glossy finishes for my bathtub tiles?

If you’re choosing between matte and glossy finishes for your bathtub tiles, the final decision comes down to placement. Glossy tiles are not the best option for floors, and should be used for the walls, mainly.

7. Are there special considerations for tile maintenance and cleaning in bathtub areas?

To maintain the tile’s beauty and cleanliness, you should frequently sweep, swipe, and inspect them.