10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Bathroom Tiles for Renovation

Renovating your bathroom is a project best undertaken with a fresh and clear mind. Fresh colours, new textures, and modern fittings give you the satisfaction of finally getting the aesthetic you’ve always wanted. But amidst the fog of excitement, it’s surprisingly easy to take missteps and overlook key details when choosing bathroom tiles. One small mistake can lead to long-term discomfort and other issues.

Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when looking to buy the best bathroom tiles.

1. Choosing Tiles Only for Aesthetic, Not Function

It’s natural to be drawn to the most attractive tile in the catalogue, but bathroom tiles have to do more than look good—they must retain their prime condition for years in wet and humid conditions. Glossy wall tiles look stunning, but glossy floor tiles can be slippery. Stone-finish tiles look luxurious, but need meticulous sealing.

2. Ignoring the Size of the Bathroom

Tile size can dramatically influence how your bathroom feels and functions.

• Using very small bathroom tiles in a compact bathroom makes it look cluttered.
• Using very large tiles in uneven older bathrooms paves the way for more wastage and chances of improper installation.
• Not matching the tile layout with the room’s proportions.

3. Not Checking Slip Resistance

Bathroom floors, given the function of the space, get wet constantly. Yet, many homeowners mistakenly pick glossy tiles for the floor, simply because they look luxurious. Slippery floors, safety risks, especially for kids and seniors. It is better to choose matte, textured, or anti-skid tiles for the floor. Even if water accumulates occasionally, the chance of slipping is drastically reduced.

4. Forgetting About Grout Colour & Quality

Grout may look like a small detail, but it can make or break your bathroom design. Choosing white grout for patterned or textured bathroom tiles is an error that can lead to staining. Using high-quality grout that does not crack or discolour is also essential. Not sealing the grout is another avoidable error, which ensures the grouting remains clean and fresh and doesn’t get damaged easily.

5. Overlooking Water Absorption Rates

Tiles with high water absorption can weaken over time, stain easily, and develop moisture damage. Here is the general rule for tiles when looking for the best bathroom tiles for the floor and wall.

• Porcelain tiles: <0.5% water absorption → great for floors.
• Ceramic tiles: Slightly higher absorption → perfect for walls.

Understanding this simple distinction can save your renovation from future complications.

6. Not Defining a Clear Colour Palette

Picking tiles without a colour plan is a recipe for mismatched tones and messy-looking decor. Mixing too many patterns can make the bathroom actually seem smaller and stuffier. Combining clashing colours makes your bathroom seem segmented and cluttered. Choosing dark tones for compact bathrooms without proper lighting makes them look smaller than they are.

7. Forgetting the Importance of Shower Area Tiles

The shower enclosure is a high-moisture zone. Many people use physical partitions in this area, which can also make the bathroom seem smaller and darker. It is best to use smooth wall tiles in this area to avoid water stains, soap marks, or difficulty cleaning.

8. Ignoring Ceiling Height & Wall Layout

The direction in which tiles are laid can visually stretch or shrink your bathroom. When you are looking to use bathroom tiles with textures or designs, remember that horizontal placement in low-ceiling bathrooms can make them look smaller, but this kind of tile can be used to make the bathroom seem wider when it is too narrow. Vertical placement in very narrow bathrooms can make it seem too elongated. Vertical placement is a great choice when the ceiling is lower, and you need to make it look bigger.

9. Buying Without Considering Maintenance

Some bathroom tiles look great on day one but can become high-maintenance over time.

Avoid tiles that:

• Stains easily
• Require frequent polishing
• Have intricate textures if you dislike scrubbing
• Show water spots prominently

10. Not Ordering Extra Tiles

One of the biggest renovation mistakes is not purchasing extra bathroom tiles for future repairs or replacements. Tile batches can vary in shade and size, and there is a good chance you may not find the same tile in the years to come. Small parts may be required, and the minimum order may not comply. You can simply take from your emergency stock for minor repairs. The general rule is to purchase 5–10% above your requirement.

Conclusion

Bathroom renovations become stress-free when you know what to avoid when picking the best bathroom tiles. By focusing on key points, you can create a bathroom that’s functional and stunning for years to come. If you’re looking for stylish, durable, and moisture-resistant options for your bathroom renovation, Orientbell Tiles offers a wide range of designs perfect for every style and budget.