Choosing a fashionable bathroom tile: design options

From the bathroom, first of all, convenience, comfort and warmth are required - after all, where it is cold and uncomfortable, water treatment will not give you any pleasure. An abundance of decorative elements is useless; it is better to concentrate on creating the maximum functionality of this room. First you need to choose the right tile - a finishing material that does not lose its properties in conditions of high humidity.

In the repair of any premises can not be small things - all the details are interrelated. Bathroom is no exception, because it is there that people spend the most delicate procedures, caring for their bodies. In addition, this room is peculiar to a specific microclimate. Therefore, finishing materials for it must meet a number of requirements.

Since there is almost always high humidity, and during the reception of water procedures - and quite high temperatures. Fans to take a contrast shower give additional load on finishing materials, arranging temperature drops. Therefore, bathroom tile should have the following properties:

• not to be slippery either dry or wetted, otherwise it may provoke a fall of a person and injury to him;
• be resistant to the effects of chemical compounds - this will allow you to clean it from contamination without the risk of damage;
• do not absorb water so that moisture does not penetrate into the material, otherwise the tile will come off and lose the original attractive appearance;
• must have the correct geometric shape and resistance to bending of the surface, so that it can be easily laid on walls, floors and, if necessary, on the ceiling;
• be resistant to mechanical stress and temperature extremes;
• do not fade when exposed to sun rays;
• to be durable - another material just will not stand the loads in the bathroom.

The disadvantages of this type of finish are also available.

• High price, and even from domestic producers.Especially expensive products from natural materials - stone, glass, marble, as well as hexagonal tile-hexagon and elite mosaic.
• To tile is also expensive and not easy. In most cases, in order to put a design product, you need the help of specialists.
• The presence of seams, especially noticeable with poor-quality display. Only a canvas of “honeycomb” tiles can look quite solid with a minimum number of seams. The smaller the size of the modules, the greater the number of seams will be visible.

When purchasing tiles, attention should be paid to anti-slip marking and chemical resistance. The most stable of them are denoted by the letters AA and A, the less stable ones are B, C, D. Numerical values ​​are also present, they must be higher than 9.

Distinguishing quality tiles is quite simple. There are a few signs.

• Appearance. Looking at it, you can make a number of conclusions. If the color is not uniform, it means that there is a re-grading, that is, the elements are taken from different batches of goods. If the surface has chipped, then the coating is not good enough.Perfect appearance is a condition in which a tile is considered to be of high quality.
• The correct geometric shape. Angles should be straight, that is, 90 degrees plus or minus one degree. If this condition is not met, then laying problems will arise and there will not be even seams. Check clarity is very easy - put the printed package end on a flat surface.
• Clear plane. Minor deformations on this parameter are not too important, but in the process of laying it will not be possible to create a perfectly flat plane.

When making a choice in favor of a particular type of tile, it is imperative to focus on the manufacturer. The greater the reputation in the market it has, the better its products.

It should also be noted that the more fashionable the design has purchased products, the less budget option. Stylish and high-quality tile for the bathroom, and even from a manufacturer with a high business reputation is always expensive.

Despite the widest range of commercially available floor and wall tiles, all of it can be divided into 4 main types.

• Monokottura (glazed) - it is made from clay. For the manufacture of used firing method. It is resistant to mechanical stress, it has a low degree of moisture absorption, so it is often recommended for use in the bathroom. This group of tiles includes tiles, as well as the increasingly popular rectangular tile “hog” (another name is “metro”).

• Clinker - This is a very durable option, manufactured by extrusion method. The brick tile is unglazed, although its surface is smooth and even, it is not glossy and does not slip.The color range of this type is very scanty - for the most part it is a natural tone. Clinker is very resistant to temperature changes and absorbs little moisture. It is ideal for use on the street, but in an apartment, including in the bathroom, its use may be unnecessarily expensive. In addition, this tile is badly combined with other materials for decoration.

• Cotto - made of red clay in the same way as clinker. It has a range of colors within red and terracotta (yellow, pink, brown) tones. It has all the properties of clinker, but is used more often indoors for floor finishing.
• Porcelain stoneware. The most durable of all known coatings for flooring. This type is frost-resistant, has a low degree of moisture absorption, is resistant to mechanical stress and is very durable. It is considered a versatile material for decoration of any premises in the house, including the bathroom.

With regard to decorative properties, the most diverse in this regard is considered to be the first type - monocotura. Slightly less wide range of design solutions from ceramic granite tiles.

If previously tile was cut only into squares of standard sizes, today the variety of sizes and shapes is amazing. Currently, tile manufacturers think and produce their products not in batches, but in collections, thus, developing ready-made ideas for the interior in the bathroom and shower.

In this situation, the size is not so important, because most often, choosing a tile for wall decoration, a person acquires floor tiles from the same collection. So you can achieve the perfect compatibility of elements with each other.

It is necessary to understand that, if the bathroom is small, using large floor and wall tiles is difficult. For example, in a shower area of ​​4 m2, it will not be possible to put elements of 600 x 600 mm on the floor. But too small modules will look bad. The standard size is 200 x 200 mm, but in each individual case you need to choose the size, shape and texture that the owner likes.

As for the currently popular finish, like mosaic, it can be of various shapes and sizes. For example, a fashionable hexagon tile (or “honeycomb”) of a hexagonal shape, and from it you can create a stunningly beautiful design. After all, it is available in different colors, can be used both on the wall and on the floor, and also has the following textures:

• concrete;
• asphalt;
• prints of cast-iron manholes for drainage;

• increased interweaving of fabric fibers;
• brick;
• marble;
• tree and various others.

Using the "honeycomb", you can do in the bathroom, even with a small amount of square. m truly designer, stylish and functional environment. Thanks to this, the reception of procedures with a shower will be a real pleasure.

On sale there are a huge number of different types of tiles to cover floors and walls that differ in color, type and texture. The most practical and functional is considered to be light tile trim. It is easy to take care of it, wash it, it does not lose its original appearance for a long time, even from the treatment with cleaning agents.

On a tile of dark shades, defects are seen very well, and it is difficult to care for it.After all, it will be noticeable every drop of water. But the black and white combined finish will, firstly, look spectacular due to contrasts, and secondly, it can divide the bathroom into zones, and not use black color where the water gets most often.

If your plans do not have a periodic (once a year or two) renovation of the interior of the bathroom, then it is better not to focus on the hottest new items, but to stop at the classic solutions: bright pastel and warm colors. This, of course, does not mean that you need to ignore current trends. It is important to choose this decor option so that it is both fashionable and does not annoy the owner for several years.

The most fashionable combination today is considered to be a combination of two colors: either green with red, or orange and blue, or yellow and purple.

If the classic option is chosen, the tiles should be laid out, guided by the principle “dark bottom - light top”. For example, the blue tile on the walls (and the same color of the ceiling) and the floor shade of indigo or ultramarine. Or tone "asphalt" on the floor and gray walls.

But this is not the only layout.

• You can lay tiles staggered by means of basic or diagonal styling, alternating two colors. It does not need to be black and white, you can combine mint and green "moss" or saffron with pale yellow.
• Using linear display, apply a tile of two or more shades with the same size. It is possible to apply both square, and bricks.
• Accents interspersing. If you want to use bright shades, for example, sunny yellow or orange, in large quantities they may be redundant for the bathroom, especially if its area is not large enough. But as a deliberately randomly placed accents on the surface of a neutral shade, the interior will find its own “zest”.

• Mosaic surface. Modern technologies are such that they allow you to lay out real masterpieces - panels, paintings, ornaments, repetitive motifs. The sizes of mosaic elements vary from very small to huge. The largest of them can hardly be used in modern bathrooms, unless the latter are designed in a private house and do not have a large area.One of the advantages of the mosaic is that it can be seamless and self-adhesive, so it is easy to install it yourself and get a solid canvas without joints.
• Ornament - it is possible to lay out as a border or as a pattern (from a mandala to repeating motifs). It can be contrast or monochrome, sustained in shades of one color.
• Modern collections of tiles are produced not only in the form of color or pattern, but also in the pictures - for example, cherry blossoms or orchids, the night sky or the sea surface. This is an expensive option, but certainly very effective.

Today practiced several options for tile layout. Consider the most popular ones.

• Direct (basic) - the simplest and most budget way of facing the walls. Rows have - the simplest and most budget way to wall cladding. The rows are straight and the seams are parallel to the lines of the room. For the basic layout, both square and rectangular (brick) modules are applicable.
• Diagonal display (diamonds). This method is not suitable for self-styling, especially in the absence of relevant experience, in addition, it requires a large amount of material, since many modules are trimmed during installation.So, using the display of rhombuses, you can use tiles of different sizes and colors, but only one shape - square.

• "Scramble" - this method is similar to bricks, but each subsequent row along the seam is shifted relative to the previous one, most often - by half the length of the tile. For this, rectangular modules are best suited, especially the hog. Features of this type of tile - the form of bricks, as well as the surface of the glossy and convex texture.
• Modular displayconsidered one of the most difficult. It can be combined with different sizes and shapes of tiles: hexagonal, rectangular, square. As a result, this may result in a chaotic pattern, and a seamless vertical coating with an ombre effect, and repetitive motifs in a seamless canvas. Deciding to resort to this method, it is better to make a layout of the samples before sticking the modules in order to have a clear idea of ​​what the final result will look like.
• Combined display. As the name suggests, it uses two or more layout methods.

People’s preferences vary even in color. Someone loves exceptionally bright tones, they give strength and energy. Others get annoyed because they like to take water treatments in a sterile white bathroom. Someone is delighted with the dark tile and lays it with the shower from floor to ceiling.

As for the style in the interior, it is chosen based on both the preferences of the owner, and the expediency and convenience. The bathroom is no exception, it is designed in accordance with the character and lifestyle of the tenants.

When decorating this room most often choose such styles as classic, ethnic, modern, Provence, country, high-tech. Consider what the distinctive features of each of them.

The most solid, old and solid of all. Therefore, no plastic and LEDs in it should not be used. Materials are the most natural and expensive. Chandeliers or wall crystal sconces act as sources of illumination; plumbing should be stone or porcelain, possibly with a painting.

As for the tiles for finishing the bathroom in this style, there is an erroneous opinion that white or milky-colored tiles are a distinctive feature of the classics. But if you remember that the style is inherent in the use of expensive natural materials, it becomes clear that marble and granite - this is what distinguishes the classic bathroom. The tile from a natural stone turns such room into even more expensive, but at the same time effective and really smart.

Despite the low cost of such a finish, it is very functional. A large number of furniture items - cabinets, shelves, cabinets - increases the level of convenience and comfort when taking water treatments. You can place in them not only textiles, towels, but also cosmetics, turning the bathroom into a real beauty salon.

Today it is one of the most popular styles of bathroom design.It uses modern products, mass-produced in the sale. Accordingly, their cost is not as high as that of porcelain and earthenware counterparts, so furnishing the bathroom will not be so expensive. Therefore, it is this style that is optimal for finishing a small bath or shower in a limited budget.

Unlike other styles, modern allows the placement of plumbing - toilet, bidet, shower, bath - in the corners of the room. The main principle of the organization of space here is rationality. Therefore, all elements of the interior are selected and installed in accordance with this requirement.

Modern techniques are characterized by such modern techniques as the division of space into zones, the built-in lighting - point and ribbon. In addition, it is characterized by a mixture of different colors, often contrasting, photo printing on the walls, as well as partitions in the interior (but not glass, inherent in high-current).

In this style there are two directions: fusion and minimalism. They are very different.

Fusion is a combination of incompatible, mixing elements and details from different styles - ethnic, oriental, Provence.To apply this style, you need to have a very developed artistic taste, because otherwise, there is a high probability of placing a set of random objects in the same room. In this case, the style is no longer talking, it's just bad taste.

Experimentality, originality - this is what is characteristic of the fusion style. To create an interior in this style, it will be useful to look at things from a different unbanal angle.

The space must be completely filled - walls, floor, ceiling. The use of contrasts is permissible and justified. It is imperative that several parts be vintage or deliberately aged.

Minimalism, on the contrary, cuts off all unnecessary, leaving only the most necessary. The decor of such a room is simple and minimal, as is the furniture, the lines are geometric, straight. Complex forms of plumbing do not apply. The decor is rather austere, but because of this not devoid of chic. Mess is not allowed; all furniture that can be built in is built-in.

It is in this bathroom that pure-white tile is most often used.But milk, light gray, light blue tones are also permissible. The use of more than two shades is unacceptable, more often one color is used. In addition, the minimalist interior is characterized by a lack of accents. Every thing is in its place, not standing out from the overall composition.

Ethnic style got its name from the word "ethnos", which means a community of people with characteristic features. Since there are a lot of ethnic groups, that is, ethnic groups, there are enough directions in this style: Japanese, African, Chinese, Oriental - this is only a small part of them, and each has distinctive features. Depending on what direction is used, choose colors and furnishings.

The variation of shades can be very different - from life-affirming, full of the energy of the eastern to the violent bright colors of Morocco. In order to create an authentic interior in the chosen direction of ethnic style, it is necessary to at least superficially immerse yourself in the culture of this nation.

For the interior in Japanese style is characterized by a combination of red, black and white colors, as well as dark soothing shades of earth. Characteristic details - screens, mats. A taste is needed to create from the bathroom not a shop of the seller of oriental souvenirs, but a real “little Japan”.

The tile can be used both red, and black, and white, and their combination. The chess layout and any other motley combination, only plain canvases are not allowed. It is necessary to remember that Japanese interior is minimalist, it is not characterized by an abundance of details. In addition, such a bathroom should be very functional.

As for the images of sakura and orchids, in a truly Japanese interior you should use them with care to avoid cliches. In Japanese interiors, we admit decor on the walls by no more than 30%. At the same time, any drawing should be behind the receiving procedure.

Deciding to use the Japanese style in the interior of the bathroom, you need to remember about “shibumi” - “the complexity of simple things” and that one of the key moments of this culture is self-reflection.

Choosing the Arabic style, you should remember its strict traditions.

It is allowed to use both curtains and canopies, if the dimensions of the room allow.

As for tiles, the most expedient is a mosaic, which is used to decorate walls, columns, and even furnishings — tables, cabinets, benches. The more intricate the images, the higher the final cost of the product.

Mandatory tradition - the use of carpets on all surfaces in the house. In the bathroom, of course, this will not work. You can arrange a small rug with a traditional ornament in front of the bathroom or pick up a mosaic with a similar pattern for laying on the floor.

African design is a riot of colors, colors of animal skins (it looks interesting tile with such motifs). Depending on which direction is chosen - savanna, Moroccan, “bestial” - the decor is also chosen.

In the Indian interior blue is the predominant color, since it is the color of the supreme deity of this country.Blue, blue, azure, ultramarine mosaic - this is what will decorate the bathroom and at the same time does not deprive it of its functionality. It is acceptable to use several “Indian” accessories, but it is not necessary to overload the room, especially if its area is small.

Country style is one of the so-called village styles. It is with this place that he is associated. But not from the ordinary, but from the village of the Midwest.

Natural materials: wood, deliberately roughly treated, brick, also with traces of mechanical impact - a characteristic feature of country. In addition, the use of natural textiles (cotton, linen, calico), wicker baskets and rugs is mandatory. Materials should look more coarse, of course, without leaving splinters on the skin and other mechanical damage.

The tile is used monophonic, natural colors - blue, green, sand, brown. In the role of bright accents, textiles, walls, ceilings and floors should be left natural. An interesting solution will be a floor tile "under the tree."

Provence is another “provincial” style.But if country is an American ranch, Provence is a French village of the mid-19th century. Accordingly, this is a more romantic decor: textiles with small and medium-sized floral motifs, fresh flowers and no plastic. Colors - lavender, shades of lilac and lilac in combination with milk and dusty pink. Forged accessories are possible.

The floor is usually wooden (or tiled “under the tree”, but of a very natural appearance), the ceiling is plastered and whitewashed. Tile on the walls is used in a small amount - as a curb with a dull floral pattern.

High-tech is a style that combines all the latest advances in technology and electronics. The goal of hi-tech is maximum functionality. It is in such a bathroom that you can find a shower with a light-music system, a self-drying floor, high-tech “smart” toilet bowls, a bathroom with the function of a hydromassage and other latest advanced trends in modern sanitary engineering.

As for materials, mirror, chrome, glass - these are the components of high-tech. Forms are characterized by either clear geometric, or "space", non-standard.

The main advantage of hi-tech is high comfort, thanks to the visual effects created in the room. The tile should be glossy, possibly mirror.

A loft-style bathroom should have at least a couple of urban details in the interior - brickwork, interlacing of pipes and communication lines, undisguised ceiling beams. Deliberately rough: cement, brick, as well as artificially aged materials - the "trick" of this style. The same requirements are imposed on the tile - supposedly vintage, as well as with imitation of building materials, perhaps for plots not in contact with water, even paving will look just fine. In addition, tiles of glass or mirrors can be used in fragments.

The color range of loft style is quite extensive, but dim: gray scale, achromatic spectrum - from black to white, dark brown, steel and silver, aged and faded red and blue, small patches - beige and olive.

Separately, it should be said about the Mediterranean style - it is relaxation, comfort, luxury and quality. Using the highest quality materials makes this type of design one of the mostdear ones. Natural stone - marble, expensive types of wood - pine or bog oak, and a lot of tile.

The floor should always be stone - or its quality imitation. You can use ceramic-granite tiles or ceramics, as well as ceramic parquet, most often beige, but you can use light gray, dark brown, and terracotta.

Floor to ceiling walls are tiled. It imitates either stone or marble. Most popular are the arches of different configurations - on the windows, in niches, as well as columns and niches with lighting.

The ceiling can be decorated with spot lighting, but it should not look too modern. The use of chandeliers is justified, but they must be forged.

When choosing a tile for a bathroom, more often we look not only at the external characteristics, but also at its manufacturer.Which company is better, which produces the highest quality products, each owner decides for himself, because the choice is not easy - the range is truly huge.

For someone, the uniqueness and exclusivity of products is important, and they are willing to pay more for it. For others, the priority is the ratio "price - quality", and they are looking for budget analogs of fashionable design solutions. In this section, we will talk about the most popular manufacturers of ceramic designer tiles among Russian consumers.

Kerama Marazzi is a domestic company with the largest market share in the low and medium price segment. In the range - more than 2 thousand items of tiles. The collections tell the stories of different countries and continents: there are English, French, Scandinavian. It is the only company in our country that produces porcelain stoneware using dry press technology. This gives an imitation of natural material. In addition, the company has an application (so far only on Android), where you can look at your favorite options in a 3D panorama.

Among the shortcomings of the company's products, it is possible to note the imperfect combination of tiles for walls and floors, and the need to select the right combination from other manufacturers.In addition, since the company is focused on the production of relatively inexpensive products, it does not really produce luxury products. However Kerama is considered to be one of the best firms producing budget products.

Fap Ceramiche - and this Italian company specializes in the manufacture of expensive, luxury tiles. The average price of its products - 3500-3800 rubles. / m2. Basically it is focused on bathrooms, in the catalog about 30 collections. The entire production of the company is focused on one factory, which guarantees consistent quality. The manufacturer emphasizes interest in environmental products and its exclusivity. One of the main activities is the imitation of natural materials such as wood, marble, stone and others.

Most often used in apartments (and, accordingly, bathrooms) of the new layout. This type of layout is characterized by large areas, including for the bathroom.

In addition, cottages and private country houses are often finished with Fap Ceramiche tiles, not only in the showers, but also - if available - in saunas and swimming pools.

The disadvantages of the tile are the high price and occurring (despite the considerable cost) deviations in the size of the modules.

Keramin is a Belarusian company, one of the oldest in the market. It produces products at the level of average prices.

Despite the fact that the company's products are different, ceramic tile is the most popular in our country. The equipment on which it is made, Italian. All tiles are glazed.

In the range of about 80 collections. The choice is large, both in color and size. Collections are made in such a way that products from different series can be combined in one interior. Mostly universal shades, and patterns - classic. Consumers say great combinatorial products.

The tile is durable, resistant to mechanical damage, however, differences in size and non-ideal geometry periodically occur. However, the consumer often votes with a ruble specifically for the products of this company, since the combination of “price - quality” suits the majority.

Golden Tile is a Ukrainian company operating on the basis of the Kharkov Tile Plant. Carry out production on its own base of raw materials with the involvement of Italian designers. Widely used digital printing.In the range of about 60 collections, the tile is available in six sizes. There are practically no differences in color within the same batch, but deviations from the geometry do occur.

Untile ("Shakhty tile"). One of the most budgetary Russian tile brands. The designers are Italians and Spaniards, the raw material is Russian, and the glazing and dyes are not. The size range is quite large, the quality - according to experts - is average.

Uralkeramika is another domestic manufacturer of ceramic tiles, located in Yekaterinburg. It is the oldest in Russia since it began manufacturing products in the Soviet Union in Sverdlovsk in 1962. The company produces not only ceramic tiles, but also sanitary ceramics, pipes and various communications. The company does not produce porcelain stoneware, but in the assortment there are cold-resistant products that can withstand up to -500 C.

The company's products are one of the most budget-friendly in the market, the average price is 300-350 rubles. / m2.

The work is carried out not only on its own raw materials through patented formulations. In the collections of "Uralkeramika" - more than 100 unique developments.

Users note the deviations of the modules in size within the same batch, as well as the fragility of the tile. Nevertheless, the brand's products have a lot of fans because of the successful combination of “price - quality”.

This section contains ideas for beautiful and functional design of bathrooms in different styles.

"Marble" canvas on the walls and floor expands the space of the bathroom. This also contributes to spot lighting and a large mirror on the wall.

Combined bathroom with bath and shower, decorated in shades of white and gray, looks spacious due to the large number of glass elements and light.

The urban bathroom with dark gray large tiles and irregularly shaped windows doesn’t look small and dark due to the white plumbing.

The shower compartment of the bathroom is decorated with glossy dark gray tiles, and at the expense of the glass door the room looks larger than it actually is. This option with the proper layout of plumbing can be used even in the "Khrushchev".

Another option for a small bathroom, in which, nevertheless, fit everything you need.

The mosaic white and gold wall is a spectacular (and only) accent for a bathroom with a balcony.

The unusual shape of the black bath and the decoration of black and white glazed mosaic, as well as round mirrors and sinks in the shape of boats, turn the bathing place into a real paradise.

Unusual tile laying gives an ordinary bathroom an original and unusual look.

A mosaic border and a large mirror add to the sophistication and spaciousness of the small bathroom.

Deciduous tiles and baroque elements transform a small bathroom into a secret beauty room, where the hostess can spend a lot of time indulging in the pleasure of caring for herself.

A contrasting Japanese-style bathroom looks unusual and spectacular. Red, black and white colors are used here.

The loft-style bathroom with unmasked ceiling beams and a coat hanger is simple and elegant.

The Mediterranean-style bathroom looks really chic due to the use of expensive and valuable materials.

The loft-style bathroom is decorated with “hog” tiles, with a chrome-plated bathroom, the inner surface of which is covered with gold paint, looks very modern.

A modern-style bathroom in ultra-modern purple with a two-level ceiling and a font located on the podium connects several trendy trends at once.

A classic-style bathroom with a marbled podium font is a smart and elegant solution.

Learn more about how to choose a tile for the bathroom, you will learn from the following video.