Choosing tiles for a walk in shower

A walk in shower is a luxurious bathroom design option that can help you create a stylish and attractive bathroom space that can stand the test of time, and withstand trend changes. But what are the important considerations when choosing tiles for a walk in shower? And once you have chosen the tiles, which layout options can be most effective?

What are the important considerations when choosing tiles for a walk in shower?

As with choosing the right tiles for any space, there are a number of different considerations to take into account when it comes to your walk in shower. It’s important to find the right balance between visual design choices and practicality and functionality. As such, the important considerations include:

• Choosing the size of the tiles
• Choosing the colour of the tiles
• Choosing the texture of the tiles

Choosing the size of the tiles

The size of the tiles you choose for your walk in shower can make a big difference to both the visual appeal, and the practical design. For example, large format tiles are very contemporary and have a dramatic and bold impact on large walk in shower spaces. These have fewer grout lines than usual tiles and as a result, they create a sense of continuous or unbroken tiling across the area. However, with fewer grout lines, large format tiles can be slippy for the flooring of a walk in shower, unless you choose an option that is more textured.

Choosing the colour of the tiles

The colour of the tiles in any space can play an important role in the visual design, and the overall interior design scheme. Neutral tiling shades can offer a timeless charm that complements both traditional and contemporary design themes, while also allowing for bolder or more dramatic colour combinations. These include combining light creams or greys, with darker hues. Lighter coloured tiles are also popular as these can help to amplify the light in a room, and create a brighter and more airy feel. 

Choosing the texture of the tiles for a walk in shower

Finally, as touched on above, the texture of the tiles is an important consideration, particularly for floor tiling in a walk in shower. These spaces will likely be wet, which can be a hazard if your floor tiles have a gloss finish, few grout lines, and are smooth. As a result, you will need to consider tiles that have a textured surface to help prevent slips and falls in your walk in shower space.

What are the effective layout options for tiles in a walk in shower?

Once you have chosen the right tiles for your space, you should also consider how to install these in terms of layouts and patterns. There are a number of popular options, including:

• Classic subway layout- One of the most popular choices, the subway tile layout, features rectangular tiles placed in a staggered brick pattern. This timeless style is especially effective in small to medium-sized showers, as it creates a clean, structured look. White subway tiles with dark grout lines are commonly used for a modern or industrial aesthetic. You can also rotate this layout vertically to draw the eye upward and give the illusion of a taller space.
• Herringbone tiling layout- The herringbone layout arranges rectangular tiles in a zigzag pattern. This can be a dynamic option that adds visual interest and a sense of movement to the space. Herringbone works well on shower walls, especially with elongated tiles. Because it’s more intricate, this pattern usually takes more time and precision to install but can elevate the entire look of a walk-in shower.
• Vertical stack bond- In a vertical stack bond, tiles are aligned in a straight column, creating a modern, minimalist feel. This layout emphasises height, making it an excellent option for bathrooms with lower ceilings. Using large-format tiles in this layout can reduce grout lines, making the shower easier to clean while delivering a sleek, contemporary appearance.
• Diagonal or diamond pattern- Placing square tiles on a 45-degree angle, known as the diagonal or diamond layout, adds a sense of dimension and motion. This pattern works particularly well in larger showers where the layout has room to breathe. It’s more complex to cut and install but can make the shower feel unique and custom-designed.

For more information or advice, or to begin shopping for your new tiles, check out what we have in store, here at Tiles 2 Go. We are Preston’s leading tiling experts, and we can help make your tiling ambitions a reality. Why not get in touch today?