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Expert advice: How, when and why to use feature tiles in a bathroom

By Lauren Ellis โ€ข

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Whether or not to include a feature tile in a bathroom is something I debate all the time. From a patterned floor to a feature shower niche, itโ€™s not simply about a feature wall anymore as I think thatโ€™s a little dated and 90s. Furthermore, I believe that if youโ€™re using a feature tile it needs to have a practical purpose.

Image courtesy of Houzz
Image courtesy of Houzz

Optical illusion

Feature tiles are your secret weapon when it comes to making a bathroom feel more spacious. If Iโ€™m designing a bathroom that is wider than it is long from the door, I will sometimes run the floor tile (or a derivative of it) from the floor up the back of the wall opposite. This will elongate or lengthen the room and is a great trick for small spaces.

Accentuate the positive

Another reason to use a tiled feature wall might be to highlight an architectural feature โ€“ you might not have plain, straight walls and have nooks or cut-outs instead. Adorning them with a feature tile can be a good option โ€“ in fact, using a feature tile in a bathroom niche is very popular at the moment.

Image courtesy of Kyal and Kara
Image courtesy of Kyal and Kara

ย Zoning

Just as a rug can help zone a living space, a feature tile can serve the same purpose. For example, if your bathroom has been designed with a โ€˜wet roomโ€™ concept, where itโ€™s very open, you may want to use tiles to carve up the space. You could change the tone, texture or shape (just one by the way!) of your tiles on the floor or wall to help define the bathroomโ€™s zones.

Subtle texture

Your feature tile doesnโ€™t have to be highly contrasting. In fact, if your bathroom is on the smaller side it is preferable to use the same tile in a different size or shape as busy tiles can be overwhelming. In a small bathroom I would use a 300mm x 300mm floor tile with the same tile in a different format on the wall โ€“ the tile might come in a hexagonal shape or you could lay a subway tile in a herringbone format. This technique is great for creating subtle textures and interest.

Image courtesy of Beaumont Tiles
Image courtesy of Beaumont Tiles

A word of warning

I would rarely put a coloured or beautiful feature tile behind a toilet as the toilet is not something I ever want to highlight. Also, if youโ€™ve spent a lot of money on a feature tile, you need to consider how much of it you will be covering up. For instance, if youโ€™re putting them behind your vanity you should consider that youโ€™re going to be mounting a mirror on top of them. A cheaper tile is probably a better solution for that area and you can use your feature tile elsewhere. Basically, donโ€™t ever use a feature tile in a space where you wonโ€™t be able to see and enjoy most of it!

Less is more

While feature tiles can be super effective, if youโ€™re using one, let it be your bathroomโ€™s hero and donโ€™t overdo it by adding feature tapware, lighting, basins or a feature bath too. Like most matters of design, simple is often best.

โ€“Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal ofย Silk Homeย and founder of theย International Institute of Home Staging.ย 

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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October 31, 2016

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Think you can't have a gorgeous plush white sofa l Think you can't have a gorgeous plush white sofa like these for practical reasons?

WRONG!

These stylish and super comfortable options from @jameslanedesign all have removable slipcovers, some which attach with Velcro for extra ease of taking them on and off. And you can even choose a polyester, viscose and linen blend or 100% linen. And chuck them in the wash at home! There's even an ivory boucle version with fully removable and dry cleanable covers!

And in good news for those in apartments, smaller homes or with tight entries or stairs, two of these are modular which makes moving them is a breeze.

So you CAN have it all! Hoorah!

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Let's face it, a white sofa is a classic!

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Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

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Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

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Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

ย "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

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Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarJulia Derbyshire says

    August 19, 2019 at 8:14 pm

    I can’t see the point of wasting a good feature tile in the bathroom shower stall. Who sees it? I would prefer a wall near the bath.

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      August 20, 2019 at 9:51 am

      I think it’s all a matter of personal taste really! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. AvatarShahna says

    September 19, 2020 at 7:20 am

    Is it a good idea to use the feature tile in the entire shower room ? It’s a black one, btw.

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      September 20, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      All personal choice, there’s no right or wrong ๐Ÿ™‚

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