Tiled bathrooms: in or out? Decide for yourself!

Tiled bathrooms have long been the absolute ultimate. These times are over, because now it’s about modern design variants that stand out from previous fashion. But, is this really the truth?

Tiled bathrooms: timelessness for the bathroom

In the past, tiles were considered to be long-lasting and the most durable variant. It was not necessary to renovate the bathroom after the obligatory ten years, because the tile mirrors lasted significantly longer if they were installed professionally. Nothing has changed to this day, but the demands of bathroom owners have become much more complex.

It is no longer just about timelessness and durability, today fashion principles play a completely new role. Wood laminates or impregnated planks are also popular as alternatives for the conventional tile mirrors, or different wall designs are combined, as can be seen in the picture here:

Wood laminates or impregnated planks are also popular as alternatives for conventional tile mirrors or there is a combination of different wall designs, as can be seen in the picture here:

Today’s fashion certainly combines the demands of a certain timelessness, because the trendy light gray, black and dark gray tones of the tiles will still be modern in a few years. They have the advantage that they can be wonderfully combined with the furnishings in the bathroom. A few other decorative items set up, a wall repainted: the new bathroom is ready!

Despite all the timelessness, the cosiness in the bathroom must not be left behind and that is exactly one point in which tiled bathrooms cannot score with a cheap color choice. Because a completely tiled floor, tiled walls and the white of the bathroom ceramics create a cold, uncomfortable impression. Here you either have to work with clever lighting or it is necessary to use rugs or other decorative bathroom textiles. It is much easier to use planks in the bathroom, for example, as this picture shows:

Such boards give a rustic impression, are warm and pleasant, but easy to care for and durable.

Such planks give a rustic impression, are warm and pleasant, but easy to care for and durable. However, builders should always bear in mind that there is a high level of humidity in the bathroom and the wood of the planks must be impregnated accordingly. Otherwise, renovation is imminent!

Tiled bathrooms: naturalness is key

Everyone decides whether or not tiled walls in the bathroom are in or out. But one thing is a fact: naturalness has also found its way into the bathroom and is reflected, among other things, in matt tiled floors with a structure. In some cases, bare feet get the feeling of walking over a wooden floor, but the floor designed in this way has the advantage that it is robust and easy to maintain like a tiled floor. Matt tile variants have the advantage that they are less slippery, which significantly increases the safety factor in the bathroom. This takes account of the claim to barrier-free living, where the highest possible level of security is important.

Naturalness is also achieved through the different tile sizes. Gone are the days when the largest possible formats were used to fill a wall or floor cost-effectively. It depends on individuality and variety and so the shower is tiled differently than the area around the bathtub or on the toilet. This creates different areas in the bathroom. Nevertheless, thanks to the different tile formats, it is possible to lay quickly and cheaply, because the selection of tile offers is really terrific. There are even models with a size of 1.5 x 3 m, which of course make a clear difference to small mosaic tiles measuring 2 x 2 cm.

However, it is important to note that the size of the bathroom must match the size of the tiles, although the old rule that only small tile variants belong to small bathrooms no longer applies. A small room can appear significantly larger with large-format tile mirrors. However, their laying depends on the skill of the tiler, who really should know something about his craft.

In addition to the existing trends, new installation forms for tiled bathrooms can be seen.

New shapes for tiled bathrooms

In addition to the existing trends, new installation forms for tiled bathrooms can be seen. Small tile models are no longer conservative, but rather hip and they are mainly used in the elongated form. They look a bit like clinker bricks, which are currently leading the way in living trends.

In addition, it was previously expected for tiled bathrooms that the wall tiles were placed in rows so that the joints always formed crosses. Today, the specialist tends to use bandage laying, in which the tiles can be staggered. They loosen up the entire room and create an elegant impression. This is particularly suitable for natural stone tiles.

Tiles with five or six corners are also on the rise, they can be placed on the wall in the form of flowers. These models are even available in patterned versions, which look rather playful.

Tiles with five or six corners are also on the rise, they can be placed on the wall in the form of flowers. These models are even available in patterned versions, which look rather playful.

Tiled bathrooms and alternatives to the tile tradition

Tiled bathrooms may be practical, but there are now numerous alternatives to traditional tiles. It is important to note that a high level of humidity is released when bathing or showering, and that walls and floors are repeatedly hit by water splashes. To ensure that the building structure is not damaged in the long term and that no mold is formed, the walls and floor must be well protected.

This should be taken into account when looking for an alternative to tiles. It is therefore not possible to simply bring a color to the wall and enjoy the variety in the bathroom. Rather, particularly suitable colors must be selected that are water-repellent and mold-resistant. And there are exactly such alternatives:

• PVC floor coverings

They look deceptively real and look like wood, metal or stone. The PVC comes on the floor, a carrier layer is glued to it, which shows the decor. On top of that comes a transparent layer as protection and sealing. Of course, the individual layers do not have to be installed by yourself, PVC floor coverings are already commercially available. They are very thin and are therefore also suitable for application to existing floors.

• Cork for the floor

Cork is available in various plate sizes and is characterized by its pleasant accessibility. If cork flooring is professionally laid and given edge protection, water from the shower or splashes from the washbasin cannot harm either.

• Wood as an alternative

Wood is well protected thanks to modern technologies and is therefore also suitable for wet rooms. It does not swell, but must be installed properly. It is important that there are no joints: here the specialist for laying must be consulted.

• Plastered walls

As can be seen in the picture, plastered walls are also possible in the bathroom:

Plaster on the walls is particularly suitable for the industrial look, which has recently also found its way into bathrooms.

However, this makes a cool impression; Plaster on the walls is particularly suitable for the industrial look, which has recently also found its way into the bathroom.

Tiled bathrooms are being replaced by plaster on the walls – examples of this can be found above all in modern hotels. Mineral plasters or stone spatulas are used, which consist of different grain sizes. A synthetic resin connects the materials and creates a breathable and moisture-resistant wall covering. This variant can be applied directly to old wall coverings, making it easier to renovate old bathrooms.

Wall coverings and wall panels are available on the market in different designs and sizes as well as different formats and materials.

Apply wall cladding: renovate tiled bathrooms

Many owners or apartment owners are afraid to renovate tiled bathrooms because they know that in the bathroom the old tile mirror has to be knocked off the walls. With modern materials and wall coverings, this is no longer necessary, because these can even be installed directly in tiled bathrooms. It is only important that the surface is dry and clean, and it must also be stable. That means there is no new covering to glue on loose tiles!

For those who see the bathroom more as a spa than as a wet room and want to renovate it in between, this is a cheap option. It is quick, inexpensive and even possible in different design variants, so that the conventional joints can even create a seamless wall design. Wall coverings and wall panels are available on the market in different designs and sizes as well as different formats and materials.

It is important that panels should be waterproof and non-fading, otherwise the renovation effect is quickly gone. It is glued to the wall using silicone, and the panels themselves are made to measure and laid. In some cases, even glass plates are now available for attachment to old tile mirrors: safety glass is colored for this and can then cover up wall tiles that have become unsightly.

Overall, these variants result in a nice alternative for tiled bathrooms that need to be renovated or refurbished. Such alternatives should also be considered when building new bathrooms. The fact is, however, that tiled bathrooms will never completely disappear from the picture, because they actually offer unbeatable advantages. Together with the appropriate lighting, timeless dream bathrooms are created – in every variant!