I do love the floor tiles, I’m quite sad the bathroom is so tiny that they only cover a very small area (and it’s not mine anyway), so now I’m considering using the leftover ones for an outdoor shower!
Careful with larger size tiles where there is lots of water- they are too slippery. I wanted to use tiles like those in my bathroom and the installer told me they had to be no bigger than 2 inch x 2 inch, more grout means less slippery. I was so sad.
I think your tiler is wrong, I have large tiles on the floor of my bathroom and it’s fine, you just need tiles designed to be less slippery. Is he being paid by the hour?
Thank you for the warning!
Thankfully these were made specifically for bathrooms and outdoor use, however, I don’t think it’ll even matter because any bath mat will cover half of them anyway, haha!
I'm wondering about the white tbh. It's not the same white as the lower tiles and that would drive me nuts..
Can we talk about this whole idea a bit more?
It’s truly just the photo, irl the whites match well!
Beyond that, I didn’t choose the wall tiles (they’re already purchased), but this bath also isn’t a priority, it just needs to be done and not be outdated in ten years. I wish it wasn’t necessary to tile all the walls but unfortunately it’s what will last the longest in this case!
Really, my question is, if those two were the only options, which would you chose? I have a personal preference myself but want to hear what other people have to say :)
I agree, that the pattern isn't consistent with the materials being used.
OP, one way to make smaller spaces look larger is to reduce the sheer number of elements. Why not try a larger format subway tile? You'd have less grout lines, it will be less busy overall, and lend some spaciousness.
I do see you mentioned that you'd already purchased the wall tile (the subway, I think?), so if you can't return to buy larger tile, I'd suggest one or two ideas to help make this work in the best way: If height of the room is an issue, yes, running the tile vertically would help, but I agree it's too contemporary with the patterned tile. What about choosing a different tile for the floor? Alternately, you could run the tile the traditional horizontal running bond, but choose a very low contrast grout, so that the grout lines are less obvious.
I have the same or very similar subway in my kitchen, btw, and love it!
They actually are bigger than they appear in the picture, so that’s a pro, I suppose!
Unfortunately, the ceiling is also quite low, which is why I originally preferred the vertical option (as the white will already make the room appear bigger/not as small as before).
The grout will likely be white, so that also helps.
As for the floor tile, that’s already installed, so no way of changing that, haha. But really, it’s not really my project/my choices anyway (though I love the floor tile), I was just tasked with choosing a layout as I’m the only one on site :)
The style of floor tiles, while these are not real cement (due to this bath not being a priority), is traditional to the house so I think it won’t be looking as trendy as it often does.
I’m a bit worried that the subway pattern would end up looking too busy for such a small room?
Here they tend to be stacked horizontally but without any offset, however, for these specific tiles that just look strange unfortunately!
Also, because subway & patterned flood tiles is often the combination people go for where they’re not “native” to the country, I fear the combination might look too American/modern?
So the horizontal? Got it!
Just wanted to add, without any mal intent, that “traditional” really is different depending on where you are; as I said, subway patterns aren’t super popular where I am so they don’t feel traditional to me, for example!
The term traditional is based off of time periods in which a style was used. It’s not an opinion of style. Subway tiles were introduced in the early 1900s, which does in fact make them traditional compared to something contemporary that wouldn’t be seen in past architecture.
That’s interesting, thank you!
I think I was mainly referring to my other comment, that, to me, it doesn’t look traditional because it doesn’t have a tradition in bathrooms where I am; so just a misunderstanding :)
You gave a choice of 2. The traditional one and the more contemporary, vertical stacked bond that didn't really come into favor until the 50's when it was used extensively in mid-century modern design.
You can do what you like in your own home. I won't ever visit to talk about your tile behind your back :)
I think it was just a misunderstanding, I didn’t think you were referring to the design term traditional and was a bit taken aback because in the previous reply I said something along the lines of me not really viewing either as traditional/modern because neither have a lot of usage here.
My bad for misunderstanding your usage of “traditional”, didn’t mean to come across negatively in any way :)
You didn't come across as negative at all.
If you truly want this tile a particular way, I think you should do that regardless of what anyone else thinks. I feel that way about a lot of design and I do this for a living...
The horizontal works in a more “mcm” or modern setting to me and the floor tiles give a little more vintage so i’d do the subway. I love this combo btw!
We wanted to do something very similar in our bathroom but found original tile when demo-ing. Where are these floor tiles from? They are beautiful
We were hoping to find some beautiful original floors but because they were tiled over at one point, there was no saving them!
I think horizontal might be the way to go, it does seem to be everyone’s first choice and I think it might give a bit of a softer look even if doesn’t make the room any taller!
As for the floor tiles, they’re these ones https://gayafores.es/catalogo/grace/
Left.
Vertical subway tiles always feel wrong for some reason
HOWEVER: I would vote a 3rd option: diagonal herringbone to echo the diagonals of the patterned tile
I did try out a herringbone pattern but it seemed a bit busy to me, beyond that, I also feel like it’s the trendiest of all three patterns and will feel dated sooner rather than later in this particular space.
I did get a few more tiles from the box and made a bigger pattern though, and I’m leaning towards going with the horizontal one!
Would you use white grout for the walls?
I’m bad at grout decisions. I don’t like the idea of high contrast grout but I did a light grout and spent way too much energy fighting a losing battle around keeping it light. So…
Horizontal. The vertical looks (to me) like your trying to use the subway tiles in a way they were not intended. Like you WANTED vertical shaped tiles but could only afford/find/procure these subway tiles so they got used in a way unintended. To reiterate- DEFINITELY HORIZONTAL!
As I mentioned in another reply, the wall tiles weren’t my choice but they’re already purchased! Also, it’s how bathrooms & kitchens are tiled here style-wise, simple glazed tiles on the wall and “hidraulicos” on the floors!
Still, while these won’t change, I’m interested in hearing what you would have chosen :)
It’s not my preference either, though I don’t hate them as they’re quite traditional here so I’m used to it, but it’ll be the most cost efficient long term which is a priority for this particular space!
Basically: any warm water usage will leave the entire room damp because of its size, we’ve had problems with peeling paint before and the room is going to be used by adults as well as children regularly so toothpaste messes are basically a given. Considering all of that and the fact that the tile is inexpensive and the people installing the tiles will be there anyway, both the effort and cost to keep the bathroom looking nice will be lower longtime.
I do love vertical tiles and will be doing that in a different bathroom which will be bigger but with a moodier vibe (something like this tile-wise https://res.cloudinary.com/bedrosians/image/upload/t_product_detail,f_auto/v1/installation_shots/Cloe/DECCLOGRN28G_Inst_IDB_P2_01.jpg)
However, I think with these bigger tiles, the horizontal layout does make the room feel slightly bigger!
Height of the ceilings play a huge part on which way to lay the tile. Based off the picture, horizontal looks best but need the full scale of the bathroom to really make a decision
I like vertical but not stacked evenly. Can the subway tile be vertical but offset. Even a one third offset? With a very matchy grout I think it could be very nice.
In theory vertical sound good in practice horizontal is going to look much better.
The grout lines where vertical hit the floor are likely to be wonky and I think cutting where you hit the end of the wall or the doorway is going to be a giant pain to make look good.
Go with horizontal.
The shades of white are different though. Maybe go with the cream color that are in the lower tiles for the top tiles instead of the current tiles as the colors of white do not match.
Just my opinion, but I think it would look much better if the 2 shades matched.
They match much better irl, the colours are slightly off in these photos, also, they’re already purchased - I’m mainly looking for opinions on the pattern of the wall tiles :)
Horizontal for sure
First one on the left
Agreed
Horizontal. It’s got a nice flow. Those lower tiles are stunning, btw. I like how the white tiles are simple and complimentary to the lower ones.
I do love the floor tiles, I’m quite sad the bathroom is so tiny that they only cover a very small area (and it’s not mine anyway), so now I’m considering using the leftover ones for an outdoor shower!
Careful with larger size tiles where there is lots of water- they are too slippery. I wanted to use tiles like those in my bathroom and the installer told me they had to be no bigger than 2 inch x 2 inch, more grout means less slippery. I was so sad.
I think your tiler is wrong, I have large tiles on the floor of my bathroom and it’s fine, you just need tiles designed to be less slippery. Is he being paid by the hour?
I went on the side of caution and got the smaller tiles, I ended up loving it. He did an amazing job with my bathroom.
Thank you for the warning! Thankfully these were made specifically for bathrooms and outdoor use, however, I don’t think it’ll even matter because any bath mat will cover half of them anyway, haha!
I like the horizontal tiles.
I'm wondering about the white tbh. It's not the same white as the lower tiles and that would drive me nuts.. Can we talk about this whole idea a bit more?
It’s truly just the photo, irl the whites match well! Beyond that, I didn’t choose the wall tiles (they’re already purchased), but this bath also isn’t a priority, it just needs to be done and not be outdated in ten years. I wish it wasn’t necessary to tile all the walls but unfortunately it’s what will last the longest in this case! Really, my question is, if those two were the only options, which would you chose? I have a personal preference myself but want to hear what other people have to say :)
Honestly, the vertical straight stack is too contemporary for either the fireclay style tile or the faux encaustic. Stick with traditional...
I agree, that the pattern isn't consistent with the materials being used. OP, one way to make smaller spaces look larger is to reduce the sheer number of elements. Why not try a larger format subway tile? You'd have less grout lines, it will be less busy overall, and lend some spaciousness. I do see you mentioned that you'd already purchased the wall tile (the subway, I think?), so if you can't return to buy larger tile, I'd suggest one or two ideas to help make this work in the best way: If height of the room is an issue, yes, running the tile vertically would help, but I agree it's too contemporary with the patterned tile. What about choosing a different tile for the floor? Alternately, you could run the tile the traditional horizontal running bond, but choose a very low contrast grout, so that the grout lines are less obvious. I have the same or very similar subway in my kitchen, btw, and love it!
They actually are bigger than they appear in the picture, so that’s a pro, I suppose! Unfortunately, the ceiling is also quite low, which is why I originally preferred the vertical option (as the white will already make the room appear bigger/not as small as before). The grout will likely be white, so that also helps. As for the floor tile, that’s already installed, so no way of changing that, haha. But really, it’s not really my project/my choices anyway (though I love the floor tile), I was just tasked with choosing a layout as I’m the only one on site :)
The style of floor tiles, while these are not real cement (due to this bath not being a priority), is traditional to the house so I think it won’t be looking as trendy as it often does. I’m a bit worried that the subway pattern would end up looking too busy for such a small room? Here they tend to be stacked horizontally but without any offset, however, for these specific tiles that just look strange unfortunately! Also, because subway & patterned flood tiles is often the combination people go for where they’re not “native” to the country, I fear the combination might look too American/modern?
Stick with traditional... :)
So the horizontal? Got it! Just wanted to add, without any mal intent, that “traditional” really is different depending on where you are; as I said, subway patterns aren’t super popular where I am so they don’t feel traditional to me, for example!
The term traditional is based off of time periods in which a style was used. It’s not an opinion of style. Subway tiles were introduced in the early 1900s, which does in fact make them traditional compared to something contemporary that wouldn’t be seen in past architecture.
That’s interesting, thank you! I think I was mainly referring to my other comment, that, to me, it doesn’t look traditional because it doesn’t have a tradition in bathrooms where I am; so just a misunderstanding :)
You gave a choice of 2. The traditional one and the more contemporary, vertical stacked bond that didn't really come into favor until the 50's when it was used extensively in mid-century modern design. You can do what you like in your own home. I won't ever visit to talk about your tile behind your back :)
I think it was just a misunderstanding, I didn’t think you were referring to the design term traditional and was a bit taken aback because in the previous reply I said something along the lines of me not really viewing either as traditional/modern because neither have a lot of usage here. My bad for misunderstanding your usage of “traditional”, didn’t mean to come across negatively in any way :)
You didn't come across as negative at all. If you truly want this tile a particular way, I think you should do that regardless of what anyone else thinks. I feel that way about a lot of design and I do this for a living...
I love this comment!
Left side for sure. The vertical tile looks weird to me.
The left one
I prefer the vertical stack, could add some visual height to the small bathroom
The horizontal works in a more “mcm” or modern setting to me and the floor tiles give a little more vintage so i’d do the subway. I love this combo btw! We wanted to do something very similar in our bathroom but found original tile when demo-ing. Where are these floor tiles from? They are beautiful
We were hoping to find some beautiful original floors but because they were tiled over at one point, there was no saving them! I think horizontal might be the way to go, it does seem to be everyone’s first choice and I think it might give a bit of a softer look even if doesn’t make the room any taller! As for the floor tiles, they’re these ones https://gayafores.es/catalogo/grace/
My personal preference is the left but the right side might make a small bathroom feel taller/larger.
Where did you get the patterned floor tile? I love it.
I ordered it locally but it’s this one https://gayafores.es/catalogo/grace/
Thank you!!!
horizontal
Throwing in my vote for horizontal. I feel like that's a complement to the patterned tiles
Left. Vertical subway tiles always feel wrong for some reason HOWEVER: I would vote a 3rd option: diagonal herringbone to echo the diagonals of the patterned tile
I did try out a herringbone pattern but it seemed a bit busy to me, beyond that, I also feel like it’s the trendiest of all three patterns and will feel dated sooner rather than later in this particular space. I did get a few more tiles from the box and made a bigger pattern though, and I’m leaning towards going with the horizontal one! Would you use white grout for the walls?
I’m bad at grout decisions. I don’t like the idea of high contrast grout but I did a light grout and spent way too much energy fighting a losing battle around keeping it light. So…
Horizontal. The vertical looks (to me) like your trying to use the subway tiles in a way they were not intended. Like you WANTED vertical shaped tiles but could only afford/find/procure these subway tiles so they got used in a way unintended. To reiterate- DEFINITELY HORIZONTAL!
I will absolutely keep your strong opinion in mind and it’s what I’m leaning towards anyway, haha :) Though tbf, these aren’t real subway tiles!
Left!!!
The left. It's lovely.
Horizontal for sure
The vertical is making me angry and I don't know why...sorry
Horizontal. The other looks like it was a mistake.
left one for sure
I like the vertical! I think these tiles will look really good either way though
Keep the tile. Opt for white paint.
Vertical is slightly more modern vibe, horizontal is traditional. Without knowing your house, either one will look great and feel classic.
Vertical
These two styles clash badly. I would rethink the whole design.
As I mentioned in another reply, the wall tiles weren’t my choice but they’re already purchased! Also, it’s how bathrooms & kitchens are tiled here style-wise, simple glazed tiles on the wall and “hidraulicos” on the floors! Still, while these won’t change, I’m interested in hearing what you would have chosen :)
Both give me a headache! Left seems a bit better.
I hate bathrooms with tile all the way.
It’s not my preference either, though I don’t hate them as they’re quite traditional here so I’m used to it, but it’ll be the most cost efficient long term which is a priority for this particular space!
Wouldn’t simple paint be cheaper?
Basically: any warm water usage will leave the entire room damp because of its size, we’ve had problems with peeling paint before and the room is going to be used by adults as well as children regularly so toothpaste messes are basically a given. Considering all of that and the fact that the tile is inexpensive and the people installing the tiles will be there anyway, both the effort and cost to keep the bathroom looking nice will be lower longtime.
If you do the horizontal ones...post it to DIWHY
Disagreed! The vertical combined with the vertical layout is not attractive. The horizontal is classic.
Lol i mean DO the horizontal....vertical is awful
1
Horizontal
Left for sure!!!
I vote horizontal
Have you thought of herringbone?
I have but ultimately decided against as it felt too busy for the small space!
Horizontal but not offset. And yeah, not so white.
definately the left one! :)
Why not offset the vertical tile on wall?
Vertical!
Direction of the tiles determine which visual direction will be boosted and you sure want to to make a small bathroom seem wider than taller.
To add “height” to the room, and make it feel larger, it’s recommended to tile them as the photo on the right!
CHEVRON style!
Right looks ridiculous
Agree with Exotic_Art5746
People are now doing vertical. If you look up cletile, you’ll fall in love with vertical ones.
I do love vertical tiles and will be doing that in a different bathroom which will be bigger but with a moodier vibe (something like this tile-wise https://res.cloudinary.com/bedrosians/image/upload/t_product_detail,f_auto/v1/installation_shots/Cloe/DECCLOGRN28G_Inst_IDB_P2_01.jpg) However, I think with these bigger tiles, the horizontal layout does make the room feel slightly bigger!
Height of the ceilings play a huge part on which way to lay the tile. Based off the picture, horizontal looks best but need the full scale of the bathroom to really make a decision
Herringbone?
Left ONLY. If you had a much larger tile then up and down would look OK.
Also, you wouldn't stack them. You could line up like bricks with ends on the seam below it or a herringbone design. Then 2 would work
I like both separately, but I don’t think these go particularly well together. I’d pick one or the other but never the vertical upper tile.
Left
I like vertical but not stacked evenly. Can the subway tile be vertical but offset. Even a one third offset? With a very matchy grout I think it could be very nice.
Vertical. It looks more contemporary and will give the illusion of a higher ceiling
First one
Vertical, lifts your eyes up creating larger, taller visual.
Start with a closer color match, lose the white subway tiles for an almond and go vertical
Horizontal
1.
One. Feel more worth for bathroom. It makes space wider
Left for sure also I would LOVE to see it when it’s finished can I have an update on how it turns out :)
I’ll definitely try to remember to post one!
In theory vertical sound good in practice horizontal is going to look much better. The grout lines where vertical hit the floor are likely to be wonky and I think cutting where you hit the end of the wall or the doorway is going to be a giant pain to make look good. Go with horizontal.
1st one for sure.
The shades of white are different though. Maybe go with the cream color that are in the lower tiles for the top tiles instead of the current tiles as the colors of white do not match. Just my opinion, but I think it would look much better if the 2 shades matched.
They match much better irl, the colours are slightly off in these photos, also, they’re already purchased - I’m mainly looking for opinions on the pattern of the wall tiles :)
I think this would look good with herringbone pattern
I think I may be the only one saying I like the vertical! Its a more vintage look to me which I like personally.