Comparing the different bathroom floor tile effects | What buyers should know

By their nature, bathrooms are frequently exposed to water, so it’s crucial to select a bathroom floor tile that is designed to be suitable and slip-resistant. Consider bathroom tiles that are hygienic, comfortable and long-lasting to support the bathroom’s functionality. Porcelain floor tiles are ideal in bathrooms, and come in various styles, patterns and effects to meet your own preferences, including wood effect and stone effect.

Choosing the right tile effect can help enhance your bathroom’s appearance. However, with various tile effect products to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one will work best on your bathroom floor.

In this guide, we will look at tiles that are designed to replicate other materials, such as metal, terracotta, natural stone, marble, wood and concrete.

Choosing the best metal effect bathroom floor tiles

Metal effect bathroom tiles should seamlessly merge form and function, making the bathroom a beautiful and safe space. With this in mind, it’s essential to think of both the practicality and the aesthetics of the tiles you’re considering. With their natural shimmer and reflective properties, metal effect tiles offer a contemporary, industrial look or even a luxe feel, depending on the design. This can help the bathroom stand out from other rooms, differentiating the home’s public areas or giving it a spa-like feel.

This tile effect often mimics the look of metals like copper, nickel, iron or even aged metallic finishes. There are a range of styles available to suit different design schemes. Beyond aesthetics, it’s essential to consider the tile’s durability and resistance to moisture and wear and tear. Bathrooms are naturally humid, so tiles should be able to withstand constant exposure to water without losing their lustre.
Made from the highly durable porcelain, our Patina range includes a metal tile effect that offers a subtle sheen, with delicate tonal variation. Available in Nickel and Iron, these metal effect tiles are ideal as both a bathroom floor and wall tile.

Choosing the best terracotta effect bathroom floor tiles

Terracotta, which translates to “fired earth, ” is a brownish-red clay that can be baked and used for making things such as flowerpots, small statues, and, of course, tiles.

Terracotta effect bathroom tiles are generally made from porcelain and inspired by the rich, earthy tones and textures of traditional terracotta. However, unlike terracotta, which is crafted from sun-dried or kiln-fired clay, terracotta effect tiles are less porous and more resistant to moisture and wear. They do not need to be sealed and are practical and easy to maintain.

Terracotta-effect tiles seamlessly blend the old-world charm with contemporary design, making them a popular choice among homeowners and designers alike. CPG has terracotta-effect tiles in both square and rectangular formats, meaning you can be creative with the patterns you lay on the floor.
These terracotta effect tiles are perfect for hardwearing and heavy traffic areas, such as kitchen and bathroom floors.

Choosing the best stone effect bathroom floor tiles

Whilst natural stone tiles are a popular material for bathroom floors due to their organic good looks, they may be unsuitable to combat the amount of water. However, stone effect tiles are a great alternative. They come with a lower price tag and are non-porous, making them easy to lay and maintain, and a practical and cost-effective option.

Stone can have inconsistent edges due to its natural origin. As a result, it might take more time to ensure the tiles are laid evenly and securely. Stone effect tiles have consistent, edges, and this uniformity simplifies the installation process, often reducing labour costs and the time spent fitting them.

Stone effect floor tiles are designed to resist wear and tear. Their non-porous nature also makes them resistant to staining and moisture, which is especially important in bathrooms.

Because stone effect bathroom tiles are designed to replicate several different types of stone, and there are a variety of colours and styles available. They often have natural additions such as fossil effects and natural veining.

Stone effect tiles come in a variety of shades:

Cream and neutral – Use these hues to create a calming and warm feeling in a bathroom. They are versatile and match well with fixtures and accessories.
Grey – Tiles in this colour offer a contemporary, sleek feel to a space. They’re neutral enough to complement various styles but can also make a dramatic statement depending on the pattern and shade depth.
Black and white – Monochrome stone effects can be bold and dramatic. They can be used to create a classic pattern and contrast in the bathroom.
Available in three shades, Neutral, Gold, and Grey, our Dijon Dijon porcelain tiles are the perfect choice for those who love the look of limestone but the ease of porcelain. These stone effect tiles are ideal for heavy traffic areas, such as a bathroom floor.

Choosing the best marble effect bathroom floor tiles

Marble, with its timeless elegance and luxe appeal, has long been a popular choice. Its recent surge in popularity, especially for tiles, reflects a contemporary desire for both luxury and nature-inspired elements in home decor. While genuine marble can be quite costly and require meticulous care, marble effect tiles offer an attractive and practical alternative.

Just like real marble, these tiles have unique veining, with great variation, so they offer an authentic look. As marble effect floor tiles mimic the natural beauty of marble, they add a feeling of understated luxury. A great bathroom increases the value of a home, and a pared-back marble-effect bathroom floor is extremely desirable.
While they have the appearance of marble, our Malmo range is made from recycled glass and then coloured using a state-of-the-art inkjet printing process. Available in Willow Leaf, Picket, Hexagon and Scallop shapes, these marble effect tiles are fantastic to look at and can be used virtually anywhere.

Choosing the best wood effect bathroom floor tiles

If you love the natural, warm and organic feel of wooden flooring but know it’s not quite right for a bathroom, then wood effect floor tiles offer a great alternative. Bathrooms, given the humid and often wet environment, can cause wood to warp, but this isn’t an issue with wood effect tiles. They mimic the aesthetics of wood while being completely impervious to water, making them perfect for bathroom settings.

With a variety of shades to choose from, you may want to consider the look you want for your floor and overall bathroom aesthetic. Popular wood shades include:

Elm – offers a gentle grain pattern with a light to medium tone.
Birch – known for its pale, subtly grained appearance.
Walnut – this presents a rich, dark hue exuding luxury.
Oak – with its robust grain patterns, it’s a classic choice.
Sycamore – a less common choice, but it provides a distinctive grain with a pale hue.
Contact CPG to speak to one of our specialists.