What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?

Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic tiles. They are better suited for wet areas like bathrooms and floors. Ceramic tiles are softer and more affordable, making them ideal for walls.

How much do bathroom tiles cost in the UK?

Basic ceramic wall tiles start from around £10-15 per m2. Mid-range porcelain tiles cost £25-40 per m2. Premium or designer tiles can cost £50-100+ per m2. Labour adds approximately £30-50 per m2 for wall tiling and £35-60 per m2 for floor tiling.

What tiles are trending in 2026?

2026 trends include large format tiles, terrazzo-effect tiles, fluted or ribbed tiles, warm earthy tones, textured stone effects, and continued popularity of herringbone patterns.

What is the best grout colour for bathrooms?

Light grey is the most versatile choice, complementing most tile colours. Dark grey creates a modern look and hides dirt better. White grout brightens spaces but shows stains. For a seamless look, match grout to tile colour.

Best Bathroom Tiles 2026: Trends, Costs & Buying Guide

Tiles are the backbone of any bathroom. They define the style, set the mood, and must withstand years of humidity, temperature changes, and daily use. With so many options available, choosing the right tiles can feel overwhelming.

This guide covers everything you need to know about bathroom tiles in 2026 — from materials and trends to costs and where to buy in the UK.

Porcelain vs Ceramic: What is the Difference?

The most fundamental choice is between porcelain and ceramic tiles. Both are made from clay, but the manufacturing process differs significantly.

Porcelain Tiles

Density: Fired at higher temperatures, making them denser and harder
Water absorption: Less than 0.5% — ideal for wet areas
Durability: Extremely hard-wearing, suitable for floors and walls
Cost: Generally £25-50 per m2 (more expensive than ceramic)
Cutting: Harder to cut, requires professional installation

Ceramic Tiles

Density: Less dense than porcelain, softer to the touch
Water absorption: More than 0.5% — suitable for walls, limited floor use
Durability: Best for walls; can be used on floors in low-traffic areas
Cost: Generally £10-30 per m2 (more affordable)
Cutting: Easier to cut and install, DIY-friendly

Verdict: For bathroom floors, always choose porcelain. For walls, ceramic is often the better value. In a shower or wet room, porcelain is essential.

2026 Tile Trends

1. Large Format Tiles

Tiles are getting bigger. Large format tiles (60cm x 60cm, 80cm x 80cm, or even 120cm x 60cm) create a seamless, modern look with fewer grout lines. They make small bathrooms feel bigger and are easier to clean.

2. Terrazzo Effect

Terrazzo — the composite material with chips of marble, quartz, and glass in cement — is having a moment. Tile manufacturers now produce porcelain tiles that replicate the terrazzo look at a fraction of the cost. Expect to see these in playful colours with speckled patterns.

3. Fluted or Ribbed Tiles

3D wall tiles with vertical grooves (fluted or ribbed textures) add depth and interest to bathroom walls. They work particularly well as a feature wall behind a basin or in a shower niche. Materials range from ceramic to natural stone-effect porcelain.

4. Warm Earthy Tones

Moving away from the cool greys of recent years, 2026 sees a rise in warm tones: terracotta, sand, olive green, warm beige, and burnt orange. These colours create a spa-like, grounded atmosphere.

5. Herringbone Continues

The herringbone pattern remains popular, particularly for floor tiles. It adds visual interest and can make a small bathroom feel larger by drawing the eye across the space. Works best with rectangular tiles (like 30cm x 60cm or 20cm x 60cm).

6. Textured Stone Effects

High-quality digital printing now allows porcelain tiles to convincingly replicate natural stone — including the texture. Look for slate, limestone, and marble effects that feel like the real thing but without the maintenance requirements.

Tile Costs in the UK

Here is a breakdown of typical UK tile costs per square metre:

Tile Type	Cost per m2	Best For
Basic ceramic wall	£10-15	Budget bathrooms
Mid-range ceramic wall	£20-35	Standard bathrooms
Porcelain floor	£25-45	All bathroom floors
Large format porcelain	£35-60	Modern bathrooms
Designer/feature tiles	£50-100+	Premium projects

Labour costs: Tiling labour typically costs £30-50 per m2 for walls and £35-60 per m2 for floors, depending on your location and tile complexity. Complex patterns (herringbone, diagonal) cost more.

Remember: Order 10-15% more tiles than you need to account for cuts, breakages, and future repairs. Keep a few spare tiles in storage.

Where to Buy Bathroom Tiles in the UK

Topps Tiles — Largest tile retailer in the UK, wide range of styles, good availability
Wickes — Budget-friendly options, convenient for DIYers
B&Q — Good range at various price points
Tile Mountain — Online specialist with competitive prices
Tile Giant — Online retailer with free samples
Victoria Plum — Quality tiles alongside bathroom suites
Original Style — Premium and designer tiles
British Ceramic Tile — UK-made ceramic tiles

Choosing the Right Grout

Grout is often an afterthought, but it makes a significant difference to the final look.

Cement-based grout — Standard choice, requires sealing
Epoxy grout — More expensive but stain-resistant and waterproof
Grout colour: Light grey is versatile. Dark grey is modern and practical. Match grout to tiles for a seamless look.
Width: Use 2mm spacers for wall tiles, 3mm for floors

Tile Maintenance

Clean tiles regularly with a mild detergent
Use a squeegee on shower walls after use to prevent water spots
Re-seal cement-based grout annually
Address cracked or loose tiles immediately to prevent water damage

Ready to choose your perfect bathroom tiles? A professional tiler can help you select the right options for your space and ensure a flawless installation.