Bathroom tiles are the traditional double-duty decor. They not only provide an opportunity to add texture, pattern, and color to what could otherwise be a plain and sometimes sterile room, but they also serve a practical purpose. The best bathroom tiles will protect your walls and floors from moisture, making them easy to keep clean, hygienic, and mold-free.

Whether you use tiles in sections, such as around a bathtub or within a walk-in shower, or you want to cover your entire room in them, one thing is certain: it pays to take your time when selecting the right bathroom tiles for your project. We've chosen some of the best Hanse bathroom tiles for your money, as well as the questions to ask when shopping for them. Our buying guide will assist you in selecting the best bathroom tiles.

How to choose the best bathroom tiles for you

There are a wide variety of materials that can be used to make bathroom tiles. There are a variety of materials to choose from, including porcelain and ceramic, as well as natural stone (which will require sealing and resealing), glass, and encaustic cement (though these are heavier and can fade over time).

The first step is to think about the shape and size of tiles that you like best. Your options include larger tiles that give the impression of more space, mosaics for an accent or splashback, and simple metro tiles for a more traditional look and feel. As an alternative, a variety of tessellating shapes, such as hexagons, can be used to great effect.

As a next step, think about the practicalities. Do you require tiles that can be used for both wall and floor cladding? Then, to avoid slipping when it rains, make sure the tiles you've laid on the floor have a good amount of grip. Underfoot, a matte or textured surface is most comfortable. You should also make sure that your chosen floor tiles, grout, and adhesives are compatible if you're going to install under-floor heating.

Top 5 best bathroom tiles to buy in 2022

1. Real tumbled travertine Cream Matte Travertine-effect Natural stone Wall and floor Tile: The best affordable stone bathroom tiles

Natural slip-resistant due to its tumbled finish, this creamy travertine tile is an excellent value for the cost. Using underfloor heating is a no-brainer, and the fact that each tile is slightly different adds a lot of individuality. Other sizes and shapes are also available, so you can customize your space to your heart's content.

However, there are some drawbacks to this approach. After the stone is laid, it needs to be sealed and possibly resealed at some point in the future. The floor of a shower, for example, would be too wet for this, so you'll have to come up with another plan for your walk-in wet room. Consider the weight of the tiles before laying them down in your bathroom.

Key details – Size: 61 x 40.6 x 1.2cm (WDH); Material: Stone; Suitable for: Walls and floors; Additional features: 2yr guarantee

2. Calacatta Gold Gloss Marble Effect Porcelain Wall & Floor Tile: The best marble-effect bathroom tile

A great alternative to real marble, and don't let the glossy finish fool you – these porcelain tiles are more than suitable for a bathroom, even though they appear to be marble. Despite its lower slip resistance rating (R9), this tile is a great value for the money. However, wet feet are still a safety hazard, so use a mat when getting out of the tub or shower.

There's something about the tile's striking golden veining pattern that makes it perfect for adding warmth and making it suitable for use on walls and floors. For larger rooms, however, it might be better to combine it with its 605x605mm floor counterpart to avoid the room looking too crowded. Its PEI rating of 4 means "regular footfall," which is yet another reason to buy this tile. This means that it can withstand heavy use in a bathroom and probably elsewhere in your house as well.

Key details – Size: 30 x 60 x 0.8cm (WDH); Material: Porcelain; Suitable for: Walls and floors; Additional features: UFH compatible

3. Titanic Linear Alabaster White Tiles: The best bathroom tiles for a splashback

Whether as a feature wall section or as an alternative to ceramic, these off-white, glass mosaic tiles bring instant glamour to a bathroom. While many glass mosaics are constructed from round or square pieces, this design uses long sections for a modern linear look, with each piece cut to a different length to add texture to the room.

Part of the Titanic Wave collection, the Linear tiles have a frosted matte finish, so you won’t have to keep them scrupulously clean of water marks and mess, unlike shiny glass. Even better, you won’t have to mount each one individually, as they’re supplied on a mesh backing. Plus, if this classic Alabaster shade doesn’t appeal, they’re also available in Pebble Grey and Desert Black, or as a chevron design, with coordinating large-format floor and wall tiles too.

Key details – Size: 30 x 40.6 x 0.8cm (WDH); Material: Glass; Suitable for: Walls; Additional features: None

4. Wickes Central Park Patterned Ceramic Wall & Floor Tile: The best vintage-style bathroom tiles

This matte ceramic tile is ideal for those who are drawn to Victorian-style patterns and the look of a bygone era. A variety of tile patterns make it simple to arrange in a random fashion, and the predominant grey tone makes it suitable for use in any bathroom, from an ensuite to a family bathroom. They can be laid easily and are suitable for both walls and floors.

While they're slip-resistant, a mat on the floor is still preferable in the bathroom because of the high wear rating of 4, which makes them ideal for daily use. Porcelain tiles with a high level of slip resistance would be more appropriate for wet areas like bathrooms.

Key details – Size: 31.6 x 31.6 x 0.9cm (WDH); Material: Ceramic; Suitable for: Walls and floors; Additional features: None

5. Camden Dark Grey Ceramic Wall Tile: The best value ceramic bathroom tiles

For decades, metro tiles have been a popular choice for bathrooms. It's a simple way to add a dash of color to your design while keeping it clean and uncluttered. There is no better example of this than these own-brand flat rectangular tiles. They can be used to create an on-trend brickwork or herringbone pattern and come in a variety of colors.

If you're reasonably skilled, you can cut and install these tiles yourself, but if you're not, it's always best to hire a professional. The only drawback is that most of the colors are on the traditional side, so if you want to make a bigger statement, you may want to look elsewhere.

Key details – Size: 10 x 30 x 0.8cm (WDH); Material: Ceramic; Suitable for: Walls; Additional features: None