Designer advice: 5 common tile mistakes to avoid

21 Oct

From grout colours that clash to overdoing patterns or cutting costs in the wrong places, here are the five bathroom tile mistakes to steer clear of – and how to create a space that feels effortlessly stylish instead.

Overlooking the importance of grout

It’s often one of the last things people think about, but grout can make or break a bathroom design. The colour, width and finish all play a huge role in how your tiles look once installed. A dark grout can create a strong, graphic effect that emphasises each tile, while a lighter grout tends to blend and soften the overall feel. The wrong choice can make even the most beautiful tiles look busy or disjointed.

Designer tip: Always look at grout and tile samples together before you decide. Warm-toned grout enhances the natural variation in stone, terracotta or marble-effect tiles, whereas cool greys and whites complement modern ceramics or glazed finishes. It’s these subtle details that make your design feel polished and intentional rather than mismatched or unfinished.

“Tiles have so much power to transform a bathroom, but it’s the decisions around them – the layout, lighting and little details like grout – that make all the difference.”

-Emily, Ripples Walton-on-Thames designer

Mixing too many patterns

Tiles are one of the easiest ways to inject character into your bathroom – but too many competing designs can overwhelm the eye. We often see people fall in love with multiple tiles and try to use them all at once, only to find the space feels cramped or chaotic. Balance is everything when it comes to tile design.

Designer tip: Focus on one statement feature – such as a patterned floor, a textured shower wall or a beautifully tiled bath panel – and let the other surfaces support it. Pair bold patterns with calmer tones and plain finishes to create contrast and flow. This approach allows each material to shine and gives your bathroom a considered, cohesive look.

Cutting costs in the wrong places

Budget plays a big part in any renovation, but it’s worth knowing where to save and where to spend. Tiles are a high-impact element that need to stand up to daily wear and moisture, so quality really does matter. Cheaper options might look appealing at first but can lead to uneven finishes, colour inconsistencies or early damage over time.

Designer tip: Prioritise quality where it counts – especially on floors, shower enclosures and splash zones. If you’re working within a budget, opt for fewer feature areas or choose a classic, versatile tile and elevate it through layout, lighting or accessories. Remember, the cost of replacing poor-quality tiles later will far outweigh the initial saving.

Forgetting about lighting

Lighting can completely transform how tiles look and feel in your bathroom. Natural light tends to bring out the warmth and variation in stone, while artificial lighting can highlight textures or add a subtle shimmer to gloss finishes. Without considering this, you might choose a tile that feels perfect in the showroom but completely different once installed at home.

Designer tip: Always view your tile samples in the space itself at different times of day. Notice how daylight, task lighting and softer evening lighting affect the tones and textures. If your bathroom lacks natural light, you might find warmer hues or satin finishes create a softer, more inviting feel. Tiles and lighting should work together to create the mood you want to feel every time you step inside.

Ignoring scale and proportion

Choosing the wrong tile size is one of the most common bathroom design mistakes we see. Large-format tiles can open up smaller rooms by reducing grout lines, while smaller tiles or mosaics can beautifully define curved features or compact spaces. Getting the scale wrong can make a bathroom feel either cluttered or cavernous.

Designer tip: Think about how the size, shape and pattern of your tiles interact with the proportions of the room. A statement wall of large tiles paired with smaller floor tiles can add subtle depth and balance. Similarly, using vertically laid tiles can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal layouts can help a narrow space feel wider. Scale is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for transforming how your bathroom feels.

Tiles are the foundation of your bathroom design – setting the tone for everything from the layout to the lighting. By avoiding these common tile mistakes and taking time to consider scale, grout, light and quality, you’ll create a bathroom that feels cohesive, timeless and effortlessly stylish.