Bathroom Wall Tiles: Achieve the Perfect Height

When it comes to tiling your bathroom walls, deciding on the right height is crucial to achieving the look and functionality you desire for your forever home. The height of your tiles can transform how you perceive your space, significantly impacting its style and atmosphere. Tile designs have multiple functions – from being water resistant to having an appealing aesthetic; perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

At Greer Tiling, we aim to help you find the perfect height that will fit the walls in your house, helping you create your dream home.

Understanding The Basics

Before deciding on the ideal tile height and design for your home you first need to learn the basics of tiling.

Standard Tile Height

The standard height for your tiled wall entirely depends on the height of the room, style, and design. Typically, tiles are placed at a height of 121 cm from the floor. This practical height protects the walls from splashes that can come from sinks, tubs, or showers, and it is a comfortable height whilst allowing you to wash and shower without risking damage to untitled portions of the wall. 

Tiles can be placed at different heights on your walls to create a modern and spacious feel, creating fully tiled walls is considered a fashionable option. Varying tile heights can enhance the visual appeal of your bathroom, improving the aesthetic of the room and making it feel bigger and brighter. 

Factors Influencing Tile Height

While tile height is largely a personal choice, several factors can influence your decision: 

Bathroom Space and Layout

Tiles can enhance your bathroom space and layout so considering the height of your tiles is key to creating the right ambience and can make a small space feel more open. When owning a bathroom with a smaller layout having a fully tiled room can create a sense of cramped space, whilst in a larger bathroom only half-tiling the space can make a room feel too open so finding that perfect feel-good space entirely depends on the height of your tiles.  

It is important to consider tiling in areas that have a water source so that you prevent damaging areas in your bathroom. 

Height Of Ceiling 

If you have low ceilings, half-tiling your walls can make the room feel more spacious and airy. Conversely, higher ceilings are well-suited for fully tiled walls, which can add a touch of luxury and elegance. When considering the tiling height you should look at your space and determine what would look the best given the layout and design of your bathroom. 

Moisture Barrier  

Tiling is a great method to prevent moisture damage in your bathroom, when taking showers and baths the room tends to create a significant amount of condensation, so having a fully tiled bathroom will prevent any damage that can be created from shower steam. 

Since tiles are water-resistant, they serve as an ideal material for bathrooms, aiding in the prevention of dampness and mould.

Maintenance 

Tiles require some maintenance to keep the condition of them in top shape so they should be cleaned at least once a week. Cleaning with a neutral tile cleaner and a damp sponge is a must to remove dirt, grit, stains and build-up. If you find that cleaning a fully-tiled bathroom seems daunting then opting for a half-tiled wall is another option. 

Financial Factors

Being able to afford the tiles you are looking for is imperative to making your bathroom your own space. There are cheaper alternative tiles that are more affordable and are in your price range if you have a small budget, making tiles that are affordable yet still look good is what we do best. The more tiles you want in your bathrooms the more expensive the cost will be so choose a tile that fits both your style and budget, and extend it up the wall to your desired height.

Personal Aesthetic and Style Preferences

Now comes the fun part: choosing your favourite tiles, visualising your space and imagining how you want to utilise that space to its full potential. Think and determine the tiles you like, research and have a look into the design and colour scheme you want your space to match. Once you have decided on the best options for your space then here at Greer Tiling we can help you to bring that fantasy to a reality. 

Popular Height Options for your Tiles

There are a variety of tile options that can fit around your space and different heights of tiles can offer a unique aesthetic.

Half Tiled Bathroom

The half-tiled bathroom is a stylish and practical option to add to your space, the tile only extends to half of your walls which creates a modern balance of unique functionality. These tiles typically reach between 120 cm and 180 cm, this makes your bathroom look fancy and is an ideal option for when you are on a budget. This option of tile height can look great, however, to avoid the dated “chopped-in-half” look you can mix and match different tile patterns or use a bold tile colour with a complimentary paint colour. 

Three-Quarter Wall Tile

This design is an option for those who want more tile coverage on their wall but don’t want to commit to a fully tiled wall. These tiles typically reach up to 182 cm up the wall, sometimes even higher depending on the amount of ceiling height you have, this design creates ample protection for your walls while maintaining a stylish look.

Fully Tiled Bathroom (Wall-to-floor)

This design is a statement piece and creates a bold dramatic wall. The tile design starts from the bottom of the wall and reaches the top of the wall, it makes a great option for wet rooms or walk-in showers and offers maximum protection against water damage. If your budget allows, then these tiles can be a great opportunity to include in your home. This option is a worthwhile investment, though it requires more time and commitment Since the tiles will cover large areas, choose a design you truly love.

Custom Heights

Custom tile heights offer endless creative possibilities and unconventional designs such as “The Wave”, “The Frame” and “The Accent Strip” are unique uncommon designs that break the rules in the best possible way. 

The Pros And Cons Of The Fully Tiled Bathroom

Pros 

  •  Water Resistance: Fully tiled walls are highly resistant to moisture, protecting against dampness and mould.
  • Spacious Feel: In smaller spaces, fully tiled walls can make the room feel larger.
  • Flexibility: Fully tiled bathrooms can easily be converted into wet rooms if desired.
  • Design Consistency: Alcoves and window sills can be tiled to match the rest of the bathroom.

Cons 

  • Cost: Fully tiling a bathroom is more expensive, so it’s important to be certain about your decision.
  • Maintenance: Fully tiled bathrooms require more upkeep, particularly in maintaining the grout.
  • Preparation: Walls need to be straight before tiling, as uneven surfaces can lead to cracks.
  • Visual Impact: Too many tiles, especially with patterns, can be overwhelming.

The Pros And Cons Of The Half Tiled Bathroom 

Pros 

  • Cost-Effective: Half-tiling is less expensive and less visually overwhelming.
  • Quick Installation: Decorating a half-tiled bathroom takes less time.
  • Creative Flexibility: This option allows for more creativity and personalization

Cons

  • Additional Work: Non-tiled areas may require additional work, such as painting or plastering.
  • Mixed Trades: You may need different tradespeople for tiling and painting, adding to the project’s complexity.

Height Considerations Based On Tile Material Choices

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic Tiles have a variety of colours and patterns which makes them a good choice for being a part of your bathroom, they are also budget-friendly as they are relatively cheap to buy. Ceramic tiles are not as strong compared to other tiles, but they are easy to clean and lightweight so fully tiling the bathroom can be an effortless task. 

Porcelain Tiles 

Porcelain tiles are strong and highly durable; they are water resistant so a great option to have around your shower or bath. Porcelain can come in various colours and can also mimic other materials such as wood and stone amongst others. This kind of tile is simple to clean and low-maintenance as well as they can make your space look modern and civilised with the multiple materials they come in.  

Mosaic Tiles  

Mosaic tiles are incredibly sturdy and can withstand damage from heavy materials, they are resistant to stains, scratches and chipping. These tiles are easy to clean and can be swept without any risk of water stains or discolouration; they also come in multiple patterns and colours which makes them have a striking visual impact. 

Natural Stone Tiles 

Natural stone offers multiple benefits for your space, not only do they look breathtaking and timeless they also offer value to your home. The natural stone tile has a variety of unique pieces and is great if you are looking to install underfloor heating, from being a hygienic floor surface to creating natural beauty this tile is a wow factor. 

What Happens Now? 

Now that you’re equipped with all the information it’s time to make your decision. When considering tiling options for your home Greer Tiling has the best quality tiles and multiple different options to choose from, we hope this blog provides you with the insight you need to set your tiling dreams in motion.  

Visit Our Bathroom Showroom 

Need some more inspiration? Get a sneak peek at our Bathroom Showroom to gain knowledge on other designs that might just help you finalise your tile preferences. 

A person installing dark Bathroom Wall Tiles in a modern bathroom with marble-like walls, standing on a tiled floor and working on the upper wall area.

If you are looking for a top quality tile and fitting service in the North and South of Ireland and beyond, then you have come to the right place.