Pin It

How to Recharge a Bathroom Shower with Tile

AngelaGlancy | May 19, 2010 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

If you're bored with the same old white tile or white shower surround that you face every morning as you go through your daily routine, why not make your shower stall a little more fun and exciting with tile?

There is such a vast selection of tile available today that you can create any look or ambiance that you desire and you can find tile that is a perfect complement to other accent in the room, like elaborate wrought iron metal wall sculptures or bold contemporary metal wall decor. Take a little time to browse home improvement and tile stores and think about the feelings you'd like to evoke in your bathroom: Whimsy, relaxation and harmony, luxury, sleek refreshment? The choice is totally up to you.

Rock and Stone

Replace your dated shower tile or surround with warm natural stone for a spa-like ambiance. Choose from large stone tiles in soothing shades like terra cotta and slate or go for luxury with marble or granite. Cobblestone and natural river rock are other popular choices and they are particularly inviting for the floor of the shower where they give your feet and invigorating treat. Natural stone choices contribute a resort-like feeling in a bathroom when used in an open walk-in shower; natural wood and stone embellishments, leafy plants, thick thirsty towels and nature inspired wall art complete this luxurious, relaxing retreat.

Colorful Glass Mosaics

Glass tiles are extremely popular because they come in a rainbow of colors that reflect light all around the room. Or choose metallic tile to add even more sparkle. You'll find that the incredible array of colors, sizes and shapes of glass and metallic tile give you virtually unlimited options in designing a one-of-a-kind bath.

Shaped and Textured Tile

Tile innovations go beyond color and material, too. While hexagon, square and rectangular tiles have been around for years, you'll find new round tiles that bring a refreshing modern vibe to a shower. Also take a look at textured tiles that feature grooved surfaces, raised and pyramidal domes, rough textured surfaces.

Choosing Grout

Once you decide on your tile, your next big decision is the grout. The color of grout can make tile stand out or blend, so the effect you wish to achieve is greatly influenced by the color of the grout. For example, aqua tile set against chocolate brown grout will stand out and the shape of the tile will be very evident because of the contrast. On the other hand, a white grout will let the aqua tile appear as a continuous surface; this will also make the shower look bigger. After the grout has dried, be sure to seal it according to manufacturer's recommendations for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Budget-Wise Considerations

When choosing tile for your shower, use a coordinated unadorned tile for the majority of your space and accent with more expensive glass, metallic, shaped or specialty tile. Not only will this save money, you can create borders and special patterns that will more pleasing to the eye while having greater impact.

If after shopping around you feel that tile is beyond your means at this time, you can create unique looks on your old tile by painting a stencil or design on the surface. Make sure the tile is completely dry and then dull the surface slightly with sandpaper. Use moisture-resistant epoxy enamel paint to create a design that coordinates with the colors and décor of your bathroom.