Best Bathroom Tiles UK 2026
Tiles account for a huge percentage of how a bathroom looks and feels. Choosing the right tile can make a small bathroom look larger, create warmth or drama, and last a lifetime. Here's our complete guide.
Tile Materials Compared
Ceramic Tiles
Made from clay, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. More affordable (£10–£40/m²), slightly softer, easier to cut. Not frost resistant. Suitable for walls and light-traffic floors.
Porcelain Tiles
Dense, hard, less porous than ceramic. Suitable for floors, walls, wet rooms and even outdoor use. Through-body colour means chips are less visible. £20–£80/m². The most popular choice for UK bathrooms.
Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Slate)
Unique natural beauty, premium look. Requires sealing and more maintenance. Marble: £30–£150/m². Travertine: £20–£80/m². Can feel cold and hard underfoot without underfloor heating.
Metro / Subway Tiles
Classic brick-format tiles (75×150mm or 100×200mm). Timeless, works in any style, very affordable. Ceramic versions from £8/m².
Popular Formats in 2026
- Large format (600×600, 600×1200, 1200×1200mm): Fewer grout lines, modern look, creates space. The dominant trend in UK bathrooms.
- Herringbone: Classic pattern enjoying a huge revival. Works in any size. Mosaic to large format.
- Zellige / handmade: Moroccan-inspired, irregular surface, rich colour variation. Very on-trend in artisan bathrooms.
- Terrazzo: Speckled composite, available as tiles or poured. 1970s revival, now very contemporary.
Floor Tile Safety Ratings
- R9: Minimum for wet floor areas (bathrooms, shower trays)
- R10: Better slip resistance, recommended for shower floors
- R11–R13: Commercial wet areas, outdoor use
Top UK Tile Suppliers
- Tile Mountain: Excellent value, huge range, free samples. Best for budget-conscious buyers.
- Porcelain Superstore: Wide selection of large-format porcelain at competitive prices.
- Mandarin Stone: Premium natural stone and porcelain. Design-led, luxury end of the market.
- Ca'Pietra: Artisan tiles, handmade and natural stone. Used in high-end renovations.
- Walls and Floors: Good mid-range selection, regular sales.