How to Select Bathroom Tile: Color, Material & Size Tips + Vanity Pairings

Choosing the right tile for your bathroom is one of the most important design decisions you'll make. The right floor tile and wall tile can completely transform your space — making it feel larger, brighter, more luxurious, or more grounded and serene. With so many options available in color, material, and size, it can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to select the perfect bathroom tile — and how to match it with your bathroom vanity for a cohesive, elevated look.

1. Start With the Function: Floor Tile vs. Wall Tile

The first decision you need to make is whether the tile is going on the floor, the walls, or both. Floor tiles need to be more durable and slip-resistant, while wall tiles can be more decorative and delicate.

• Floor Tile: Look for porcelain or textured tiles with anti-slip properties. Popular choices include 12x24 matte porcelain tiles or patterned encaustic tiles for a bold statement.

• Wall Tile: You can go with glossy finishes, glass mosaics, or large-format slabs for a modern look. Wall tiles are often thinner and lighter than floor tiles.

At Allreno, our app lets you test out floor and wall tile combinations in real-time — so you can see how a marble-look floor pairs with a bold mosaic shower wall, all before purchasing.

2. Choose the Right Material: Porcelain vs. Marble vs. Ceramic

Different materials bring different aesthetics, durability, and price points. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Porcelain: A top choice for both floor and wall tile. Porcelain is dense, water-resistant, and available in endless styles — including wood-look, concrete, and marble-look options. It’s also easy to clean and great for high-traffic areas.

• Marble: Luxurious and timeless, marble brings natural veining and elegance to any bathroom. It’s more porous and requires sealing, but the look is unbeatable in upscale renovations.

• Ceramic: A budget-friendly option for walls. It comes in glossy finishes and a wide range of colors. Less durable than porcelain but perfect for low-impact areas like powder room walls.

3. Think Color Psychology: Light, Dark, or Neutral?

The color of your tile sets the tone for the entire bathroom. Here's how to think about it:

• Light Tiles: White, ivory, or soft beige tiles can make a small bathroom feel bigger and brighter. Pair with a light wood vanity (like Allreno’s 60" Natural Oak) for a spa-like retreat.

• Dark Tiles: Charcoal, slate, or deep navy tiles add drama and sophistication. They work well with a floating vanity in Matte Black or Walnut for a modern, moody vibe.

• Neutral Tiles: Gray, greige, or taupe tiles offer flexibility and timelessness. They go with almost any vanity finish — from Ash Grey to Classic White.

If you're not sure, the Allreno Design App can show you how different tile colors will look in your actual space using 3D modeling and AI-powered suggestions.

4. Pick the Right Size & Layout

Tile size impacts not just the look, but also the perceived size of your bathroom:

• Large-Format Tiles (12x24, 24x48): Fewer grout lines, cleaner look, makes spaces feel larger. Great for floors and accent walls.

• Subway Tiles (3x6, 4x8): Classic and versatile. Great for shower walls, backsplashes, or half-height wall applications.

• Mosaics (Hexagon, Penny Round, Herringbone): Perfect for shower floors, niches, and decorative borders. Often used in marble or porcelain for added texture.

Don't forget about layout! Herringbone, vertical stack, or offset brick patterns can elevate even the simplest white tile.

5. Match It with Your Bathroom Vanity

Your bathroom vanities is the anchor of the room — and the tile should complement, not compete with it.

• If you choose a bold tile, go with a clean, minimal vanity — like Allreno’s 48" Floating Vanity in White Oak.

• If your tile is neutral or soft, you can add character with a vanity in Navy Blue, Forest Green, or a marble countertop with bold veining.

• Use the Allreno App to swap vanities and tiles instantly and get live pricing updates — no guesswork, no regrets.

Final Tip: Visualize Before You Commit

Allreno makes it easy to design your bathroom with confidence. Our app lets you scan your space, create a 3D model, and test different tile combinations, vanities, fixtures, and layouts — all from your phone. You’ll see how every element works together and get accurate cost estimates along the way.

Whether you’re renovating a master bath or upgrading a guest bathroom, selecting the right tile — and matching it with the perfect bathroom vanity — will ensure a timeless and functional result.