Bathroom Tiling Tips: 15 Must-Know Tile Choices for Kiwi Renovations

Planning a bathroom renovation? Choosing the right tiles can make or break your space. With so many colours, textures, and materials to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Top End Tiling, we’ve worked on hundreds of New Zealand bathrooms — here are 15 essential tips to help you make confident, stylish decisions.

1. Set a Budget (And Stick to It!)

Tiles come in a wide range of prices. Factor in costs for underlay, grout, waterproofing, and a professional tiler to avoid surprises.

2. Find Your Style

Think about the overall look you want – minimalist, classic, natural or modern. This will help narrow your options and keep your choices consistent.

3. Create a Colour Palette

Stick with two or three complementary colours. A clear palette ensures your tiles, paint and fixtures work together harmoniously.

4. Pick a Must-Have Feature Tile

Choose one standout tile for impact – whether it’s a bold pattern, textured finish or natural stone. Build the rest of your tile choices around it.

5. Don’t Exceed Three Different Tiles

Using too many different tiles can overwhelm the space. Limit your design to a maximum of three tile types for a clean, balanced feel.

6. Choose the Right Bathroom Tile Material

Porcelain is ideal for walls and floors due to its durability and low water absorption. Natural stone looks stunning but requires sealing and more maintenance.

7. Choose Your Tile Colour

Light-coloured tiles create a spacious, airy feel – perfect for smaller bathrooms. Dark tiles offer contrast and drama, but may require more cleaning.

8. Take Tile Size into Account

Large-format tiles are trending and reduce grout lines, making your bathroom easier to clean. Small tiles still work well in curved spaces and for creating grip on floors.

9. Know Your Bathroom Size

Always measure accurately and order slightly more than needed. A good tiler will help calculate the right amount, including waste and offcuts.

10. Consider Slip Resistance

Especially important for floors – check the slip rating of your tiles. Non-slip tiles can prevent accidents in wet areas.

11. Ditch the Trends

Trendy tiles may look great now, but could date quickly. If in doubt, go for timeless colours and styles with broad appeal.

12. Choose Your Bathroom Focal Point

Design your space around one key feature – this could be your shower niche, a freestanding tub, or a statement floor.

13. Make Shower Walls Unique

Use a contrasting tile in your shower enclosure to differentiate the space. A tiled shower niche is both practical and stylish.

14. Think About Cleaning

Glossy finishes show watermarks more easily. Consider matt tiles or darker grout for lower-maintenance options.

15. Hire a Professional Tiler

A skilled tiler ensures correct installation and waterproofing. This is essential for protecting your bathroom from leaks and damage.

Need expert advice on your next bathroom renovation?

At Top End Tiling, we work with homeowners across Auckland to deliver flawless bathroom tiling, from tile selection to installation. Whether you’re building new or refreshing an existing space, our team can help you bring your dream bathroom to life – safely, beautifully, and on budget.