Why having a tiled bath is easy, cost-effective and elegant
Posted on 19th October 2024
Whether you want to add an extra layer of texture or splash some personality into your bathroom, tiled bathtubs are the perfect place to start.
We’ve all swooned over freestanding baths before and, of course, their reputation of being able to add luxury into any space will remain. However, step aside roll tops, there’s a new trend in town – tiled bathtubs! From design ideas to key practicalities, KBB journo Becca Cullum-Green has got the lowdown…
Why stop at the floors and walls? Use the same tiles to decorate your fitted bath and achieve a statement look. Interior design by Linnea Interiors.
Let’s start with the basics – tiled baths are a built-in design where the exterior panel has been tiled over. This is an effective design technique for many different aesthetics including spa and statement bathrooms, perfect for anyone who wants to create a cohesive design that also packs a punch.
However, before committing to a tiled tub you may want to consider the practicalities. It’s not wise to simply tile directly onto a bath, your bathroom fitter should either create a magnetic panel that is removable or build a bespoke timber frame for plumbing accessibility. It’s also best to tile the bath at the beginning of your bathroom renovation as this will create a more effective seal and finish.
What type of bath tile is best?
“Baths can be bland and uninspiring, so a tiled surround can elevate something functional into a design feature to be proud of. Patterned tiles or a traditional reclaimed tile featuring strong colours, will create a focal point in the room. Alternatively, opt for a muted colour for a timeless look,” explains Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May.
And remember, it’s not just about picking your tile design and colour, but picking your laying pattern too! From the classic vertical metro to checkerboard patterns, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Oh, and let’s not forget about choosing the notoriously hard-to-pick grout shade. While there’s a lot to decide, you’ll surely be left with a completely unique design, tailored to you and your taste.
So keep reading to discover some of our favourite tiled bathtub inspiration…
Inspiration gallery
Opt for a handcrafted cement tile if you want to create a rustic tiled bathtub. These beautiful striped tiles come in a pink and off-white colourway, which feels effortlessly soft and is the perfect contrast to the cement finish. Dirty pink stripe cement tiles, £162 per sq m, Otto Tiles. Photography: HoK Living.Be inspired by this breathtaking bathroom project and design your very own bath cocoon. The decision to tile the entire surround of this bath area makes for a stunning feature that feels cosy and inviting. Bathroom design by ME Design Group PC. Photography: Melissa Murciano. This herringbone tiled bath with matching surround is utterly chic and timeless. Opt for a black or grey grout to add depth to an otherwise all-white bathroom scheme. BC SolidBlue bath, £380, BC Designs. If you’re going to use colourful patterned tiles to adorn your bath with, pick out an accent shade and use it as a paint colour for the rest of your bathroom walls. Project by Matthew Williamson. Photography: Iain Cocoi.Tiling a bathtub and taking the same tiles onto the floor naturally elongates your bathroom and tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is. Design by Lizzie Green. Photography: Chris Snook.You can never go wrong with stripes. Carry on the same tiles up onto the wall behind your tub for a continuous feel. Petite porcelain tile in Gloss Blue and Sky, £99.20 per sq m, Ca’ Pietra.Smaller mosaic tiles look right at home on this curved bathtub. If you decide to play with scale, try and keep to a monochrome colour palette so your design doesn’t become too chaotic. Tiles by Bert & May. Photography: @bruntonbothy. Go for a cohesive bathroom design, like this one by Studio P, by using the same tiles to decorate your bath and shower with. Photography: Tom Ferguson. Achieve a bold look in your bathroom by taking your floor tiles up the wall and around your fitted bath. Brushed bronze brassware by Vado.This bath feels ultra luxe thanks to its sunken design. Your bathroom fitter will be able to build a stud framework around the outside of your bath which the tiles can then be attached to. Tapiz pink ceramic wall tile, £30.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain.
