Planning a bathroom renovation in Toronto or Mississauga? The right bathroom tile choices can create a space you’ll love for years, not just months. At Mallet Tile Installation, we’ve helped hundreds of Ontario homeowners create bathrooms that stand the test of time. Here are tile ideas that won’t leave you regretting your choices next year.
Mix Different Bathroom Tiles (But Not Too Many)
The most interesting bathrooms we install across Toronto and Hamilton use 2-3 different tile types strategically. This doesn’t mean creating a chaotic mix – it means being intentional about where each tile goes.
For example, many Burlington homeowners choose durable porcelain for floors, classic subway tiles for shower walls, and a special accent tile for a shower niche or feature wall. This approach creates visual interest while keeping the overall look cohesive.
You don’t need expensive tiles everywhere. Smart mixing lets you splurge on small statement areas while using budget-friendly options for larger spaces. For more guidance on selecting the right tiles for each area of your home, check out our comprehensive How to Choose the Right Tiles for Your Home guide.
Subway Tiles With a Twist
White subway tiles have been popular for over 100 years for good reason – they simply work. But across Mississauga and Oakville, we’re installing subway tiles with simple tweaks that make them feel fresh and personal.
Try stacking them vertically instead of the traditional horizontal pattern. This simple change makes ceilings feel higher – perfect for smaller Toronto bathrooms. Or consider slightly larger subway tiles (4×12 instead of standard 3×6) for a more contemporary look.
Even changing just the grout color from white to light gray can transform the entire feel while keeping the timeless appeal of subway tiles.
Make Your Shower Floor Special
The shower floor is the perfect place for interesting tiles. It’s a relatively small area where you can add personality without overwhelming the space.
Many Milton homeowners choose small mosaic tiles for shower floors. They provide better slip resistance thanks to more grout lines, and they allow for interesting patterns or colors. Even simple hexagon tiles in a contrasting color can make your shower feel custom-built.
This approach works especially well when paired with simpler tiles on shower walls – the floor becomes a focal point without competing with other elements. Just make sure your installation is properly waterproofed – read our article on 5 Tile Mistakes That Cost Toronto Homeowners Big Money to learn why this is so critical.
Bring Natural Elements In
Bathrooms that feel connected to nature create a sense of calm. Across Muskoka cottages and Toronto homes alike, we’re installing more tiles that mimic natural materials.
Stone-look porcelain gives you the beautiful appearance of marble or slate without the maintenance headaches. Wood-look tiles bring warmth to bathroom floors while handling moisture better than real wood ever could.
Even simple neutral colors inspired by sand, stone, and soil create bathrooms that feel grounded and timeless rather than trendy.
Create Thoughtful Transitions
One sign of quality bathroom design is how different tiles flow together. In modern Mississauga and Burlington bathrooms with open-concept shower areas, the transition between shower floor and bathroom floor needs special attention.
Professional installers create clean, intentional transitions between different tile areas. Sometimes this means using decorative border tiles; other times it means precise cutting for a perfect fit. Either way, these transitions take your bathroom from basic to custom.
Ready to create a bathroom with timeless appeal? Download our straightforward tile guide for practical advice and inspiration. Our professional installation team at Mallet Tile Installation serves homeowners throughout Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Muskoka, Burlington, Milton, and Oakville, creating beautiful bathrooms that last.
