Modern bathroom tiling ideas
While in the past traditional white tiles were the standard choice, today the options for tiling a modern bathroom are potentially endless, allowing you to combine design and functionality thanks to the most innovative materials. Here is a selection of refurbishing ideas for a modern bathroom, including exclusive shades and visually striking finishes.
Modern bathroom ideas: what to choose for the walls
Before browsing ideas for lining the walls of a modern bathroom, you should consider the materials carefully. A bathroom is an environment subject to moisture, steam, and condensation, and therefore needs durable, high-performance finishes that are nonporous and can be easily cleaned. Porcelain stoneware is the perfect choice to meet these needs. Not only is it a compact, sturdy, and wear-resistant material, but thanks to its aesthetic versatility, it allows you to design and furnish a modern bathroom with a wide range of finishes. On the other hand, traditional paints and wallpaper are not recommended as they require frequent and rather demanding maintenance, even when they are treated to make them suitable for the bathroom environment.
Modern porcelain stoneware bathroom tiling
From floors to walls, countertops, and washbasins: if you are looking for inspiration and ideas for a modern bathroom, here are 8 suggestions to unleash creativity with a fascinating mix & match of colors and finishes.
Grey Stone
Those looking for a modern atmosphere will love this deep gray marble-effect porcelain stoneware. When used for the bathroom vanity, its contrasting veins look even more intense when paired with white ceramic freestanding sinks - a major design trend - and classic chrome faucets.
Boost Smoke
Elegance and industrial style find the perfect expression in concrete-effect stoneware in smoky gray hues. The materiality of the surface adds personality to even the most minimal environments, especially when paired with floors and shower trays in warmer hues. The extra touch? The square washbasin integrated into the top, which gives a vibrant atmosphere to the whole room.
Boost Tarmac
Also from the Boost collection but with an even rougher finish, the concrete-effect porcelain stoneware with Tarmac finish is a bold option. To emphasize its striking aesthetics, it can be used on both floors and bathroom walls. It can also be juxtaposed with sand tones or natural wood to soften the aesthetic.
Calacatta Delicato
On the opposite spectrum is the porcelain stoneware inspired by the prized Apuan marble. Ideal for those with classic and sophisticated tastes who enjoy a modern touch, the warm, bright white background, and subtle veining create a unique bathroom. To give it an unusual twist, you can opt for brass faucets, some contrasting metal features, and a concrete-effect stoneware floor.
Exotic Green
Those looking for modern bathroom tiles that stand out from the crowd will appreciate the vibrant and bold green marble-effect porcelain stoneware. The more daring can experiment with a striking total look by applying the tile to the walls and washbasin countertop, and opting for gold decorative finishes or natural wood-inspired details.
Calacatta Borghini
Perfect for a master bathroom but also to add a touch of luxury to an en suite bathroom, the large marble-effect Calcatta slabs provide a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Embellished with characteristic veins, this finish is suitable not only for flooring but also for the bathroom vanity, and is an excellent solution for those looking for elegant tiling with a modern touch.
Fior di Bosco
Among the tiling ideas for a modern bathroom, gray marble-effect porcelain stoneware in Fior Di Bosco shades is certainly one of the most original. This finish has all the charm of marble, but with a surprising impact thanks to the bold golden veins. When used to cover a single wall in a small modern bathroom it helps redefine its dimensions, while in the shower cubicle or on the countertop it adds a glamorous and sophisticated touch.
Ideas for a modern shower
Until a few decades ago, classic shower cubicles were preferred, with interior walls covered with small tiles and embellished with Greek or floral motifs. Today, among the ideas for modern bathrooms with showers, large porcelain slabs stand out. Thanks to their extreme versatility, they allow you to recreate all kinds of atmospheres.
A popular idea with designers for a large porcelain tile modern shower is the walk-in shower, characterized by all glass walls. Natural stone-effect tiling is ideal for achieving an authentic spa effect, especially if the size of the shower allows you to include a stone seat. Meanwhile, those who want to visually separate the shower from the washbasin and other bathroom fixtures can choose a shower tiling in a bold finish such as black concrete-effect porcelain stoneware, and then opt for contrasting finishes, such as a warm beige stone for the vanity. This solution is also suitable for projects in which the shower is placed right in front of the window.
Furnishing a modern bathroom: what to look out for
While modern materials such as stoneware offer great design freedom, when it comes to furnishing a modern bathroom it is important to keep in mind a few aspects that can make all the difference.
Functionality
The first aspect to pay attention to is, of course, functionality of the spaces. For convenience, it’s preferable to place the sink and fixtures closer to the entrance of the bathroom, allocating the back wall to a large shower. As we saw from our in-depth look at small bathroom ideas, a careful arrangement of fixtures becomes crucial if the room isn’t particularly large.
Brightness
The second aspect is brightness. Especially if the bathroom is windowless or facing north, it’s important to provide a few extra sources of light and choose tiling that doesn’t darken the room too much. The most effective solution in this regard is certainly marble-effect porcelain stoneware in a light, bright color. Those who like bold colors can opt for darker shades with a polished, smooth, and highly reflective finish.
Aesthetics
The third aspect concerns aesthetics. We often tend to view the bathroom as a utility room, but the eye also wants its share. Sophisticated finishes, harmonious upholstery, and thoughtful details can turn this room into a true oasis of relaxation.
