Bathroom Tile Heights
Bathroom Tile Heights: What do you prefer?
So you've started building your dream home.
You've chosen your block, signed your contracts and somehow survived choosing between 47 shades of white paint!!! There are definitely warm and cool white paint colours.
Then your final colour selections appointment arrives, and you are asked:
"How high would you like your bathroom wall tiles?"
Cue panic.
Because nobody tells you this is even a decision.
Should you tile to 1.2m? Go standard? Tile all the way to the ceiling? Suddenly you're questioning everything.
Consider the options
*Standard Tiling
This is what most builders include as their standard allowance.
Typically, tiles are installed where they're needed most - inside the shower, around the bath, and as a splashback above the vanity..and then at skirting height for the rest of the bathroom.
PROS
- It's the most affordable option.
-It keeps your upgrade budget under control….no expensive variations!
-It still looks neat and functional.
Things to consider:
If you're building a new home, standard-height tiling can sometimes feel a little unfinished compared to the display homes you've been scrolling through on Pinterest!
*The Middle Ground: 1.2m High Tiles
This is where tiles continue around the bathroom walls to approximately waist height (the shower area is higher)
It's a look that's been around for years and still works beautifully in certain homes.
Remember the days of long ,thin and brightly coloured feature tiles popped on top of standard cream tiles back in the 80’s and 90’s?
PROS
-This is a great height that won’t “break the bank”.
- Great for Hamptons and Coastal themes.
-Adds character and detail.
-Gives you a mix of tile and painted walls…with the added bonus of being great for maintenance…no kids’ handprints on the painted wall!
Things to consider:
The line where the tile stops becomes a feature. Sometimes that's exactly what you want….and some people add wall paper to the painted wall sections or paint the area a bright strong colour.
But sometimes it can make the room feel visually smaller.
*The Luxury Look: Full Height to the Ceiling
This is the option that's become increasingly popular in new builds.
Instead of stopping partway up the wall, the tiles continue right to the ceiling.
PROS:
-Makes the room feel larger.
-Creates a clean, seamless look.
-Luxury Feel
-Less painted walls means less maintenance over time.
-Adds that "display home" vibe everyone loves.
Things to consider:
It does cost more (thousands more) and you still have to clean the tiles on the walls- they still get dirty.
But if there is one bathroom upgrade that new homebuilders rarely regret, this is usually it.
So What Do I Recommend?
If you're building a brand new home today and your budget allows, full-height tiling is usually the winner.
It instantly makes the bathroom feel bigger and gives your home a more custom feel.
That said, not every upgrade needs to happen upfront…maybe look at what items you can upgrade later so you can afford the full tile height.
I always suggest prioritising the things that are difficult to change later and Tile height is one of those decisions.
Thinking of Building a New home? I help my clients build their dreams with either one of my builders or provide support with the builder they have chosen…making building a new home stressfree and enjoyable.
Contact Kerri-Ann on 0402 107 194