Selecting the Perfect Texture for Your Bathroom Walls 

April 23, 2024

With their durability, versatility, waterproof qualities and ease of maintenance, Italtile’s ceramic wall tiles and porcelain wall tiles are the perfect choice for your bathroom. The perfect wall tiles for your bathroom will marry functionality with ease of installation and aesthetic appeal.  

Our wide range of floor and wall tiles offers you a superb selection to choose from. Whether you’re looking for bathroom wall tiles, shower tiles, or floor tiles, our wide range of quality tiles will have what you need.  

Our tiles are available in gloss, semi-gloss, textured and matte finishes. Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet, so matte tiles are preferable for bathroom floors, but what about the walls? Should they be tiled in matte or gloss tiles? Is gloss better than matte, or vice versa? Our extensive and diverse range will ensure you have a wealth of options, so let’s have a closer look at that: 

Glossy vs Matte 

When choosing tiles for your bathroom walls, you'll come across two main types of tiles: glossy and matte. Glossy tiles have a smooth, shiny surface. They reflect light beautifully, and make your bathroom look brighter and more spacious. On the other hand, matte tiles don’t have a shiny surface.  

They have a bit of texture and don't shine or reflect light. This gives them a more subtle and understated look. Both our glossy and matte tiles come in a wide variety of colours, shapes, styles, designs, sizes and patterns, it’s just their finish and texture that differentiates them.  

So, whether you're drawn to the shine of glossy tiles or the softer, more muted appearance of matte tiles, our extensive variety means you’ll find the tile that's perfect for your purposes. Our bathroom wall tiles range from high gloss through to completely matte, so do explore our selection to find your perfect tile/s.   

The Pros and Cons of Glossy Wall Tiles  

  • Pros 

Glossy wall tiles have a shiny, reflective surface that can work wonders in a small bathroom. They reflect light around the room, making it appear more spacious than it actually is. Apart from being beautiful, glossy tiles have practical benefits, too. They’re easy to clean because of their smooth surfaces. A quick wipe can remove most marks and splotches, making them an excellent choice for splashbacks behind bathroom sinks. Want to really add a touch of elegance? Using mosaic-style glossy wall tiles as a splashback can create a stunning feature in your bathroom!  
 

  • Cons 

However, that beautiful glossy surface does mean that glossy tiles show splash marks, fingerprints, soap smudges and toothpaste spatter more readily than matte tiles. This means they need more frequent cleaning to keep them looking their best. In the bathroom, where water and moisture are ever-present, this does mean a bit more upkeep. Also, if glossy tiles are used on shower walls they can become slippery when wet. This aspect has to be considered in the bathroom where safety is paramount.  


The Pros and Cons of Matte Wall Tiles 
 
 

  • Pros 

The unique charm of matte tiles is that, thanks to their surface texture, they add a tactile element to your space. This not only contributes to the aesthetic, but also requires less cleaning as matte tiles are less prone to showing smudges and water marks. The lack of reflection also creates a serene atmosphere, making your bathroom a calming retreat. And, because they show dirt and wear less readily, your bathroom will also look newer for longer. 

 

  • Cons 

On the flip side, the very feature that gives matte tiles their calming look can also be a disadvantage. As they don't reflect light, matte tiles can make a bathroom appear darker, especially if it's already a bit lacking in natural light. You might need to install additional lighting to brighten the space. Furthermore, despite matte tiles not needing cleaning as often, they need more effort to clean as their rougher texture holds onto dirt a bit more stubbornly.   

Ultimately, the choice between glossy and matte wall tiles comes down to your own personal preferences. Glossy wall tiles can work magic in small bathrooms, making them appear larger, brighter and livelier. On the other hand, matte tiles can contribute to a feeling of serenity and understated elegance.  

The choice is yours, so do explore our impressive selection of wall tiles that caters to every taste, budget and preference. Whether you're drawn to the shine and sparkle of glossy tiles, or prefer the textured, soothing appeal of matte finishes, Italtile has the perfect tile/s to enhance the beauty and functionality of your bathroom.