Why Use Penny Tiles in Your Bathroom?
Because they're classic and contemporary all at the same time, of course!
Penny tiles first appeared in homes in the early 19th century, and they’re back in a big way. These little gems – laid in sheets – give an instant lift to bathrooms of every persuasion, whether sparkling and sleek or steeped in tradition. Here are my reasons you should use them at your house.
To add colour to an all-white bathroom
White bathrooms are a safe choice if you’re wanting a look that’s fresh, clean and contemporary. And, if you’re thinking of selling anytime soon, white is the way to go. A splashback is one area of the bathroom where you can afford to inject a little colour, however, and if you’re doing so with the help of popular penny tiles, so much the better.
White bathrooms are a safe choice if you’re wanting a look that’s fresh, clean and contemporary. And, if you’re thinking of selling anytime soon, white is the way to go. A splashback is one area of the bathroom where you can afford to inject a little colour, however, and if you’re doing so with the help of popular penny tiles, so much the better.
To stop other materials from becoming overbearing
Marble adds instant class to bathrooms, but too much marble can be a little over the top. Penny tiles in a similar tone give this bathroom textural interest and a modern twist.
Marble adds instant class to bathrooms, but too much marble can be a little over the top. Penny tiles in a similar tone give this bathroom textural interest and a modern twist.
To modernise an old-style bathroom
Mixing old with new is so on trend right now, but claw-foot baths will never go out of fashion. Teaming traditional elements, such as the bath, tapware and vanity, with a more modern take on tiling will give any bathroom an instant update.
Mixing old with new is so on trend right now, but claw-foot baths will never go out of fashion. Teaming traditional elements, such as the bath, tapware and vanity, with a more modern take on tiling will give any bathroom an instant update.
To define a shower niche
Shower niches are useful little nooks for storage, but they can also become an eye-catching feature when tiles are used to highlight them. This bathroom features sea green and aqua blue penny tiles in a round-the-corner design mirrored on the opposite wall. White subway tiles are a no-fail companion.
Shower niches are useful little nooks for storage, but they can also become an eye-catching feature when tiles are used to highlight them. This bathroom features sea green and aqua blue penny tiles in a round-the-corner design mirrored on the opposite wall. White subway tiles are a no-fail companion.
A more subtle colour can also work to highlight a niche.
…and here, the opposite is true.
To give the bathroom a sense of fun for the kids
Multicoloured penny tiles that pick up on colour splashed around elsewhere in the bathroom can be effective and fun in a children’s bathroom – getting them to brush their teeth is bound to be easier.
Multicoloured penny tiles that pick up on colour splashed around elsewhere in the bathroom can be effective and fun in a children’s bathroom – getting them to brush their teeth is bound to be easier.
To make your bathroom stand out from the crowd
You won’t find mustard yellow tiles in every bathroom you go into, but paired with sleek tapware and vanities, they can add that wow factor you’ve been waiting for.
You won’t find mustard yellow tiles in every bathroom you go into, but paired with sleek tapware and vanities, they can add that wow factor you’ve been waiting for.
To give depth to a white bathroom
White bathrooms are nice, to be sure, but when the floor tiles are as white as the walls, vanity, bath and toilet, it can feel like you’re bathing in a white box. The floor is a safe area of the bathroom to add some tasteful colour, and can work to ground the space beautifully.
YOUR SAY
How have you used penny tiles in your bathroom? Share your ideas and images in the comments section.
MORE ON BATHROOMS
Think Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned New Bathroom
Seize the Day: Bathrooms That Dare to Be Different
20 Fabulous Family Bathrooms the Whole Brood Will Love
15 Easy (and Wonderfully Creative) Bathroom Updates
White bathrooms are nice, to be sure, but when the floor tiles are as white as the walls, vanity, bath and toilet, it can feel like you’re bathing in a white box. The floor is a safe area of the bathroom to add some tasteful colour, and can work to ground the space beautifully.
YOUR SAY
How have you used penny tiles in your bathroom? Share your ideas and images in the comments section.
MORE ON BATHROOMS
Think Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned New Bathroom
Seize the Day: Bathrooms That Dare to Be Different
20 Fabulous Family Bathrooms the Whole Brood Will Love
15 Easy (and Wonderfully Creative) Bathroom Updates
Black penny rounds give this bathroom drama without resorting to bright or colourful hues. The classic black and white combination always looks the part, regardless of whether a bathroom is brand new or has been around for decades.