Top Mistakes to Avoid in Bathroom Tile Selection: Americo Migliore Jr. Advice

Introduction

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom is one of the most important decisions you'll make during a renovation or design project. Tiles not only impact the look and feel of your space but also contribute to its functionality, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Americo Migliore Jr., a New York-based expert in tile and stone installation, has extensive experience guiding clients in making the best choices for their bathroom spaces. With his expertise, you can avoid common mistakes that could lead to costly errors or disappointing results.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top mistakes people make when selecting bathroom tiles and offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're choosing tiles for the floor, walls, or shower area, Americo’s insights can ensure your bathroom tile selection is both beautiful and practical.

1. Ignoring Practicality for Aesthetics

While it’s tempting to choose bathroom tiles based solely on their appearance, it’s crucial not to overlook functionality. Bathroom tiles need to withstand exposure to moisture, dirt, and high traffic, making practicality an important consideration.

Americo Migliore Jr. stresses that a beautiful tile should also be durable and easy to maintain, particularly in high-moisture areas like showers and floors.

For instance, while natural stone tiles, such as marble or limestone, can provide a luxurious look, they may not always be the best choice for wet areas unless properly sealed.

These materials can be porous and prone to staining or water damage if not treated correctly. Instead, consider choosing water-resistant materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles for floors and walls, as they are less porous and more durable over time.

Similarly, while glass tiles are an elegant choice, they may require more upkeep in terms of cleaning to avoid water spots and soap scum. Americo suggests balancing aesthetic preferences with the practicalities of bathroom use to ensure that your tile choices are both beautiful and functional for years to come.

2. Choosing the Wrong Tile Size

Tile size plays a major role in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. A common mistake is selecting tile sizes that either overwhelm the space or don’t align with the design vision. Americo Migliore Jr. advises that the size of the tiles should complement the size of the bathroom.

In small bathrooms, opting for large tiles can create the illusion of space, but it can also make the room feel cramped if the tiles are too big for the area. Large tiles can also be difficult to cut around intricate spaces like corners, creating awkward seams and inconsistent lines.

For smaller bathrooms, medium-sized tiles or even smaller subway tiles can help maintain a clean, balanced look while maximizing the use of space.

In larger bathrooms, large-format tiles can work well to create a seamless, expansive feel. However, too many small tiles in a large bathroom can make the space feel fragmented and busy. Americo recommends considering the room size, layout, and the overall style when choosing the tile size to create the right atmosphere.

3. Overlooking Tile Texture for Safety

Bathrooms, especially floors and shower areas, can become slippery when wet. One of the biggest mistakes in bathroom tile selection is overlooking the importance of tile texture, particularly in high-moisture areas. Americo Migliore Jr. emphasizes that smooth, glossy tiles, while aesthetically pleasing, can become a safety hazard when exposed to water.

To ensure safety, it’s essential to choose textured tiles or those with a non-slip surface. Matte finishes, textured stone tiles, or tiles with a slight surface roughness can help reduce the risk of slipping. For shower floors, consider tiles with a higher coefficient of friction to provide better grip and prevent accidents. Additionally, textured tiles can add depth and interest to the space, making them a smart choice for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

When selecting tiles for bathroom floors and walls, consider their texture to balance safety and style. Americo often recommends slip-resistant tiles, such as ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone with an etched finish, for areas prone to moisture accumulation.

4. Not Considering Maintenance Needs

Maintenance is a critical factor that many overlook when selecting bathroom tiles. Certain tiles require more frequent cleaning and sealing than others, which can be time-consuming and costly. Americo advises that you choose tiles that fit your desired level of maintenance.

For example, natural stone tiles such as marble or travertine require sealing to protect against water penetration and staining, and they may need to be resealed periodically. Glass tiles, while visually striking, can show water spots and soap scum more readily than other materials, requiring regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.

On the other hand, ceramic and porcelain tiles are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for busy bathrooms. They are easy to clean and do not require sealing, making them ideal for both floors and walls. When selecting tiles, think about how much time you are willing to invest in cleaning and maintaining them over time.

Americo’s advice is to consider both the aesthetic appeal and the long-term maintenance requirements when choosing tiles. If you're looking for low-maintenance options, porcelain and ceramic tiles with a smooth finish are excellent choices for most bathroom settings.

5. Neglecting to Account for Grout Color and Joint Size

Grout may seem like a secondary consideration, but it plays a pivotal role in the overall look of the tile installation. One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a grout color or joint size that doesn’t complement the tiles, resulting in an unbalanced or messy look. Americo Migliore Jr. advises that grout should be chosen carefully to enhance the beauty of the tiles and ensure the joints are appropriately sized for the layout.

Light-colored grout may seem like a great option, but it can stain more easily in bathrooms, especially in areas exposed to moisture and dirt.

Dark-colored grout may be more practical in terms of maintenance but can create harsh contrasts, distracting from the tile design. A neutral grout color often works well in most bathroom settings, allowing the tiles to take center stage without competing with the grout.

Additionally, the joint size between tiles is important for the overall look. Larger joints can be visually distracting, while very small joints may create a more uniform appearance. Americo recommends a grout joint that’s between 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch, depending on the tile size and layout. Consistent joint spacing enhances the overall appearance and helps maintain alignment throughout the installation.

6. Failing to Plan for Long-Term Trends

While it’s easy to be drawn to trendy tile designs, it’s important to consider the longevity of your choices. Tile trends come and go, and what’s fashionable today might not have the same appeal in a few years. Americo Migliore Jr. advises clients to select tiles that are both timeless and versatile, allowing them to adapt to changes in interior design over time.

Instead of following fleeting trends, consider classic tile designs that will stand the test of time. For example, subway tiles, which have been popular for decades, offer a clean and versatile aesthetic that complements various design styles.

If you do want to incorporate trendy elements, consider using them as accents rather than the primary tile choice. For instance, a bold accent wall or an eye-catching backsplash can provide a stylish touch without overwhelming the overall design.

Americo often recommends considering the long-term potential of your bathroom tile choices to avoid the need for a costly renovation in the near future. Opting for timeless designs and versatile color schemes ensures that your bathroom stays beautiful and functional for years to come.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tiles for your bathroom is a critical decision that can significantly impact the look, feel, and functionality of the space. By avoiding common mistakes, such as focusing solely on aesthetics, ignoring texture and maintenance needs, and failing to consider grout color and joint size, you can ensure that your bathroom tile selection is both beautiful and practical.

With Americo Migliore Jr.'s advice, you can make informed choices that align with your design vision while also prioritizing durability, safety, and ease of maintenance. Whether you are redesigning your bathroom or starting from scratch, taking the time to carefully select the right tiles will result in a stunning, long-lasting space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.