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Choosing between fully tiled or half tiled bathrooms

21 May 2025 | BY Matt Matner

When it comes to bathroom design, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a fully tiled or half tiled bathroom. A fully tiled bathroom uses tiles on all wall and floors whereas, a half tiled bathroom typically only tiles around wet areas such as shower enclosures, around the bath and wash basin. Both options have their own unique advantages and considerations. Let’s dive in and explore them.

Fully Tiled Bathrooms

Fully tiled bathrooms can give a luxurious and seamless look. The continuous flow of tiles can make the bathroom appear larger and more cohesive. Some of the other advantages include:

  • Water Resistance: This is arguably the biggest advantage. Tiles provide a waterproof barrier, protecting your walls and floors from moisture damage, leaks and mould growth. This is especially crucial in a bathroom environment.
  • Durability: Tiles are incredibly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. Unlike painted walls, they won’t easily scratch, chip, or fade.
  • Niches, alcoves and window sills can all be tiled to match the walls, creating an integrated décor with added dimension.
  • An array of bathroom tiles are available to find the right style for you

Considerations:

  • Completely tiling your bathroom can initially be more expensive than half tiling
  • Too many of the same tiles can be visually overwhelming. To overcome this, co ordinate plain tiles with patterned or feature tiles to achieve a balanced finish
  • The installation of tiles will be more labour intensive and intricate. We would advise booking professional tile fitters to complete the work. Discover our installation team here.

Half Tiled Bathrooms

A half tiled bathroom can be more characterful and allows for more design flexibility. Some of the advantages of a half tiled bathroom include:

  • Cost-Effective: Half tiling is a more budget-friendly option. You’ll save on both the cost of tiles and installation.
  • Versatility: With half tiling, you can play with different materials and colours. The contrast between the tiles and the wall can add a unique character to your bathroom.
  • Less time consuming to install

Considerations:

  • Walls that are not tiled are at risk of water damage. Tiles offer durable protection from water/ moisture damage, whereas other materials, such as paint and wallpaper do not.
  • May have to liaise with different tradesman to complete the work sequentially
  • Walls may need specific preparation work before painting

In Conclusion, the choice between fully tiled and half tiled bathrooms ultimately depends on your personal preference, budget, and the overall design of your home. Consider the pros and cons of each option and choose what works best for you!