How Your Bathroom Tiles May Be Dating The Entire Room

Nothing is as fickle as trends. Sometimes it seems like only days have passed during a popular décor craze, and the next thing you know, it's out of fashion, and you're stuck with an outdated aesthetic. While certain fads clearly won't stick around — think carpeted bathrooms or glittered grout — other trends are harder to gauge. Bathroom tile is one of these, and knowing what patterns or styles will last versus which will fade is important.

Whether renovating or designing a new space, picking the right tiles for your bathroom can be a problem. Fun, elevated patterns can look great and be engaging, but will they still be exciting months or years down the line? Specific aesthetics can make any bathroom look dated, so it is best to avoid them at all costs. Forbes notes that while unique tastes are relevant while designing the washroom, it is best to avoid décor that will flop because it is such a busy space. Rather than an experiment, check out how your tiles might be hindering the bathroom from joining the current trends and those to come.

Bathroom floor tiles can significantly impact your overall aesthetic, and certain patterns or designs can look outdated or tacky once their hype dies down. According to Eco 1 Plumbing, one such trend to avoid is cement tiles, which can be difficult to care for and cost a lot of money to install. Besides, these patterned tiles can be risky business, not in the fun Tom Cruise sliding across the way. Patterns tend to come and go during home décor fashions, but if they don't offer a classic aesthetic, they could become gaudy or irksome down the line.

If you want to go with a pattern, stick with a timeless option that has held on through countless generations and trends. Moorish tiles, black and white checkered combinations or Spanish designs have all proven they can hold their own in the world of interior décor and are all excellent options if you want a more intricate layout. It might be wise to avoid tiles that lean too much into one color or obscure designs that could be hard to match with future renovations.

Subway tiles and limestone are great selections for a bathroom and provide a contemporary look no matter how long ago they were installed. The clean lines and easy-on-the-eyes finish will ensure your appliances and accessories match seamlessly. HomeLight calls subway tiles timeless, offering a chic and classic approach to your bathroom walls and floors. Limestone is durable, affordable, and complies with environmentally safe standards, according to Sefa Stone, which is why this material is another excellent choice for a powder room base.

One more thing to keep in mind is the grout you use. Grout trends also come and go, but this can affect the overall atmosphere as much as the tiles. Colorful or darker grout can shift the aesthetic and create a dated look over time. Instead, Daltile recommends sticking with lighter shades to blend all the elements and create a clean finish. Dark grout can add a dramatic effect, but this might not always be in fashion; lighter options are easy to match.