Choosing the Right Bathroom Tile: Marble, Subway, Large Format, Hexagon & More
Tile is one of the most impactful design decisions you’ll make in a bathroom. It sets the tone, influences maintenance, and defines whether the space feels timeless, modern, or overly trendy.
As an interior designer working with homeowners across Bolingbrook, Naperville, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and surrounding Chicago suburbs, I guide clients through tile selections that are both beautiful and practical.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular bathroom tile options — and how to choose the right one for your space.
Marble Tile: Classic and Luxurious
There is nothing quite like real marble. Its depth, veining, and natural variation create a level of sophistication that manufactured materials simply cannot replicate.
Each slab or tile is unique, which means your bathroom will have subtle movement and character that feels organic and elevated.
However, marble does require care. It is porous and needs proper sealing. It can etch from acidic products and may show wear over time. For many homeowners, this patina becomes part of its charm. For others, maintenance expectations should be carefully considered before installation.
Marble works beautifully in primary bathrooms, shower walls, vanity backsplashes, and even flooring when properly sealed.
Source: Magda Interiors
2. Subway Tile: Classic and Adaptable
Subway tile remains a staple because of its simplicity. It can lean traditional, modern, or transitional depending on how it is installed.
To elevate subway tile:
Consider elongated proportions
Install vertically or in a herringbone pattern
Choose handmade or subtly textured versions
Use a refined grout color for a seamless look
While simple, subway tile still requires thoughtful proportion and installation to avoid a builder-grade appearance.
Source: Magda Interiors
3. Large Format Tile: Clean and Contemporary
Large format tile creates a seamless look with fewer grout lines, which can make bathrooms feel more expansive and architectural.
Proper installation is essential. Because the tiles are larger, the surface must be perfectly level to avoid uneven edges.
Large format tiles work particularly well in modern bathrooms or smaller Chicago suburban homes where visual openness matters.
Source: Magda Interiors
4. Textured vs. Smooth Tile: Understanding Function and Feel
Texture impacts both safety and visual depth.
Smooth tile reflects light beautifully, feels polished and refined and is ideal for walls and lower-traffic areas
Textured tile provides slip resistance for floors, adds dimension and tactile interest and works well in shower floors and accent walls
The key is balance. Too much texture can make a bathroom feel busy, while too many glossy surfaces may feel flat.
Tile is a long-term decision. It becomes part of the architecture of your home. Making thoughtful selections from the beginning ensures your bathroom feels cohesive and refined for years to come.
For homeowners in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, and nearby Chicago suburbs, professional guidance helps ensure that materials, scale, and layout come together seamlessly — avoiding costly mistakes and creating a space that feels intentional.