There is no better place in the home for using ceramic tile than the bathroom. Ceramic is versatile, non-porous, decorative, and functional. A typical bathroom tile design will include the use of ceramic tiles for a finished surface on walls and floors. In addition, it can even be used to create an entire shower or bathtub, thus reducing the "confinement" of "standard" sized bathing enclosures and allowing the freedom of custom designed shapes and sizes.

Ceramic tile design in the bathroom is nearly limitless in possibilities. Some of the more commonly used types include glazed, mosaic, glass, and unglazed. Glazed tile is fired (baked) with a glaze on the outer surface that produces a hard, super-glossy finish. The glazed type can be slippery when wet, so it is more likely to be used for walls and other vertical surfaces. Not only is the luster of glazed tiles eye-catching but it is fairly easy to clean as well. Walls and surfaces with glazed tiles are often installed in a symmetrical pattern because of the straight edges.

Mosaic tile is available as single or multicolored glass, unglazed porcelain, and even stainless steel. Mosaic is one of the most popular bathroom designs because of the eye-stimulating colors and patterns that are possible. Some manufacturers produce mosaics of images or patterns that are pre-arranged and glued to a type of mesh netting. The netting, with the tiles already attached according to the design or image they create, is adhered to the substrate surface providing a beautiful piece of artwork. Even the most artistically challenged can have a bathroom that appears to be designed by a true Renaissance artist.

If you are looking for a truly unique yet creative design, glass tiles could be the answer. Glass tiles come in a variety of colors and may appear semi-transparent, shimmering, or reflective. In addition to glass, hand decorated tiles also provide that unique creative design. Hand decorating your own tiles or having someone else decorate them to your specifications guarantees that your bathroom will display that unique contemporary "one of a kind" design.

Tile is relatively maintenance free and it is easy to clean, especially when glazed. Probably the biggest disadvantage of using ceramic, especially glazed, is that cracks or chips could occur in tile that can only be repaired by replacing the individual tile. In the end, the most important thing is to pick the design that suits your specific tastes and needs.