What’s making your bathroom tiles look cheap? 7 things to look out for, according to experts

The bathroom tiles you choose can make or break your design. Some of the most striking schemes feature beautiful tiles in statement colors and unexpected patterns, proving they are essential to any space.

And while bathroom tiles are a coveted feature, both aesthetically and functionally, a few things can instantly make them look cheap. As a real workhorse of the bathroom, it's no surprise that these things can throw off your entire design.

To help you ensure your bathroom feels stylish, luxurious, and far from cheap, we've turned to design experts to find out what is causing your tiles to look less expensive and how to fix them.

What’s making your bathroom tiles look cheap?

No one wants their bathroom to look basic, and after all the effort you've gone to choosing and installing your tiles in the most stylish way possible, it seems a shame to let a few small issues bring down the whole design. So, if you're wondering how to make your bathroom look expensive, fix these key things making your bathroom tiles look cheap.

1. Chips and cracks

One of the most common yet overlooked things that can make your bathroom tiles look cheap is damage. Cracks, chips, and scratches instantly ruin the look of your tiles, and are particularly obvious against deeper hues.

'Chipped or cracked tiles can instantly make a bathroom feel old and tired, disrupting the overall aesthetic and giving the impression of a poorly maintained space. Even minor damage can draw the eye and diminish the impact of an otherwise beautifully designed bathroom,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'The best solution is to replace individual tiles, but ideally, you will have ordered spare tiles at the time of installation. Tiles are produced in batches, and variations in color and finish can occur between different production runs. By having extras on hand, you can ensure a perfect match rather than struggling to find replacements.'

2. Clashing colors

Cohesion is something to consider when designing your bathroom. If your bathroom color ideas and tiles clash, it can instantly make your chosen tiles look jarring and cheap. The good news is that there are a few favorable ways to pair tiles and colors to cater to different styles.

One popular and utterly stylish approach is to color drench your bathroom. Choose tiles and paint colors in the same tone for a bold, encompassing scheme. On the other hand, creating contrast is also a timeless choice.

Brightly colored tiles with neutral wall paint create balance, while white tiles with a warmer, more saturated color add visual interest. In this bathroom, a deep green color on the walls adds drama, while lighter, natural floor tiles instantly lift the space.

3. Damage from using the wrong cleaning products

Maintaining your floor tiles is really important, but so is ensuring you've used the right products for the material of your tiles. The wrong cleaner can cause more damage than good.

'Keep your tiled flooring looking fresh by staying on top of general maintenance. For cement and encaustic tiles, we recommend using a pH-neutral, acid-free cleaner and warm water to remove any residues that build over time,' says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May.

These more organic materials require a specific concoction for cleaning to avoid damaging them, which is a problem with some common cleaners. 'We suggest avoiding acidic cleaners, as these can scratch the tile surface,' Lee adds.

4. Shiny tile finishes

It's one of the more difficult mistakes to fix, but quite often it can be the finish of your tiles that is making them look cheap. This will really depend on the size of your space as well as how much natural light you get.

'Glossy, low-quality tiles can often make a bathroom feel cheap and, in some cases, outdated. Overly shiny surfaces can create harsh reflections, emphasizing imperfections and giving the space a plasticky, artificial look rather than a refined, high-end finish,' notes Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

If you're still in the planning stages, Louise recommends choosing tiles with more of a matte finish if shinier designs feel jarring in your scheme. This will help to create a more sophisticated and timeless aesthetic and 'provide a softer, more natural, textural look.'

'If replacing tiles isn’t an option, consider adjusting the bathroom lighting. Harsh, cool-toned lighting can accentuate unwanted glare, whereas softer, warm-toned lighting creates a more inviting atmosphere. Dimmable lights, or even LED strips around bathroom mirrors can help diffuse light gently, elevating the overall feel of the space,' she adds.

5. Build-up and limescale

The damper environment of bathrooms means build-up and limescale is something everyone has to deal with. And unfortunately, it's usually your bathroom tiles that get the brunt of it.

'Opting for marble bathroom floor tiles creates a luxurious feel, but to ensure their appearance does not grow tired, it is important to properly maintain them,' says Carly Allison, head of product design at Fired Earth.

'We suggest using a specialist neutral cleaner such as our Mapei UltraCare Multicleaner for everyday cleaning, or for tiles that are looking a little tired, cleaning with our HD alkaline cleaner before resealing will give them a new lease of life.'

6. Mismatched floor and wall tiles

You can introduce the most expensive, luxurious tiles into your bathroom – and even perfectly grout them – but if your floor and wall tiles clash, they will instantly look cheap.

The key to an elevated bathroom design is introducing colors, materials, and finishes that pair seamlessly. So, when it comes to choosing floor and wall tiles that combine beautifully, take extra care and attention.

This bathroom is a perfect example of a tonal design. The floor and wall tiles are both a warm neutral to create a consistent flow, white the different tile shapes add that much-needed visual interest.

7. Grout discoloration

Sometimes, the actual tiles look great and hold up well – but it's the grout letting your design down. From discoloration to old, crumbling grout, it can instantly make your entire scheme feel tired and cheap.

'The primary issue with real tiles in high-footfall areas is their vulnerability to grout degradation over time, which can make them appear worn and cheap,' says Lorna Williams, head of product design at Amtico.

'They often start to show their wear and tear much sooner than people expect – the grout can become stained and discolored quickly or even begin to crumble,' she adds. If this feels familiar, it might be a good time to consider redoing your bathroom tile grout lines to give it a refreshed finish.

Overall, the things that make your bathroom tiles look cheap are relatively easy to fix. Unless you're dealing with damaged tiles, experts have plenty of easy-to-try fixes to give your tiles a more expensive finish, whether you need to switch up your cleaner, re-grout, or even add a new lick of paint in a more complimentary color.