Function Precedes Form
The oft-used maxim by architect Louis Sullivan goes “form follows function,” but that doesn’t necessarily hold true for bathroom design in Palm Beach. Bathrooms are one of the most frequented rooms in a home but beyond the foot-traffic, tile sees a lot of water and other occasional harsh spills from makeup or cleaning products. Bathroom tile should be resistant without sacrificing aesthetic appeal and for this reason, the most popular choices have become ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile.Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are made from clay that is kiln-fired to harden and shape the final product. These tiles come in a wide range of designs and color options, but the surface is often unglazed, leaving a coarse finish.Consider this about ceramic tile
- The material lacks density making for a lighter finish
- Easy to maintain
- Does not hold heat well, making for colder floors
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile has a similar manufacturing process as ceramic tile. The key difference is that the type of clay used for porcelain tile is denser, which makes the final product more water-resistant.Consider this about porcelain tile
- Denser material makes for more color uniformity
- Porcelain often has a more glazed finish than ceramic
- These tiles tend to be among the most water-resistant
Glass Tile
Glass tile consists of pieces of glass that have been melted and molded into thin sheets. Because glass is clear, the finish for these tiles is often translucent and bright, especially in a well-lit room.Consider this about glass tile
- A wider range of color options than ceramic or porcelain
- Although glass tiles can be stiff, they’re also brittle, making them best suited for walls or backsplash
- Glass tiles also tend to be more expensive
