At The Tile Shop we are well aware that many consumers think there are “rules” when creating the tiled space of their dreams. A bathrooms should be all marble, travertine is best in the kitchen, ceramic is retro, glass is contemporary - the list goes on and on. 

The truth is there are no rules when it comes to using tile. We often think that the more conventional ideals that are broken when creating a space with tile, the better the space will be. One of the biggest tile misconceptions today is that you cannot mix ceramic with stone. This is very much not the truth. Both types of tile have unique characteristics and benefits, and together they create unique designs with a depth that would have been unattainable using just a single type of tile. 

The bath below was created using a wide variety of types of tile. The floor is made of Mongolian Desert Slate (Natural Stone). The wall is made up of both Chiaro Travertine (Natural Stone), Grecia Beige (Ceramic), and a accent listello (Glass & Travertine). Just as many design styles today are being mixed to create an individual style so are types of tile. This can also help those looking to update a space on a budget. 

Ceramic is a cost effective option but does not carry the edging options available in natural stone. We design ceramic lines that coordinate with our natural stone so that the consumer can mix and match the two and create a fantastic space at any budget. Check out the bath below again - Large Grecia Beige ceramic wall tile is used to make the space look large and are easy to wipe clean and maintain (great for kids!), but the base is not made of ceramic it is travertine and so are the accents finishing edges. 

The accent piece that tops the walls wainscot is also a mix of types of tiles. Small green and brown glass tiles mixed with mosaic travertine pieces bring the whole space together. The glass pulls in the colors within the slate floor while adding yet another texture and the travertine ties in the base, as well as, the tubs focal wall made from travertine. 

The tub focal wall uses large Chiaro Travertine tiles with The Tile Shop’s exclusive wall tile out corners - The Corsica. The Corsica piece is a 12” L -shaped finishing piece designed for walls out corners and is great for DIYers who are looking to avoid any complex tile cuts but want a smooth finished edge. This wall bump out serves a few functions, it is a great focal point, it is an ideal place for storage and decoration near the tub, and it allows for space within the walls for plumbing and additional electrical that may be needed for a pedestal tub. Again mixing ceramic with stone made all the difference in this focal point - the walls would have been all one texture, one shade of beige, and the out corners would not have been smooth finished with ease.

Remember in tile - Rules are meant to be broken. Mix textures, colors, types, and size. Try a type you thought was traditional with one you thought was modern, and for sure mix stone with ceramic. With thousands of different tiles at The Tile Shop you can mix and match until you have created a look that is completely individual to you!