How Much of My Bathroom Should I Tile?
Design guidance from Grace & Morris Architects, specialists in Harrogate house extensions
At Grace & Morris Architects, we are frequently asked how much of a bathroom should be tiled. The answer depends on the function, aesthetic goals and long-term maintenance strategy of the space. Whether part of a full house extension or a bespoke new-build, the bathrooms we design are always integrated into a wider architectural vision. Drawing on our experience in projects such as The View, West Hill Avenue, and Old Vicarage, we offer the following professional guidance.
Start with the wet areas
We always recommend full-height tiling around showers, bath enclosures and other zones exposed to regular water contact. This ensures longevity, simplifies cleaning and protects the underlying structure.
In no.8, our contemporary new-build in the Harrogate countryside, we detailed full-height tiling in the master ensuite to contrast against natural stone and timber, ensuring durability without compromising the clean, modern language of the space.
For high-performance bathrooms, such as the family wet rooms in Nidd Bank and Old Vicarage, we used large-format porcelain tiles up to ceiling level. This allowed for seamless transitions and consistent finishes even in complex layouts with integrated niches and built-in lighting.
Feature walls for elegance and definition
A single full-height tiled feature wall can introduce visual hierarchy in the space. This is a strategy we used effectively in West Hill Avenue, where a rear extension included a main bedroom and ensuite. The back wall of the vanity unit was fully tiled in a marble-effect ceramic, providing a luxurious backdrop while the remaining walls were half-tiled to retain warmth and variety.
Using a feature wall not only enhances aesthetics, but also reduces material costs compared to fully tiling all walls—particularly relevant when using handmade or high-specification tiles.
Half-height tiling for flexibility and balance
In many of our residential projects, we opt for half-height tiling (typically between 1.2 and 1.3 metres) around WCs, basins and less exposed walls. This technique is well suited to bathrooms that serve as part of an upper-floor extension or refurbishment, such as in Stoneleigh, where the Edwardian proportions required a more nuanced approach to wall treatments.
Painting above half-height tiles allows flexibility. It also helps to maintain balance in period properties where fully tiled walls might feel clinical or overly contemporary. In The Barn, we used this approach to preserve the agricultural character of the original structure while still delivering contemporary functionality.
Consider tile scale, grout lines and layout
Large-format tiles reduce grout joints, offering a cleaner finish and a sense of spaciousness. This is especially important in smaller bathrooms or those within loft conversions. We used this approach in Nidd Bank, where optimising head height and minimising visual clutter was essential.
Tile layouts also play a key role. Brick bond patterns lend themselves to traditional homes, while a vertical stack bond can emphasise ceiling height and feels more architectural. We frequently discuss these options with our clients to ensure alignment with the overall interior language.
Integrating tiling into the wider design narrative
Tiling should never be treated in isolation. In every extension or refurbishment we undertake—from Old Court House in central Harrogate to large-scale projects like Old Vicarage—our bathroom design decisions are integrated with material palettes, lighting design and architectural layout.
Painted finishes above tiled walls allow room for clients to evolve the space over time, whether through artwork, colour accents or textured plaster. We often recommend this strategy to clients who seek both permanence and personalisation.
Why engage Grace & Morris for your Harrogate house extension
As experienced Harrogate house extension architects, we understand how to incorporate refined bathroom design into larger architectural works. Our approach is always site-specific and client-led, ensuring every bathroom—from contemporary new-builds like The View to heritage extensions like West Hill Avenue—is as practical as it is elegant.
Whether you are reworking a master ensuite as part of a full renovation or adding a bathroom within a rear extension, we can help you define the right tiling strategy to balance cost, maintenance and design intent.
Speak to us about your project
To discuss your upcoming house alteration please contact Grace & Morris Architects. We offer full architectural services from concept to completion and will ensure every aspect of your project is carefully considered—including the tiling.