Penny Round Floor Tile: A Classic Look for Your Bathroom
Penny round floor tiles are a timeless and versatile choice for bathroom flooring that can add both aesthetic appeal and functionality to your space. These small, circular tiles have been used for decades and continue to be popular today thanks to their unique appearance and practical features.
What is a Penny Tile?
Penny tile, also known as penny round tile, is a type of small, circular tile typically about the size of a penny. These tiles are often arranged in a grid pattern, with each tile slightly overlapping the next. Penny tile is available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, and glass, as well as a wide range of colours and finishes.
The History of Penny Tile
Penny tile floors first gained popularity in the early 1900s, when they were commonly used in both residential and commercial settings. The simple, geometric design of penny tile makes it ideal for floor and wall coverings in spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Over the years, penny tile has remained a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike, thanks to its timeless appeal and versatile design options.
Why Choose Penny Round Floor Tiles?
There are several reasons why homeowners and designers alike opt for a penny tile floor in their bathroom renovation projects:
- Classic and Timeless Appeal: Penny round tiles have a vintage charm that never goes out of style. They can easily complement a wide range of interior design styles, from traditional to contemporary, and offer a unique and eye-catching appearance.
- Versatility: Penny tiles come in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes, allowing you to customise your bathroom floor to suit your personal taste and the overall design of your space.
- Durability: Penny round floor tiles are typically made from high-quality materials, such as ceramic or porcelain, resistant to moisture, stains, and wear, making them a long-lasting and low-maintenance option for bathroom floors.
- Slip Resistance: The small size and grout lines of penny tiles create a textured surface that provides better traction underfoot, reducing the risk of slipping in a wet bathroom environment.
Material Options for Penny Round Floor Tiles
Penny round tiles are available in various materials, each offering unique benefits and appearance.
Ceramic Penny Tiles
Ceramics is the most common material used for penny round tiles due to its durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Ceramic penny tiles are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, from glossy and matte to glazed and unglazed, allowing for endless design possibilities. Additionally, ceramic tiles are moisture, stains, and wear-resistant, making them an ideal choice for bathroom flooring.
Porcelain Penny Tiles
Porcelain penny tiles are similar to ceramic options in terms of their durability and resistance to moisture and stains. However, they are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles, making them even more suitable for wet and high-traffic areas. Porcelain penny tiles also come in various colours and finishes, including natural stone and wood-look options, giving you greater design flexibility.
Glass Penny Tiles
Glass penny round tiles offer a unique and luxurious appearance with their smooth, reflective surface and translucent quality. These tiles are available in various colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to create a custom look for your bathroom floor. While glass tiles are generally more expensive and may require more careful installation than ceramic or porcelain options, they are highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making them a durable and low-maintenance choice for bathroom flooring.
Natural Stone Penny Tiles
For a truly natural and organic look, consider using natural stone penny round tiles, such as marble, travertine, or slate. These tiles offer a unique and sophisticated appearance with their natural colour variations, patterns, and textures. However, keep in mind that natural stone tiles may require more maintenance and sealing than other materials to protect them from moisture, stains, and wear.
Design Ideas for Penny Tile Bathroom Floors
There are countless ways to incorporate penny round floor tiles into your bathroom design, from using a single colour for a simple and uniform look to mixing and matching colours and patterns for a more dynamic and visually interesting effect. Some popular design ideas include:
Monochromatic Schemes
Choose a single colour for your penny tile floor, like classic white or sophisticated grey, to create a clean and cohesive look that complements various design styles.
Patterns and Borders
Create visual interest by incorporating patterns, such as stripes, chevrons, or checkerboard designs, using contrasting colours or finishes. For a unique mixed-tile effect, you can also use penny tiles to create a border around a larger tile, like subway or hexagon tiles.
Colorful Accents
Use bold and vibrant penny tile colours, like blue, green, or red, as an accent to create a focal point in your bathroom design. This can be achieved by using coloured penny tiles in specific areas, such as the shower floor or as a backsplash behind the vanity.
Mixed Materials
Combine different materials, like ceramic penny tiles with natural stone or glass accents, to add texture and depth to your bathroom flooring design.
Installation Tips for Penny Round Floor Tiles
While installing penny-round tiles may seem daunting due to their small size and numerous grout lines, the process can be manageable and rewarding with proper planning and preparation.
Here are some helpful tips to consider when installing your penny tile bathroom floor:
Choose the Right Adhesive
Use a high-quality tile adhesive, such as a thin-set mortar, designed for your specific tile material and subfloor to ensure a secure and long-lasting bond.
Plan Your Layout
Measure and plan your tile layout before installation to ensure a consistent and aesthetically pleasing result. This may involve dry-fitting the tiles, marking the centre of the room, and determining the best starting point for your design.
Use Tile Spacers
To maintain consistent spacing and grout lines between your penny tiles, consider using tile spacers, which can be easily removed once the adhesive has been set.
Cut Tiles with Care
When cutting penny round tiles to fit around obstacles or edges, use a tile cutter or wet saw designed for your specific tile material to avoid chipping or cracking.
Maintenance and Care for Penny Tile Bathroom Floors
Penny round floor tiles are generally low-maintenance and easy to care for, mainly if they are made from durable materials like ceramic or porcelain. To keep your penny tile bathroom floor looking its best, follow these simple maintenance and care tips:
- Clean Regularly: Sweep or vacuum your penny tile floor regularly to remove dirt and debris, which can cause scratches and wear over time. Use a damp mop or cloth with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to clean the tiles and grout lines as needed.
- Seal Grout Lines: To protect your grout lines from stains and discoloration, consider applying a grout sealer after installation and periodically as needed.
- Address Stains and Damage Promptly: If you notice any stains, scratches, or damaged tiles, address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the appearance of your bathroom floor. This may involve using a stain-removing cleaner, replacing a damaged tile, or reapplying grout or sealer as needed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, penny round floor tiles are a versatile and classic choice for bathroom flooring. Their durability, slip resistance, and ease of maintenance make them an ideal option for this high-traffic and damp space. With a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes, a penny tile suits any design aesthetic. Considering factors like material, color, and pattern, you can create a unique and stylish bathroom design that will stand the test of time.