Timeless Travertine Bathroom Tile Ideas – 8 ways to create the luxe look
If you want to create an elegant and sophisticated bathroom that will look incredible for years to come, it’s worth investigating travertine.
With its marble-like veins and beautiful colours, travertine is one of the most popular natural stones to use in homes. Stone tiles are a good option if you struggle to decide on tile styles, don’t want to follow trends or are worried about changing your mind.
Real stone tiles are one of the most timeless options for a bathroom. The natural variations in travertine set it apart from stone-effect porcelain tiles and it’s incredibly durable. Travertine tiles aren’t cheap, but they can add value to your home and will completely transform your bathroom. Keep reading to discover more about these incredible tiles and how you can use them to create a striking bathroom sanctuary.
Image credit: @lottefaassenn
Recommended Tile: Travertine Classic Opus Mix – Tumbled
What is travertine?
Travertine is a type of limestone that’s formed by the evaporation of spring and river water. It’s found in areas where the groundwater is rich in calcium carbonate. You’ve probably walked through underground caves and discovered stalactites and stalagmites, these fascinating natural structures mainly consist of travertine.
Travertine is an extremely durable and attractive stone and is often used in construction. There are travertine deposits in Italy, Turkey, Croatia, Mexico, Iran and China.
Because travertine is a natural substance, the surface texture won’t be uniform. You can, however, opt for filled tiles for a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
Is travertine suitable for bathrooms?
Travertine is tough, extremely attractive and, although porous, once sealed with an appropriate sealer is ideal for use in bathrooms, wet rooms and shower areas.
More roughly textured travertine will provide an effective non-slip surface. Beware of using polished travertine tiles on shower floor areas.
Travertine bathroom tile ideas
If you’re looking for travertine bathroom tile inspiration, keep reading to discover how to use this sensational stone:
Create a chilled-out bathroom oasis
Stone tiles are one of the most lavish choices for a bathroom, so you might want to let the stone do the talking and cover all walls and the floor in travertine tiles.
Travertine is perfect for creating a luxurious and calming environment. Build your own relaxing, spa-like sanctuary with wall and floor stone tiles and add plenty of fabulous foliage for a tropical feel.
Image credit: @queenofgreen_84
Recommended Tile: Sapphire Brushed
Get creative with combinations
As beautiful as wall-to-wall stone tiles are, you can vary the look by introducing other tiles. Not only will it help to keep the tiling costs down, but it also allows you to be more creative and introduce interesting statement tiles. Stone will look fantastic next to all other colours and textures so be as bold as you dare!
Image credit: @h_and_g_designs
Recommended Tile: Casablanca
Mix wood and travertine
Take the natural beauty of stone and combine it with gorgeous wood-effect porcelain tiles for a super luxurious, high-end finish to your bathroom.
You can choose wood-effect tiles that are similar in colour to your chosen travertine tiles, or choose a different shade, whatever you choose, the natural textures and colours will be a perfect match.
Image credit: @_weststyle_
Recommended Tile: Woodlands Natural
Go for a modern, rustic look
Although stone tiles can be seen as a traditional choice, they’ll also slot effortlessly into more modern bathroom designs. If you want to create a contemporary rustic look in your bathroom, stone tiles are an excellent choice. Combine them with simple textured tiles or miniature mosaics in bright, neutral colours.
Image credit: @abiinteriors_uk
Pair travertine and metro tiles
We love the fusion of natural stone and classic ceramic tiles in this beautiful bathroom. Metro tiles are always a classic choice and, if you want to save some money by using less stone, are a brilliant way to complete your bathroom on a budget.
Image credit: @brookeaitkendesign
Recommended Tile: San Vincenzo
Use different textures on the walls and floor
Because travertine is a natural substance, it can vary considerably in appearance. Some travertine tiles have a distinctive marbled appearance, whilst other travertine tiles are more veined. Combine different cuts of travertine for an incredible effect.
Image credit: @stowaway_ki
Recommended Tile: Avon Malo
Fuse travertine and mosaic tiles
If you want to create a classic-looking bathroom, you can combine two of the oldest types of tile, stone and mosaic. There is a mind-blowing choice of mosaic tiles to choose from and the beauty of using natural stone tiles means that they will go with any other colour.
Have fun creating mosaic panels, borders and custom designs to set your bathroom apart from the rest.
Image credit: @sixstartileandrenovationsllc
Recommended Tile: Jewel Amarillo
Clad a shower with travertine tiles
If you’re sold on the idea of stone but don’t want to tile the whole bathroom, you can save the stone for a specific area like a shower cubicle or splashback. It’ll help to save money and make a feature of the travertine tiles.
Image credit: @elderflowerandeiderdown
Recommended Tile: Travertine
Travertine bathroom tile tips
- Travertine tiles can be polished or more matt in texture. If you’re using travertine tiles on the floor, you can opt for filled tiles to make cleaning super simple.
- As they are porous, travertine tiles will need to be sealed before they come into contact with water. You can spray the sealant onto clean tiles using a sprayer and spread it over the tiles’ surface with a lint-free cloth.
- Despite needing regular sealing, travertine tiles are easy to care for. Just be sure to use cleaning products that are specifically formulated for use on travertine; acid substances and bleach can damage the stone.
Atlas Ceramics has an extensive selection of beautiful travertine tiles to choose from in a range of stunning colours. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.