My clients are clamoring for a more modern style in their bathrooms. One of my favorite ways to get the look? Large tiles! There are some beautiful options on the market from 12″-24″. Many of the manufacturers don’t have a modern edge trim, however, that makes sense with their larger-than-life tile. Hmmmm.
A simple and often affordable answer is metal-edge trim. Several brands make them, but my favorite are the edge-protection profiles made by Schluter. Instead of hunting for a bullnose tile to finish the edges, why not check out a metal trim?
A brushed-chrome finish holds up the best with wear, even if your plumbing fixtures are also polished chrome (don’t worry about being too matchy-matchy). There are tons of options, though, including color-coated aluminum, that could coordinate with many tiles.
Browse before and after pictures of this major master bath makeover
This is a great way to use a tile as your backsplash on your vanity, as well. The metal trim makes for a really smooth, beautiful edge that’s super-easy to keep clean.
What do you think about the look of these larger tiles with metal trim?
Have you ever seen anyone use glass tile strips as trim?
Applegator –
Yep! It looks pretty awesome… like anything small, though, your installer has to carefully prep the areas to make sure things are as level and plumb as possible. Flaws do get magnified the more contrasting the colors are too – a red glass tile on a gray wall might show any wonky lines.
Are you designing a bathroom?
If you are all for doing something different just to BE different…I'll take the usual ceramic/stone/etc.,trim
I like the look of this tile, but the picture seems to show that they are textured. Is that acurate? If so, how easy is this to keep clean? I have four kids and the thought of scrubbing little grooves with a tooth brush would give me nightmares!
We are planning a bathroom remodel in the near future. Our bathroom is small and outdated and appears to have a mold problem. We expect to tear down to the studs and subfloor.
This doesn't look good to me. I don't like it! Reminds me of the metal strips used in kitchens to cover shoddy workmanship or just plain 'old school'. Clean lines interrupted by bumps, no thanks!
I love this look! We are remodeling and this was published at just the right time! Thanks!
Laurie,
Full tiled baths as common in Europe seems to be trending in the US for all the many advantages. Have you used the no drilling required mounting system and accessories on any of your projects? It is a German line of accessories which was designed for tile, stone, glass and plastics and as a bonus to the no drill feature, is also removable as needed with no damage. Strong to as the grab bars are rated at 250lbs.
Thanks,
Ken
I really like the idea of metal trim. I was wondering however, how does it work with insertable niches?
I have seen a tiled shower recently that had full-length metal looking quarter round trim pieces framing the shower door and threshold, instead of using bullnose tile. They are similar to the Schluter brand you mention but are rounded, not squarish. Are you familiar with these and have a source?