David Williams, manager of Tile Depot's High Wycombe branch looks at consumer trends in the tile market…

Wall tiles are an extremely important element in the initial design of any bathroom as they largely influence the overall finished result.

The choice of bathroom wall tiles is now fairly limitless. The great and increasingly varied selection of rectified whites and textured neutrals along with bold colour and pattern, and mosaics in a range of exquisite materials, make for stunning showroom displays, which always attract attention.

Colours usually determine the mood of the room and neutral beiges and creams in ceramic, porcelain and natural stone are first choice for many as the safe option for a relaxing environment.

However, bathroom walls are becoming more personalised with something to suit. Likened to wallpaper more now than ever before, tiles are available in a wider selection of colours, textures and materials and customers are opting for more modern designs and statement pieces

with contemporary patterning detail.

The use of tiles in the bathroom has changed radically over recent years, with a major shift towards large format - the most popular choice with fewer grout lines for a more spacious effect. 

Feature walls are now popular in the bathroom and many new installations have either a feature wall or use accent tiles or mosaics to create a focal point.

Beige, in a range of materials and finishes, will continue to dominate the market.

There will always be a demand for white in cloakrooms and en-suites, now revitalised for bathrooms with popular rectified tiles for thinner grout lines. And we expect to see more vivid

patterns and striking colours through 2010.