This floor or that floor in my tiny bath?

9 years ago

I sure could use some opinions on what looks better. Sometimes I make weird decisions. I'm updating the floor in a tiny bath in a 1953 house. Doing it myself.

I've narrowed it down to two choices:

One is the standard white octagonal ceramic tile that was so popular mid-century. I have a fondness for that tile, and I think it suits the style of the house & decor.

The second is a light tan stick-on vinyl tile that looks like slate and can be laid with grout. It is much harder than regular vinyl tile and looks like ceramic tile after installed, esp. if grouted.

The reason I'm considering the vinyl tile is that I really love the color and slate look, and it would be a bit easier to DIY. But the octagonal ceramic tile won't involve THAT much more work, and it's a classic look.

The octagonal tile would cost twice as much. But neither is very expensive, since I'm doing it myself.

I'll post one picture with this post, and the next pic in another post. I haven't figured out how to post two pics in a post, or know if that's possible.

Featured Answer

bpollen
Original Author

9 years ago

Thanks everyone for your opinions! They're really helpful. I guess it's a big no for the vinyl tile. (yes, it was tile from Home Depot). BrianVarick: Well, I hadn't thought about using real tan ceramic tile that looks like the vinyl (duh!). I was just fixated on that vinyl tile. I'll consider that.

But I tend to agree with most, that the octagonal white tile would look best in my midcentury house.

I haven't responded before now because I thought I'd check the box to be e-mailed when I got a response. I kept waiting and thought, well, I guess no one had an opinion! Glad I checked.

This has been so helpful. Thanks!

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Comments (15)

bpollen
Original Author
9 years ago
Here's the second option (the tan slate-look vinyl tile that really looks like ceramic & is very hard):
jellytoast
9 years ago
I'd have to see a picture of the vinyl slate look with grout, but I hope it sounds better than it looks. IMO, the advantage to vinyl flooring is the lack of grout. Add grout, and it loses it's appeal. The octogonal tile is pretty and classic ... can't go wrong there.
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sloyder
9 years ago
I would go with the octagonal tile, you could even get it with a black or blue dot to punch things up. If I think the tan tile is what I have seen at HD, I would pass on it.
julieste
9 years ago
Don't do a vinyl "pretender" when you can have real ceramic tile.
palimpsest
9 years ago
Octagon and dot.
hunzi
9 years ago
Octagon and dot looks totally period appropriate for a mid-century house. The Vinyl looks like a 1980s suburban cookie cutter nightmare.

Go with the real thing.

Always ;-)
Hunzi
User
9 years ago
Octagonal ceramic tile definately.
That is beautiful, I would use that.
Errant_gw
9 years ago
Another vote for the ceramic tile :)
Fori
9 years ago
The vinyl looks pretty convincing in the photo BUT....octo-tile, all the way!
sixkeys
9 years ago
That octagonal tile is very inexpensive from Home Depot, and it is Daltile brand. I think it is less than $2.50/sq ft.
littlebug5
9 years ago
Vinyl is cheap-looking. I don't care how hard it is.

Tile.
eibren
9 years ago
I think the vinyl looks nice.
LE
9 years ago
Octagonal, by a mile!
BrianVarick
9 years ago
If you like how the vinyl looks why don't you find a porcelain or ceramic lookalike? I just installed one from Lowes that looked very similar and it was probably less than $1.50 sq ft.