Buying bathroom tiles online can feel overwhelming — thousands of options, varying quality, and no chance to feel the finish until they arrive at your door. But when you know what to look for, shopping online for bathroom tiles is actually faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than trailing around showrooms. This guide walks you through everything you need to make a confident purchase. We have our full range available to view here.
Why Buy Bathroom Tiles Online?
The case for buying bathroom tiles online comes down to three things: price, choice, and convenience.
Online tile retailers carry far larger ranges than any physical showroom. At Lily Bain Bathroom and Tiles, you can compare ceramic, porcelain, and decorative tiles side by side — from understated neutrals to bold statement pieces — without leaving your sofa. Because our online store pairs with a physical showroom, you get the breadth of an online catalogue with the reassurance of a real team behind it.
Delivery is fast too: most products ship within 24–72 hours, with free delivery on orders over £750.
What to Look for When Buying Bathroom Tiles Online
1. PEI Rating (Wear Rating)
Not all tiles are created equal. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating tells you how durable a tile's surface is:
- PEI 0–1: Wall use only — not suitable for floors
- PEI 2: Light residential floors (bathrooms with slippers/bare feet)
- PEI 3–4: Most domestic floors, including bathrooms
- PEI 5: Heavy-duty commercial use
For bathroom floors, aim for PEI 3 or above. For walls, PEI 0–2 is fine.
2. Slip Resistance (R-Rating)
Wet bathroom floors are a hazard. Look for the R-rating on any floor tile you're considering:
- R9: Suitable for slightly wet areas
- R10: Good for residential bathrooms (recommended minimum)
- R11+: Commercial wet areas and shower trays
Never use a wall tile on a bathroom floor — it won't have adequate slip resistance.
3. Water Absorption
Porcelain tiles (with less than 0.5% water absorption) are the gold standard for bathrooms. Standard ceramic tiles absorb more moisture and are better suited to wall applications. If in doubt, check the product specification — every product at Lily Bain includes a material finish and size spec on its listing.
4. Size and Layout Impact
Larger tiles make a small bathroom feel more spacious; smaller tiles (like metro or decor tiles) add detail and character. Bear in mind that very large tiles require a professional fitter and a very flat subfloor. Factor fitting costs into your budget when comparing tiles by price per square metre.
How to Order the Right Quantity
Over-ordering is better than under-ordering — you don't want to be trying to match a discontinued batch six months after fitting.
Standard formula:
- Measure the area in square metres (length × width for each wall and the floor)
- Add 10% for cuts and waste on simple layouts
- Add 15% for diagonal patterns or complex layouts
Each Lily Bain tile listing shows clearly how much coverage you get per box. For example, the Casale Grey Wall 600×200 gives 1.08m² per box (9 tiles), while the Lily Ice Grey 600×600 Porcelain gives 1.08m² per box (3 tiles). Knowing the coverage per box makes quantity calculations straightforward.
Getting the Best Deal on Bathroom Tiles Online
Compare Price Per Square Metre
Tile prices are quoted per box. Always convert to price per m² before comparing — a cheaper box price doesn't always mean cheaper tiling. Here's a quick comparison from our current range:
| Tile | Format | Price/Box | Coverage | Price/m² (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casale Grey Wall | 600×200 ceramic | £30.00 (sale) | 1.08m² | ~£27.78/m² |
| Land Cinder 600×600 | 600×600 porcelain | £34.56 | 1.08m² | ~£32.00/m² |
| Lily Ice Grey 600×600 | 600×600 porcelain | £42.65 | 1.08m² | ~£39.49/m² |
| RAK Ceramics Black Glossy | 600×300 porcelain | £52.00 | 0.90m² | ~£57.78/m² |
Look for Sale Prices
Check our current sale lines — the Casale Grey Wall tile is currently available at £30.00 per box (down from £33.50), making it one of our most cost-effective options for a bathroom wall refresh.
Buy in Bulk for Free Delivery
Orders over £750 qualify for free shipping across the UK. If you're tiling a full bathroom — walls and floor — buying everything together in a single order is the smart way to hit this threshold and save on delivery costs.
Factor in Everything You Need
Don't forget the supporting materials. Lily Bain stocks everything alongside the tiles themselves:
- Adhesives, Grouts & Primers
- Sealants, Bonding & Tanking
- Self Levelling Compound
- Tiling Tools & Accessories
Ordering everything together saves multiple delivery charges and ensures compatibility.
Our Picks: Best Bathroom Tiles for Every Budget
Best value ceramic wall tile: Casale Grey Wall 600×200 — £30.00/box on sale. A clean, modern grey ceramic that works in any bathroom. Comes 9 tiles per box.
Best everyday floor tile: Land Cinder Wall & Floor 600×600 — £34.56/box. A Spanish-manufactured porcelain with a semi-matt finish that's practical and stylish.
Best mid-range porcelain: Lily Ice Grey 600×600 Porcelain (Lappato Finish) — £42.65/box. Rectified edges allow grout lines as narrow as 1–2mm for a near-seamless look. Comes with a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee.
Best statement tile: RAK Ceramics Black Glossy 600×300 — £52.00/box. Rectified-edge gloss black porcelain for a dramatic, high-contrast look.
Summary: Buying Bathroom Tiles Online the Smart Way
- Check PEI and R-ratings for floor tiles
- Calculate price per m², not per box — box sizes vary
- Order 10–15% extra for waste
- Buy all you need in one order to hit the £750 free delivery threshold
- Add adhesive and grout to your order at the same time
Ready to find your perfect tiles? Browse Lily Bain's full tile range — or explore dedicated collections for bathroom floor tiles and bathroom wall tiles.