Penny round tiles have been a popular choice for bathroom floors and walls for over a century, and for good reason. Their classic, timeless beauty never seems to go out of style. Here we’ll explore the history of penny tiles, their defining characteristics, pros and cons, design ideas, and tips for choosing and installing penny tile in your bathroom remodel or new construction.

A Brief History of Penny Tiles

Penny tile dates back to the Victorian era in England. The name comes from the fact that the small, round ceramic tiles were about the size of an old English penny. During the 19th century, advancements in ceramic tile manufacturing made decorative tiles affordable for the growing middle class.

The tiles were usually pressed into metal molds, glazed, and then fired in large kilns. The mass production meant penny tiles could be used to add a splash of color and pattern to kitchens and bathrooms in private homes. Their small size also made them ideal for covering surfaces with lots of cuts and contours like floors, walls, and backsplashes.

By the early 20th century, penny tile had spread in popularity to America and became a hallmark of bathrooms and kitchens for decades to come. Though styles and colors have evolved over the years, the classic penny round shape remains a timeless and versatile option today.

What Makes Penny Tiles So Unique?

There are a few key characteristics that define genuine penny tiles:

Small round shape – The circle shape is the defining trait of penny tile. The most common size is 1 inch in diameter, though they can range from 3/4 inch to 2 inches.
Ceramic material – Traditionally, penny tiles are made of natural clay which is glazed and fired. This gives them a beautiful glossy finish.
Thin format – Penny rounds are quite thin, often around 1/4 inch thick. This allows them to be set close together on floors and walls.
Vintage patterns and colors – From bold primaries to pastels, earth tones, and black & white, penny tiles lend a sense of yesteryear charm. Patterns like polka dots, stripes, and geometric designs evoke classic early 20th century style.

The combination of the delicate round shape, ceramic material, and slim format enables penny tiles to be set in eye-catching arrangements. The vintage-inspired colors and patterns transport bathrooms back to a simpler, more nostalgic time.

Pros & Cons of Penny Tile

Like any material, penny tile has both advantages and disadvantages to weigh when considering it for your home.

Benefits of Penny Tile

Timeless and classic – Penny tile has remained popular for over 100 years thanks to its lasting, vintage appeal. The look blends well with many design styles from contemporary to farmhouse.
Durable and water-resistant – The glazed ceramic material resists moisture, stains, and daily wear-and-tear. Properly installed penny tile can last a lifetime.
Easy to clean – The smooth, glossy surface wipes clean easily with mild soap and water. Grout lines should be sealed to prevent staining.
Design versatility – Choose bold individual colors or mix and match multiple shades. Create patterns like stripes, dots, floral designs and more.
Affordable option – Penny rounds are an inexpensive way to add character to bathrooms compared to larger ceramic or stone tiles.
Works in small spaces – The tiny scale is perfect for petite bathrooms like powder rooms. Curvy walls and floors are no problem with small penny tiles.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Prone to cracking/chipping – The tiles can crack if the floor or wall flexes. Cracked grout and loose tiles must be repaired quickly before moisture gets underneath.
Labor-intensive installation – Laying hundreds of small, round tiles takes more time and skill which is reflected in the installation cost.
Grout upkeep – Grout lines easily trap dirt and need regular cleaning. Re-sealing grout annually helps protect it from stains.
Not the best choice for floors with heavy traffic – Penny tiles work best on bathroom floors or walls that won’t be subject to too much wear.

Where to Use Penny Tiles in Bathroom Remodels

Thanks to their petite size, penny tiles can be adapted to virtually any surface in the bathroom. Here are some of the most popular applications:

Bathroom Floor Tile

A classic use of penny tile is to cover bathroom floors. Arrange tiles in straight rows or get creative with patterns. Avoid white or light grout which will get dirty quickly. Darker grout hides soils better. If installing on floors, choose thicker gauge tiles and make sure the substrate is very stable to prevent cracking.

Shower Wall Tile

Turn your shower into a work of art by covering walls with penny tile designs. Use a premium waterproof grout and seal regularly. Avoid using penny tiles on the shower floor where they can get slippery. Go for larger, grippier tiles on the floor instead.

Bathroom Wall Tile

Accent walls and vertical surfaces in bedrooms, hallways, and even kitchen backsplashes look gorgeous dressed in penny tiles. Use tile adhesive recommended for walls and avoid heavy-traffic areas where tiles can get knocked loose.

Bathroom Sink Backsplash

Protect the walls behind bathroom sinks from errant splashes by adding a penny tile backsplash. Coordinate with wall and floor tile or create contrast. A dark grout prevents staining and allows patterns to stand out.

Bathroom Niche Tile

Recessed niches provide useful storage in showers. Cover the interior with mosaic penny tiles to make a focal point. Choose one bold color or combine colors to make the niche pop. Coordinate with other tiles or contrast it.

Penny tiles can also be incorporated onto bathroom ceilings, in ornamental inlaid designs, as trim or borders, or even on the sides of built-in tub surrounds. There are endless possibilities!

Design Inspiration for Penny Tile Bathrooms

When designing your penny tile bathroom, consider the overall style you want to achieve. Here are some gorgeous looks you can create:

Modern Style

For a contemporary vibe, use penny tiles sparingly on a statement wall or tub surround. Choose bold, bright solids or minimal black and white patterns. Pair with large-format tiles on floors and walls to balance the textures. Crisp white grout keeps it modern.

Black and white modern bathroom with penny tile backsplash behind tub

Photo by FatCamera on iStock

Vintage Style

For a truly authentic vintage aesthetic, go all in with penny tiles on floors, walls, ceilings – everywhere! Use classic colors like sky blue, lemon yellow, grass green, or soft pink paired with white. Avoid strong grout lines and minimalize other decor for a transported-back-in-time vibe.

Photo from baona at iStock

Farmhouse Style

Achieve a cozy farmhouse feel with penny tiles in warm neutrals like terracotta, cream, tan, or slate blue-gray. Introduce touches of black for contrast. Install tiles in a brickwork pattern on floors or scatter penny mosaics across walls. Wood accents and vintage-style plumbing fixtures complete the pastoral look.

Rustic farmhouse bathroom with wood accents and penny tile floor

Image from Borbit at iStock

The versatility of penny tile means it can work with just about any design aesthetic you have in mind. Use it sparingly for a touch of interest or heavily to make it the crowning focal point of your bathroom.

Tips for Installing Penny Tile

Penny tiles may be small, but they require quite a bit of preparation and care to install properly:

Thoroughly clean the installation surface and apply appropriate primer if needed.
Choose high-quality thinset adhesive made specifically for ceramic tile. Apply an even layer using a 1/4” notched trowel.
Lay out tiles in your desired pattern starting from the center and working outward. Use temporary spacers to maintain even grout lines.
To get clean lines, use tile edge trim at transitions and perimeters. Match trim color to grout.
Make sure tiles are set into the thinset adhesive firmly so there are no gaps or raised edges.
Once tiles are set, wait at least 24 hours before applying grout. Use a float to force grout into joints.
For floors and wet walls, use a sanded caulk that resists mold in grout lines instead of regular unsanded grout.
After grouting, immediately clean any film off tile faces with a damp sponge.
Once the installation is complete, seal grout and apply a natural stone sealer to protect penny tiles from stains.
Avoid walking on tile floors for at least 48 hours. Wait at least 14 days before wetting or using shower walls.

Always refer to manufacturer’s instructions for proper tile prep, installation, grouting, and maintenance.

Penny Tile Manufacturer Spotlight

Many companies today produce high quality, creative penny tile collections that pay homage to the enduring, vintage style while also offering more modern colors and patterns. Here are some top penny tile brands to check out:

Fireclay Tile

This California-based tile maker offers tons of colorways from muted earth tones to punchy primaries. Their penny tiles come in four shape variations and can be combined to create endless custom designs.

Clayhaus

Based in Portland, their penny tile line includes fun patterns like confetti dots, zigzags, and Moroccan stars. The encaustic cement tiles are more durable for floor installations.

Ann Sacks Tile

Part of the Kohler family of brands, Ann Sacks provides beautiful penny tile patterns including floral prints and metallics. Made from durable glazed porcelain.

Original Style

UK-based company offering Corgi penny rounds and other shapes with ombre gradients, glossy finishes, and natural stone looks. Can be combined for custom installations.

Heath Ceramics

This well-known San Francisco ceramic tile company has a wide range of stylish penny tile collections. Known for muted tones and minimalist designs.

Be sure to order a few extra tiles to account for cuts, cracks, or damage during installation. Penny tiles often have variation between batches, so purchase all you need for your project at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penny Tiles

What are penny tiles made of?

Traditionally, penny rounds were made from natural clay but today they can also be made from porcelain or even glass. Unglazed quarry tiles are also common. Make sure to choose a material suitable for your floor or wall application.

How durable are penny tile floors?

It depends on the material. Porcelain and quarry penny tiles stand up better to heavier traffic than plain ceramic. Apply a sealer and ensure tiles are firmly embedded in floor thinset to prevent cracks and loosening. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Do penny tiles work well in bathrooms?

Yes, their moisture resistance and easy-to-clean finish makes penny tiles perfect for bathrooms. Use premium, waterproof grout on shower walls. Avoid super slick surfaces on floors by choosing a tile with a bit of texture.

How do you clean penny tile floors?

Sweep regularly to prevent gritty dirt from getting into grout lines. Use pH-neutral cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. A steam mop helps sanitize and loosen soils from textured floors. Re-seal grout annually or as needed to protect from stains.

Should penny tiles be laid in a brick pattern?

A classic brickwork pattern has each row offset halfway from the row below in a staggered formation. This helps break up straight grout lines. You can also lay tiles in horizontal rows, diagonals, or fun patterns.

Can you use different colored penny tiles together?

Absolutely! Blending different colors of penny rounds is a great way to create patterns like polka dots, stripes, starbursts or geometric designs. Be sure to evenly mix tiles from different dye lots.

Penny Tile Bathrooms – Classic Charm That Endures

With their long history and vintage vibe, penny round tiles will likely never fade from popularity in home decor. Their petite, versatile format allows creativity in designing stunning bathroom floors, walls, showers, and backsplashes. While penny tiles do require careful installation and maintenance when used on floors, their timeless beauty and classic charm make it worthwhile. Embrace the nostalgic penny tile look to add a touch of character and craftsmanship to your next bathroom remodel.

Penny Tile Bathroom – Classic & Timeless Beauty of Penny Round Tiles

Penny tile is a classic and timeless choice for bathroom floors and walls. The small, round ceramic tiles are a hallmark of early 20th century style that lend a sense of vintage charm to bathrooms. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of penny tile, popular placements in bathrooms, design inspiration, installation tips, top brands, and frequently asked questions. Read on to learn why penny tile never seems to go out of style!

What Makes Penny Tile So Unique and Timeless?

Genuine penny tile has a few defining characteristics:

Small, round shape, usually 1 inch diameter
Made from ceramic, porcelain, or glass
Thin format, around 1/4 inch thick
Vintage patterns and colors like polka dots, stripes, solids

The circular shape combined with the thin dimensions allow penny tiles to be installed in eye-catching arrangements. The palette of classic colors and patterns lend vintage appeal. Penny tile has remained a popular choice for over a century thanks to its classic beauty and versatility.

Pros of Using Penny Tile in Bathrooms

There are many great benefits to using penny tiles in bathroom remodels and new construction:

Timeless, classic look – Penny tile suits contemporary to vintage aesthetics
Durable and water-resistant – Glazed surface resists moisture and stands up to everyday wear
Easy to clean – Glossy smooth face wipes clean with mild soap and water
Design versatility – Mix and match colors and patterns for custom designs
Ideal for small spaces – The tiny scale works well in petite bathrooms

Smart Ways to Use Penny Tiles in Bathrooms

Thanks to their small size, penny tiles can adapt to many surfaces throughout bathrooms:

Cover floors in straight rows or fun patterns
Add bold designs to shower walls and tub/shower surrounds
Create a backsplash over bathroom sinks and vanities
Accent walls with color, shape, and texture
Line recessed niches to coordinate or contrast
Inlay ornamental penny tile medallions into floors and walls