Wall Tiles

Wall surfaces shape how a room feels, and are a key decision in any design project. The texture, tone and finish of a tile can influence the atmosphere of a space in subtle ways. At Repubblica, we curate wall tile collections for bathrooms, kitchens, living areas and boutique commercial interiors.

We work with homeowners, designers, architects and builders across Australia. Our collections include everyday essentials and more expressive feature pieces. You’ll find porcelain tiles, softly glazed surfaces, stone-inspired designs and natural textures.

Tiles are both practical and atmospheric. They offer water resistance, durability and easy cleaning, while also defining the tone of a room. A tiled surface can feel cool and minimal, warm and organic, textured and layered, or calm and understated. Our approach is to help you choose tiles that feel right for your space and the way you live.

At Repubblica, we offer personal design guidance in our Canberra showroom and also support interstate clients remotely. Our process is relaxed, collaborative and focused on clarity of direction.

Wall Tile Materials

 

Choosing the right material shapes how your space looks and feels. Here are the two main materials most commonly used for bathroom and interior wall surfaces.

 

Porcelain Tiles

Aside from the beauty of natural stone, porcelain tiles are the highest quality option for all spaces. They are practical and versatile option for most wall applications. They are suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and living spaces.

Key qualities:

• Dense and low-porosity surface
• Durable and resistant to moisture and staining
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Porcelain tiles are available in a wide range of finishes. Many designers create collections that resemble natural stone, plaster, or soft matte surfaces. This allows you to achieve a warm, refined look with minimal upkeep. Many people often choose porcelain when they prioritize consistency, durability, and everyday ease.

 

Natural Stone Wall Tiles

(including travertine, marble and limestone)

Natural stone wall tiles introduce natural variation and depth. Each piece carries its own tone, veining and texture, which creates a surface that feels grounded and individual.

Travertine:

• Soft warmth and tonal layering
• Gentle variation that works well with light, neutral palettes
• Often used to create calm, spa-like bathrooms

Marble:

• Refined veining and timeless character
• Can feel luxurious or understated depending on the stone selection
• Works well in contemporary and classic interiors

Limestone:

• Soft, muted tones with organic movement
• Creates a natural, relaxed atmosphere
• Blends seamlessly with natural timber and textured finishes

Natural stone does require sealing and thoughtful care over time. Many people choose it for the unique sense of authenticity and quiet beauty it brings to a space.

Style Direction and Applications

 

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles offer a familiar and approachable foundation. Their simple shape works well in both classic and contemporary interiors.

They can be laid in different patterns, such as:

• Vertical stack
• Horizontal stack
• Brick offset
• Herringbone

Each layout changes how the wall feels and how the eye moves through the space.

 

Terrazzo

Terrazzo tiles add gentle pattern and character. The look can feel bold or soft depending on the size of the aggregate and the surrounding colour palette.

When paired with timber, brushed metal or matte bench surfaces, terrazzo feels warm and tactile. The beauty of terrazzo comes to life when combined with other colours and surfaces. Every piece will contain different combinations of colours, which makes choosing other elements a fun experience. For example, pairing a terrazzo with a hint of green with other green elements will bring the tile to life in a unique way.

 

Travertine and Travertine-Look Finishes

 

Travertine carries warmth and a sense of natural calm. Both natural travertine and travertine-look porcelain surfaces are available in our collection. The porcelain interpretation offers the appearance of stone with simpler maintenance needs. Travertine finishes create a soft, spa-like atmosphere in bathrooms, ensuites, and living areas.

 

Stone Tiles

Natural stone brings unmatched beauty into your design. Different types of marble or stone will bring unique variation and visual texture into a space. Stone works beautifully in luxury bathrooms, entry spaces and refined commercial interiors. Porcelain stone-look surfaces can achieve a similar aesthetic with lower maintenance commitments.

 

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta brings warmth, texture and an inviting informality. It pairs well with linen, timber, natural fibre rugs and soft neutral palettes. Terracotta tiles can feel relaxed and lived-in, or more refined depending on the finish chosen. They are a gentle way to introduce character into kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor living spaces.

 

Mosaic Tiles and Decorative Detail

Mosaic tiles are used to create smaller scale pattern and soft visual texture. Designers often select them for shower niches, vanity splashbacks, or feature sections that benefit from subtle detail. When used thoughtfully, mosaic surfaces add intimacy and depth to a space without becoming dominant.

Designing With Wall Surfaces: Placement, Scale and Expression

 

A tiled wall can act as a backdrop or a feature. Begin by deciding whether the wall should sit quietly in the background or be a focal point.

 

Feature Walls

A feature wall can anchor a room and guide the eye. This is commonly seen in bathroom designs, such as behind the vanity or along the shower wall. Stone-look finishes, softly glazed ceramics and mosaic tiles are often chosen here, as they add movement and texture without overwhelming the space.

The pattern and layout also influence the visual effect. Tiles can be placed horizontally or vertically to stretch or balance the proportions of the room.

 

Bathroom Walls

In bathrooms, surfaces need to be durable and easy to maintain. Ceramic tile offers a gentle and adaptable finish that suits many interior styles. Porcelain tiles have a denser structure and low porosity, making them most practical for wet areas. We supply a range of colours, sizes and varieties of bathroom wall tiles and bathroom feature wall tiles.

Bathroom tiles collections range from white tiles and calm neutrals to warmer tones. These palettes are often chosen for bathrooms as they support a sense of ease and clarity.

 

Indoors and Outdoors

Some tile finishes transition well between indoors and outdoors, helping to create a cohesive flow. A stone wall or wall cladding feature can link interior living spaces with courtyards or outdoor entertaining areas, giving the home a grounded and architectural feel. Travertine-look surfaces and natural stone textures are effective in these areas, as they offer warmth and a nice tactile presence.

Choosing the Right Wall Tiles for Your Space

 

Choosing tiles is about more than colour or pattern. Wall tiles affect how a room feels to live in every day. Start by looking at the room’s layout, orientation and natural light. Then consider how you want the atmosphere to feel — open and airy, warm and grounded, or refined and minimal.

Bathroom Wall Considerations

 

A bathroom wall can be finished in ceramic tile for a gentle, soft character. Porcelain tiles are a good choice for areas that need stronger durability or low-porosity performance. White tiles, soft neutrals and warm earthy tones often create a soothing foundation in bathroom designs. These tones pair easily with timber, brushed metal or stone accessories.

 

Feature Walls and Visual Focus

 

A feature wall can act as a visual anchor. This is often used behind a vanity, at the end of a shower or as a backdrop to a freestanding bathtub wall tile arrangement. Decorative wall tiles, mosaic tiles or feature tiles introduce texture and pattern without overwhelming the space. Layout can influence the effect. Tiles can be installed horizontally or vertically to visually lengthen or widen a room.

 

Stone Wall and Natural Stone Finishes

 

Natural stone wall tiles, such as travertine tiles, marble or limestone, offer gentle movement and depth. Each piece is unique, which brings a sense of natural variation to the room. Travertine tiles are known for their soft warmth, while marble can feel refined and polished. Stone wall tiles can also be used indoors and outdoors, helping to create a flow between interior spaces and courtyards.

For a similar look with less maintenance, porcelain tiles with stone-inspired finishes provide a high-quality alternative. These surfaces offer the character of natural stone with easier everyday care.

 

Terracotta and Terrazzo Surfaces

Terracotta tiles introduce warmth and a grounded, earthy feel. They support relaxed interiors and soften modern lines. Terrazzo tiles offer playful movement through their aggregate patterning. Both work well in spaces where tactile presence matters, such as kitchens, bathrooms or entryways. These surfaces add a quiet personality without feeling heavy.

 

Wall Cladding Indoors and Outdoors

Wall cladding can help create a cohesive architectural feel. A stone wall or wall cladding feature can connect a living space to an outdoor terrace, sheltered courtyard or garden edge. This approach works particularly well when you want one continuous material story across the home.

Tile Selection and Interior Design Balance

When planning a wall with tiles, consider how the surface will interact with light. Gloss, matte and textured finishes each offer different effects.

White tiles can brighten a darker room. Natural stone brings warmth. Porcelain tiles provide a calm, even base. Decorative wall tiles and feature tiles can introduce expression and personality.

The goal is not only to choose tiles that look beautiful, but tiles that offer comfort and longevity.

How We Support You in Choosing Wall Tiles

Selecting tiles can feel overwhelming when looking at many options. Our team offers design consultation in-showroom or remotely. We help you choose tiles that align with your style, your layout and your budget. We look at material, tone, scale and placement to ensure your wall tiles complement your interior design rather than compete with it.

We also help coordinate wall tiles with floor tiles, fittings, benchtops and paint colours, so the final space feels cohesive.

 

Visit Our Showroom

Our showroom presents a curated collection of wall tiles suitable for all contexts of your project. We carefully select each range with quality, durability and design appeal in mind.

You’re welcome to explore, compare textures and sit with the finishes in natural light. Our approach is relaxed, thoughtful and centred on helping you make confident choices.