In most cases, you should install your tile before the vanity. Tiling the entire floor and wall first provides a clean, seamless look, prevents awkward tile cuts, and allows you to easily replace the vanity in the future without having to patch the flooring.
Here are some general recommendations: For Wall-Hung Vanities: It's often better to tile the wall first to ensure a neat, continuous look behind the vanity. For Freestanding Vanities: Installing the vanity first can save on tile costs and simplify the process.
To conclude, whether you tile behind the vanity unit in your washroom or not is entirely dependent on what your plan for the washroom is and what else you'll be doing with it. It is not something you have to do, but you might find that it makes others part of the design process easier.
In What Order Should You Renovate A Bathroom?
Ask any professional Tradesperson and they'll tell you that wall and floor tiles should go in first, before installing your fixtures and fittings. This allows for a more professional finish, and means avoiding awkward tile cuts to fit around fixtures.
Yes, it is highly recommended to place your bathroom vanity on top of the finished tile floor. Tiling the entire bathroom first and resting the vanity on top creates a seamless look, prevents damage if you ever replace the vanity, and provides a stable, level surface.
Before you start installing your bathroom the room will need to be plastered, however you will need to set up some pipework and electrics before the room is plastered otherwise you will be doing some tasks twice. Once the room is plastered you can start the install of bath and shower tray.
Tile Gone Wrong: Top Tile Mistakes to Avoid By Chip Wade
Bathroom trends are shifting sharply toward warm, organic, and highly personalized spaces. The stark, all-white and cold gray aesthetics are out. In their place are soothing earth tones, textural natural materials, stealth-wealth luxury, and integrated, functional smart tech to create an inviting in-home spa.
The golden rule for bathroom layouts is to maintain proper clearances and spacing around all fixtures. This means keeping at least 30 inches of clear space in front of toilets, sinks, and showers, with 15 inches from the toilet centerline to any wall or fixture.
Don't Fall for Common Vanity Design Mistakes
Avoiding mistakes like taking improper measurements, underestimating storage needs, or not considering plumbing fixtures, can ensure you end up with a space that's both functional and fabulous.
Bathroom Backsplash Ideas
Whether you want a subtle 4-inch backsplash, full-wall tile, or no backsplash at all, the choice is yours. Leaving the backsplash out allows you to pair the vanity with whatever wall finish you love. Many customers want to carry tile or stone all the way up the wall behind the vanity for a more dramatic effect.
Tiling the wall space behind your vanity isn't just about trend—it's about practical protection and visual continuity. In most cases, it shields your drywall from daily splashes, humidity, and occasional toothpaste mishaps that inevitably land back there.
Plastic Accessories or Fixtures
Plastic soap dispensers, flimsy shower curtains, and thin toilet roll holders won't do your bathroom any favors. They crack, discolor, and instantly cheapen the look of the space. The same goes for plastic chrome or faux brass fixtures.
You can install a bathroom vanity on top of the flooring, or you can install the vanity first and run the flooring up to it. The best approach depends heavily on the type of floor you are installing, whether the vanity has legs, and your remodeling preferences.
Timeless bathroom colors rely on calm, neutral foundations that won't feel dated. The best enduring choices are crisp or warm whites, soft grays, nature-inspired muted greens, and classic black-and-white. These adaptable hues maximize light and provide a versatile canvas for evolving your decor.
A realistic bathroom remodel budget ranges from $15,000 to $35,000+. Costs depend on the scope and your location. In Southern California, for example, a mid-range 40-square-foot guest bath costs roughly $25,000 to $36,000. For a simple cosmetic refresh, you might spend $12,000 to $16,000, while a luxury primary suite can exceed $50,000.
Tile trends in 2026 are all about warmth, texture, and bringing natural, organic beauty into the home. Moving away from stark minimalism and clinical whites, modern designs feature warm neutrals (like cream, sand, and taupe), large-format slabs, and highly tactile, artisanal surfaces.
The most flattering bathroom colors balance light reflection and warmth to counteract the often harsh, yellow cast of artificial vanity lighting. The top choices range from airy hues for smaller, windowless spaces to moody, saturated tones for larger retreats.
Classic colors like white, grey, beige, black, and natural stone-inspired tones ensure that your space remains elegant and relevant for years to come. These hues provide versatility, longevity, and a timeless aesthetic that can adapt to evolving trends and tastes.
5 Tacky Bathroom "Upgrades" That Instantly Make Your Home Look Bad, Designers Say
Avoid neglecting proper ventilation, skipping waterproof backing, and moving plumbing fixtures unnecessarily, as these errors lead to mold, structural damage, and high costs. Crucially, do not rush the planning phase, skimp on waterproofing, or use non-moisture-resistant materials.
Here are some of the most difficult aspects of a bathroom renovation:
Inadequate Space Planning: Poor space planning can result in cramped and uncomfortable bathrooms. Make sure fixtures like the toilet, shower, and vanity are appropriately spaced to allow for easy movement and functionality.