What's the difference between wall tiles and floor tiles?

Wall tiles are made for vertical surfaces, not for being walked on, so they're often thinner and lighter than floor tiles and don't need the same slip rating or impact resistance. Floor tiles have to handle foot traffic and moisture underfoot, so they're rated differently for durability and grip.

What are the best tiles for a feature wall?

It depends on the effect you're after. Handmade-look tiles like zellige, patterned tiles, or anything with strong texture all work well because a feature wall is a smaller area, so you can be bolder with colour and texture than you might across a whole room. If you'd rather keep things subtle, a single-colour tile in a different finish to the surrounding wall — gloss against matte, for instance — creates the same sense of a "feature" without the bold pattern.

How high should you tile a wall or feature wall?

There's no single rule — it depends on the room and the effect you want. In wet areas like a shower or bath surround, tiling floor-to-ceiling is the most practical option, since it protects the whole wall from moisture. For a feature wall behind a vanity, bed head or fireplace, many people tile to around dado (roughly waist) height, or take it right up to the ceiling for a bigger statement. If you're not sure what will suit your space, book a free design appointment and we'll help you work out the right height for your room.

How do you clean and maintain wall tiles?

Wipe down with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water after use, especially in showers and splashbacks, to stop soap scum and grease building up. Use a pH-neutral tile cleaner for regular cleaning — avoid harsh acids or abrasive scourers, which can dull glazes and wear away grout over time. Wipe up kitchen splashes quickly, before grease and food have a chance to stain the grout lines. Check grout lines every few months and reseal or regrout as needed to keep wet-area walls watertight. Reseal natural stone or other porous tiles periodically — check the care guide for your specific tile, as this varies by material.

How much do wall tiles cost?

Every space is different — size, material and finish all play a part. The best way to get an accurate answer for your project is to book a free design appointment, or order tile samples first, refunded against a full order, before you commit.

Can wall tiles be used in every room, like bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms?

Yes — wall tiles suit almost every room. In bathrooms and kitchens, they protect walls from moisture, splashes and grease around showers, basins and benchtops. In living rooms, bedrooms and hallways, it's more about the look than the practicality — a feature wall behind a bed, a fireplace surround, or a statement entry wall. Once your tiles are in, shop bathroom vanities and matching bathroom tapware to finish the room off properly. Ready to get started? Buy tiles online today, order samples, or book a free design appointment for expert advice on your project.

Purchase tiles and tapware together to receive 10% off your Yabby tapware!

Wall Tiles

Wall tiles are a sensible, practical choice for the wetter, messier areas of your home — think kitchen splashbacks and bathroom showers — but they do a lot more than that. Used well, they add real character to any room in the house and can completely change the feel of a space.

Bright, colourful wall tiles can liven up an otherwise plain room, delicate mosaic tiles can create a sense of luxe without covering the whole wall, and large, simple tiles can create a calm, minimalist tone instead. If you're tiling the floor as well as the wall, browse our floor tiles range to find something that pairs well with your wall tile for a coordinated finish.

Feature Wall Tiles: The Trend Worth Knowing About

One of the biggest looks in home renovations right now is the feature wall — a single wall tiled in something bolder than what's around it, whether that's pattern, texture or colour. It lets you make a real statement in a small area (behind a vanity, a bath, a TV unit, a fireplace) without tiling — or paying for — an entire room in a showstopper tile.

Zellige tiles, with their handmade, slightly uneven glaze, are a popular pick for feature walls, and so are patterned options like mosaic tiles or anything with strong texture. If a full feature wall of bold pattern feels like too much, the same effect works on a smaller scale — a single splashback or a strip behind open shelving. If you're planning a kitchen feature wall, our kitchen splashback tile ideas blog has plenty of colour and layout inspiration to start from.

Wall Tiles for Every Room in the House

Wall tiles are most at home in wet areas. Bathroom tiles and splashback tiles in the kitchen both need a surface that shrugs off moisture, splashes and steam — and a tiled wall does that better than paint ever will.

They work well outside wet areas too. In living rooms, a hallway or a bedroom, wall tiles add texture and a genuine point of difference without the upkeep of wallpaper — a fireplace surround or a bedhead wall are both easy places to start.

Choosing the Right Material and Finish

Wall tiles come in more finishes than most people expect: high-gloss tiles that bounce light around a smaller bathroom, matte tiles that feel warmer and hide water spots better, and textured or structured tiles that add real depth to a feature wall. We hold a wide selection in our showroom to see and feel in person. You can order tile samples first, refunded against a full order, before you commit to the full run.

Porcelain and ceramic are both common choices for walls. Porcelain tends to be denser and more water-resistant, while ceramic is lighter and easier to cut on site — which matters if you're tiling around powerpoints, tapware or an awkward corner.

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