FLOOR TO CEILING TILES- THE PROS AND CONS

So, you’re in the midst of planning your Sunshine Coast renovation or new home build, and the topic of floor-to-ceiling (FTC) tiling comes up. Eeek- another design decision!

Don’t stress. Whether you’re already working with a Sunshine Coast renovation builder, DIY-ing parts of your project, or simply exploring your options, this guide walks you through the pros and cons of floor-to-ceiling tiling so you can decide what’s right for your house or bathroom renovation.

Sunshine Coast Interior Designer

The Pros of Floor-to-Ceiling Tiling

1. Enhances the Perception of Height

FTC tiling draws the eye upward, making your bathroom feel taller and more open- ideal for smaller rooms and homes with standard (2400mm) or high (2700mm+) ceilings. This design trick works beautifully in both renovations and new design and build projects.

2. Perfect for Contemporary and Luxe Designs

If your style leans modern, minimalist, or luxury-inspired, floor-to-ceiling tiling helps you achieve that high-end, seamless aesthetic. Especially popular in Sunshine Coast homes, this design works well with:

  • Large-format tiles

  • Rectified edges

  • Floating vanities
    …bringing harmony and a striking visual finish.

3. Maximises the Beauty of a Statement Tile

Found The One? Whether it’s a veined marble or a textured neutral, continuing it up the full height of the wall maximises impact—a great return on a relatively small cost in your overall home renovation budget.

4. Works Wonders with Small Tiles, Too

Small-format tiles like penny rounds, zellige, or kit kats make a bold impact when used en masse. In fact, many Sunshine Coast renovation builders use this approach to turn simple bathrooms into memorable design moments.

5. Low Maintenance & Easy to Clean

Less plasterboard = fewer mould risks and easier cleaning. FTC tiles are easy to maintain, especially if you choose a semi-gloss finish, which:

  • Reflects light

  • Looks clean longer

  • Amplifies brightness in your space

Pro Tip: Avoid dark or high-gloss tiles on floors—they tend to show smudges and streaks.

Sunshine Coast Interior Designer

In our Caloundra unit renovation project, Happy Valley, we tiled Floor-to-Ceiling into square set ceilings. However, we only tiled Floor-to-Ceiling in the wet areas to save cost.

The Cons of Floor-to-Ceiling Tiling

1. Higher Labour and Material Costs

FTC tiling requires:

  • Square-set ceilings (no cornice)

  • More tile material

  • Additional labour time
    Whether you’re working on a renovation or a new design and build project, this can slightly increase costs. Tiling to the cornice is a compromise, but doesn’t offer the same premium finish.

2. Not Ideal for Traditional Homes

If your home is a Queenslander, cottage, or has a heritage feel, FTC tiling may clash with its charm. In these cases, consider:

  • Tiling just the splashback or wet areas

  • Using herringbone or classic layouts

  • Keeping tile colours close to wall tones for a seamless, understated look

3. Not Budget-Friendly for Every Room

If you’re trying to manage your house renovation budget, skip FTC tiling in smaller rooms like:

  • Powder rooms

  • WCs
    Instead, consider one feature wall (e.g., behind the bath or visible from the doorway) and stick to basic wet-area tiling elsewhere. This allows you to splurge where it matters most.

Sunshine Coast Interior Design Bathroom Renovation

In our Maroochydore renovation project, we tiled to the cornice. You can still see the effect and illusion of height that floor to ceiling tiles produce.

Is Floor-to-Ceiling Tiling Worth It?

Like all good design choices, it depends. You’ll want to weigh:

  • Your interior style

  • Your home’s architecture and structure

  • Your renovation budget

  • The impact you’re going for

Whether you’re updating a bathroom, starting a full house renovation, or planning a custom design and build with a local Sunshine Coast renovation builder, FTC tiling can be a powerful design feature when done right.

Need Help With Your Bathroom Renovation?

As a Sunshine Coast Interior Designer, I love helping clients make confident, informed design decisions- without the stress. At Coco Interiors, we offer full-service interior design and building services, so we can not only design your dream bathroom, but also bring it to life.

Let’s transform your home renovation into something truly special.

Ready to design a bathroom you’ll love for years?

Contact Coco Interiors today to start your journey toward a beautiful, functional, and timeless space.

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