Wondering what tile edge trim you need after tiling? When I renovated my bathroom…I searched everywhere to find information on what type of tiles I should select for the edges.
Especially since I was going to have shower niches, I needed to come up with the right tile edge trim pieces for both the shower niches and the shower itself.
Since I was in charge of selecting and purchasing all materials my contractor needed for the bathroom, I have made countless visits to local tile stores, home depots, and floor and decor, trying to find matching pieces that go with the overall design I had in mind.
So here’s what I learned about tile edge trim…especially after you have finished tiling.
Tile Edge Trim Options
1. Bullnose Tiles
Bullnose tiles are tiles with a rounded, smooth edge, kind of like the rounded corner of a candy bar. Below is an image of what bullnose tiles look like.
The only issue with these tiles is that not all tiles come with bullnose tiles. You have to find these bullnose tiles that are similar to the color and style of the main tiles you choose. Or, pick tiles that comes with these.
But if you can find these as your tile edge trim options, you are in luck, since all you have to do is add these to the rough edge tiles.
You do need to consider spacing though, to leave sufficient room to have these as the last tiles.
Source: Builder Depot
You can get something similar to above at Home Depot.
2. Pencil Tile Trim or Jolly Trims
Other ways to finish the tile edges is using pencils or jolly trims.
Pencil Tiles are what I used to finish the shower niche edges as I have talked about in a separate post.
For my bathroom, because I wanted a marble like look, I was able to choose pencil tile trim that have the similar marble look to make it look like all tiles work together.
The difference between pencil tims and jolly trims is that pencil trims are cylindrical in share that have rounded edges. Jolly trims are flatter than pencil trims that can be used as rounded edges for tile finishing.
Jolly trims are great if you don't have much space left to add tiles while giving the rough edge of the tiles a finished look.
Pencil trimes tend to be taller so you will have a taller edge than your tiles that you have used.
Here’s how pencil tiles are used as a decorative piece connecting two different types of mosaic tiles:
Source: Home Depot
And here’s an example of how pencil trims are used to finish the edges of shower niche:
Get Similar one here:
3. Metal Edges
Metal Edges are often used to finish the edges of tiles. With regular tile edges that are rough, the tile edge covers it giving a smooth look and finish. Metal edges come in various colors, thickness, and finishes. Depending on the thickness of the main tiles you use, you have to choose the correct thickness. For both of my bathrooms, I wanted to match the overall look of the marble like look, and went with the Schuler Jolly trim ½ inch in satin. Here’s a close look of the shower niche that was finished with the metal edges.
I would say metal edges are mostly appropriate for bathrooms. If you are using tiles as backsplash for your kitchen, using bullnose or pencil or jolly trims would give you a more finished look.
4. Other Tile edge Trim after tiling
For the entrance of our shower, we chose to use bathroom countertop material that matches our vanity countertop. We had to have the fabricator fabricate this piece for us. If you are tiling DIY style, this may not be the best option.
But if you are using your contractor to do everything for you…like fabricate the vanity countertop and tile everything, this is a great option to give a more elevated look.
I hope this was helpful! Make sure to check out my post on shower niche sizes and my full blog post on renovating our 1960s bathroom!