Whether you need to redo the kitchen backsplash, update the bathroom with durable shower floor tiles, or enliven a quiet entrance with an accent wall, tile plays an impactful role in home design.
Browse online for the latest tile offerings and you may be overwhelmed with endless options. Marble or ceramic? White subway backsplash tiles or white hexagon tiles? Matte, glossy, or textured? If you find yourself in such a scenario, worry not! We’re sharing tips on how to select the best tiles for your home.
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Get your aesthetic right
When selecting tiles, keep in mind your overall aesthetic. Crave a dose of modernity? Consider larger, stone-look tiles for the bathroom, living room, or patio. Fancy a farmhouse kitchen design? Zellige-inspired backsplash tiles can summon an inviting vibe. You can even find jewel-toned glass mosaic tiles that inspire a Moroccan or Spanish vibe. Not sure of your style? Trust a tile expert to guide you through different options suited for your unique project.
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Consider traffic-ready tiles
Tiles used for high-traffic areas should be built to last. Check with the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating guide to select the appropriate floor tiles. Porcelain flooring tile with a PEI rating of 4 or 5 has exceptional durability. It is resistant to impact, scratches, and extreme temperatures. These qualities make for an excellent choice for high foot traffic areas, indoors and outdoors.
While ceramic tiles are susceptible to chipping, you can find ultra-durable flooring options with a PEI rating of 3. Marble is also a fabulous pick though it will require regular sealing to prevent chipping, stains, and scratches.
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Don’t overlook tile porosity
Another critical feature that should never play second fiddle is tile porosity. How well can your tiles thrive in places where it’s in frequent contact with water? Porcelain tile has a negligible water absorption of 0.5%. It can thrive in wet areas for decades.
Ceramic might have some water absorption but can be used in bathrooms. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for suitability. Untreated marble is porous and can be treacherous. If you’re dead set on this natural stone, know it will require regular sealing to prevent water damage.
Lastly, you can trust glass tiles to provide outstanding water resistance. They are perfect for shower walls and floors, vanity backsplash, and bathtub surrounds. Go for textured, anti-slip floors for any tile type to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
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Lean to timeless color options
Floor and wall tiles are known for a dazzling variety of colors. From the brightest white to vivid jewel tones to the richest black. But just like other household finishes, certain tile styles and hues can feel dated just as quality as they were in vogue. It’s helpful to be guided by trends, but timeless choices will feel current even in the next 5 to 10 years.
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Tile size makes a difference
Large tiles, 8×8-inches or more, give interiors an extraordinary statement. Thanks to minimal grout lines and a seamless finish, they create flow in big rooms and add a sense of more space in smaller ones.
There’s also a world of mosaics to explore. Ideal for both small and large rooms, 0.5 to 2-inch mosaics or 2×3-inch subway tiles add depth and dimension. They are a gorgeous accent on a shower wall, alcove, kitchen backsplash, and swimming pool.
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Restrict your use to 3 tile styles
Limiting the room to no more than three tile styles will help shape a consistent and cohesive look. Anything more can feel overwhelming, busy, and cluttered. Picture one type of tile for the walls and another type for flooring. And you can always introduce a third tile as an accent. Make sure to include a subtle option to ground your design scheme.
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Choose flexibility with porcelain tile
Thanks to cutting-edge manufacturing, porcelain tile can be made to emulate the beauty of stone, wood, marble, and terrazzo. Tile’s superior performance means these options can be used outdoors, on bathroom floors, and as a shower wall tile. Of course, without fear of extreme temperatures, water damage, stains, and scratches.
