A guide to choosing the best tiles for your interior wall and floor is essential for creating a visually appealing and functional space. Choosing the best tiles for your interior wall and floor finishes is more than just about functionality; they are designs that can transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary. Wall tiles come in various materials, each with unique characteristics and benefits. The colour and pattern of your wall tiles can impact the look and feel of a room. Choosing the perfect wall tiles for your space may seem overwhelming at first. Still, carefully considering different materials, colours, patterns, sizes, durability, and maintenance requirements, you can create a stunning and functional interior that reflects your style. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best tile choice for your home.
1. CHOOSING DIFFERENT MATERIAL
When it comes to wall tiles, the choice of materials and finishes is important. From ceramic to luxury tiles, each material brings its uniqueness. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the most common type of tile, available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and designs. They are easy to clean and maintain; regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually enough to keep them looking clean and attractive. Known for their durability, ceramic tiles offer great versatility and are an affordable option for many spaces. The kitchen and bathroom are the areas of the home where ceramic tiles are most widely used.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles have a lot of similarities with ceramic tiles. It has a smooth glazed surface that does not absorb dirt or stain easily making it easy to maintain and clean. Porcelain tiles are used in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and mudrooms where moisture is common. They look great when paired with other types of tiles to create a unique design. These types of tiles are extremely popular in modern home designs because they look very good and they’re easy to maintain. There is a wide range of styles and colours available to match your project, whether you’re tiling a small room or your entire living room.
Marble Tiles
Marble tiles are crafted from natural materials by cutting marble into thin pieces and polishing them with diamond dust to achieve a shiny finish. Available in a variety of colours, these tiles allow you to select your preferred shade to complement your existing décor. Known for their stain-resistant properties, marble tiles retain their shine even when exposed to food spills. However, since marble is porous, it can absorb water when exposed to humidity or leaks from sinks and dishwashers, so it’s important to maintain proper care in moisture-prone areas. They are well-suited for kitchens and bathrooms.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles combine materials such as stone, glass, and ceramic, with craftsmen arranging these small pieces to create larger, visually impactful designs. They are ideal for shower walls, bathroom floors, and backsplashes, offering both beauty and functionality. They come in a variety of finishes, including glossy and matte, allowing you to achieve the desired level of sophistication.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles are formed as a byproduct of hot springs which are considered as a kind of limestone. Minerals within are combined to provide a unique pattern and character. Travertine floors are naturally non-slippery, which makes them ideal for moisture-prone spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Granite Tiles
Granite tiles remain a popular flooring choice for many homes today because they are extremely durable, easy to clean and install, as well as beautiful and luxurious. It comes in various colours and patterns that can match any decorating design. These tiles are suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and front porches.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are thin, flat-shaped pieces used to line or cover surfaces. They come in a wide variety of shapes, transparencies, and colours, offering flexibility in design. Additionally, glass tiles can be combined with other materials, such as stainless steel, to create unique, stylish looks. People typically use glass tiles for walls, bathrooms, window details, or decoration. However, some manufacturers create glass tiles specifically for floors, often texturing them to prevent slippage when wet. Glass Tiles come in a wide variety of shapes and colours, making them attractive for both residential and commercial use.
Cement Tiles
Craftsmen create cement tiles, also known as concrete tiles, by mixing cement, sand, and pigments. These durable tiles come in various patterns and colours, making them versatile for use in living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and patios. Cement tiles are also suitable for outdoor areas like patios and walkways. Tile styles vary across countries, each bringing a unique touch. Moroccan tiles feature bold colours and geometric patterns, making them ideal for lively walls. Spanish tiles often showcase warm tones with Mediterranean designs, perfect for rustic kitchens and patios. Italian tiles are known for their elegant marble and stone finishes, which add sophistication to any room. Turkish tiles use rich reds and blues in floral patterns, making them great for bathrooms or entryways. Mexican Talavera tiles are colourful and hand-painted, while Japanese tiles focus on simplicity and natural textures, fitting minimalist spaces.
2. EXPLORING COLOURS
Tile colours can significantly influence the atmosphere of your rooms. Light-coloured tiles like white or beige can make a room feel more spacious, while darker tiles like deep blues or charcoals create a cosy, intimate ambience with sophistication. Bold, vibrant colours such as red or yellow energize the space, making it lively and dynamic. For kitchens, bright colours like yellow or orange create a cheerful environment, while rich brown or soft greys in living rooms offer a cosy, welcoming feel. In bathrooms, soft blues and greens promote a relaxing retreat. A Guide to Choosing the Best Tiles for Your Interior Wall and Floor emphasizes how selecting tile colours can complement your space’s existing colour scheme and decor to maintain harmony and create the desired mood. Tiles in soft blues, greens, and neutrals can enhance tranquillity, making them perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Consider how the room will be used. Durable and easy-to-clean tile colours are essential for areas like kitchens and hallways. Soft colours may be more suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Consider tile colours with the room’s existing décor including wall colours, furniture and accessories. Tiles should complement the space’s overall colour scheme and style to create a harmonious look.
- Choose colours that reflect your style and preferences.
3. PATTERN
Patterned tiles are decorative tiles with different designs that, when put together, create visually appealing patterns. They are versatile and aesthetically appealing, fitting any style, changing space perception, and enhancing walls, floors, and furniture. With countless designs, colours, and shapes available, you can create a unique look that reflects your style and taste. By placing patterned tiles in certain areas, such as a backsplash in the kitchen or an accent wall in the living room, you can draw attention to specific features while maintaining a harmonious overall look. When choosing patterned tiles, it’s essential to consider the size and scale of the pattern with your space. Additionally, consider the colour palette of the room and how the tiles will complement existing furnishings and decor.
4. TILES SIZE
Tile size plays a crucial role in the overall design of your space. Tiles are available in a variety of sizes 300*600 mm, 600*600 mm, 600*800 mm. etc. To get the tile size right, select a size that is proportionate to the size of the area you are covering. For example, if you are looking for tiles for a large living room, it is best to opt for large-format tiles. Similarly, for a medium-sized space, such as a bedroom, you can opt for medium tiles, and maybe small tiles for a corridor or kitchen backsplashes.
5 . DURABILITY
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing tiles for your home is their durability. Some tile materials are more durable than others. For example, people choose porcelain and ceramic tiles for their durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Meanwhile, natural stone tiles like marble and granite are also durable, but they are more susceptible to staining and scratching, so they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.
6. MAINTENANCE
Finally, you’ll want to consider the maintenance requirements of the tiles you choose. Some tiles, such as ceramic and porcelain, are very easy to clean and maintain, while others, like natural stone, may require more regular sealing and maintenance.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, choosing the best tiles for your interior wall and floor requires careful consideration of factors like colours, durability, size, pattern, and maintenance. By taking time to research your options and make an informed decision, you can be sure that the tiles you choose will look great and last for years to come.
