Whether you’re starting in a new place or revamping the old, tiles are a fabulous addition. From stunning subway kitchen backsplash to captivating hexagon shower floor tiles, these surface coverings combine beauty and practicality. Learn the 5 steps to picking the perfect tiles for your home below!
1. Define your scope of work
Knowing what you want to achieve with your space with help you navigate the tile selection process better. What style are you going for? What’s the purpose of the room you’re tiling? What colors and shapes will look best with all the room’s other elements? Are you willing to stretch out your budget for excellent quality? Going in with a vision will help you set the right expectations for your tiling project.
2. Get to know materials and durability
The second step is to explore the different materials available and how well they hold up in high-traffic and wet areas. Research tile hardness and porosity so you pick the right material for the right area. Popular choices you’ll come across are ceramic and porcelain tiles. But beyond these clay-based options, there’s also natural stone, metal, and glass tile to look into.
Go for options that are suitable for the intended space. Generally, tiles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water, stains, scratches, and bacteria growth. But each material carries with it its unique qualities, for example:
- Ceramic tile offers an endless array of design possibilities. But they don’t always make it onto shower floors or the outdoors due to a slightly higher water absorption rate and easy cracking and chipping.
- Porcelain tile is an all-rounder. Perfect for every corner of the home, inside and outside. But it can carry a slightly higher price tag and it’s not always easy to DIY install.
- Marble tile’s beauty is timeless and adds tons of character. But marble is porous and easy to stain and Extra effort with regular sealing is necessary to enhance durability.
- Glass tile is water- and stain-resistant. Perfect for shower floors, kitchen backsplashes, and pools. But glass also scratches easily.
3. Decide on a design scheme
By design scheme, we mean choosing tile color, pattern, size, and finish. To curate a cohesive interior, it’s important that all these elements complement each other and the space they are to adorn.
First, your preferred tile color should work with your existing furnishings. This way, no one element detracts from the other. Possibilities are vast: from soothing neutrals and warm earthy shades to vivid jewel tones and bright hues.
Then there’s tile size to look at. Large-format tiles are ideal for both small and big spaces. They create a seamless finish that makes the room appear bigger than it really is.
Mosaic tiles are everything and more! Whether creating a unique pattern or focal point, these dainty pieces add depth, dimension, and visual intrigue. Choose from classic penny, hexagon, rectangle, and square mosaic tiles or intricate shapes like basketweave, herringbone, and multishaped.
If sleek, modern, and brighter interiors are your thing, a glossy finish is a lovely pick. It is easy to clean but can get very slippery when wet. In contrast, matte tiles have a smooth, flat appearance that contemporizes a room. They hide stains better and are great for an anti-slip floor. Other tile finishes you’ll discover include honed, satin, textured, and lapatto.
4. Order samples before you buy
If you want to get hands-on with selecting the perfect tile for your home, order samples of your top choices. Compare the colors, feel the texture, and assess the finishes to ensure they align with your design aspiration. This step should lead you to your final decision with confidence.
5. Ask the tile experts
Still stuck on which kitchen backsplash, living room floor, or shower wall tile is right for you? Even after reviewing samples? Seek out guidance from the experts in the field. Most online tile stores have an experienced team ready to take you through the selection process. You will be advised not just on tiles that look great, but meet the needs of your space, too.
