How to Select the Best Tiles for Your Home

Designing your dream home can feel monumental. Picking out the ideal wall color is the first step in creating a cozy and fashionable space. Then, you can add in modern lighting, furniture, and accessories. This can be a fun and overwhelming process. Amidst these considerations, there is one decision that is transformative. That is choosing the right tiles. However, it is important to remember that tiles can serve as a foundation, a statement, and a long-term investment in the appearance and feel of your home! Read along the blog to explore how we can help you choose the tile that is best for your home with our countless options in materials, finishes, patterns, and sizes.

Popular Wall & Floor Tiles for Home

Tiles come in various materials, finishes, and designs, each fitting to specific needs. The right tile selection for home can help with a lot of things, and choosing unsuitable tiles can lead to mistakes. Below are the most common tile types that can be used at home.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are among the most versatile options for both walls and floors. Their dense, water-resistant structure makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. They come in a variety of designs, from wood to stone finishes, making them perfect for modern and traditional interiors alike.

Vitrified Tiles

Known for their strength and low porosity, vitrified tiles are a top pick for high-traffic zones such as living rooms or corridors. Available in polished, matte, and double-charge finishes, they bring a sleek, seamless look to both floors and accent walls while being easy to clean and maintain.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a timeless choice for walls and light-use floors. They are affordable, low-maintenance, and available in countless patterns and colors. Ideal for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls, they add charm while protecting against stains and moisture.

Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles such as slate, marble, or kota stone bring a sense of authenticity and luxury. Each piece is unique, with natural variations that add character to both floors and feature walls. Though they require sealing to prevent moisture damage, their rich textures and earthy tones create timeless elegance.

Wood-Look Tiles

Perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, wood-look tiles mimic the beauty of real timber while being far more durable. They resist moisture, scratches, and stains, making them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or even bathrooms where real wood isn’t suitable.

Cement Tiles

Cement tiles are known for their handcrafted, bold patterns that make a statement in any room. They can be used on both floors and walls, in entryways, kitchens, or staircases, to infuse personality and vintage charm. A quick sealing helps preserve their vibrant colors and texture.

Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo tiles blend marble, quartz, or glass chips in a cement or resin base, resulting in a speckled, artistic surface. Durable and stylish, they suit both floors and walls in kitchens, hallways, or modern minimalist interiors, adding a touch of artistic flair.

Rustic Tiles

For homes that embrace an earthy or traditional theme, rustic tiles made from terracotta or natural clays bring warmth and texture. They’re perfect for patios, balconies, or feature walls that need a raw, organic touch.

Textured Tiles

Textured tiles add both beauty and function. Their non-slip surfaces make them ideal for wet areas like bathrooms, pools, or garden paths. On walls, they add visual depth and a tactile quality that enhances contemporary interiors.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles are all about light and reflection. Commonly used for walls, they create a bright, glossy finish that looks stunning in kitchens and bathrooms. Their reflective nature makes small spaces appear larger and more elegant.

Mosaic Tiles

Small yet striking, mosaic tiles can be used creatively on both walls and floors. They allow intricate designs in shower areas, backsplashes, or accent corners. Their variety of colors and finishes make them perfect for adding artistic flair to any space.

3D and Designer Tiles

For walls that stand out, 3D and designer tiles bring movement, depth, and boldness. Whether it’s geometric designs, metallic accents, or vibrant prints, these tiles turn plain surfaces into eye-catching highlights suitable for living rooms or bedrooms.

Hexagonal and Subway Tiles

Hexagonal tiles offer a playful geometric pattern, while subway tiles bring timeless elegance with their clean rectangular layout. Both styles can be used creatively across floors and walls, from kitchen backsplashes to bathroom flooring, to add a modern twist to classic spaces.

Metallic and Highlighter Tiles

Metallic and highlighter tiles introduce sophistication with their sheen, texture, and accent finishes. They’re perfect for feature walls, entertainment areas, or border designs that need a luxurious touch without overpowering the space.

Choosing the Right Tile Finish

Each tile finish has its own unique benefits, like sleek and glossy finishes that brighten the spaces, and textured surfaces offer safety. Here are a few popular finishes that can help you in proper tile selection. 

• Glossy Finish: Bright and reflective, glossy tiles enhance light and space. Perfect for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, or living areas to create a clean, luxurious look.
• Matte Finish: Soft and non-reflective, matte tiles offer grip and calmness. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, balancing modern design with practical, slip-resistant safety.
• Textured Finish: Textured tiles mimic stone or concrete, adding depth and character. Great for patios, balconies, and garden paths where natural aesthetics and durability matter most.
• Satin Finish: Satin tiles strike the perfect balance between glossy and matte. Smooth, elegant, and easy to maintain, ideal for bedrooms or kitchens needing subtle sophistication.
• Anti-Skid Finish: Designed for safety, anti-skid tiles provide firm grip underfoot. Perfect for bathrooms, pool decks, and walkways, especially in homes with kids or elderly members.
• Lappato Finish: Lappato tiles feature a semi-polished surface that feels refined yet practical. Best suited for modern living rooms, spacious kitchens, or hallways needing subtle elegance.

Tile Sizes for Your Home

Choosing the right tile size and layout can alter any space. It can be a compact bathroom or expansive living area. With thoughtful tile selection, it will increase its impact. 

• Small Tiles: Tiles that are 4x8 inches or 12x12 inches can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and backsplashes. They allow for intricate designs like mosaic or herringbone layouts, adding texture and visual detail without overwhelming smaller areas. 
• Medium Tiles: Medium-sized tiles, like 24x24 inches or 12x24 inches, might work well for bedrooms, living rooms, or hallways, offering a clean look with fewer grout lines. These tiles are also easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for both floors and walls.
• Large Tiles: Large tiles can be used for spacious areas like living rooms, open kitchens, or outdoor patios. Tiles that are 48x96 inches can create a clean appearance. You can pair large tiles with neutral tones or stone-look finishes to achieve a perfect minimalist interior.

Visualize Before You Finalize: If you are not sure about how to select tiles for home and which size or layout works best, MyTyles’ tile calculator tool will allow you to mix and match sizes and layouts before buying. 

Bringing it All Together with MyTyles

Deciding on which tile is best for home can involve balancing functionality, durability, and style. Whether you are redesigning a small bathroom with textured subway tiles or designing a living room with large-format tiles, every choice can reflect your lifestyle. So, by understanding tile sizes, finishes, and layouts, and maintaining key factors like maintenance and safety, you can decide on the best tiles for your home. To simplify this process, MyTyles offers a wide variety of tiles along with tools like the tile calculator to help you see how your choices will come to life.

FAQs On Best Tiles For Your Home