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 MyTyles can help you choose the tile that is best for your home with our countless options in materials, finishes, patterns, and sizes.

Why Choosing the Right Tile Matters

The right tile selection for home can help with a lot of things, and choosing unsuitable tiles can lead to mistakes. Aesthetics, durability, and practicality are all affected by the tiles decided upon. The tile sets the overall tone of your interior, defining it as either modern, rustic, or classy, while also providing durability against daily wear and tear. With the right tile selection for home, you can improve functionality by adding features like a non-slip surface for safety or weather resistance for outdoor areas. Low-maintenance tiles save time and effort, while eco-friendly options support sustainable living. Additionally, well-selected tiles can boost property value, making your home both visually appealing and a smart long-term investment

Types of Tiles and Their Applications

Tiles come in various materials, finishes, and designs, each fitting to specific needs. Choosing the right type is not just about aesthetics but about ensuring practicality and longevity. Below are the most common tile types that can be used at home.

Floor Tiles for Home

Floor tiles must withstand daily use, offering both toughness and eye appeal. Here is a look at the top options of tiles for house floors:

• Porcelain Tiles: These can be suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and hallways as they are dense, water-resistant tiles. They also come in various designs, from wood-like to stone-like, which makes them adaptable for different themes.
• Vitrified tiles: Vitrified tiles can be easy to clean and maintain. These tiles have low porosity and therefore have a lower water absorption rate. They are also available in polished, matte, or double-charge varieties. Hence, they can offer adaptability for modern and minimalist spaces. 
• Stone Tiles: Natural stone like kota or slate tiles are unique. They have natural variations in color and texture that can create a personalized look. However, they can require periodic sealing to protect against moisture and wear. Therefore, suitable for low-traffic luxury spaces.
• Wood-Look Tiles: These tiles can mimic real hardwood. Hence, they are resistant to moisture, scratches, and stains and do not have the properties of actual wood. These tiles are ideal for any home as they combine strength and style, providing the warmth of wood without the maintenance.
• Cement tiles: Cement tiles have a bold, handcrafted pattern. They can add character to spaces like entryways, kitchens, or even stairs. Even though they are stunning, you might need to seal them to keep their color and prevent stains.
• Terrazzo tiles: Terazzo tiles have unique spotted, colorful patterns that feature marble, quartz, or glass chips inserted into a cement or resin base. They are durable and add character to kitchens, hallways, and modern minimalist spaces.
• Rustic Tiles: Rustic tiles are often made from natural materials like terracotta and give a warm, earthy charm to patios, balconies, and outdoor kitchens. They are perfect for traditional-themed homes.
• Textured Tiles: Textured tiles are designed for safety and grip. They can be suitable for areas exposed to water, such as bathrooms, pool areas, or garden paths. They can also work well in industrial or modern interiors, adding a touch of character.

Wall Tiles for Home

Wall tiles elevate the look of any room while providing protection against stains and moisture. Here are some popular options of tiles for house walls:

• Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tiles can be perfect for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls. They are generally affordable and adaptable. Their easy maintenance and variety of patterns might make them your favorite.
• Glass Tiles: Glass tiles are reflective and look elegant. They should be handled with care, but they look wonderful when used as accents in bathrooms or on kitchen backsplashes. They create a bright and modern look.
• Mosaic Tiles: These intricate, small tiles are ideal for adding an artistic touch to shower areas or as a backsplash feature. These tiles are smaller in size and can therefore be used in various designs, bringing out the designers creativity.
• 3D Tiles: These tiles can add depth and movement to walls, making them perfect for feature walls in living rooms or bedrooms. Their beautiful visual impact creates an eye-catching effect out of a dull wall.
• Designer tiles: These are available in bold patterns, geometric shapes, and vibrant colors. They can transform a plain wall into a stunning statement piece. You may choose to use them merely as accents in minimalist spaces or opt for a more dramatic effect.
• Hexagonal Tiles: Hexagonal tiles have a six-sided geometric shape and offer a modern alternative to standard square tiles. You can use them on kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, or entryways to design creative patterns.
• Subway Tiles: These tiles inspired by the New York subway are a timeless and versatile option. They can work in nearly any space, be it a minimalist bathroom or a farmhouse-style kitchen. Their clean, rectangular lines make them perfect for adding sophistication.
• Highlighter Tiles: These decorative tiles can bring life to a neutral space with metallic accents, intricate prints, or bold colors. You can use them as borders or focal points in kitchens and bathrooms to create a designer finish.
• Metallic Tiles: These tiles create a sleek, modern vibe and are often used in contemporary kitchens or entertainment spaces in your house. They involve the use of metal elements or metallic glaze. Tiles with stainless steel or copper finishes pair well with luxe design themes.

How to Combine Floor and Wall Tiles

To answer the question of how to choose tiles for a home with combinations of floor and wall tiles is answered below. These can make the home well-designed and inviting.

• Balance and contrast: You can use bold, patterned tiles on walls and pair them with neutral or matte-finish floor tiles to maintain balance. Like we can add a striking Moroccan-patterned tile backsplash in vibrant blue and white on the walls, and to balance this out, you can pair it with matte gray floor tiles in a simple, neutral shade. 

• Consistency in Material: You can match floor and wall tiles in large open areas, such as living rooms, bedrooms or bathrooms. It creates a seamless flow.

• Mix of Sizes: You can also use large-format floor tiles to frame a room and pair them with smaller, mosaic-style wall tiles for added detail.

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. You can read the blog Matte vs. Glossy Finish Living Room Tiles: Which one to Choose? to get an idea about the properties of matte and glossy finishes. Here are a few popular finishes that can help you in proper tile selection. 

• Glossy Finish: Glossy finish can be used for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, or living room feature walls as they have a reflective surface that adds brightness. Glossy white subway tiles can brighten up your kitchen, and large marble-look glossy tiles can make your bathrooms feel luxurious.
• Matte Finish: Matte finish can be used in busy areas like kitchen floors, bathrooms, and outdoor zones. These tiles have a non-reflective surface that absorbs light and gives a calm and natural look. Matte tiles on a bathroom floor can provide safety while keeping the modernity intact.
• Textured Finish: Textured finishes have a surface that mimics natural materials like stone, slate, or concrete. These tiles can be good for outdoor areas like garden paths, balconies, and pools. A slate-textured tile can blend with the greenery of a garden path, and a concrete-look tile might go with a modern outdoor patio.
• Satin Finish: Satin finishes can achieve a perfect balance between glossy and matte finishes, offering a smooth surface. They can be an awesome choice for subtle-looking bedroom walls and modern kitchens. Satin-finish wall tiles in soft pastel tones can make your bedroom look classy. They are also easy to maintain. 
• Anti-Skid Finish: Anti-skid finishes are specially designed with a rougher surface to improve grip and prevent slips. These tiles can be an important choice for bathrooms, pool decks, and outdoor walkways where safety is a priority. These tiles on a bathroom floor offer a sense of security for families with children or elderly individuals.
• Lappato Finish: Lappato finishes have a semi-polished surface. They seem to combine the shine of a glossy finish with the softness of a matte finish. They can be perfect for modern living rooms, spacious kitchens, or stylish hallways where a touch of luxury is desired without the high reflection. They offer both charm and slip resistance.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Tiles

In order to make your tiles long-lasting, there are a few key practices that you can follow. It will go a long way in maintaining their beauty and functionality. 

• Clean Regularly: You can do regular sweeping and mopping to prevent dirt and debris from scratching tile surfaces. Using a mild, pH-neutral cleaner for most tiles and avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage grout and finishes will do the wonder of maintenance. 
• Protect grout lines: The grout lines can show wear, impacting the overall look of your tiles. You might want to clean grout lines periodically with a brush and a baking soda-water mix. Also, periodic sealing helps to maintain its color and prevent staining.
• Furniture Pads and Rugs: You canprevent scratches and chips on floor tiles by using felt pads under furniture legs. In high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms, add rugs or runners to minimize wear and tear while complementing the decor.
• Seal Natural Stone and Outdoor Tiles: The natural stone tile selections at home like slate, kota and granite require sealing to protect against moisture and stains. Outdoor tiles can also benefit from resealing to prevent weather damage and maintain their finish.
• Inspect and Repair: A regular check for loose tiles, cracks, or grout gaps can be useful to prevent bigger problems like water seepage or uneven surfaces. You can address minor damage immediately with proper repairs or professional help to maintain safety and longevity.

Tile Sizes and Layout Ideas

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. You might want to read through A Complete Guide to Tile Sizes for Every Room of Your House to get accurate sizes of tiles for every room.

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 usedfor 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.

Tile Layout Patterns: The layout of your tiles can also influence the room’s character.

• Herringbone Pattern: This can add movement and is perfect for feature walls or kitchen backsplash. A herringbone pattern is rectangular tiles laid in a signature V shape.
• Subway Layout: These are rectangular tiles arranged in a staggered brick look. Subway tiles influenced by New York subway laid in a classic brick pattern can create a clean aesthetic.
• Diagonal Pattern: This can make rooms appear larger. Medium-sized tiles arranged in a diagonal layout, which can create a sense of spaciousness by directing the eye outward. 
• Straight Stack: This is arranging the tiles in a grid-style layout for minimalistic designs. Tiles arranged in a straight-stacked layout can keep open spaces uncluttered.

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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tiles

Tiles play a role in style as well as functionality and practicality. Here are a few key factors you can consider:

• Functionality: Each tile comes with a specific function. Moisture resistance is essential in bathrooms and kitchens, while slip resistance is crucial for outdoor areas and wet zones like pool decks. Further durability would matter for high-traffic spaces such as hallways or driveways.
• Aesthetic Appeal: In modern settings, neutral tones and sleek finishes work well. Rustic or nature-inspired designs can be suitable in farmhouse or traditional styles. Bold patterns or accent tiles can add character to minimalistic spaces.
• Durability: You can opt for materials like porcelain or vitrified tiles for heavy-use areas due to their resistance to stains, scratches, and moisture. Natural stone tiles, while luxurious, may require extra care, maintenance and regular sealing.
• Budget Planning: Buying high-quality tiles may seem expensive, but most of the time they are worth the investment for their longevity. You can plan your budget by balancing premium tiles for key areas and with affordable yet durable options for secondary spaces.
• Tile Thickness and Weight: The tiles that are thicker are more durable and suited for floors. The thinner or lightweight tiles work well for walls. You can always consult your builder or architect to consult for the tile’s weight compatibility with the intended surface.

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, 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

Q. How to select tiles for your home?

Ans. Start by considering the indoor or outdoor space, functionality (slip resistance, moisture resistance), and style preference. Next, focus on durability, finishes, and aesthetics that complement your home’s theme.

Q. What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

Ans. Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles, making them more suitable for high moisture. Ceramic tiles are generally easier to cut and install, often used for walls and low-traffic areas.

Q. Are glossy tiles suitable for flooring?

Ans. While glossy tiles are attractive, they can be slippery when wet, making them less ideal for flooring in high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Matte or textured finishes are safer choices for floors.

Q. Which tile is best for the home? 

Ans. Porcelain, vitrified, and ceramic tiles are popular choices due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and variety of designs. The best tile depends on the space, such as glossy tiles for walls or anti-skid tiles for bathrooms.

Q. What are the latest tile trends for home interiors?

Ans. Current trends include large-format tiles, natural stone looks, geometric patterns, and textured finishes that add depth and character to spaces.

Q. How to select floor tiles for your home?

Ans. Look for tiles that are durable, slip-resistant, and suited to high-traffic areas. For living spaces, larger tiles with matte or textured finishes work well, while kitchens and bathrooms may need anti-skid or stain-resistant options.

Q. Can I use the same tiles for indoor and outdoor spaces?

Ans. Not all tiles are suitable for both. Outdoor tiles should be weather-resistant and have a higher slip resistance. It's best to choose tiles specifically designed for outdoor use.

Q. How to select wall tiles for your home?

Ans. Choose tiles that enhance the visual appeal of your space. Glossy or designer tiles are ideal for walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, as they are easy to clean and reflect light, making spaces feel larger.

Q. How do I maintain and clean my tiles?

Ans. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent keep tiles clean. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface, and periodically seal grout lines to prevent staining.

Q. How do I calculate the number of tiles needed for a room?

Ans. Measure the area’s length and width to determine square footage, then add an extra 10% to account for cuts and breakage. This ensures you purchase enough tiles for the project.