Selecting Tile for Your Space

Choosing tiles is a balance of practicality, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance. The right approach starts by considering both material and style to ensure your space is beautiful and resilient.

Consider Design, Color, Material, and Size

Start by thinking about your room's overall look—modern, classic, or eclectic—and choose tiles that match this style. Stick to a cohesive color palette (typically 2-3 colors) and select light shades to make small area's feel larger, or embrace darker tones for warmth and drama. Visualizing your choices with digital design tools can help you see what works best for your unique space.

Design and Patterns: Tiles offer a wide range of design options that define your room's character. Simple, classic layouts like horizontal or vertical stacks, offset brick patterns, and grids create timeless looks. For more dynamic visual interest, consider herringbone, chevron, or double herringbone patterns, which form zigzag or V-shaped silhouettes that can be enhanced by mixing colors or finishes. Patterned mosaic or vintage styles add personality and serve well as feature walls or accents. Mixing monochrome tiles in different shapes and sizes, or incorporating natural stone mosaics and textures, can elevate the aesthetic with depth and custom flair.

Color: Choosing a cohesive color palette is essential, typically 2-3 complementary colors. Classic black-and-white high contrast patterns make bold statements, while lighter colors like white or pale marble brighten and visually enlarge the space. Darker colors such as navy, green, or deep pink add drama and warmth, which can be balanced with neutrals. Grout color also impacts the look—contrasting grout emphasizes tile shapes and patterns, while matching grout creates seamless continuity.

Size: Tile size influences the room's feel and function. Large-format tiles (larger than 12 x 24 inches) create an open, spacious look by reducing grout lines and providing a modern, clean surface ideal for floors and walls, especially in small bathrooms. Mid-sized tiles (12 x 12 to 12 x 24 inches) offer versatility with fewer grout lines but maintain proportion. Small tiles (4 to 9 inches and mosaics from 1-inch up) are great for borders, accent walls, or shower floors. Smaller tiles on shower floors improve slip resistance due to more grout lines and facilitate proper drainage by conforming to slopes. Mixing sizes within a color palette adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Tile orientation (vertical stacks to make ceilings feel taller, horizontal layouts to widen spaces) also affects perception.

Prioritize Appropriate Tile Materials

Porcelain and ceramic are popular for their durability, moisture resistance, and ease of maintenance. Porcelain, denser and stronger, suits wet areas and high-traffic floors well, while ceramic offers variety and cost-effectiveness. Natural stone such as marble or slate brings unique beauty but needs sealing and more upkeep, so balance luxury with maintenance.

Factor in Slip Resistance for Safety

For floor tiles, especially in wet areas, prioritize slip-resistant finishes like matte or textured surfaces to reduce accidents. Glossy tiles, appealing on walls, can be slippery on floors.

Don’t Overlook Grout Color and Maintenance

The grout's shade and thickness affect the overall look and durability. Light grout may stain easier, while dark grout hides dirt but may fade.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoid choosing tiles solely for appearance. Confirm materials are suitable for wet environments and floors have proper slip ratings. Always order extra tiles for repairs.