Discover Which Tiles Are Perfect For You
Tiles, tiles, tiles galore… With so many choices available, it can leave one gasping for breath and struggling to make a decision.
The ‘tile’ has been made by man for at least 4,000 years, having been used for practical and aesthetic reasons everywhere from ancient Egyptian, Arabian and Greek buildings, to the mosaics of Spain, Portugal and Renaissance Italy. The tile is intrinsically linked to art, decorative features and architecture, and to this day tiles continue to enter our homes for their practical and aesthetic features.
But for our own homes, it begs the questions: Which tiles make a big space look warmer or a small space look larger? In which pattern should the tiles be laid? And what colour grout should I choose? Here we hope to shed some light on your tile dilemmas.
Plump for porcelain
Porcelain floor tiles are a great choice for wet areas, as they are impervious to water and are highly durable, so they are recommended for high traffic zones. They’re also handy for doggie or baby zones, as these tiles don’t absorb odours or bacteria.
If safety is a priority for you and your family, opt for tiles with a matt or textured finish, as they’re less slippery when wet. Various porcelain tiles are also available in an anti-slip finish, perfect for use in kitchens or bathrooms.
Wow with wood-effect
If you love the look of wood but want a more practical finish throughout your home, then wood-effect tiles are the answer. Just like real wood, these tiles come in a variety of shades, lengths, widths and finishes. (The majority having a textured finish, thus being non-slip)
They offer durability along with versatility and feature all the intricate details and unique characteristics you’d expect to see in real wood. They can also be used with underfloor heating, perfect for that conservatory or bathroom of yours.
Choose chequerboard
The black and white tile effect is a classic. In porcelain or ceramic tiles, it creates an elegant feel in a formal setting. It has always been a familiar favourite. Black and white tiles scream elegance and let face it, it looks amazing in most rooms. Perfect if you are creating a retro or vintage interior design scheme!
Glam up with glazed tiles
Glazed tiles are undoubtedly glamorous – but can be slippery. So be careful where you use them, especially in bathrooms. Because the tiles are glazed, they are very durable meaning they will be extremely easy to clean. Glazed tiles are available in both ceramic and porcelain, ceramic being the most pocket-friendly when it comes to cost.
Pay attention to size
When choosing tiles, size does matter. We recommend smaller tiles for smaller areas, such as splashbacks or feature walls. As smaller tiles require more grout, they can be harder to keep clean, especially on the floor.
In regards to the look you want to convey in your home, large tiles do offer a sense of space and if used in a small area, can work wonders as this will make the space appear larger than it actually is.
Too really open up a tight space, rectangular tiles laid vertically will help create the illusion of height. Use the same colour grout as the tile also, so the look is seamless.
If you want variety in your tiling and design cohesion, mix square with rectangular; or hexagonal with metro; but keep the tiles in the same colour throughout – the interest will be come through the texture and shape.
Pick a pattern
Choosing the right pattern is another big decision – the pattern can affect the visual effect of room size and the décor scheme. Pattern is a key trend in surface design as we look to create individual statements and inject personality into our homes.
From small to large format tiles, release your inner designer and choose from a stunning variety of patterns to create your own style. If you are unsure on a certain pattern, order a few sample tiles so you can see before it beforehand.
Consider classic metro tiles
These tiles are so versatile – they can look retro, traditional, country or industrial.
The look can be affected by the laying pattern and the grouts used – depending on whether you want your eye to move up or across effortlessly, or want to frame each tile.
Charcoal grout with white tiles offers a contemporary look in which the tiles become the feature. Metro tiles are available in a range of colours and in matt or gloss.
Think about grout
Grout is important and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. Grout is the glue that bonds the tiles together; making them durable, but it also plays an aesthetic role and will determine whether you want to feature individual tiles or the tile pattern as a whole.
