Choosing the right tiles for your home reno can be challenging. This can be the case whether you’re retiling and have done this before, or only focusing on one room like your bathroom or kitchen. What gets many people stuck is the enormous variety of tiling available and the pressure of balancing appearance with practicality. Making the wrong choice can impact your everyday comfort so of course you don’t want to get it wrong!
Choosing the perfect floor tiles means taking a range of factors into consideration to ensure you get the right look as well as practicality. You should take your time, get samples, and imagine them in the space in which they will be used. By balancing aesthetics with practical considerations, you can ensure that your chosen tiles enhance the beauty of your home while also being functional.
This article will explore the most important factors to consider when investing in floor tiles for your home.
7 Top Considerations When Choosing Tiles For Your Home
To help you find the ideal tiles for your home and your taste, consider the following factors during your search:
1. Purpose of the Room
The function of the room plays a vital role when it comes to choosing the ideal tiles. For instance, your bathroom might require different flooring from your kitchen or living room, so your choice should partly depend on the room that is being tiled. While bathroom tiles should be slip-resistant, kitchen tiles need to withstand spills and stains. On the other hand, living areas might focus more on aesthetics and comfort rather than on durability. If you’re not too sure about which tiles are suited to particular spaces, you can browse design concepts for different types of rooms on the Get Tiles Online website.
2. Material Used
There are many tile materials available these days, each of which offers unique advantages. Some of the popular ones are:
- Ceramic: Cost-effective and versatile, ceramic tiles are easy to install and maintain. They are suitable for most indoor applications and spaces.
- Porcelain: Some may consider it to be a more ‘elegant’ choice but in terms of functionality – it’s a type of ceramic tile that is more dense and durable. This means it’s especially ideal for high-traffic areas of your home and can even work well for outdoor spaces.
- Stone: Some common examples are marble, granite, slate, and travertine. Stone tiles can be beautiful with their natural look and can be a durable option however they may require sealing to prevent stains. For practicality, some people prefer opting for a stone look tile made from a more durable material like porcelain.
3. Size and Shape
Tiles come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, so you need to consider which ones are best for your specific needs or style preferences. While larger tiles can make a room appear bigger, they might not be suitable for a smaller space as more cuts are required. On the other hand, smaller tiles can add texture and pattern. When considering shapes, there is an endless variety, from classic square or rectangular tiles to hexagons, subway tiles, herringbone and more. Picking the right shape can significantly impact the room’s appearance.
4. Colour and Design
Tile colour can make a massive on the end result of the room. For instance, it can brighten up your space or give it a more cosy feel. Light-coloured tiles can make a space appear larger and brighter, while dark tiles add warmth. Patterns and designs, from stunning mosaics to minimalist styles, can also impact the character of the room as well as the general ambience. It is essential to balance aesthetics with practicality, especially in areas prone to dirt or stains.
5. Texture and Finish
Do not forget about the finish. Tile finishes also come in a lot of variety and should be carefully considered when making your decision. Some popular options in tile finishes include:
- Matte: This offers a non-reflective, smooth surface, it is slip-resistant, and it is ideal for spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens
- Glossy: Shiny and reflective, this finish can make a space look really stylish, but it might be slippery when wet
- Textured: These tiles can reduce slippiness and add a unique finish to your room. There are various options you can choose from, such as wood-look tiles that come with a grainy texture
6. Durability and Maintenance
Tile durability is important, particular for outdoor or high-traffic areas of your home. For example, entrance areas and hallways could benefit from harder, more wear-resistant tiles like porcelain or some natural stones.
You also want to keep in mind that when it comes to maintenance, some tiles need more care than others. Stone tiles might need regular sealing, while porcelain and ceramic tiles might only require standard cleaning. These are all things that you should be thinking about when tile shopping.
7. Budget and Cost
Your budget could be the deciding factor of a choice, as you need to ensure you don’t overspend on your tiles. You should, therefore, work out how much you can afford to spend before you start looking for the perfect tiles.
Be mindful that the cost of tiles can vary based on the type, size, and materials you choose. While tiles like natural stone tend to be on the pricier side, ceramic and porcelain tiles generally offer budget-friendly options. You should also consider additional costs like installation, grout, sealants, and potential future repairs.
Speak to the Tile Experts
If you are looking for the perfect tiles for any room in your home, look no further than Get Tiles Online. We provide access to a huge range of tiles designed to suit everyone’s needs, preferences, and budgets. You can look forward to affordable pricing, excellent quality, and stunning designs to help enhance the appearance and practicality of your home. We also provide access to a range of tile accessories to ensure you can get the job done with ease and convenience. Contact us today for more information about our products.