Room size and tile size
Your choice of tiles can affect the overall look of your room. That’s why you should first consider the size of your room. The easiest way to choose the perfect tile is to select a tile that is relative to the room size. Remember that it must also be proportional. Large areas such as the living room are best with larged-sized tiles because it can make the room appear more open and well-ventilated. If you have an average room, large tiles can make your room look bigger than it is due to having less grout patterns. However, tiles that are over 18 inches can overwhelm a small space like a bathroom or laundry area so it’s really import to know this.
Style and function
The next point you should be looking for is the material of your tiles as it can determine which tile is best for each space. Consider the entire aesthetic you want to create in the room. Do you want it to appear elegant, grungy, minimalistic, modern, or rustic? Here are a few tile types that are used in a home:
Ceramic - This is one of the most commonly used tiles in a home and is often mistaken with porcelain. The difference is that ceramic tiles are very affordable and are easier to cut than porcelain. It is also very durable. Mariwasa Flr Gavin Ivory is great for making a room look large. It is also compatible with any furniture and decor due to its neutral shade. A hexagonal ceramic tile like Lustro CMT A007 Hex Blackber would look exceptional in a bathroom with a modern style.
Glass- Glass tiles are an excellent substitute for natural stone because of its stain resistance as well as their austere look. Oceanland Mosaic Olm-304 from AllHome has a remarkable and one-of-a-kind aesthetic that can serve as an accent to your bathroom walls.
Porcelain - Porcelain tiles have the ability to mimic genuine stone, brick, or wood while requiring no maintenance. It is also suitable outdoors as porcelain tiles do not freeze, fade, or break. However, porcelain tiles are more costly and difficult to install compared to ceramic tiles. Rossio PIL 60X60 66613 GRECO NERO is a matte porcelain tile that is perfect for a kitchen or a bathroom for its low traction.
Mosaic tiles - Mosaic tiles are a preferred option for artistic tiles or to create an accent in an area since they are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and styles. AllHome recommends Venus Wood Mosaic Vns-Wm-113 for a rustic kitchen aesthetic. It includes elements like wood grain structure and a blend of different wood shades for that earthy contrast. Meanwhile, if you want a modern kitchen, having Venus Aluminum Mosaic Vns-Am-102 as your splashback can add a touch of modern elegance due to its aluminum tri-color hexagonal design.
Vinyl - Vinyl tiles have a flexible waterproof structure and are made of PVC. The tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are very affordable. KENT Wp 4X36X1.3 Prem.-Walnut 4X36CM Tileb perfectly mimics the look of a natural wood plank without the hassle of maintenance. This vinyl flooring would be great in a bedroom or living room setting.
Stone - A natural stone floor is a hard-wearing and long-lasting flooring option. It can increase the value of your home, but it is initially more expensive than other options. In the long term, it will also require additional maintenance.
The ideal tile for your space can also be determined using the PEI scale in which tile surfaces are ranked according to abrasion resistance with Class 1 being the least and Class 5, the most resistant. Class 2 tiles are suited for light household activity, while Class 3 tiles and above are ideal for high traffic like the kitchen.
Another factor that you should also consider is the tile color. While tile colors are usually based on a person’s personal preference, there are a few basic guidelines to remember when choosing a tile. Lighter tile shades expand your space, while darker tiles offer depth and cover grime. Neutral tile shades, on the other hand, allow you to be more creative with furniture and decor because of its flexibility.
When you assess these factors, it can help you narrow down your options, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each tile, and finally identify the best tile for your home.
Maintenance needs
It’s also crucial to search for tiles that have little to no maintenance needs especially in high-traffic areas like the living room. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are usually used for bathrooms for their low-maintenance.
4. Grout
Picking the right grout color is also an important factor to keep in mind when selecting floor tiles. Grout comes in a range of colors and has lately been a popular option to spice things up in your room. If you are looking for a classic clean look, go for grout that matches your tile color. It will enable your tiles to blend with the grout and reduce the visibility of the grout patterns on your space. Colored grout, on the other hand, can be applied to create contrast and attract more attention .