Inspiration

8 important things you should consider when you’re choosing tiles

Article by Homes to Love

When it comes to choosing tiles for your home interior, it may be hard knowing where to start. Here are some key guidelines to make things easier

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1. Before you start

Think about the style of your home. Have a look through magazines and online for images of tiles you like. Try and not go against the style of your home – instead, work with it.

2. Tile size

Small-sized tiles are usually suited to small residential areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and toilets.

Kitchen window

3. Room size

Large tiles make a room feel larger and airier. Using floor tiles on the walls will make the space seem more cohesive, but you can’t use wall tiles on the floor. A floor tile will have a harder glaze and will be made of harder materials to withstand traffic. In a small room, light-coloured tiles will make the space feel bigger. If you have a large room you have more options; you can chose from light to dark tiles.

Gisborne home kitchen

4. Colour

Consider the general feel you want to achieve in the room you are tiling – serene and relaxing or moody and atmospheric? Unless you have a feature area such as a splashback, tiles aren’t normally the focus of a room, but they can complement other design features of a room. In a bathroom you might want a restful relaxing setting, so go for colours that blend well together. In a kitchen you might want a more vibrant option, so choose colours that contrast.

5. Grout

Don’t forget the importance of choosing the right grout colour. A contrasting grout will emphasise lines and the design, while a grout in a complementary colour as the tile will give a subtle effect. Ensure your grouted areas are sealed to prevent staining.

Kitchen inspiration

6. Texture and pattern

Whether you choose matt or a polished finished is a personal choice. A glazed tile is easy to clean, where as a natural terracotta tile has no glaze and would need a seal to stop staining occurring.

7. Natural light

A gloss tile will suit a dark space as it reflects more light, as does a lighter colour.

Kitchen

8. In the end

Ensure that whatever you choose in one room flows with the rest of your home’s style.

Words by: Catherine Steel.

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