When you think about installing tiles in your home, choosing the right design, color, and finish can be overwhelming. With thousands of options on the market and varying opinions from contractors, decorators, and even your own preferences, selecting the best tiles becomes a task that requires careful thought.
But rather than telling you which tiles to choose, let’s focus on what to avoid. Here are key points to keep in mind to help you avoid purchasing tiles that won’t suit your interiors.
1. Avoid Dark Colors in Small Spaces
For areas like a drawing room, the size of the room should influence your color choice. If the space is under 500 sq. ft., steer clear of dark-colored tiles. Dark colors can make a small room appear even smaller due to the way they absorb light, creating a cramped feeling. In contrast, light-colored, high-gloss tiles reflect more light and create an illusion of space, making the room look larger and more open.
Tip: Notice how elevators often have mirrors to make the area look bigger. Similarly, choosing light-colored, glossy tiles in small rooms can make them feel more spacious.
2. Keep Texture Minimal
Tile textures vary from marble, Italian, travertine, rustic, and more, with options available in everything from smooth to heavily textured finishes. Avoid tiles with heavy, loud textures for your floors, as these can make the space look too busy. Opting for light or minimal textures creates a cleaner and more luxurious feel, which helps keep the focus on your room’s decor rather than the floor.
Tip: Busy textures can make floors look “crowded.” Minimal textures make a room feel expansive and sophisticated.
3. Bathroom Tile Tips for Different Aesthetics
Bathrooms can have varied aesthetics based on personal preference:
- Bright Look: For a bright bathroom, go for white or light-colored tiles and pair them with white lighting to create a clean, open space.
- Warm Look: For a warm, cozy feel, choose medium-tone tiles. This creates a balance that isn’t overly bright or dark—ideal for a calming atmosphere.
- Dark Look: Dark bathrooms can be stylish but require thoughtful use of space. Avoid using dark tiles if the bathroom is small, as they can make it feel closed in.
For those looking to add some style, consider designer tiles as accents. Highlight a particular wall or area with designer tiles, especially the wall you see first upon entering. You can also place designer tiles strategically around items like mirrors or in the shower area.
4. Choose the Right Tile Finish
The finish of the tile is essential for the feel of the room. Here’s a quick guide on tile finishes:
- High Gloss: Great for small areas, high gloss tiles reflect a lot of light, helping small rooms feel larger. However, be cautious when purchasing, as some tiles may be semi-gloss sold as high gloss. A true high-gloss tile will have a clear, sharp reflection.
- Sugar Finish: With a subtle glitter, sugar finish tiles are perfect for bathroom walls as they don’t cast shadows, making them ideal for creating that luxurious, five-star hotel bathroom look.
- Matt Finish: If you prefer a softer, more understated aesthetic, matt finish tiles are a good option. They are non-reflective, offering a subdued elegance without the harsh light reflection of high-gloss tiles.
- Rustic and Digital Prints: Rustic tiles add character to specific areas, while digital tiles, though considered older, have returned with updated styles. Some manufacturers even allow custom prints, like your logo or family photo, on tiles, with a minimum order size.
Final Thoughts
While choosing tiles, always consider the room’s purpose, lighting, and size. Avoid using overly vibrant or catchy tiles on the floor of spaces meant to highlight other features, such as bakery displays or coffee shops.
