How to Choose the Right Floor And Wall Tiles

Feeling lost in a sea of tile options? No problem! This simple guide is here to guide you in choosing the perfect tiles, from simple ceramic wall tiles to eye-catching mosaics. No need to be a tile expert, we’ll break it down for you. By the end, you’ll be a tile-picking pro, ready to transform your space.

Think about where you’ll be using your tiles

Floor needs more durability than walls, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. To further understand which tile is suitable for a specific area, you should consult the PEI rating of a tile. Not sure what that is? It stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute, and that’s the institute that dictates the hardness of tile.

Here’s the scale and how to know which class you should buy for. Key thing to know? The higher the number, the longer lasting it is.

• PEI Class 1: Tiles under this category are perfect for walls but are not designed to handle foot traffic.
• PEI Class 2: These tiles can be used across walls, but they are suitable for bathroom floors too. They can handle light foot traffic with ease.
• PEI Class 3: These are great options not only for your walls and floors but they are also good for countertops. They are specifically designed to withstand normal, everyday foot traffic quite well.
• PEI Class 4: These can be applied across all areas in a home. They are also suitable for medium-intensity commercial use.
• PEI Class 5: Tiles under this category can handle commercial and residential use rigors. They’re built to handle foot traffic with strong resilience.

Pick a color that matches the tone you want to have in your room

Tile color plays a pivotal role in the character and feel of your room. Light tiles open up spaces, while darker ones create drama. In terms of practicality, dark tiles can camouflage dirt effectively.

If you want flexibility in your designs, choose neutral tile colors, as they can go well in different styles. You can easily switch up decor and paint colors without worrying about clashes. This means you can personalize your space and adapt it to changing styles.

Size matters when it comes to tiles

The range is broad, from charming mosaics to expansive large-format tiles. The goal here is to achieve a sense of proportion and harmony within the room. Ideally, you want to layout your tiles in a way that allows for at least three consecutive tile pieces of the same size to fit in the area.

If you have a small room, large tiles can do wonders. They can make your room look bigger due to fewer grout lines. While large-format tiles can also work great in big rooms, mosaics are ideal for creating focal points like accent walls or murals.

Grout Color Also Matters

Grout color can dramatically affect the overall appearance of your tile installation. A matching grout color can create a seamless look, virtually disappearing the grout lines. On the flip side, contrasting grout colors can accentuate each tile for a bolder statement. You can also consult with tile experts about stain-proof grout options to maintain the pristine look of your tile work.

Balance aesthetics and safety

Picking tiles doesn’t have to be a safety vs. style battle. Think “safety first, style second” when choosing tiles for floors, especially in wet areas like bathrooms. For ultimate slip protection, go for tiles with textured surfaces like matte, etched, or even mosaics.

Rougher textures provide better traction underfoot, especially when wet. And while safety is important, don’t forget to inject your personal style. Choose colors, patterns, and designs that reflect your taste.

Last but not least, find your tile style!

Finding your tile style is like finding your perfect outfit. It should reflect your personality and make you feel amazing. Mix textures, colors, and shapes to create a look that’s truly you. You can also go over different tile installation lookbooks to get inspired. The majority of online tile stores also categorize their tile selection depending on the style you’re going for. This makes it easier for you to choose a tile that not only ticks the practicality box but also checks the aesthetics box.

Conclusion

With these guidelines in mind, you’re set to navigate the tile selection process with confidence. From subway tiles to waterjet mosaics, you can now easily pick floor and wall tiles backed with informed decisions that ensure your space’s beauty, durability, and safety.