Many people think that choosing floor tiles is simply visiting a showroom and picking the best-looking option. In reality, it’s a terrible approach. You must select tiles that balance visual appeal and daily livability, because even the most stunning tile won’t feel like a win if it’s uncomfortable underfoot or clashes with your lifestyle.
Hence, this blog shares expert tips that can help anyone find the right flooring tiles, even if you haven’t purchased tiles before. So, let’s explore the tiles shared below.
1. Consider the Space’s Light Quality Before Choosing a Tile Colour
If you pick up any tile and place it under different lighting conditions, you will see its appearance change. For instance, a tile that looks warm and inviting in a sun-drenched showroom might appear cold and dull in a north-facing space with limited natural light.
Hence, you should always check the lighting in your space. The best option is to take a few colour samples home and observe them at different times of the day under your actual lighting conditions. It will give you a real view of how your chosen tile colour will appear in a particular space.
If you have a poorly lit space, avoid dark-coloured tiles, as they can make your home look cave-like. Similarly, people with brighter rooms should avoid very light-coloured tiles, as they will create an uncomfortable glare.
2. Match Tile Size to Room Dimensions for Visual Harmony
Tile size significantly impacts how spacious or cramped a room feels and looks. Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines, making small spaces appear more expansive and unified. However, oversized tiles in compact powder rooms can look awkward and require excessive cutting.
For small rooms, it’s best to choose tiles no larger than 300×300 mm. Open-plan or spacious areas, on the other hand, can easily accommodate large-format tiles like 600×600 mm, 800×800 mm, or even 1200×600 mm.
A common mistake homeowners make is installing 150×150 mm tiles in large living areas. This results in a busy, highly fragmented look that visually shrinks the space.
3. Prioritise Slip Resistance Tiles in High-Traffic and Wet Areas
You cannot miss this tip if you’re exploring floor tiles for bathrooms, poolside areas, kitchens (near sinks), or any high-traffic, wet areas. Instead of COF, always check the tile’s DCOF rating, which indicates real slip resistance. For most interior wet spaces, a DCOF of 0.42 or higher is recommended.
Outdoor bathrooms and exterior areas should have tiles with very low water absorption (below 0.5%) and strong slip resistance for safer movement. Following this recommendation will prevent accidents, especially if you have young children or elderly family members in your home. Let’s understand it better with the example of polished porcelain tiles.
They may look luxurious in showrooms, but their glossy finish can become dangerously slippery when wet. Textured or matte-finish tiles are a better alternative in this case. They will give you better traction and also style.
4. Check Thermal Properties
It’s a crucial aspect yet many homeowners overlook it while selecting floor tiles. Many may not know, but tiles conduct temperatures, which significantly affects comfort depending on your climate and flooring setup.
In cold regions without adequate heating setup, ceramic and porcelain tiles can feel uncomfortably cold underfoot during the winter months. It makes them an impractical choice for bedrooms or living areas. Wooden-style tiles, however, feel comparatively warmer and create a cosier ambience, making them a better choice for such spaces.
On the other hand, in hot climates, cool tiles—such as light-coloured porcelain or high-reflective tiles—naturally stay cooler and offer welcome relief during peak summer months. These tiles help reduce indoor heat, making living spaces more comfortable.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles also work exceptionally well with underfloor heating systems, distributing warmth evenly when required. Hence, always consider your environment before choosing tiles, and decide whether you prefer the natural warmth of wooden tiles or the refreshing feel of cool tiles.
5. Assess Maintenance Requirements Against Your Lifestyle
Different tile materials and finishes require varying levels of maintenance. For instance, natural stone tiles require frequent sealing and are susceptible to staining from acidic cleaning solutions.
Hence, it might be an impractical choice for homes with young children. Even textured tiles demand rigorous cleaning and maintenance because they trap dirt in their crevices. Thankfully, you also have options, such as glazed porcelain tiles, which are almost maintenance-free thanks to their high stain-resistance qualities.
If you’re renovating a busy family kitchen, the best tiles for floor might be a gloss or matte-finish porcelain tile that mimics stone.
Conclusion
When exploring tiles, it’s natural to incline more towards tiles with appealing designs and shades. However, avoid the urge to only prioritise how a tile looks. You must also pay attention to the comfort it may provide and the maintenance it requires.
If you live in a city or town known for extreme temperatures, also factor in the climate and lighting conditions. It will help you choose tiles that won’t lead to years of regret. Those ready to invest in the best tiles can find them at Orientbell Tiles, a leading Indian tile manufacturer and retailer.
