How To Select Stunning Kitchen And Bath Tiles

Selecting kitchen or bath tiles can feel overwhelming because of the blizzard of beautiful colors, patterns and textures available. UNLESS, you arm yourself in advance with a loosely tailored, pre-edited outline of what’s what and what you’re looking for, before you go. You’re in the right place to learn everything you need to know about tile and stone selection.

tiles have been used as decoration for centuries

This has be true since the time of the original Roman baths and in ancient Greece before that. Today we use tiles indoors and out for floors, walls, showers, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, walkways, pools and spas.

Though practical, tiles are also like fine jewelry in their ability to define and elevate your design scheme and the ambience you want to create.

Before you go on your tile shopping adventure

I strongly recommended that you NOT try casual browsing around tile stores without a plan or a clue. The astonishing array of colors, design, tile types and possibilities can be seriously overwhelming.

I speak from experience!

How to explore your kitchen and bath tile options

You are, no doubt, already familiar with the Usual Suspects: Instagram and Pinterest.

• Old school magazine tear sheets are great too.
• Even photos of something great you see on the run will help you get into creative mode.

Start to notice what styles, colors and textures appeal to you in a way that you can see as looking fabulous in your home. Equally important, pay attention to what you don’t like.

Clarity about your preferences now will help you avoid second guessing yourself later.

What practical questions should you ask about the kitchen or bath tile of your choice?

The practical stuff is admittedly less fun than daydreaming without restraint. However it’s WAY LESS fun if you aren’t sure what you actually need for the way you actually live.

Buzz kill: that budget thing should be considered too.

questions for any room where you are considering tile

• How much traffic it will have?
• How durable does the tile need to be?
• Some natural stone tiles require regular sealing maintenance. Are you up for this?
• Some stone, aren’t recommended in kitchens for counters and floors. Do you know enough about those stones with special considerations?

What kind of use will the tile location have? For example that tiny powder room under the stairs won’t have the same traffic as the mudroom entry off the backyard.

Generally a durable ceramic/porcelain tile works well in high traffic areas but the best type of floor tiles overall are both durable AND have natural slip resistance, such as cement or travertine.

key information for your decisions

Tiles come in different sizes, thicknesses and have different hardness ratings. Are you looking at the right type tile and thickness for the use you have in mind? In addition, knowing in advance what size tiles are available will help you map out your design in the best way.

• Tiles come in different thicknesses according to anticipated use. Floor tiles for example are typically 1/2′ to 3/4″ thick for durability. Wall tiles are usually only 1/4″ to 3/8″ because they don’t have to support foot traffic and it’s much easier to install a lighter tile vertically.
• Tiles are rated for both hardness and quality. Check with your prospective tile supplier to be sure you get the best of both for your use.
• Tiles also come in a variety of standard sizes. Mosaic tiles are usually 2″ squares. Otherwise there is a range of sizes in square and rectangular shapes ranging from 1″ squares to 30″x15″ rectangles.

How generous is your budget for this? Would it be beneficial to use more expensive tiles for smaller areas like a guest bath or an extra spiffy entryway floor?

Approximate how many square feet of tile you will need before you set out. It will help you keep it real in terms of dollars and sense.

This tile calculator from Home Depot is very handy.

What are the most popular types of Kitchen and Bath tiles?

The following is a somewhat abbreviated list of tile types that are available. The focus is on the types that are most often used and loved….with a couple of special interest types thrown in for good measure.

Ceramic and porcelain top the list for all around function and beauty

Do you love subway tiles? These are just the start of what is available from hand-painted to hand designed shapes, either glazed or unglazed. The design possibilities are seemingly endless.

They are moisture resistant. Cleaning is quick and easy with a damp cloth or mop. This type of clay tile is a good choice for high traffic areas too.

Porcelain tiles are even better than ceramic tiles

The tiles are made of a more refined clay and fired at a higher temperature. These tiles are harder than ceramic as well as more dense and less porous.

This means they are more scratch, stain and moisture resistant making them a great choice for bathroom floors and shower walls.

Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles, as you might expect. But because they are considered higher quality, they will increase the value of your home.

Caution: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are slippery. Glazed and glossy tiles, such as subway tile, offer less slip resistance, especially when wet. Installation on walls is the best use. Unless, you use small penny rounds, a pattern like herringbone or small 1″sq. type tiles.

More grout equals more slip resistance.

Terracotta Tiles are beautiful but require maintenance

“Terracotta” means “baked earth” in Italian

This natural clay has iron content which reacts with oxygen during firing. When it is shaped and then kiln-fired. a hard, durable material with a wonderful range of red, orange and brown hues.

Terracotta tiles are naturally resistant to mold and bacterial growth and are highly durable BUT will need to be sealed upon installation and regularly resealed to prevent water damage and staining. This is particularly true if used as floor tiles

Mosaic tiles are tiny and thus can be arranged in intricate designs and patterns

They are often less than 2 inches in size which allows for the any manner of designs to be created. The tiles themselves can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone, or even metal.

• Mosaic tiles are easy to clean, but the small size of the tiles makes them more susceptible to damage.
• They can be slippery when wet, as is true with any polished tile used on the floor.

Terrazzo tiles are a composite of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable material

Combos of any of the above materials, in small pieces, are added to a liquid binder then cured, ground and polished. The result is a smooth, durable and long lasting surface that be used for counters or cut into tiles.

As with the other stones described above, it too must be regularly sealed to prevent damage.

cement tiles are a mixture of cement, sand, and color pigment, which is then poured into a mold.

This type of surface isn’t usually a “first choice for luxury glamour” but do have a certain urban “cool” about them.

They can be customized for various patterns or designs. In addition, the cement mixture can be pigmented for an interesting color/texture combo.

On the practical side, they are known for their durability and versatility. They are also great for flooring thanks to the built-in skid proof surface.

Per usual, sealing upon installation is required and resealing every few years to protect them from stains and water damage.

Glass tiles are made by superheating sand with other materials to liquid, then rapid cooling to a solid state

They are:

• Incredibly durable
• Easy to clean with a simple wipe down
• Mold and mildew resistant

BONUS: Glass doesn’t absorb anything….these tiles don’t need to be sealed.

Metal tiles are unsurprisingly durable

They are typically made from stainless steel or copper, though bronze and aluminum might be used. As you might expect, metal tiles are resistant to showing signs of wear and tear and are easy to clean and maintain. They are a particularly good selection for bathroom floors or walls.

Maintenance can be tricky. Stainless steel tiles are common, but care should be taken when cleaning as they can scratch. Other types of metal tiles need sealing.

It’s a cool modern look, but be sure to ask a lot of questions about maintenance before you pull the trigger on this type of tile.

what are the Particulars of natural stone tiles for Kitchens and baths?

We all love the natural beauty and variety to be found in natural stone tiles. As with other types of materials described above, natural stone needs to be sealed upon installation and resealed yearly, in most cases…

Marble and limestone Tiles are both calcium based stones

Both are highly durable, resistant to chips and for good high traffic areas when properly and regularly sealed. These stones are beautiful additions to bathrooms, living rooms, entryways etc. However, if you intend to use either one for kitchen floors and countertops, do so ONLY with careful consideration.

Sealing will not prevent acidic damage from common household items.

Marble is a soft calcium-based stone that is prone to scratching, cracking and etching from common acidic household items such as vinegar, orange juice or anything acidic. The gloss would likely be dulled at the very least.

There is far less risk of damage in bathrooms, though toothpaste and cosmetics may include acid. It’s still not usually considered a concern.

Limestone is also at risk from acidic damage when used for kitchen countertops or flooring. Otherwise, when sealed it will last a long time without showing signs of wear and tear.

Travertine tiles are composed of a type of limestone

It’s a by-product of hot springs from all over the world. Each tile is one of a kind. The surface is naturally non-slippery making it great for kitchens and baths. Installing travertine tiles can also increase the value of your home.

Just like limestone, it’s durable and long lasting. Also like limestone, it’s a porous material that needs to be sealed regularly.

Natural granite is a type of igneous rock

Used for counter tops or cut into tiles, it’s remarkably durable.

In addition, granite…

• is chip and scratch-resistant
• doesn’t scrape, etch or burn
• AND not all types of granite need sealing.

It is the best natural stone flooring for kitchens because it has a Mohs hardness rating of 7, meaning it’s harder than marble.

Yes, like any other natural stone, sealing is recommended to avoid potential staining BUT darker types of granite such as Ubatuba shouldn’t be sealed.

The stone is so dense the sealer just sits on top like a film!

Slate tiles are made from natural slate, which is a type of metamorphic rock.

This means that a slate slab was formed under the surface of the earth over millions of years. It’s exceptionally durable, scratch resistant and dent proof. Since it has a natural resistance to water and stains, it’s an ideal choice for areas that that become wet in use such as showers and floor tiles around the tub.

Slate is less porous than other stones but still needs to be sealed to prevent water absorption and potential staining.

What are the best design selection guidelines for bath and kitchen tile?

Consider that the grout lines are part of the over all pattern the tiles will describe. Obviously larger tiles will have fewer grout lines. The effect of this is one of expansiveness. The expansive feeling is increased if light tiles are used, as well as a sense that the room itself is now both lighter and brighter too.

There is some debate about using smaller tiles in smaller spaces, but the graphic quality of grout lines makes a good argument for a reconsideration.

One notion that is generally agreed upon is that the wall tile should never be larger than the floor tile, as it creates a weird disproportionate and unbalanced look.

Don’t blow your design scheme with white grout…unless there is a good reason for it. 

In the black tile photo I used above as illustration of the graphic quality of grout lines, the white grout was a brilliantly deliberate choice.

White grout shouldn’t be considered a default solution, in the same way (for some unsubstantiated reason), most people assume all ceilings should be white.

White is a very strong color with too much “pop” to be used without consideration.

Every grout maker offers a fairly large palette of colors to coordinate with your carefully selected tile. Choose judiciously.

A very general thumb rule is to match the grout to the tile color, unless you really do want to create a strong graphic pattern.

bathroom tiles have particular design considerations

One could use the same tile for floor and walls for a cohesive look, BUT there are more interesting ways to achieve this

here are some combinations to consider

• Different tile shapes and sizes but all in the same color. Hexagonal penny rounds paired with subway tile look great.
• Mixed materials and finishes (matte, polished, textures) in coordinating colors. Ceramic light blue shiny tile walls paired with a neutral matte grey stone floor is very attractive
• Limit the color palette or keep to monochromatic. combining different sizes, shapes, textures and/or finishes works best without the interruption of the element of color too.
• Limit the number of patterns too. The eye need to rest somewhere.
• Limit unbridled enthusiasm. Re-consider using different sizes, shapes, textures AND finishes all together in the same room. Even a monochromatic palette probably won’t salvaged the overwhelm.

FYI, stone is a terrific “mixer”. It offers natural neutral non-competing color AND interesting texture.

What are other useful design tips for bath and kitchen tile selection?

Consider your tile selections in the context of the overall design of your home. A well-designed home has a considered, coordinated feel to it that inspires that “it’s so good to be home” response.

The jarring effect of tile (or any other design choices) that seems like a “non sequitur” in the room is never a great choice for WOW factor.

Classic is good. Neutral colors in solids or lightly patterned designs will not look dated over time. It may not matter to you now, but selling a home with a wildly-over-the-top kitchen/bath design is more of an uphill battle. You may be asked for a price reduction immediately to cover the cost of a new owner redo.`

Classic solutions also tend to be easier on the eyes. This is an important consideration if you love the idea of a serenely elegant home.

Over To You

I’d love to know what you think...

Was there a tip that was especially helpful? Hopefully, you found a little inspiration and maybe even resolved a long standing quandary brilliantly!

are there other topics you might be interested in?

Setting out to create the best version of beautiful home design, tailored especially for you, has a lot of potential questions built in. Please let me know. I’m here to help. You can write to me here.

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All photos without specific photographer credit are courtesy of Unsplash.com, unless otherwise noted.

Cindy Bergersen, ASID Allied

Cindy Bergersen has been a professional home design consultant for over 30 years. She is also a published author on the broad topic of home design and all its elements. Decades of experience as a design consultant to private clients as well as retail clients for well known, high end furniture retailers has proved to be invaluable training.

She is both passionate and committed to sharing her experience and knowledge to help anyone, help themselves, to a beautiful, comfortable home, without confusion or overwhelm about where to start and how to proceed.

When not with clients or writing about home design in real terms for real life, she might be found cycling through city parks or curled up on the sofa with a good book. You’ll find more details here.