You’ve been saving dream kitchens to Pinterest for months. Talked through ideas with your loved ones and close friends. You’ve pondered all the ways you can reinvent your space, and then some. Now, you’re faced with the reality of it all: Picking the right tile.

This may seem like a hard task at hand. One that will require internal arguments and second-guessing. Worry not, we plan on giving you the run down on how-to decide which tile is right for what area today. This way, you can hop along and turn your pin dreams into a reality much faster.

Step 1: Define Your Color Scheme.

It is critical before all else, you define the way your space will look. This will spring board all other efforts and decisions. A few things to ask yourself to help ease this step:

  • Are you going for a more modern look or rustic look?
  • Is the area bright, dark or busy?
  • Do you have your cabinets picked out? If so, are they white, wood, or colored?

If you have a more modern design, you’d want to steer clear of old-world-looking tile options, like our Vilna Collection for instance. Additionally, if you have a space that trends towards dark because of existing furniture or cabinetry, you’d want to use tile to brighten the area. The key element here is to know the area you’re working with and to find ways to complement it. Then, you can find which tile is right for what area.

Still need a hand? Shoot our Tile Experts an email [email protected] with pictures of your space, we’re happy to help define the scheme for you!

Step 2: Finding Tile For The Area

Now that things are sorted out in the design department, and you’ve got a better feel for the aesthetics of your area. Let’s go through popular tile types and the areas they are each best for!

Marble

Arcade Carrara Polished Marble Mosaic Tile
Arcade White Carrara Mosaic

Marble is an endlessly versatile option and can be placed most anywhere. Since it’s natural stone, it is durable; however, this also means that it’s very porous. You’ll have to make sure to seal and reseal it more frequently than other options to maintain the look of it. It can work very well on floors, an accent wall, or backsplash.

Word of warning: If you’re using it as a backsplash, be sure to wipe any sauces that may splash on the tile off as soon as possible. The longer you let it sit, the higher probability of it staining is.

Porcelain

Example of Porcelain tile used in bathroom as a backsplash - dark / black tile

Porcelain is another versatile option but has more durability than natural stone. There’s also little chance of it staining, thanks to its non-porous body. That said, it is one of the most convenient tiles to use for a backsplash in the kitchen, or wall in the shower, since it requires minimal upkeep. Some porcelain tiles are for walls-only, but since there are hundreds of options, it’s hardly a con.

Glass

Example of white glass tiles used as kitchen backsplash

Glass may be one of the more limiting options on the list since it primarily can’t be used on floors. Yet, it’s one of the most beautiful and most manageable. Glass tile is usually made from recycled materials, too, which makes it a favorite for Mother Earth. Plus, it can brighten any space thanks to its reflective nature. If you have a darker kitchen design palette, this tile can lighten it up.

Exception to the rule: Penny rounds, like our Nirvana Collection, are the only type that can work on the floor safely.

Metal

Example of Luxury Waterjet Mosaics with a brass inlay to create geometric patterns used in kitchen as a wall tile

The final type is metal. It provides a very chic look. Many of our waterjets include a brass inlay, which is a nice touch to any design. The only downside to these tile types is that they can only be used on the floor if they’re through body, or else they risk popping up. Also, if used in a shower, they may tarnish so extensive upkeep will be required. Judging on your lifestyle, it’s important to know this so that you can invest in a tile that will be able to last!

Step 3: Try Out Samples

To help ease the process, order some tile samples. They’re a great way to reference how a design will look in person. Plus, you get to touch and feel them to get a better idea than you’d be able to from online.  We offer 5 samples for $5 always.

Step 4: Use Our Room Visualizer

To take things even further, use our Room Visualizer tool. Meant to show you how a tile will look in your space in real time, it makes the process a whole lot easier to do from home. Simply upload an image of your space, select the tile you look, and then get a feel for if it’s a fit. Yes, that it’s that simple.

We understand that tile shopping can be daunting. Our aim is to make it less so. Comment below with any lingering doubts or questions you may have. We’re happy to help!

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