How to Choose the Right Tile for Every Room of Your Home

Tiles do far more than cover surfaces. They influence the look, feel, durability and functionality of every room. The right tile can:

• Improve safety (non-slip bathroom floor tiles)

• Reduce maintenance (stain-resistant porcelain)

• Enhance comfort (tiles compatible with underfloor heating)

• Boost property value by giving a cohesive, durable finish.

Choosing tiles is a balance of style, performance and budget. This guide will walk you through the technical and design aspects, giving practical tips you can use when choosing tiles from Axar Tiles.

Understanding Tile Types Before You Start

Knowing tile types helps you match products to each room’s needs. Below are the most common tile families and what they’re best for.

Porcelain Tiles

• What they are: Dense, kiln-fired tiles made from refined clay. Often called vitrified porcelain when very low-porosity.

• Strengths: Extremely durable, low water absorption, frost-resistant — great for floors and high-traffic areas. Ideal for open-plan homes where continuity matters.

• Best uses: Living rooms, kitchens, hallways, outdoor patios, and anywhere you might consider porcelain tiles in UK homes for their weather tolerance.

Ceramic Tiles

• What they are: Clay-based tiles with a glazed surface. Lighter and usually less dense than porcelain.

• Strengths: Wide range of colors and finishes; cost-effective; excellent for vertical surfaces.

• Best uses: Bathroom and kitchen walls, feature walls, backsplashes. Use ceramic wall tiles for decorative wall areas.

Mosaic Tiles

• What they are: Very small tiles (glass, ceramic, or natural stone) mounted on mesh sheets.

• Strengths: Great for curves, shower niches and decorative accents; provide natural grip on shower floors when small-format mosaics are used.

• Best uses: Shower floors, splashbacks, accent bands.

Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate, Travertine)

• What they are: Quarry-extracted materials with unique veining and textures.

• Strengths: Luxurious, unique appearance; high perceived value.

• Considerations: Porous — usually needs sealing and more maintenance. Not always ideal for wet or heavy-traffic areas without proper treatment.

Special Types & Finishes to Know

• Wood-look tiles: Porcelain tiles that mimic timber — low maintenance, great for pets/humidity.

• Metallic and glass tiles: Best as accents; can be delicate for floors.

• Glazed vs Unglazed: Glazed tiles have a protective surface layer (easy to clean, good color depth). Unglazed tiles are more natural-looking and slip-resistant.

• Rectified tiles: Precisely cut for tiny grout lines and a sleek, modern look.

Quick selection rule: For floors and outdoors, favor porcelain for durability. For walls and decorative areas, ceramic and glass/mosaic work beautifully.

Choosing Tiles for the Living Room

The living room is where design meets daily use. You want a material that looks great and can stand up to people, pets and furniture.

What to prioritize

• Durability: Choose porcelain or high-PEI rated tiles for heavy foot traffic.

• Appearance: Large-format tiles (e.g., 600x600mm or larger) create fewer grout lines and a more continuous visual field, making rooms look larger.

• Texture & finish: Matte finishes hide scratches and footprints better than high-gloss; polished finishes add elegance but show wear more quickly.

Style tips

• Open-plan continuity: Use the same porcelain floor tile across living and dining areas to visually expand space and maintain flow.

• Wood-look porcelain: Gives warmth of timber without the scratches and moisture issues of real wood.

• Patterned tiles: Use sparingly — a patterned rug-like tile area under a coffee table makes a strong focal point without overwhelming the room.

Practical considerations

• Underfloor heating: Porcelain is ideal for heated floors because it transmits heat efficiently.

• Grout color: Match grout to the tile for a seamless look, or contrast slightly to accentuate a pattern.

• Transitions: Where tile meets carpet or wood, use appropriate threshold trims to avoid tripping hazards.

Finding the Perfect Bathroom Tiles

Bathrooms are wet, so moisture resistance and safety are priority one. But this is also a space where texture and style can make a huge difference.

Bathroom floor tiles — safety and performance

• Slip resistance: Look for tiles with a good slip rating for floors (textured finishes or small-format mosaics help). Always choose non-slip options for shower floors and bathroom entrances.

• Size & slope: Small tiles or mosaics are easier to slope (for drainage) in showers. Larger tiles need careful subfloor preparation to maintain slope to the drain.

• Bathroom floor tiles: Choose a low-absorption tile (porcelain is ideal) to prevent water damage and staining.

Bathroom wall tiles — style with practicality

• Ceramic wall tiles are a popular, affordable choice for wet walls because they’re lightweight and easy to fit.

• Shower walls: Use full-height wall tiles for a waterproof finish; consider large-format porcelain for minimal grout lines and a modern look.

• Accent zones: Use mosaics or patterned tiles as a feature on the shower wall or behind vanities for visual interest.

Maintenance & hygiene

• Grout selection: Use epoxy or stain-resistant grout in wet areas to prevent mold and discoloration.

• Sealing natural stone: If using marble or travertine, seal regularly to protect against staining and moisture.

Design idea examples

• Small bathroom: Light, neutral porcelain tiles in London and vertical wall tiles to visually increase height.

• Spa-style bathroom: Large matte porcelain floor tiles + ceramic wall tiles in soft tones + mosaic feature around bathtub.

Installation & Practical Considerations (Do’s and Don’ts)

Good installation is as important as tile choice. A poor installation ruins even the best tile.

Do’s

• Prepare the substrate: Ensure the floor/wall is level, clean and structurally sound.

• Use the right adhesive: Large-format or exterior tiles usually require flexible, cement-based adhesive.

• Leave expansion joints: Especially for large areas and outdoor installations.

• Order samples: Test appearance and slip on-site under different light conditions.

• Buy extra tiles: Order at least 5–10% more for cuts, breakages and future repairs.

Don’ts

• Don’t use indoor wall tile on floors: Wall tiles often aren’t rated for foot traffic.

• Don’t ignore manufacturer instructions: Adhesives, grouts and tile types often have specific recommendations.

• Avoid drastic changes mid-install: Stick to your layout plan to prevent wasted materials and uneven finishes.

Maintenance basics

• Routine cleaning: Use pH-neutral cleaners designed for tiles; avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners on natural stone.

• Sealing: Seal natural stone and grout (if recommended) to prolong life and prevent stains.

• Repair: Keep spare tiles for repairs — a replaced tile from the same batch will match best.

Conclusion

The right tile choice can completely transform your home’s appearance and functionality. Whether it’s durable porcelain tiles in UK for busy areas, stylish ceramic wall tiles in UK for feature walls, or safe bathroom floor tiles for wet areas, selecting high-quality products ensures long-term satisfaction. At Axar Tiles, we provide premium tiles that combine beauty, strength, and affordability—helping you create spaces you’ll love for years.