Tiles are an attractive and durable type of flooring, but you will need to choose the right type for your room. With so many shapes and styles on the market this can seem overwhelming, so here is a quick guide to finding the right floor tiles for your home.
Size
Firstly, you must consider the size of the tiles. As a general rule, larger tiles will make a room look bigger and smaller tiles will make a room look smaller. However, it is worth bearing in mind that large tiles can seem to overwhelm a very small room. You may also want to consider mosaic tiles if your walls are not straight or the room is an awkward shape.
Colour
Next, you should consider the colour of the tiles. White tiles will make a room look bright and larger whereas darker tiles will have the opposite effect; however, you should remember that lighter tiles will show up any dirt or grime. You will also want to think about whether you want your tiles to have a calming or energising effect. Lastly, think about the colours that are already in the room, and how well your floor tiles will fit in with them. Ultimately your colour scheme is your own decision, but you do not want to create clashing effects that you did not intend.
Traffic
Thirdly, think about the kind of foot traffic the tiles will get. In a busy area, particularly if you have children or pets, you will need durable tiles with a matt finish, probably in a dark colour so they won't show up any footprints. A room that gets less use could have white porcelain tiles, which will look very attractive as long as they are kept clean. (You can always protect them with mats or rugs if the foot traffic is higher than expected.)
Maintenance
Finally, you should think about how much maintenance the tiles will need in the future. All tiles will need regular cleaning but some are more easily cleaned than others — porcelain and ceramic tiles, for example, can just be mopped with soapy water, whereas natural stone will need more care.
If you are still confused, the best person to ask is your floor tile supplier, who will be happy to offer any advice as to which type, size and colour of tile will be the best choice for your home.
For more information, reach out to a tiling contractor.