Ceramic tiles can change how your rooms look and feel. They’re tough, easy to clean, and come in loads of styles. Let’s look at how they can work in your home.
What Are Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles are made from clay that’s been shaped and baked at high heat. This makes them hard and water-resistant. They’re different from porcelain tiles, which are denser and stronger.
Most ceramic tiles have a glazed surface. This glaze gives them colour and makes them water-proof. It also makes them shine or gives them texture.
Why Choose Ceramic Tiles?
They Last for Years
Ceramic tiles are tough. Once fitted properly, they can last 20 years or more. They don’t wear out like carpet or scratch like wood floors.
The glazed surface protects against stains and damage. Even in busy areas, good ceramic tiles keep looking good.
Easy to Keep Clean
This is a big plus for busy homes. Spill something? Just wipe it up. Weekly mopping keeps them looking fresh. No special cleaners needed.
They don’t hold dirt or smells like some other materials. This makes them great for kitchens and bathrooms.
Loads of Style Options
Ceramic tiles come in every colour you can think of. Small mosaic tiles, large format tiles, patterned tiles – the choice is huge.
You can get tiles that look like wood, stone, or fabric. Or go for bold colours and patterns to make a statement.
Good Value
Ceramic tiles cost less than natural stone but can look just as good. The long life means they work out cheap over time.
Installation is usually straightforward too, which keeps costs down.
Different Types of Ceramic Tiles
Wall Tiles
These are thinner and lighter than floor tiles. They’re perfect for bathroom walls, kitchen splashbacks, and feature walls.
Wall tiles often come in smaller sizes and brighter colours. They don’t need to be as strong since people don’t walk on them.
Floor Tiles
Floor tiles are thicker and stronger. They need to handle foot traffic and furniture. Most have a slightly textured surface to prevent slips.
They come in larger sizes usually – this makes rooms look bigger and means fewer grout lines to clean.
Mosaic Tiles
These are small tiles, often sold on sheets. They’re great for curved surfaces or detailed patterns. Popular in bathrooms and as feature areas.
Mosaic tiles take longer to fit but create stunning effects.
Room by Room Ideas
Kitchens
Ceramic tiles work brilliantly in kitchens. Use them for floors, walls, or splashbacks.
For floors, choose larger tiles in neutral colours. They make the space feel bigger and are easy to clean. Avoid white – it shows every mark.
For splashbacks, you can be more creative. Coloured tiles or patterns add personality. Subway tiles are always popular and suit most kitchen styles.
Bathrooms
This is where ceramic tiles really shine. They handle moisture perfectly and are easy to keep hygienic.
Large floor tiles make small bathrooms feel bigger. Light colours help too. For walls, you can mix sizes and colours to create interest.
Non-slip tiles are important for bathroom floors. Look for ones with texture or a matt finish.
Living Areas
Ceramic tiles in living rooms create a modern, clean look. They’re great if you have pets or kids since spills wipe up easily.
Choose warmer colours to make the space feel cosy. Large tiles work best – they look more elegant than small ones.
Think about comfort though. Tiles feel harder underfoot than carpet or wood. Rugs can help with this.
Hallways
High-traffic areas like hallways are perfect for ceramic tiles. They handle muddy shoes and heavy use without showing wear.
Dark colours or patterns hide dirt between cleanings. Make sure you choose non-slip tiles for safety.
Size and Layout Tips
Large Tiles
Big tiles make rooms look bigger and have fewer grout lines to clean. They’re trendy right now and suit modern homes.
Best for open spaces and where you want a clean, simple look.
Small Tiles
Small tiles suit traditional styles and curved areas. They’re easier to fit around awkward shapes.
Good for small bathrooms or where you want detailed patterns.
Layout Patterns
Straight lay is the simplest – tiles in neat rows. It’s classic and never goes out of style.
Diagonal layouts make rooms look bigger but use more tiles and create more waste.
Brick pattern (like a brick wall) adds interest and hides wonky walls.
Colour and Pattern Ideas
Neutral Colours
Beige, grey, and cream tiles work with any décor. They’re safe choices that won’t date quickly.
Great if you like changing your décor often. The tiles provide a backdrop for furniture and accessories.
Bold Colours
Bright tiles can transform a space. Blue tiles in a bathroom create a spa feel. Red tiles in a kitchen add warmth.
Use bold colours carefully though. They’re harder to live with long-term and limit your decorating options.
Patterns
Patterned tiles are very popular right now. Geometric patterns, flowers, or traditional designs add character.
Use them as feature areas rather than covering whole rooms. Too much pattern can be overwhelming.
Practical Considerations
Slip Resistance
This matters for bathrooms, kitchens, and any area that might get wet. Look for tiles with texture or a matt finish.
Glossy tiles look great but can be slippery when wet. Save them for walls or dry areas.
Grout Choice
Grout colour affects the final look. Dark grout hides dirt but shows up more against light tiles. Light grout disappears against light tiles but shows dirt.
Epoxy grout costs more but resists stains better than standard grout.
Underfloor Heating
Ceramic tiles work well with underfloor heating. They conduct heat efficiently and aren’t damaged by temperature changes.
This makes tiled floors much more comfortable in bathrooms and living areas.
Installation Tips
Professional Fitting
While some people fit tiles themselves, professional installation often works out better. Tiles need to be level and properly sealed.
Poor installation shows up quickly with tiles. Wonky lines or loose tiles look awful and can be expensive to fix.
Preparation Matters
The surface under tiles needs to be solid and level. Any movement or bumps show through the tiles.
This preparation work is crucial but often overlooked. Don’t skimp on it.
Allow for Movement
Buildings move slightly with temperature changes. Expansion joints around the edges prevent tiles cracking.
Your installer should know about this, but it’s worth checking.
Looking After Ceramic Tiles
Daily Care
Sweep or hoover regularly to remove grit. This prevents scratches on the glaze.
Wipe up spills straight away. Even though tiles are water-resistant, standing water can stain grout.
Weekly Cleaning
Mop with warm water and a mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage grout.
A steam mop works well on ceramic tiles and sanitises at the same time.
Yearly Maintenance
Check grout lines and reseal if needed. This keeps water out and maintains the waterproof barrier.
Replace any cracked or loose tiles quickly. Water getting underneath causes bigger problems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing Style Over Function
That beautiful white tile might look amazing in the shop, but think about your real life. Will it still look good after six months in your kitchen?
Ignoring the Grout
People focus on the tiles but grout makes up a lot of what you see. Choose grout colour carefully.
Skimping on Quality
Cheap tiles might save money upfront but often don’t last. The cost of replacing them makes expensive tiles cheaper in the long run.
Wrong Size for the Space
Tiny tiles in a big room look busy. Huge tiles in a small room can look odd. Get samples and try them in your space first.
Making Your Choice
Think about how you use each room. A busy family kitchen needs different tiles from a guest bathroom.
Consider your long-term plans too. If you might sell your house soon, neutral tiles appeal to more people.
Get samples and live with them for a few days. Colours look different in your home lighting compared to the shop.
The Kent Flooring Difference
At Kent Flooring, we help you choose tiles that work for your life, not just your Instagram feed. We’ve seen what works in real homes and what doesn’t.
We take time to understand how you live and what matters to you. The perfect tiles balance what you love with what works practically.
Ceramic tiles can transform your home when you choose the right ones. Take your time, ask questions, and pick tiles that make you smile every day.
