12 Ways to Choose the Right Tiles for Your Home

Match the Style of Your Home If you’ve spent hours scrolling through online tile websites, you’re not alone! While we love perusing different patterns and designs, making a decision can be difficult. It's helpful to consider the overall style of your home when selecting your tiles. If your space is modern, look for tile with sleek, simple lines. For a more eclectic look, go with vibrant hues and bold patterns. Tile Size Vs. Room Size Before you fall head over heels for a specific tile, consider the size of your prospective room before making your final choice. Generally speaking, smaller tiles work better in compact areas and larger tiles are more suited to expansive spaces. Plus, matching the scale of your space can make installation much easier. The Design Trinity: Color, Texture, and Pattern Your chosen color(s) will affect the ambience of the entire room. The tile’s hue may also impact your furniture pairings. A simple solution is to choose a shade that is versatile enough to work with a variety of décor. However, if a certain color is calling your name, go for it! After all, it’s easier to change furniture than tile.The texture of your tile involves both visual and practical considerations. Avoid a tile that is too glossy in areas where slipping is a concern. Consider a nonporous tile for damp conditions. Reach out to the Zia team if you have questions about tile types in different settings. Combine style and sensibility for ultimate success! If you want your tile to be the focus of the room, opt for a vivid pattern. For something that camouflages with its surroundings, a solid color or subtle pattern may be preferable. Reflecting/Absorbing Light If you want to make your room appear bigger, choose a brighter, glossier finish that will help reflect light. Darker colors tend to absorb light and heat, which makes them optimal for a larger, cooler environment. Usage & Return on Investment Water Absorption Water absorption may be a consideration, depending on where you install your tiles. For bathrooms and spas, we recommend selecting a material that is less porous for longevity. If your tiles won’t be exposed to recurring moisture, then you have much more freedom when it comes to tile types. Grout Different types of tiles require different types of grout. The good news is, grout work isn’t nearly as daunting as it seems! You can opt for tile that doesn’t require grout lines (like Moroccan zellige tile), or you can choose grout in a similar color to your tile of choice. Contrasting grout is a design choice, just make sure the tiles are installed by skilled professionals to prevent unwanted staining. When in doubt, go with a slightly wider grout line for a more even surface. Resistance and Durability Not all tiles are created equal. In fact, some are significantly stronger than others. If you’re planning on installing your tiles in a high-trafficked area, seek out an ultra-durable surface. If you’re using your tiles as a decorative backsplash, resilience is a much smaller concern. A Promising Future Longevity is likely at the top of your list when it comes to tile qualifications. If you’re planning on staying in your home for the foreseeable future, a high-end tile is the way to go. While mass-manufactured tiles are less costly to purchase and install, their durability is questionable. Not to mention, you always want to increase your resale value!Pro Tip: Handmade cement tile is unmatched when it comes to durability. You can observe its endurance over centuries of wear and tear! Upkeep and Maintenance We get it. The last thing you want is to add to your list of chores. Not to fear! There are plenty of tile options that are easy to keep clean. Even in areas where tiles are exposed to grease and grime, all you have to do is mop them with a pH neutral cleaner. For areas where deep cleaning may be required, consider larger tiles with smooth surfaces for ease. R&R (Refinish and Revitalize!) It’s natural for your tile to lose vibrance over time. Organic fading and patina are expected. But don’t fret! You may actually love the aged look. Also, some tiles can be sanded down to reveal their original pigmentation. Handmade cement tiles can be refinished by removing a razor-thin surface layer. This will also remove any minor scratches or unwanted discoloration. If you want the ability to restore your tile to its original beauty, go with a material like handmade cement.   Go Green Save the planet as you renovate your home. Some tiles are more environmentally friendly than others, and it all comes down to the process in which they’re made. While certain tiles are crafted using high-heat ovens that require massive amounts of energy, others are pressed by hand and dried in the sun. Handmade cement tile is an excellent earth-friendly option for eco-conscious homeowners looking to go green. And Finally…the Price! While the cost is an important consideration, quality is key. Lucky for you, there are several cost-effective options that perform beautifully. Zia Tile offers artisan-made tile at accessible prices. With handmade cement tiles in over 200 patterns and shapes, you’re bound to find a suitable style for your project. Handmade tile will also give your home a one-of-a-kind touch. As opposed to mass-produced tile, handmade tile has been carefully crafted by skilled artisans. While the cost may be slightly higher than commercial tile, there is no comparison when it comes to quality and visible dimension. The subtle variations between each handmade tile make them entirely unique and inimitable. Our handmade cement tile is a long-term investment in both aesthetics and durability. Congratulations! You Know Your Tile Now that you know how to choose your perfect tile, it’s time to make your final selection! Be sure to check out our entire lineup of tiles. From handmade cement tile, to standard fieldtile, to Moroccan zellige tile, there is something for everyone. Transform yourhome in the blink of an eye with an investment that is worth every penny.