Tiles continue to be the top choice for many homeowners, thanks to their durability and versatility. They’re easy to maintain too, which is a plus for busy folks who don’t have much time to spare for cleaning. But you don’t just randomly choose a tile type you like and that’s it. You’ve got to be smart and strategic about it, especially that different areas of your house have different needs.
Below is a room-by-room guide for tile design choices that make sense. Continue reading for the details.
Living Room
This area is usually dedicated to entertainment and relaxation. It’s also the first thing visitors see as they enter the door. Thus, it has to exude warmth and sophistication while remaining functional.
If we’re talking about a spacious living room area, large-format tiles would be ideal for that clean look that feels refreshingly open. Small spaces, however, won’t be a problem as you can always go for tiles in a diagonal or chevron pattern to give an illusion that they’re larger than they actually are. Another way to make the floor surface appear bigger is to match the tile and grout color, although a darker grout is the more practical choice as it effectively disguises dirt and isn’t difficult to maintain.
As for the color, you’d want to go for a light one like white, soft gray, or beige as they effectively reflect natural light and, thus, can brighten the area. You’d want a living room that feels airy so people would actually want to hang out there for hours. Meanwhile, stone-look and wood-look tiles are a great pick if you want to achieve that wood or marble aesthetic. Also, make sure that your final choice complements well with the other elements of your interior design. You don’t want your tiles standing out like a sore thumb.
You also need to consider that the living room is a high-traffic area; porcelain tiles’ durability is unbeatable in this regard. You don’t want anyone slipping as well, so you can opt for types with matte or textured finishes to be on the safe side.
You can also look into tile trends 2025 has to offer for additional insights into smart tile choices. This will help you decide what to get for your living room and other areas of your home.
Bedroom
This area is all about good night’s rest, so your tile choice should foster comfort without sacrificing style.
Large rectangular tiles are ideal for that open, spacious look. Dealing with a narrow space? That should be easy to address with chevron or herringbone tiles to make the room look bigger. Of course, durability should be a priority. Porcelain or vitrified tiles ace this department, not to mention they’re stain and moisture resistant, so you won’t have a hard time maintaining them.
Warm tones suit the bedroom best for a more natural feel. These include warm beige and oak. If you’re going for a modern vibe, gray tones should do the trick. And if you ever want to incorporate patterned tiles for added dimension, don’t go all out. Keep things minimal. For instance, pick just one portion where you can inject some geometric shapes to avoid overwhelming the whole space.
Tiles can also be great for accenting or creating a focal point. An art deco headboard, for instance, is entirely plausible. Go for a symmetrical pattern or, if you’re craving something more complex, opt for ones with a starburst or rosette motif.
Bathroom
Durability, easy maintenance, and safety are the top factors to consider when choosing tiles for your bathroom.
When it comes to tile size, large ones would make the area look more spacious, however it’s the smaller floor tiles (and, thus, more grout lines) that got better traction. If you have a small bathroom and want it to look more expansive, tile all the way up to the ceiling. You can also arrange tiles vertically to give the illusion of more height.
Porcelain and sealed natural stone tiles are the best pick if you want something that could last you a long time, thanks to their undeniable water resistance. Also, make sure to go for types with a matte or textured finish to prevent disastrous accidents. Such options keep chances of people slipping low.
Don’t forget to clothe your bathroom walls too. Ceramic, porcelain, and vitrified tiles are your best choice as they’re water resistant and not a chore to clean. Avoid porous types as they absorb water easily, damaging the walls after some time. Moreover, subway tiles are a classic choice, while stain-resistant, low porosity mosaic tiles can be great to create a focal point.
Earthy tones are your best bet as for the color. Think soft blues and greens, as well as mineral shades. A checkered or black and white floor works too if you want to go for a traditional or timeless look. You can also make use of shapes to add a bit of flair. Hexagonal or diamond tiles, for instance.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the most used area of the house. You basically start and end your day here, and it’s a place where interactions with your family and friends mostly happen while dishes are being prepared. You need tiles that could withstand heavy foot traffic and, of course, spills.
Ceramic, porcelain, or sealed terracotta tiles are ideal as they’re durable and stain resistant. For guaranteed slip resistance, go for ones with a matte or textured finish. Maintenance should be one of your top concerns too. Go for large-format tiles if you want fewer dealings with grout and easier cleaning. You can opt for smaller ones then have the grout in a darker color as this effectively conceals dirt and stains.
In terms of colors, go for light or neutral ones, especially if you’ve got a rather small space. These would make the area look more spacious. Warmer tones can work too if you want to inject a bit of sophistication, not to mention they can make the kitchen feel more inviting.
Now, forget everything but the kitchen backsplash. It’s the room’s focal point and it’s where you can make a statement. Subway tiles are the one if you want something timeless. You can have glass tiles for a more modern vibe. Going for an industrial aesthetic? Metallic tiles made of copper or stainless steel can stun without even trying. Finally, nothing beats the luxurious feel of artisanal types. Think hand-carved or Moroccan Zellige!
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right tile designs for the different areas of your house shouldn’t give you a headache. Refer to this guide as you strategize and you can find the perfect match for every room. Go for hard-wearing tiles that aren’t difficult to maintain, and make use of your creative juices so you can set them out aesthetically on your walls and floors.