When it comes to choosing the right tile for your home, there’s no shame in taking your time. After all, it’s important to get the right aesthetic. Just as important is finding the right tile based on durability and functionality.
There is no “one size fits all” floor tile. Every room has its own requirements.
For that reason, you’ll want to think about the purpose of the floor tile is in the room where you want it placed. Is it primarily for decorative purposes, or do you have more functional needs for that space? Eco Depot has a wide selection of porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and specialty floor tiles, each designed to meet different needs. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right tile for each room of your home.
Choosing the Right Tile For Kitchens & Dining Rooms
Kitchens and dining rooms are high foot traffic areas and need frequent cleaning. For that reason, you want a floor tile that is durable. Porcelain and ceramic are well-designed for that purpose.
Spills are very common in kitchens. You’ll want a floor tile that is slip-resistant.
Neutral tones work well, but patterned floors can also add personality to dining spaces. If you entertain guests a lot in your dining area, or you have a separate dining area for when you do entertain company, you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Another consideration are transition spaces. If your kitchen and dining room are separate, you’ll want to think about a seamless transition from room to room. Do you want the same floor tile or two complementary styles that look natural when you walk from one room to another? This is especially important for open-concept homes where the kitchen and dining room are not partitioned.
When it comes to backsplashes, large-format or subway tiles are easy to clean and look modern.
Bathroom Tile Flooring Choices
In bathrooms, it’s essential to have waterproof and non-slip floor tiles. Matte and textured finished do very well.
Porcelain has a low absorption rate. For that reason, it works great in bathrooms. Mosaic tiles work well for shower floors because you have more grout lines and they provide a better grip where it’s necessary.
Light colors can make smaller bathrooms feel larger.
For a spa-like feel, use decorative tiles. You can add accent walls or borders for a more upscale experience.
Porcelain Tile Is Great For Living Rooms Too!
Living rooms and family rooms are where many people spend most of their time when they’re home. You want this space to be stylish and comfortable. Large-format porcelain tiles or natural stone can create a luxurious look.
For a cozy atmosphere, look for warm tones or wood-look floor tiles.
Porcelain tiles retain heat very well. They are perfect for radiant systems if you install an underfloor heating system.
If your living room is busy, you’ll want low-maintenance tiles. Also, rugs strategically placed can soften the look and preserve your tiles longer.
Entryway And Hallway Floor Tile Needs To Be Able Withstand The Extra Wear And Tear
Entryways are very important. You’ll want durable tiles that are scratch-resistant and easy to maintain. This is especially important if you entertain a lot of guests as you’ll see a lot of foot traffic on those tiles.
Porcelain and natural stone handle that kind of traffic very well.
Another thing to think about, darker tones or patterned tile will disguise dirt and wear on those tiles. Textured finishes will prevent slipping with wet shoes. If you have a mud room, keep that in mind.
Finally, contrasting borders will define these spaces more visually. Hallways, in particular, can get lost in the maze of home layouts and are easy to forget about for some homeowners. They don’t have to look elegant, but they should handle whatever foot traffic comes their way. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with elegant floor tiles in the hallway, either.
Choose Basement Floor Tile That Can Withstand Moisture And Even Flooding
Floor tiles in your basement should be moisture-resistant. Porcelain is ideal for below-grade installations.
To make your basement look more open, consider larger tiles. These work well if you use your basement for entertainment. Man caves, underground bars, game rooms, and other such uses will feel larger.
Insulation and radiant floor heating will help combat cold floors in your basement.
Neutral or warmer tones can brighten darker spaces like basements. Make sure you match the lighting to set the mood just right. We also recommend anti-slip finishes in case you do run into minor moisture issues.
Every room of your house is different. It is important to consider the room and its functionality before you choose a floor tile.
