Think about how a glossy splashback brightens up a kitchen or how textured tiles give a patio that stylish, finished look. No matter if you’re planning a bathroom makeover, a kitchen refresh, or an outdoor upgrade, the tiles you pick will either lift the design or make it feel a bit flat. To cut through the confusion, here are seven practical tips that will help you choose tiles that actually work for your space.

1. Match the Tiles to the Right Spot

Start with the basics: where are your tiles going? Tiles that look great on a kitchen wall won’t suit a bathroom floor. The same goes for indoor versus outdoor spaces. A polished tile inside a living area looks sleek, but put that same tile around a pool and you’ll be slipping around in no time. By keeping the function of the area in mind, you’ll narrow your options and avoid picking tiles that won’t hold up.

2. Pick a Style That Fits the Room’s Look

Keep in mind that tiles can either be the star of the room or quietly tie the design together. Before you buy, think about the overall style you want. Are you chasing a modern feel with glossy surfaces and clean lines? Or do you like the warmth of a rustic look with earthy tones and textures? Amber tiles allows you to see tiles in person, compare finishes, and picture how they’ll look once installed.

3. Consider Size and Shape Carefully

Larger tiles can open up a space or give it a more modern edge, but they can also make the texture less interesting and detailed than if it were small. For example, opting for mosaics is just fine when it comes to splashbacks or shower niches, while large-format tiles work only in open living spaces. Keep in mind, rectangular tiles can make a space feel longer, and square ones add balance and symmetry.

4. Think About the Finish and How It Performs

The finish of your tile doesn’t only impact what your room will look like but also how easy those tiles are to live with. Glowing tiles reflect light, which adds brightness to a space, but they may show watermarks. Matte finishes feel softer and provide more grip, so they’re a good choice for outdoor locations. Textured tiles also create character and traction, especially in high-traffic areas and places that need to be safe.

5. Check Durability and Maintenance Needs

In density, porcelain is much stronger and longer-lasting than ceramic, making it weigh more than ceramic. On the other hand, that makes it much less susceptible to water and scratching. Natural stone tiles are lovely and built to be individual, but they must be sealed and cared for more frequently to keep their natural appearance. Select a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution to save money and time.

6. Don’t Forget About Grout

Grout may seem like a small detail, but it becomes a defining element once the tiles are set. A light grout can make a room feel open, while a darker grout will provide more contrast to show off the pattern of your tile. On the practical side, darker grout hides stains, making it useful in kitchens and bathrooms. Choosing the right color and type of grout helps to bring your tiles together and complete them.

7. Balance Quality and Budget

Some logo options are hard to pass up, but establishing a budget usually keeps things realistic. Fortunately, no one needs to be a millionaire in order to have stylish and durable tile. There are a lot of inexpensive ones that look just as good as expensive ones. Pick up a few samples and ask yourself if the more expensive option offers enough extra value to rationalize spending that much.

Making Tile Choices Easier

Just by considering where you’ll put them, the look you’re aiming for and the right size and shape, finish and durability, you’ll already have made a more informed choice. Toss in the finishing grout and counter your choices with a budget, and you get tiles that function just fine for your life. A little advance planning, along with these tricks, and you’ll arrive at a result you can live with happily for years.