Choosing the Right Floor Tile
The Dilemma
Floor tiles sound simple until you begin choosing them. In a showroom, tiles are displayed in perfect lighting, in perfect combinations, with immaculate grout lines. At home, the same tiles can look completely different — too busy, too cold, too glossy, too beige, too grey, or simply incompatible with the light and materials in the room.
Many homeowners find themselves stuck between multiple tile options, unsure which size, finish or grout colour will actually work. The dilemma is not just about picking a tile you like, but picking the tile that will improve the way your home feels day-to-day.
The Options
Option 1: Large-Format Tiles
Large tiles reduce grout lines and create calm, continuous surfaces.
They can make small rooms feel more intentional and larger rooms feel more refined.
Pros:
quiet, minimal look
easy to clean
visually expands the room
Cons:
awkward cuts in small or irregular spaces
needs good set-out to look right
Option 2: Medium-Format Tiles
The most universal choice — suitable for almost every home.
Pros:
balanced look
affordable installation
flexible for layout constraints
Cons:
can look “plain” if the tile itself has little character
Option 3: Small Tiles or Patterned Tiles
Mosaics, herringbone, metro tiles and small squares offer rich texture and pattern.
Pros:
characterful
works well in bathrooms
ideal for feature areas
Cons:
visually busy
more grout = more maintenance
The Decision Criteria
1. Room Use
A kitchen or hallway needs tiles that are durable, easy to maintain, and forgiving of dirt.
Bathrooms need tiles that handle moisture and feel comfortable underfoot.
2. Tile Tone and Undertone
Warm-toned tiles suit timber floors and beige or off-white walls.
Cool-toned tiles suit concrete-effect finishes and crisp whites.
Always test tile samples in your actual room — morning, midday and evening.
3. Lighting Conditions
Gloss tiles can brighten dark rooms but may reflect too strongly near windows.
Matt tiles give a soft, modern feel and hide marks better.
4. Room Proportion
Long, narrow tiles elongate a room.
Square tiles can stabilise irregular geometry.
Tile direction matters as much as tile size.
5. Grout Colour
A close grout colour makes the tiles feel seamless.
A contrasting grout emphasises the grid.
On floors, a slightly darker grout is almost always the more practical choice.
The Recommendation
Choose tiles that support the mood you want rather than tiles that stand out on their own.
If your room is busy — with open shelving, strong colours, or patterned fabrics — choose simpler tiles.
If your room is plain, a tile with slight texture or movement adds depth without taking over.
For most family homes, medium or large-format tiles in warm mid-tones offer the most long-term comfort and flexibility.
And remember: the best tile in the wrong set-out will look wrong. The second-best tile in the right set-out will look perfect.
A Quick Tip
Place your tile sample flat on the floor at home and photograph it from standing height. That’s the real view you’ll see daily — not the showroom version.
