Tiles That Will Make You Smile

The Showroom Interior Solutions has the expertise required to advise when opting for tile flooring and how to use tiles in your home for maximum design impact and practical applications. Tiles have become a staple material for both kitchens and bathrooms and their growing popularity has resulted in the production of a wide range of colors, textures, shapes and styles. The following information has been compiled to provide an overview of available options that can be discussed in more detail when you visit The Showroom Interior Solutions to discuss the best choice of tiles and how to incorporate them into the design of your home.

The Basics

Before considering the type of tile you will choose, it is important to understand the following:

• Budget – this is probably the most important factor to consider before choosing the perfect tiles for you. This will ensure that you narrow down your selection to tiles that are suitable for your budget range.
• Placement – you have to consider the type of surface the tiles will be placed upon (e.g. backsplash, or floor). Some tile styles are not suitable as an option for a backsplash and so on.
• What’s your house like? – it is important to take into account the kind of home you have. Do you have heavy foot traffic? Are there children around? What about pets? If so, you should consider using tiles that can withstand you and your family’s activities. Find durable tiles that are not easily chipped or cracked.
• Size – the size of the tiles to be used needs to correspond to the space you want to cover. You must look at your room carefully and analyze what size best fits and is practical. The bigger the tiles, the bigger the room should be. Not following this may lead to some awkward grout lines and odd aesthetics.
• Color – while we all have our own preferences when it comes to choosing colors, it helps to know some of the basics that will aid you in maximizing your space visually:

• Light colors create a more spacious environment.
• Dark colors add warmth.
• Shades are best for blending and masking.
• Neutral colors are more compatible with any accessories you want to add.
• Bright colors give a vibrant and more cheerful look.

Types of Tile

Once the above criteria have been considered, it is time to explore the different types of tiles available and what makes each particular type a good choice.

Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are made from either red or white clay. They are easier to cut than porcelain and cost less. However, they are not as frost-resistant as porcelain, since they are more water absorbent. This is why they are best placed in moisture-rich areas like bathrooms. This type of tile is also very easy to clean and install. Unfortunately, they are only suitable for areas without heavy foot traffic because they wear easily.

Porcelain
Another type of tile made from clay and a close relative to ceramic is porcelain. This type of tile does not absorb as much water as ceramic, making it more resistant to frost. Porcelain tiles are also very resistant to wear and damage. It is best for flooring because of its no-slip grip and strength. Porcelain tiles are very durable and good for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Natural Stone
Natural stone is considered to be the best when it comes to durability. They also look the great, but require a lot of maintenance to keep their beauty. Some stones even need to be sealed to prevent staining and other types of damage. Following are various types of natural stone:

• Slate – this is best suited for floors, walkways, roofing, kitchen countertops and wet bars because of density and durability. It is available in different colors, with the most common shades being black, gray, and green.
• Marble – marble is available in a variety of unique colors that are deeper and more intense. Marble tiles are typically used on bathroom walls and floors, as well as courtyards. They also make great kitchen countertops.
• Limestone – this is a less dense version of marble and is usually more earthy in color. Since it is hard to polish and shine, limestone is commonly used for structural, entry and shower walls, as well as floors. It is not recommended for kitchen countertops and wet bars because it tends to be easily stained and scratched.
• Granite – known to be the second-hardest substance after diamonds, granite is very durable. Unlike other natural stones, granite can be used almost anywhere, including kitchen countertops, wet bars and bathroom vanities. Once polished, granite will maintain its gloss indefinitely.

Glass
Glass tiles are usually used in kitchens, specifically as part of a backsplash. They look fantastic, but regular cleaning is required to keep them at their best.

Carefully chosen tiles will add beautiful texture and accents to your home, contributing to the design of your home decor with a style that you can customize during the process of choosing the right material, texture, shape and size. The Showroom Interior Solutions will carefully consider all aspects of your project to ensure you find the perfect tiles to meet your style and functionality requirements.

Choosing The Showroom Interior Solutions comes with the peace of mind that your tiles will be built to the highest standard of lasting quality and look amazing.