Matte or glossy tiles? Maybe a compromise between the two could be the best solution? This article offers advice on how to select the right type of floor tiles for the room, from the living room to the bathroom, that perfectly complements the design of the interior. It also examines the benefits and drawbacks of each of these two types of tiles, helping you make an informed decision.

Every kind of floor tiling offers unique benefits and shortcomings. One of the major advantages of matte tiles is that they are much easier to maintain. You won't have to worry about visible fingerprints and dirt being shown, thus they are suitable for places such as kitchens, bathrooms, and even the garage. These types of tiles are also normally used on balconies and patios, to prevent large discoloration marks caused by weather elements.

As for the positive features of glossy tiles, it should definitely be noted that they beautifully adorn the interior. They are elegant and stylish. However, their main disadvantage is that every smudge or splash on them is highly visible. Additionally, they can be quite slippery.

Therefore, when choosing flooring, it is worth considering an intermediate option, namely lappato. This stoneware looks stylish, similar to glossy tiles, and at the same time, thanks to its matte finish, it is easy to clean.

What tiles should be used for the living room - matte or glossy?

In fact, the advantages and disadvantages of matte or glossy tiles can be considered in terms of what room they will be laid in. For the living room, it is very common to choose an elegant floor that creates a reflective, almost mirror-like effect. Gloss tiles will work well in living rooms finished in a glamorous style. This means that the entire arrangement will look very modern and exclusive. Gloss tiles will add style and class to the room. Most often, fashionable large-format tiles are used here, which create an almost mirror-like sheet. The decoration of such a floor can include soft carpets that imitate leather.

In rustic living rooms, matte or lappato tiles will work better. In cozy interiors with such a character, wooden flooring looks best. However, you can choose a floor that imitates wood; it will have a matte character. Matte stoneware tiles will also work well in industrial and modern interiors. The industrial style relies on raw solutions, such as copper, steel, bare brick, or concrete. Large matte tiles imitating concrete will fit perfectly in such a room.

Shiny tiles work well not only in spacious and grandiose living rooms, but especially in small rooms. Are you familiar with the technique of enlarging interiors with mirrors on the walls? Glossy tiles work in a similar way, reflecting daylight or artificial light to make the room gain depth and seem twice as big. And what to do when the living room is combined with the kitchen or kitchenette? Is it possible to combine matte and glossy tiles? Yes! This is a good example of how to do it with thoughtfulness. In the kitchen area you can lay matte tiles, and in the living room you can choose a similar pattern with gloss.

What tiles should be used for the kitchen - matte or glossy?

When it comes to kitchens, matte tiles are a surefire popular choice due to their utilitarian design. In this area, it is almost certain that dirt and messes will be present and the floor will be subject to wiping several times throughout the day. To handle this, it is wise to opt for matte tiles which have been built to withstand abrasion.

However, nothing prevents you from creating a very elegant and luxurious kitchen with glossy tiles on the floor. Keep in mind, though, that this will be a less practical solution, and you will have to deal with the fact that even the slightest splash will be visible on the tiles. For those who don't want to sacrifice the shine on the floor, but still value the functionality of design solutions, we recommend lappato, or semi-matte tiles. They will provide the right amount of shine, and at the same time, their matte elements will subtly hide dirt.

What tiles should be used for the bathroom - matte or glossy?

So, let's resolve the last room: bathroom, where tiles play an extremely important role. So, should you choose matte or glossy tiles? Here, functionality will also play a huge role. In bathroom, you need to pay attention not only to whether they fit the style of the interior, but, above all, whether the solution used is safe. Often, but not always, glossy tiles have a lower standard of slip resistance. In bathroom, this issue is very important, due to the contact of water with the floor. In addition, frequent splashes or deposits from soap or cosmetics make matte tiles the natural choice for the floor.

Gloss tiles can be a great choice for small rooms. For example, in the living room, a mirrored sheet of tiles can create the illusion of space and make the room appear larger. An interesting fact: when it comes to small rooms, it is usually better to choose light-colored tiles and glaze for the walls - this will create an open, airy atmosphere and make the room look larger.

Matte or glossy tiles? Let's summarize.

Before you decide on one type of flooring, it's important to consider your options carefully. First, determine what purpose the room will serve, then consider the style in which you will decorate it. Both glossy and matte tiles have their own advantages and disadvantages. Matte tiles are usually easier to keep clean, while glossy ones can give the room a unique, glamorous look. Remember that you can always opt for a third option and lay lappato tiles on the floor.