How to choose the right tiles? The complete guide to avoiding mistakes

Choosing tiles is not just about selecting a color or pattern. To achieve a durable, attractive, and easy-to-maintain result, you must also consider the room, the level of foot traffic, moisture, size, finish, and installation requirements.

Tiles suitable for a living room may not be appropriate for a shower, patio, or staircase. The right choice therefore depends above all on the intended use.

In this guide, Akdeniz Deco helps you understand the main criteria to check before buying your tiles.

Why is it important to choose the right tiles?

Tiles are generally installed for many years. A mistake at the time of purchase can lead to:

• a floor that is too slippery;
• a material that is difficult to clean;
• tiles that are unsuitable for outdoor use;
• an insufficient quantity during construction;
• a disappointing visual result;
• additional installation or replacement costs.

The price per square meter remains important, but it should never be the only criterion. You must look for the best balance between durability, safety, aesthetics, maintenance, and budget.

1. Choose your tiles according to the room

Each room has its own requirements. Before comparing colors and collections, start by identifying where the tiles will be installed.

What tiles to choose for a living room or lounge?

The living room is a highly frequented living space. The tiles must therefore be durable, visually comfortable, and easy to incorporate into the decor.

Large formats such as 60 × 60 cm, 80 × 80 cm, or 60 × 120 cm create a sense of space and reduce the number of visible joints.

The most popular styles for a living room are:

• stone effect;
• concrete effect;
• marble effect;
• wood effect;
• beige, sand, light gray, or greige tones.

A matte or slightly satin finish generally provides a contemporary result that is easy to live with every day.

What tiles to choose for a kitchen?

In a kitchen, the tiles must resist stains, water splashes, grease, and regular cleaning.

Prioritize:

• an easy-to-clean surface;
• low-porosity tiles;
• a matte or satin finish;
• a color that does not show marks too easily;
• joints suitable for intensive use.

For a backsplash, small formats, decorative tiles, or zellige effects can add character. For the floor, it is better to opt for durable, easy-to-maintain tiles.

What tiles to choose for a bathroom?

The bathroom requires special attention because moisture and the risk of slipping are significant.

For the floor, choose tiles that are sufficiently non-slip. In a walk-in shower, safety must come before aesthetics.

For the walls, the possibilities are broader:

• marble effect;
• stone effect;
• terrazzo;
• subway tiles;
• large formats;
• decorative reliefs.

Light colors visually enlarge a small bathroom, while dark shades create a more sophisticated atmosphere.

What tiles to choose for a toilet?

Toilets allow for greater decorative freedom. You can use:

• graphic tiles;
• a terrazzo effect;
• a hexagonal format;
• a stone imitation;
• a contrasting color;
• a decorative wall.

In a small space, light tiles or a medium format can create a sense of volume. However, maintenance must remain simple.

What tiles to choose for a bedroom?

Tiles are less common in a bedroom, but they can be appealing with underfloor heating or in a contemporary interior.

Wood-effect tiles offer the warm appearance of parquet with the durability and ease of maintenance of tiles.

To maintain a comfortable atmosphere, prioritize:

• natural tones;
• a realistic wood effect;
• discreet joints;
• a straight or offset installation;
• a matte finish.

What tiles to choose for an outdoor patio?

Outdoor tiles must withstand rain, temperature fluctuations, frost, UV rays, and frequent foot traffic.

You should check:

• their intended outdoor use;
• their level of grip;
• their resistance to the elements;
• their thickness;
• compatibility with the substrate;
• the quality of installation and water drainage.

For a patio, stone, concrete, and wood effects are particularly popular. An intermediate color is often easier to maintain than very light or very dark tiles.

What tiles to choose for a staircase?

Staircase tiles must be durable and safe.

It is advisable to provide:

• a non-slip surface;
• suitable stair nosings;
• good visibility between the steps;
• a shock-resistant material;
• precise and uniform installation.

The choice of finishes is essential, as stairs are high-traffic areas.

5. Check the durability of the tiles

Not all tiles offer the same level of durability. Some are intended for walls, while others are for residential floors, commercial spaces, or outdoor areas.

Before purchasing, check in particular:

• the product's intended use;
• its resistance to foot traffic;
• its scratch resistance;
• its shock resistance;
• how it handles moisture;
• its suitability for outdoor use.

The more frequented a room is, the more durable the tiles must be.

An entryway or kitchen floor will be more heavily used than a bathroom wall.

3. Choose sufficiently non-slip tiles

Grip is a fundamental criterion in wet rooms and outdoors.

It is particularly important for:

• showers;
• bathrooms;
• patios;
• pool surrounds;
• staircases;
• entrances exposed to rain.

Highly glossy tiles can be elegant, but they are not always suitable for wet floors.

Seek advice before choosing a flooring for a high-risk area.

4. Choose the right tile format

The format greatly influences the final appearance of the room.

Large formats

Large tiles provide a modern, sleek style. They reduce the number of joints and create a sense of continuity.

They are particularly suitable for:

• living rooms;
• large kitchens;
• contemporary bathrooms;
• open spaces;
• commercial spaces.

However, they require a sufficiently flat substrate and precise installation.

Small formats

Small tiles are suitable for:

• backsplashes;
• showers;
• curved surfaces;
• niches;
• decorative areas;
• small spaces.

They increase the number of joints, which can improve grip in certain areas, but also require more maintenance.

Rectangular formats

Rectangular formats can be installed:

• lengthwise;
• widthwise;
• offset;
• in a herringbone pattern;
• diagonally.

The direction of installation can visually enlarge a room or change its perception.

5. Choose between a matte, glossy, or textured finish

The finish influences style, maintenance, and safety.

Matte tiles

Matte tiles offer a sober, contemporary look. They generally show marks less than some highly glossy surfaces.

They are popular in living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and patios.

Glossy tiles

Glossy tiles reflect light and can visually enlarge a room.

They are particularly suitable for walls, backsplashes, or certain rooms with floors that are not exposed to moisture.

However, they may highlight marks, reflections, and imperfections more.

Textured tiles

Textured tiles have a more textured surface.

They can be appealing for:

• outdoor use;
• wet areas;
• stone effects;
• decorative walls;
• spaces seeking more texture.

However, a highly textured surface may require more careful maintenance.

6. Choose the color according to the light and the size of the room

Color greatly changes the perception of space.

Light tiles

Light shades:

• reflect light;
• create a sense of space;
• create a bright atmosphere;
• are suitable for small rooms.

Beige, cream, off-white and light grey are easy to match.

Dark tiles

Dark colours add contrast and a premium feel.

They work particularly well in:

• a large bathroom;
• a modern kitchen;
• a commercial space;
• a feature wall;
• a well-lit room.

However, they can make dust, water marks or limescale more visible.

Marble or terrazzo effect tiles

Marble and terrazzo effects add character. They can be used over a large area or as a decorative feature.

To avoid overwhelming the room, pair them with more understated furniture and walls.

7. Take the width and colour of the grout into account

Grout has a major impact on the final result.

Grout close to the colour of the tiles creates a uniform effect. Contrasting grout highlights the shape and format of the tiles.

The width of the grout depends on:

• the type of tile;
• its format;
• the regularity of its edges;
• the substrate;
• the installation method;
• the manufacturer's recommendations.

Do not choose grout based on colour alone. It must also be suitable for the room, humidity levels and foot traffic.

8. Allow for enough tiles

Buying exactly the area of the room is a common mistake. Always allow a margin for:

• cuts;
• damaged tiles;
• angles;
• obstacles;
• the direction of installation;
• future repairs.

The required margin varies depending on the shape of the room and the installation method.

Straight installation in a simple room generally results in fewer losses than diagonal or herringbone installation, or installation in a room with many angles.

It is recommended to have the quantities calculated before ordering.

9. Check the dimensions and flatness of the substrate

Even high-quality tiles can produce a poor result if the substrate is not properly prepared.

Before installation, check:

• the flatness of the floor or wall;
• the cleanliness of the substrate;
• its moisture level;
• the presence of cracks;
• its stability;
• compatibility with the adhesive;
• waterproofing in wet areas.

Large-format tiles require particularly precise preparation.

10. Do not overlook installation products

The result depends as much on the tiles as on the products used to install them.

Choose the following correctly:

• adhesive;
• grout;
• primer;
• waterproofing;
• spacers;
• profiles;
• post-installation cleaning products.

Products must be suitable for the substrate, tile format, room and indoor or outdoor use.

The most common mistakes to avoid

Choosing based on appearance alone

Tiles may be very beautiful but unsuitable for their intended use. Always check their recommended use and specifications.

Buying based on price alone

An attractive price does not guarantee that the product will be suitable for your room or project.

Underestimating waste

An insufficient quantity can cause work to stop. The same model or production batch may no longer be available.

Neglecting grout

Poorly chosen grout can completely change the look and make maintenance more difficult.

Mixing tiles without checking for shade variations

Tiles may vary slightly. It is advisable to open several boxes and mix the tiles during installation.

Installing outdoor tiles indoors without checking their maintenance requirements

A highly textured surface may be more difficult to clean in a kitchen or living room.

Choosing slippery tiles for a wet area

Safety must remain a priority in a bathroom, shower room or on a terrace.

Forgetting to keep a few spare tiles

Keep a few spare tiles after the project is finished for future repairs.

How to choose tiles according to your budget

The budget does not only include the price of the tiles.

You must also allow for:

• adhesive;
• grout;
• profiles;
• delivery;
• substrate preparation;
• cuts;
• installation;
• waste margin;
• skirting boards.

More expensive tiles may sometimes be a better choice if they offer greater durability, easier maintenance and a longer lifespan.

Therefore, compare the overall cost of the project, not just the price per square metre.

Indoor or outdoor tiles: what is the difference?

Outdoor tiles must be designed to withstand more demanding conditions.

They must be able to withstand, in particular:

• temperature changes;
• moisture;
• adverse weather conditions;
• frost, depending on the situation;
• dirt;
• repeated foot traffic.

Indoor tiles are not automatically suitable for a terrace.

Always check the manufacturer's recommended use.

What style of tiles should you choose?

Wood effect

Ideal for creating a warm atmosphere in a living room, bedroom or bathroom.

Concrete effect

Suitable for modern, industrial and minimalist interiors.

Marble effect

Adds an elegant, premium look to a bathroom, living room or entrance hall.

Stone effect

Suitable for natural-style interiors, terraces and contemporary spaces.

Terrazzo

Adds dynamism and a strong decorative touch.

Retro tiles

Perfect for an entrance hall, splashback, toilet or decorative area.

Checklist before buying your tiles

Before confirming your order, check the following:

• The room where the tiles will be installed;
• Whether they will be installed on the floor or wall;
• Indoor or outdoor use;
• The level of foot traffic;
• Exposure to water;
• The required level of adhesion;
• The format;
• The finish;
• The colour of the grout;
• The total area;
• The margin for cuts;
• Stock availability;
• The required installation products;
• Delivery;
• Keeping a few spare tiles.

Need help choosing the right tiles in Brussels?

Choosing the right tiles is easier when you can compare formats, textures and colours in person in a showroom.

At Akdeniz Deco & Carrelage, our team will help you choose tiles for your living room, kitchen, bathroom, terrace, stairs or commercial project.

You can also ask for:

• Personalised advice;
• An estimate of the quantities;
• A layout plan;
• A free quote;
• Information about delivery;
• A selection tailored to your style and budget.

Akdeniz Deco & Carrelage
18 rue de Beughem
1030 Brussels

Telephone: 02 218 20 01
Website: akdenizdeco.be
Free parking available

Do you already know the dimensions of your room? Ask for your free estimate and discover the tiles that are right for your project.