How to Choose Tiles for Kitchen & Bathroom in the UK
Choosing the right tiles for your kitchen or bathroom isn’t just about looks—it’s about durability, practicality, and style. With so many options in the UK market, it can be overwhelming. This guide will help you pick the perfect ceramic or porcelain tiles, understand tile sizes, and follow modern trends.
Why Choosing the Right Tiles Matters
Tiles are more than decoration they protect surfaces, make maintenance easier, and set the tone for your home. The right choice can:
Increase durability against water, stains, and wear
Make cleaning and maintenance effortless
Enhance the aesthetic appeal and modern style
Improve resale value of your home
Choose the Right Material – Ceramic vs Porcelain
In the UK, ceramic and porcelain tiles dominate kitchens and bathrooms. Here’s how to choose:
Ceramic Tiles – Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
Pros: Affordable, versatile, easy to cut, wide range of colours and finishes
Cons: Less durable for floors, more prone to chipping, slightly porous
Best Uses: Bathroom walls, kitchen splashbacks, low-traffic floors
Porcelain Tiles – Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
Pros: Extremely durable, water-resistant, available in large sizes, can mimic stone or wood
Cons: Higher cost, harder to cut, professional installation recommended
Best Uses: Bathroom floors, kitchen floors, high-traffic areas
Matt vs Gloss Finish
Gloss Tiles: Reflect light, ideal for walls, splashbacks, and brightening small spaces
Matt Tiles: Non-reflective, slip-resistant, perfect for floors
Choose Tile Sizes
Tile size changes the perception of your space. Popular UK sizes include:
Large tiles (600x600mm, 600x1200mm) make small spaces appear bigger and reduce grout lines, which makes cleaning easier.
Medium tiles (300x600mm, 300x450mm) are perfect for walls, backsplashes, or creating a classic subway tile effect.