Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Home: Where Do I Start?

When it comes to renovating or building your dream home, one of the most exciting yet overwhelming decisions you'll face is selecting the perfect tiles. 

From subway tiles to feature wall tiles and porcelain panels, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of choices. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

At VICTiles, we understand that selecting tiles can be daunting, so we’re here to help you make informed decisions that suit both your style and practical needs. 

By following a few simple guidelines, you can narrow down your choices and make the process much less overwhelming.

1. Start with Function and Lifestyle

Before you fall head over heels for a certain tile design, it's important to think about function first. Tiles are as much about practicality as they are about style. 

Different areas of your home have different needs, and choosing the right tile based on these requirements will help ensure that your tiles not only look great but perform well over time.

Wet Areas: Think Durability and Slip Resistance

In areas like bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens, you’ll want tiles that are moisture resistant and easy to clean. 

Bathroom tiles, for instance, should have non-slip properties to prevent accidents. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice here as they’re highly durable and resistant to water. Mosaic tiles (such as the visually appealing HEX009 22HE-6790 HEXAGON GLOSS BLACK 300X300MM) can also be a stylish option for wet areas, offering both beauty and function. 

These small tiles fit together well, creating intricate patterns and allowing for better drainage on floors.

High-Traffic Areas: Opt for Hard-Wearing Materials

High-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and kitchens require tiles that can handle wear and tear. 

Floor tiles made from durable materials like porcelain, stone, or ceramic are a great choice. They resist scratches, stains, and other signs of damage better than softer tiles. Stone look tiles (such as the best seller VICTILES WINS 600X600mm Matt Porcelain Tile - Grigio) are a trendy option that combine the timeless appeal of natural stone with the durability of porcelain.

Outdoor Areas: Tough Tiles for Tough Conditions

Outdoor areas need to withstand the elements, so outdoor tiles are a must. Look for tiles with a textured surface for added slip resistance and ones designed to cope with temperature fluctuations, moisture, and UV exposure. 

Stone look tiles also work well in these spaces, giving your outdoor areas a natural, earthy feel without the high maintenance of real stone.

2. Understand How Material, Size, Finish, and Colour Affect Style and Maintenance

Material Matters: Function and Style are Both Important

Ceramic Tiles

• Made from clay, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. 

• Lighter and more affordable, making them good for interior, low-traffic areas.

• Available in different finishes with flexible design styles (See the versatile Matang Collection).

Porcelain Tiles

• Denser and fired at higher temps than ceramic, which makes them very hard and durable. 

• Very low water absorption so they’re great for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor use. 

• Can mimic natural materials like stone or wood, while being low maintenance. 

• Anti-slip (structured or grip) versions for external or wet zones. 

Porcelain Panels

• Very large porcelain slabs that create seamless, continuous surfaces with fewer grout lines. 

• Lightweight compared to natural stone slabs, but still tough and scratch-resistant. 

• Versatile use: walls, floors, benches, even furniture. 

• Non-porous, so hygienic and low maintenance. 

Mosaic Tiles

• Small pieces (often on a mesh sheet) made from glass, ceramic, or porcelain. 

• Highly decorative. Perfect for feature walls, splashbacks, showers.

• Porcelain mosaics bring the strength and low water absorption of porcelain.

• Flexible installation (mesh sheets make it easier to apply on curved or irregular surfaces). 

Natural Stones

• These are real quarried stones (e.g. marble, travertine, limestone), not manufactured (the usage of engineered stone is currently banned in Australia due to harmful health risks).

• Very high-end, with natural variation in colour and veining so each tile is unique.

• They have good thermal properties (stay cool in summer, warm in winter) and bring a classic, timeless look.

• Require more maintenance. This is usually the case with natural stones.

Wall Cladding Tiles

• These are tiles specifically designed for vertical surfaces (walls) rather than floors.

• They may include stackstones or stone-look panels that add texture and architectural interest. 

• Cladding tiles often replicate natural stone or layered rock, giving a rugged or modern textured effect.

• Durable in outdoor or feature wall applications.

Pavers and Coping Tiles

• Pavers: thick, strong tiles meant for outdoor use (patios, driveways, walkways). Designed to handle weight and foot traffic. 

• Coping Tiles: used to cap the edges of pool surrounds, steps, or walls. They provide a finished edge and often have slip-resistant surfaces. 

• Often made from porcelain for weather resistance, low porosity, and durability. 

• Available in textured/structured finishes to improve grip in wet or exposed outdoor areas. 

Tile Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Tile size plays a big role in the feel of your space. Larger tiles can make a room feel bigger and more open by reducing the number of grout lines. 

Smaller tiles, like subway tiles, are perfect for adding detail and texture. Subway tiles are a classic choice for kitchens and bathrooms, and their rectangular shape creates a sleek, modern look.

Finish: Matte vs. Glossy

The finish of your tiles also affects their aesthetic and practical function. Glossy tiles can give a space a more polished, sophisticated look, but they tend to show smudges and dirt more easily. 

Matte tiles, on the other hand, offer a more subtle, contemporary finish and are often easier to maintain, especially in high-traffic areas. 

Colour: Light vs. Dark

The colour of your tiles can completely transform the feel of a room. Light colours like whites, creams, and pastels can brighten and open up a space, while dark colours like blacks, greys, and blues can create a more intimate, dramatic vibe. 

Consider how the colours of your tiles will work with your overall décor, furniture, and natural light.

3. Get Expert Advice and View Samples in Person

At VICTiles, we don't want you to have any regrets but simply, the best options for you and your home. 

Our experts are ready to assist you in selecting tiles that meet both your aesthetic and functional needs. We can guide you on the ideal materials, finishes, and sizes for your particular project.

Remember, before making a final decision, always view samples in person. Tiles can look quite different in person than they do online, and seeing them in the context of your own space will give you a better sense of how they’ll truly look. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to feel the texture and quality of our tiles firsthand.

Ready to start your tile journey?

Visit VICTiles today to explore our wide range of tiles, or alternatively, order a free sample online. Feel free to contact us for extra assistance, our experts are here to help you every step of the way. 

To check out more information about our tiles, bathwares, flooring, tools and more, go to our website.