From splashbacks to flooring, how to choose and combine tiles for a practical, beautiful kitchen.
The kitchen sees spills, grease, and heavy traffic. The right tiles protect walls and floors while defining the look of the space. Here's how to choose and combine them.
Floor tiles: durability first Kitchen floors need to resist stains, scratches, and slips. Porcelain in matte or satin finish is ideal—it's hard-wearing and easy to clean. Avoid high-gloss on floors where spills are likely. Larger formats mean fewer grout lines and a cleaner look. Choose a colour and pattern that hide minor dirt between cleans; very light or very dark can show every mark.
Kitchen floors need to resist stains, scratches, and slips. Porcelain in matte or satin finish is ideal—it's hard-wearing and easy to clean. Avoid high-gloss on floors where spills are likely. Larger formats mean fewer grout lines and a cleaner look. Choose a colour and pattern that hide minor dirt between cleans; very light or very dark can show every mark.
Splashbacks and wall tiles Walls behind the hob and sink need to be easy to wipe down. Glazed ceramic or porcelain in any size works well. Subway tiles, large formats, and geometric patterns are all popular. Match or contrast with the floor—same tone creates flow; a bold splashback can become the focal point. Ensure tiles and grout are suitable for contact with moisture and cooking residue.
Walls behind the hob and sink need to be easy to wipe down. Glazed ceramic or porcelain in any size works well. Subway tiles, large formats, and geometric patterns are all popular. Match or contrast with the floor—same tone creates flow; a bold splashback can become the focal point. Ensure tiles and grout are suitable for contact with moisture and cooking residue.
Open-plan and continuity If your kitchen flows into a living or dining area, continuing the same floor tile creates a sense of space. Use the same tile in a different finish or size for a subtle zone change, or introduce a border or feature strip. Keep transitions flush and safe.
If your kitchen flows into a living or dining area, continuing the same floor tile creates a sense of space. Use the same tile in a different finish or size for a subtle zone change, or introduce a border or feature strip. Keep transitions flush and safe.
Maintenance Use pH-neutral or tile-specific cleaners. Avoid harsh acids and abrasives. Wipe spills promptly, especially on light grout. With the right choice and routine care, kitchen tiles stay looking good for decades.
Use pH-neutral or tile-specific cleaners. Avoid harsh acids and abrasives. Wipe spills promptly, especially on light grout. With the right choice and routine care, kitchen tiles stay looking good for decades.
