Choosing floor tiles

When it comes to floor tiles there are myriad options. They come in a vast array of colours, shapes and formats and a number of different materials. Choosing the right floor tiles can be a little daunting, so we’ve put together a short list of things to consider…

Tip 1

Increasingly, tiles are being used throughout the home, rather than being confined to kitchens, hallways and bathrooms. Many of Fired Earth’s latest collections would be a stylish addition to any room and they can be used over underfloor heating too, so there’s no need to worry about tiles feeling in any way cold or austere. Statement-making designs would be perfect for a living room or even a bedroom, and tiles can offer a practical and good-looking solution for home offices, studies and playrooms.

Tip 2

If you’re tiling the floor of a room where other elements are already in place – for example, a kitchen with existing cabinetry – it makes it easier as it narrows down the options. Make a mood board with the pieces you already have in place and add in tile options to see how they work together. If you’re starting with a blank canvas and are choosing the tiles first, you can go wild with a statement-making floor.

Tip 3

Larger format tiles can make a room seem bigger, as there are fewer grout lines to confuse the eye. If you continue the material you use on the floor up the walls it will give the illusion of space. This works particularly well with ranges – such as our marble one – where there are a number of different formats.

Tip 4

The way a tile is finished will contribute a lot to the feel of a room. For example, tiles with a diamond-sawn edge will give you a streamlined, clean, modern look; a tumbled or chipped-edge finish will feel softer and more traditional and is great for achieving a country feel.

Tip 5

Practicality is key when choosing flooring – no one wants to spend any longer than necessary on cleaning – but that certainly doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style. Porcelain tiles are a fantastic, low-maintenance option and there are designs for every kind of space, from replica wood or stone for a natural look to decorative geometric designs.

Tip 6

Porcelain tiles are often suitable for outdoor use (always check tile suitability before buying) and so they can be an ideal choice if you’re looking to extend the kitchen floor on to a terrace or patio.

Tip 7

Slate is a timeless practical choice and is available in a wide variety of formats and styles. It can be used to dramatic effect on both walls and floors and its textured surface is hugely practical. With a number of styles available, slate flooring can give you a look that is thoroughly modern or more rustic and traditional.

Tip 8

Natural stone floor tiles are a brilliant choice for today’s home. Durable, practical and timeless, there really is a stone for every space. Because stone is a natural product you’ll often find variations and imperfections making it even more unique and beautiful. Plus, it gets even better as it ages.