How to Choose the Right Tiles for Your Kitchen or Bathroom
Choosing tiles for your kitchen or bathroom is an important part of creating a space you'll enjoy for years to come. With so many sizes, colours, finishes and materials available, knowing where to start can sometimes feel overwhelming.
At TFS Hinckley, we believe choosing tiles should be enjoyable. Here are a few things worth considering before making your final decision.
1. Start with the tile size
One of the first things to consider is the size of tile you'd like.
Larger tiles, such as 1200 × 600 mm, can create a contemporary appearance with fewer grout joints. Smaller formats, including 600 × 300 mm tiles, offer plenty of flexibility for kitchens and bathrooms.
For example, our Mauro porcelain range is available in a 600 × 300 mm format, while our Dome collection offers several sizes, including 1200 × 600 mm.
The size of your room, the layout and the look you're trying to achieve will all influence your choice.
2. Consider porcelain or ceramic
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can be excellent choices, but it's important to select a tile suitable for its intended location.
Porcelain tiles are generally dense, hard-wearing and well suited to many floor applications. Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for walls and decorative areas.
Always check whether your chosen tile is suitable for walls, floors or both, particularly in wet areas.
3. Think about colours and finishes
Tiles can completely change the feel of a room.
Light stone-effect tiles can help create a bright, open appearance, while darker marble-effect tiles can add contrast and character.
Our Dome porcelain collection includes Nut, Bone, Ash and Anthracite, offering a choice of neutral tones.
For something more dramatic, our Onyx Graphite and Magnifique polished porcelain ranges provide striking marble-effect finishes.
Remember to consider practicality too. For bathroom floors, especially wet areas, the appropriate slip resistance is an important consideration.
4. Add character with decorative tiles
Not every wall needs to look the same.
A feature wall, decorative splashback or contrasting tiled area can bring personality to a kitchen or bathroom.
Our Harlem and Colors collections offer slim-format decorative tiles, while the Abbey range provides patterned designs suitable for statement floors.
Combining a decorative tile with a simpler background tile can create an attractive finish without overwhelming the room.
5. Take samples home before deciding
This is one of the most useful things you can do.
A tile can look very different in a showroom compared with your own home. Natural daylight, artificial lighting, kitchen units, worktops and existing flooring can all affect how the colour appears.
At TFS Hinckley, we recommend starting with a tile size you like, browsing the ranges and picking out sample boards that catch your eye.
You can then take suitable sample boards home to see how the tiles look in your own surroundings before choosing your favourite.
6. Don't forget the finishing touches
The tiles themselves are only part of the finished result.
Grout colour, tile trims, adhesives and preparation materials all play an important role.
At TFS Hinckley, we also stock a selection of UltraTile adhesives, grouts, silicones, levelling compounds, trims and tiling accessories.
Whether you're working with a professional tiler or tackling your own project, our team can help you explore the available products.
Visit Our Tile Showroom in Hinckley
Our website features just a selection of the tile ranges available through TFS Hinckley.
There are many more styles, colours and sizes to explore in our showroom, and we can help source alternatives if you're looking for something particular.
Visit us, browse the displays and take your time choosing the tiles that are right for your home.
TFS Hinckley
Unit 60, Sparkenhoe House Business Centre
Southfield Road, Hinckley
Leicestershire, LE10 1UB
Tiles: 01455 239488
Great tiles. Honest advice. Unbeatable prices. That's TFS.