If you’ve ever wandered aimlessly through a tile showroom, you know it can feel like falling into a Pinterest rabbit hole, so many options, so many patterns, so many ways to second-guess yourself.
Whether you’re sprucing up your kitchen before listing your home or giving your bathroom a mini-makeover to wow buyers, here are some expert-approved, practical tips to help you pick the perfect tile without losing your sanity.
Start with the Room’s Purpose
Different rooms serve different purposes, so your tile choices should match the function and vibe of each space. In the kitchen, things get messy quickly. Between pasta sauce splatters and cooking grease, easy-to-clean glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles are your best bet for backsplashes and flooring. Bathrooms are all about safety and moisture resistance. Designer Jean Stoffer suggests using smaller floor tiles in bathrooms because the increased grout lines provide better grip, which helps prevent slips. For shower walls, consider larger format tiles to reduce grout maintenance and create a clean, cohesive look. Always balance style with practicality, especially if you’re prepping to sell. Buyers appreciate beautiful finishes, but they also want materials that won’t be a headache to clean or maintain long term.
Keep Resale in Mind
If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it’s smart to choose timeless and neutral tile colors. While bold hues like teal or emerald can be beautiful, they may not appeal to every buyer. Stick with whites, soft grays, or warm beiges that feel clean, fresh, and universally loved. One of my clients almost picked a bold green backsplash that looked amazing but leaned too trendy. We pivoted to a classic white subway tile instead, and buyers loved it. Interior designer Orlando Soria recommends choosing finishes that will still look stylish ten years from now, especially in resale-focused renovations. Neutral choices help buyers visualize their own style in the space and make your home feel move-in ready without any overwhelming design distractions. Classic never goes out of style, and it helps sell homes faster.
Consider the Size
Large-format tiles are a smart choice if you’re working with small spaces like a narrow bathroom or a compact kitchen. They create the illusion of more square footage. Bonus: fewer grout lines mean less scrubbing and easier cleaning, which every busy household can appreciate! Interior designer Shea McGee often recommends them for a modern, seamless look that helps a space feel airy and uncluttered.
But don’t count out smaller tiles just yet. Mosaic or smaller tiles can add serious visual interest, especially when used as accents. Think a statement backsplash or a decorative shower niche. These intricate patterns can inject personality and charm into a space that might otherwise feel a little bland.
The key? Balance. Use larger tiles for the main surfaces and sprinkle in smaller ones where you want the eye to linger. It’s an easy way to make your home look polished, even if you’re prepping it for the market.
Mix, But Don’t Overdo It
Mixing tile shapes or finishes is a great way to infuse character into your space but restraint is key, especially when you’re prepping to sell. Too many bold patterns can feel chaotic and overwhelm potential buyers. Interior designer Emily Henderson suggests treating tiles like accessories: go for a statement piece, not a full-on fashion show. Want a herringbone shower niche or a glossy fish-scale backsplash? Great! Just keep the floor or surrounding walls clean and simple to balance things out. Pick one area to highlight, and let it shine. This approach creates visual interest without cluttering the space, buyers will notice the thoughtful design, not get distracted by it. Bottom line: a little personality goes a long way in making your home memorable.
Think About Texture
Smooth, glossy tiles can look sleek and modern, but they might not be the safest pick for wet areas like bathrooms or entryways. According to interior designer Amber Lewis, it’s important to consider how the space will be used day-to-day. She often opts for matte or textured tiles in high-traffic zones, not just for their slip resistance, but for the natural warmth and dimension they bring to a room. These finishes are especially helpful for busy households with kids or pets, where safety and ease of maintenance matter just as much as style. Textured tiles also tend to hide dust and water spots better, which means less frequent cleaning and is always a win.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Some tiles, like natural stone, bring gorgeous texture and organic beauty to a space. However, they also need sealing and regular upkeep to stay looking their best. That’s something to think about, especially if you’re prepping to sell. Designer Justina Blakeney suggests sticking with porcelain or ceramic tiles for most homeowners because they’re low-maintenance, durable, and hold up beautifully in busy homes. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and styles to suit any vibe. When buyers walk in, they want charm and convenience, not something that screams high-maintenance. So, unless you’re deeply in love with limestone, go with something that looks great and doesn’t demand constant care. Your future self and your buyer will thank you.
Bring Samples Home
Lighting can dramatically change how tile colors appear, so what looks perfect in a showroom might look completely different in your home. Always bring tile samples home and check them throughout the day—morning light, afternoon sun, and evening bulbs can all shift the tone. One client fell in love with a light gray tile at the store, but once home, it looked more yellow in his kitchen’s warm natural light. Thankfully, he tested it first. Interior designer Brian Gluckstein recommends viewing all materials in your home’s actual lighting before making a decision. A little planning goes a long way.
Choosing tile doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take a breath, focus on function first, and remember that simpler, classic choices often have the broadest appeal when you’re selling.
If you’re thinking about a remodel to boost your home’s value, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We’re here to guide you, from tile choices to the final sold sign in the yard. Let’s make your space shine without the showroom meltdowns!