Ceramic Tile Types, Patterns, Colors for a Kitchen You'll Love
Upgrading your kitchen with new ceramic tile can completely transform the look and feel of the space. With so many options for tile types, colors, shapes and layout patterns, it can be overwhelming to decide what will work best for your kitchen design.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Ceramic Tiles
There are several important factors that go into ceramic tile selection for kitchen floors and backsplashes. Carefully thinking through these elements will ensure you end up with the perfect tiles for both aesthetics and functionality.
Durability and Stain Resistance
For kitchens, one of the top considerations is durability and ease of cleaning. Tiles need to stand up to dropped pots and pans, spills, pet nails, foot traffic and more without chipping or staining.
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice as they are very dense and resistant to moisture, scratches and stains. Ceramic tiles can also work well for kitchens as long as they have a durable glazed finish.
Texture and Finish
Glazed ceramic tiles come in a range of glossy, matte and textured finishes. For floors you'll want some texture to provide grip and avoid slips. Matte tiles are better than super glossy for kitchen floors since they won't show smudges as easily.
For backsplashes and accent walls, you can pick any finish texture you love as they are decorative rather than walked on daily.
Size, Shape and Pattern
Standard ceramic tiles are available in squares, rectangles, hexagons and mosaics. Mixing shapes can create beautiful patterns. Common sizes range from 1x1 inch mosaics to 12x24 inch rectangles or larger format tiles.
Classic grid layouts are always stylish. Patterns like herringbone or chevron can add visual interest on floors or backsplashes.
Color and Design
The colors and patterns you select for your ceramic tiles can make a huge impact on the overall kitchen design. Choose colors that coordinate well with your existing cabinetry, counters, appliances and wall paint.
For a cohesive look, limiting your palette to 2-3 complementary colors works best. Don't forget to also pick out grout that complements your tiles.
Ceramic Tile Types for Kitchen Floors
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both great options for kitchen flooring. Which type you choose will depend on your budget as well as the durability required.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile is an excellent choice for kitchen floors because it stands up so well to heavy use. It resists moisture, stains, scratches and chips far better than standard ceramic tile.
Porcelain comes in a range of sizes, colors and finishes from matte to polished that mimic materials like stone, marble or wood. A popular kitchen flooring look is large format matte porcelain planks.
Ceramic Floor Tiles
While less durable than porcelain, regular ceramic floor tiles offer a more budget-friendly option. Their softer glazes make them prone to chipping from impacts.
Ceramic tile comes in a huge array of colors, prints, textures that can match any style. A textured surface provides needed grip on kitchen floors. Mixing glossy and matte tiles together can create visually appealing patterns.
Ceramic Tile Types for Kitchen Walls
Stone, ceramic, glass and metal backsplash tiles all work beautifully in kitchens. On walls, the look you love matters more than extreme durability.
Glass Mosaic Backsplash Tiles
Tiny glass mosaic tiles are a gorgeous choice for kitchen backsplashes. Their shine catches the light beautifully while their smooth surfaces resist moisture and are easy to keep clean.
Available in endless colors and mixes, glass mosaics can be laid in both traditional and unique eye-catching patterns. Accent with metal tiles for extra sparkle.
Metallic Backsplash Tiles
For contemporary kitchens, metallic backsplash tiles are a stylish option. Stainless steel, copper, and tin tiles have an industrial vibe. Mixing metal and glass mosaics together can create depth and texture.
Beyond stainless steel, there are bronze, brass, nickel and other metal-look tiles that pair nicely with professional-style appliances and fixtures.
Handpainted Ceramic Wall Tiles
Why settle for plain when you can have handpainted ceramic tile backsplashes and accent walls? Talented artists create tiles with colorful motifs, patterns, landscapes scenes and more.
Handpainted ceramic tiles lend a sense of artistry and uniqueness to kitchen walls. They come in all different pattern types from Moroccan influences to floral designs.
With so many sizes, materials, colors and designs to pick from, you're sure to find the perfect ceramic tiles to complement your kitchen's style.
Carefully consider the tile characteristics that are most important for your space like durability, ease of cleaning, color scheme and layout patterns. Planning ahead will help you end up with a cohesive, gorgeous kitchen tile design you'll enjoy for years to come.