Article: The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Floor Tiles
The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Floor Tiles
If you’ve ever walked into a tile store and felt immediately overwhelmed by the options in tile and flooring, you’re not alone.
Selecting floor tiles for any space can feel surprisingly complicated. There are so many beautiful materials, colours, shapes, and finishes available, and it’s easy to second-guess every option and even reconsider the “look” you want to go for in your own home.
You might be wondering whether an option is too bold, too subtle, too patterned, too polished, or too high-maintenance. And you’re right to put some major thought into this decision, because floor tiles do more than simply cover a surface. They anchor the entire design of a room while valiantly handling everyday wear, from muddy shoes and spills to pets, furniture, and constant foot traffic.
Here’s the good news: We’re going to help you break through the overwhelm with this floor and tile guide. You’ll be equipped with the information you need to understand how different types of floor tile materials perform and considerations for choosing the best floor tiles for kitchens, toilets, entryways, and living spaces. Plus, you’ll find plenty of design inspiration from Otto Tiles & Design.
Key Things to Consider for Floor Tiles
Before exploring specific floor tiles, it helps to consider universal factors that influence how tiles perform throughout a home and can guide your decision-making process.
Durability and Foot Traffic
If you think about the areas in your home that get the heaviest foot traffic, it’s likely places like entryways, kitchens, and hallways. Flooring in these areas needs to withstand constant wear without scratching, cracking, or losing its finish.
Natural stone tiles, such as slate, and well-sealed cement or terrazzo tiles, are often chosen for their long-term durability in high-traffic environments.
Slip Resistance
Safety is another essential consideration for floor tiles, especially in bathrooms, mudrooms, and outdoor areas where water and condensation can make a floor slippery.
Because highly polished stone surfaces like marble can become slippery when wet, many people prefer honed finishes, textured surfaces, or smaller tile formats that allow for more grout lines and better traction.
Maintenance and Cleaning
One of the most common maintenance questions is often something about “how to clean a bathroom tile floor,” because mildew and moisture can be a recipe for problems. Indeed, some floor tile materials require extra care, such as periodic sealing or specialized cleaning products, while others are extremely low-maintenance.
If ease of upkeep is important in any space (toilet and beyond!), you will want to check the recommendations for caring for and cleaning the tile floors you’ve selected. The tile’s material affects how often floor tile should be sealed, whether the colour and finish show dirt easily (lighter tiles are often less forgiving in this category!), and how grout colour can affect long-term maintenance for stains, moisture, mildew, and wear and tear.
Installation Considerations
Speaking of grout, its colour and width are major factors in upkeep and aesthetics. But, in addition to grout, other tile installation preferences affect both the appearance and longevity of flooring. For example, the layout pattern of floor tiles can dramatically change the vibe of a space. The same tile can look remarkably different, depending on its layout.
For most homeowners wondering how to install tile flooring in the toilet, kitchen, or any space, the answer is likely to be to hire a contractor — unless they are highly experienced in the DIY category! Professional, expert installation is recommended to help make layout and grout decisions while ensuring proper leveling, sealing, and application.
Popular Floor Tile Materials
Terrazzo Tile
No longer a one-hit wonder from the 70s, terrazzo has experienced a major comeback lately. And for good reason. At Otto Tile & Design, our artisan terrazzo tiles are exquisite works of art that elevate any space. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these tiles blend a mod mood with elevated design.
Each tile is a unique masterpiece and shows the artistry of skilled artisans. They transform natural materials into stunning patterns and visual textures that are characterized by a playful, speckled effect that comes from the stone chips embedded in the cement.
Terrazzo is also valued for its durability, longevity, and easy maintenance, which is why it’s a great choice for the floors of contemporary kitchens, toilest, and open living areas.
For inspiration:
Warm and full of character, Amara Curry infuses spaces with a spiced glow. Its artisanal texture and rich, earthy tone create a sense of warmth and depth that feels both timeless and modern.
A dynamic mix of terrazzo and cement, Amara Beige has an industrial edge that’s softened by contemporary elegance.
A covered porch is the perfect way to enjoy the best of indoor-outdoor living, and Roma Beige tiles create a warm, timeless look that’s made for golden-hour lounging.
Marble Tile
Marble floors immediately convey a sense of classic elegance. This natural stone is known for its dramatic veining and smooth finish, and the tile adds a touch of refinement to floors in spaces like foyers, spa-inspired toilets, and even formal living areas.
At Otto Tile & Design, our signature marble tiles are designed in London and expertly handcrafted by skilled artisans. Bold and innovative pieces feature Art Deco-influenced patterns and designs to inspire creativity and design-led interiors reminiscent of the much-admired era.
While marble requires a bit more care than some other materials, its timeless beauty continues to make it a favorite for statement flooring.
For inspiration:
This tranquil toilet features the Moonstruck Marble, which introduces gentle shape and movement through the considered combination of three different marbles in one mesmerizing tile.
Think hallways are humdrum? Not so, with the handcrafted Half Moon Bay marble, which turns this one into a chic runway.
Porcelain Tile
A form of ceramic floor tile, porcelain tile is suitable for flooring where other ceramic tiles are not durable enough to be installed underfoot. It features organic, soft-tone colours that never fade and a luminous surface that plays with light. Plus, it’s lightweight, low-maintenance, sustainable, and versatile for any space in a home.
For inspiration:
Setting an incredibly Zen mood, the Stoneform Desert Beige porcelain tile is a peaceful, spa-inspired choice for a toilet.
You could also use porcelain square tiles in a checkerboard pattern for a whole new take on the iconic marble checkerboard. When Stoneform Ash Veil and Stoneform Mineral White are used together, the graphic effect is more subtle yet just as statement-making.
Zellige Tile
Zellige (pronounced zeh-leezh) tile is made from natural clay, hand-shaped, kiln-fired, and then coated with a glaze. At Otto Tiles & Design, we like to say that zellige is crafted both by hand and soul. Our zellige tiles are a tribute to ancient Moroccan artistry reimagined with a modern, curated edge. Master artisans in Fez use traditional methods passed down through many generations to hand-chisel and glaze each individual tile.
As such, they exude authenticity and soul. Their shimmery radiance adds warmth and an artisanal feel to a wide range of spaces — flooring among them!
Handcrafted tiles underfoot are a beautiful way to elevate a powder room. Here, the White Octagon Zellige with the White & Terracotta Border Zellige creates a space that feels timeless.
The harmony of colours and textures feels effortless in this toilet, with the Terracotta White Octagon Zellige tiles standing as the perfect complement to the brick-red bathtub.
And, outside, this touch of Moroccan craftsmanship in a garden creates a tranquil oasis with the same Terracotta White Octagon Zellige tiles making a beautiful statement in the shaded sunlight.
You may have never imagined a mosaic like this on a toilet floor, but the subtle pattern and menageries of soft tones in the Mosaic Zellige are transformative.
Cement Tile
Encaustic cement tiles are a masterpiece for your floors, too. Cement tile is known for its rich pigmentation and artisan character, and each tile is individually crafted, creating subtle variations that add depth and visual interest.
Beyond its visual appeal, cement tile is also incredibly durable when properly sealed. It develops a lovely patina over time as it is exposed to daily wear both inside and outside, making it a practical choice for floor tile that feels both expressive and enduring.
Soft beige tones create the sense of rustic charm in this kitchen and living area. The Beige encaustic cement tiles tile these spaces together with a mod-minimalist mood.
The hip elegance of this Bel Air encaustic cement tile toilet makes this breezy space a dream. The fresh pattern is a perfect complement to the classic navy tub and warm wood tones.
These Green Stripes encaustic cement tiles fit right into an outdoor patio setting, bringing an organic, modern flair with a handcrafted touch.
Choosing Floor Tiles by Room
Different rooms, different demands — and that’s when it becomes important to be thoughtful about what you choose for your flooring. While it’s important to be guided by what you love, keep the function of each space in mind, too, as you narrow down your options.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to remember:
Entryways and Hallways
While a range of materials will work for a foyer, marble is often a popular choice, and it works quite well. These entries typically receive slightly less foot traffic, too, since many homeowners enter through a back door.
As for hallways, it’s often important to consider a durable option for those that see the most foot traffic. Materials like terrazzo, porcelain, or encaustic cement are a good choice because these tiles help hide wear and tear while still creating a wonderful impression.
Bathroom Floors
Bathroom tile must balance visual appeal with water resistance and slip safety. Smaller tile formats — like mosaics — often work well here because additional grout lines increase traction.
Kitchen Floors
Kitchens require flooring that is a jack-of-all-trades — materials that can handle spills, dropped utensils, and frequent cleaning while still looking beautiful. Durable materials with sealed surfaces, like terrazzo, cement, and some natural stones, are popular choices.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms
While you might not think of tile as a flooring material for your living areas or bedrooms, large-format tiles can create a calm, expansive look. Just make sure to plan for lots of area rugs to layer over the tile for added softness and warmth.
Outdoor Spaces
Temperature fluctuations, moisture, rain, and other weather-related exposures are all on the table for outdoor tile, so it must be hardy enough to withstand the elements. Natural stone, cement tile, and terrazzo are commonly used for patios and terraces due to their durability.
Installation Considerations
If you’re wondering how to install tile floors in any of these spaces, we generally recommend that homeowners rely on an expert installer or professional contractor unless they have significant DIY experience.
The installation process requires both precision and expertise to be done well, especially with artisan tiles featuring handcrafted patterns that are more challenging to install successfully.
Matching Floor Tiles to Your Style
Function and form — you have to have both. Beyond the practical aspects of floor tile, your flooring should celebrate your style and the overall design tone you want to set in your space. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
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For the minimalists: Neutral tones and simple tile formats will likely resonate most strongly with you.
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For the traditionalists: Classic patterns and polished, natural stones like marble will set a timeless, elegant mood.
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For the eclectics: Go for the bold colours and the even bolder patterned tiles, because you love a strong statement and a mix-and-match moment.
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For the bohemians: You will love going in the direction of zellige mosaics and warm terracotta tiles for their earthy yet aesthetic vibe.
Remember: The right floor tile serves as the foundation that ties all other elements in the room together.
Find the Right Floor Tiles for Your Space
Beautiful floors ultimately balance durability with design. Whether you’re renovating a toilet to be a spa-inspired oasis, updating a kitchen to bring warmth and appeal, or designing a welcoming entryway, the right tile can completely transform how a space feels.
With this as your guide, it’s time to pick your floor tiles, order your samples, and bring your vision to life!
Collections from Otto Tiles & Design feature an array of materials, colours, and patterns for floors that are both practical and visually striking.
