The Essential Guide to Choosing Tiles For Your Home

Everything you need to know.

The right tiles can instantly enhance and refresh the décor in your home! Not only are they sleek, stylish and on-trend, but tiles can also fit almost any budget. But just where do you start?

There is a multitude of choices when it comes to materials, patterns, colours, durability levels, and a whole lot more. To help you navigate the world of tiles, here’s a quick guide to tiling your home.

1. Tile materials and colours

There are plenty of stylish tile options to choose from, and homeowners are often either swayed by personal preferences or current tile trends. But what’s essential, apart from costs and usage, is whether it matches the décor of the room or common space in which you plan to lay the tiles.

As a general rule, darker ceramic tiles (especially in grey and ashy hues) and most porcelain finishes look impeccable in modern, urban modern and shabby chic décor. Meanwhile, lighter marble surfaces and glossy ceramic tiles (as seen in the kitchen below), tend to complement minimalist spaces by creating a brighter, cleaner look.

Wood-effect tiles, as pictured in the bathroom below, neutral-tone finishes, and natural stone-look tiles go well with Scandinavian and contemporary interiors, thanks to their warm and understated aesthetic. Concrete-look, brick-effect and metal-look tiles work especially well in industrial-style homes, adding a raw, urban character to the space.

Patterned tiles (as illustrated in the kitchen below), mosaics, terrazzo, and mixed-tile designs fit beautifully into artsy interiors with eclectic or bohemian influences, adding visual interest to the space.

Meanwhile, terracotta, subway, terrazzo, penny, and tiny mosaic tiles are excellent options for creating a retro or vintage-inspired look. These styles work especially well in spaces inspired by Peranakan interiors or old-world European aesthetics.

2. Tile shape, size and pattern

You’ll also want to consider the tile shape and layout pattern you’re going for. Besides the usual rectangular and square shapes, other popular alternatives include penny rounds (coin-shaped tiles), basket weaves, honeycombs, subways, diamonds, scallops, pinwheels, Kit Kats and chevrons, which are popular for kitchen backsplashes.

As a general rule of thumb, smaller tile shapes like penny tiles, tiny mosaics or Kit Kat tiles (as seen in the kitchen below), work especially well in compact spaces or areas you want to highlight, like feature walls and kitchen backsplashes. They add texture and detail, but do keep in mind that they require more upkeep since the extra grout lines can be harder to clean.

On the other hand, larger-format tiles, as seen in the dining area below, are ideal for creating a seamless backdrop and can make a room feel more spacious, which is why they’re commonly used for flooring. They also tend to be easier to maintain due to having fewer grout lines.

If you’re hoping to create the illusion of a longer or taller space, plank-style tiles, as illustrated in the bathroom below, are a great option, as their elongated shape helps visually stretch the room.

3. Tile durability

When making a decision on tiles, you’ll need to consider the resilience of each option. Rooms that get more traffic will require heavy-duty materials, whereas spaces that entertain fewer footsteps can stand to do with regular sturdiness.

For maximum durability, ceramic or porcelain floor tiles are excellent choices, as they offer strong resistance to scratches and stains, making them well-suited for everyday use, as shown in this kitchen and laundry room.

In spaces where aesthetics take priority but foot traffic is relatively low, granite tiles can be a great option. This material is made of hard natural stone, so it is highly durable and can maintain its appearance for decades.

If you’re looking for a balance between durability and visual appeal, terrazzo tiles (as seen in the bathroom below), are worth considering. Some vinyl tile options are also specially designed to be water-resistant, making them suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms as well.

On the other hand, outdoor tiles are designed to withstand our tropical weather conditions. Suitable materials for exterior use typically include natural stone, terracotta, concrete or cement, are a great option due to their durability and non-slippery surface.

Indoor tiles, by contrast, tend to prioritise comfort and aesthetics, offering a smoother, more refined finish underfoot. Common options include ceramic, porcelain, slate, and marble.

4. Texture and slip resistance

Besides durability, it’s also worth thinking about a tile’s texture and slip resistance, especially in spaces that deal with water every day. Smooth, glossy tiles like polished marble or polished homogeneous tiles can really lift a space with their sleek, reflective look, but they can get quite slippery when wet. That’s why they’re usually better suited for dry areas like living rooms, bedrooms, or feature walls.

On the other hand, matte and textured finishes like textured porcelain, matte ceramic, terrazzo, stone-finish, or mosaic tiles have a naturally grippier surface that helps reduce slipping. They’re a much safer and more practical choice for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, where a bit of extra traction makes a big difference.

5. Tile material costs

A major concern for homeowners when deciding to tile their homes is how much it will cost them. Tile costs are determined by the material and finishing.

If you’re looking for an affordable flooring option that’s easy to install and comes in a wide variety of sizes, colours and designs, ceramic tiles are among the most budget-friendly choices in Malaysia, typically ranging from RM5 to RM20/ psqft. Other cost-effective options include simple patterned tiles, subway tiles and basic mosaic tiles with prices generally falling between RM8 and RM25/ psqft.

The most common mid-range option is porcelain tiles, typically priced between RM6 and RM60/ psqft. Other choices in this category include terracotta, cement, and limestone tiles, as well as premium mosaics, patterned tiles (as pictured below) or encaustic tiles, 3D tiles, and terrazzo-look porcelain tiles, which generally range from RM10 to RM50/ psqft.

Natural stones such as marble and granite sit at the higher end of the price spectrum due to their rarity, as well as the costs involved in cutting, polishing, and installation. These materials typically range from RM15 to RM250/ psqft. Other premium options include terrazzo, designer mosaic tiles, custom 3D tiles, and natural stone feature tiles, with prices generally falling between RM18 and RM200/ psqft.

Explore: Where to Buy Tiles in Malaysia: From Budget Buys to High-End Finds

6. Tile installation

When installing tiles, there are a few key things to consider, such as the layout of the space (to be tiled) and the sizes and the material of the tiles. Some materials like porcelain, are harder to cut, making it difficult to customise spaces with odd angles or shapes. Patterned tiles also need careful alignment so the design flows properly, especially for feature walls or backsplashes.

Rooms with awkward corners might be better suited to softer materials like ceramic. And if you're choosing heavier materials like marble, granite, or slate, you’ll also need to check the current condition of the subfloor and its overall structure to see if it's able to sustain the load of tiles when placed. They also require precision levelling systems, strong adhesives, and proper handling because they’re heavy and less forgiving.

If you’re deciding between a DIY approach or hiring a contractor to install your tiles, both options have their advantages. Doing it yourself can help you save on labour costs, but tile installation is often labour-intensive and quite technical, especially for beginners. This route is usually better suited for ceramic tiles, which are easier to install.

For tiles with complex layouts like herringbone, chevron, mosaics, and mixed patterns, these types of tiles are usually best left to the professionals. These are the most time-consuming and skill-intensive, and they require a lot of cutting, alignment, and attention to detail.

Or let an interior designer handle the details for you

Alternatively, you can also work with an interior designer who can help you choose, source, and install the right tiles for every room in your home. Just fill up the form below, and we’ll connect you with up to five interior design firms that match your renovation needs and budget — no hidden fees, just straightforward recommendations to get you started.

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