Ceramics Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Tile Size

One advantage of ceramic tiles is that you have many options. Even in artisan-made or designer tiles, there is usually a range of patterns, colors, and even shapes to choose from. Whatever your specifications, you can find ceramic tiles to suit your needs. But after you've chosen the perfect tile design, you still have another important decision to make: What size of tiles should you choose?

There is no right or wrong answer to choosing ceramic tiles. It's entirely a matter of personal preference and the look you're going for in your home. That said, here are some details to consider in making the best decision for your space.

Factors That Influence Your Choice of Tile Size

1. The Size of Your Room

The size of your tiles can affect the perspective in your room. For example, large tiles in a small room can make the space appear larger. Conversely, small tiles in a large room can give the illusion of a cozier, more intimate space. Balance is key here. You don't want your tiles to be so small that they look out of proportion with the rest of the room, but you also don't want them to be so large that they overwhelm the space.

2. Using the Tiles on the Floor or Walls

Tiles for flooring are typically larger than those used on walls since they need to withstand foot traffic. Of course, you can use smaller tiles on your floor if you want to achieve a particular look. Just be aware that they may require more maintenance since the grout lines are more prone to dirt and debris.

Ceramics Buying Guide 2024

3. The Style of Your Home

The style of your home can also dictate the size of your tiles. For instance, larger tiles might be the way to go if you want to achieve a sleek and modern look. If your space has a rustic vibe, smaller tiles might be a better match. Of course, ultimately, it's up to you to decide what size tile will best fit the overall aesthetic of your home.

4. Your Budget

Your budget is a significant consideration when choosing the right tile size. Smaller tiles are typically less expensive than larger ones. If you're working with a tight budget, smaller tiles would be more practical. 

Your Choice of Tile Size

Here at Ceramique Au Sommet, we offer a wide range of tile sizes and formats:

• 24x24: Perfect for high-traffic areas

• 24x48: Best for large, grand spaces

• 12x24: Ideal for flooring, but can be used for walls 

• 12x12: Our most popular size for both floors and walls

• 2x2: Great for backsplashes and accent walls

• 30x30: A luxurious, large-format tile for floors or walls

• 30x60: The ultimate statement tile

Each size has unique benefits that help you achieve specific interior design goals. But don't be afraid to experiment, mix, and match to find the perfect combination for your space.

Find the Perfect Tile Size for Your Home at Ceramique au Sommet

Now that you know all about choosing the right tile size, it's time to find the perfect ceramic tiles for your home. Ceramique au Sommet has a wide selection of floor and wall tiles in various sizes, so there will be an ideal match for your needs. Browse our online catalog to see our full selection of ceramic tiles today. 

How to Mix and Match Ceramic Tiles Like a Pro

With so many colors and styles of ceramic tiles, people may struggle to choose the right combination. If you love more than one design, there’s no need to fret. You can always mix and match ceramic tiles. And nowadays, there is no hard-and-fast rule on matching different styles of ceramic tiles. 

Some people adhere to the golden rule in home design, which says that simple always looks better. But that doesn’t work for everyone. There are those who aren’t satisfied with simple and basic tile designs. They prefer a variety of styles but struggle with putting them together for a single space. 

Here are some tips for mixing and matching ceramic tiles: 

Balance Busy Patterns

Don’t use two to three busy patterns. The rule of thumb is to use patterned tiles with plain tiles. For example, you can use textured penny tiles for the bathroom floor but switch to plain white ceramic tiles for the walls. You can also go for tiles with complementary patterns if you want an accent wall, but don’t fill all the walls with patterned tiles. You can use small glass tiles in different colors for the accent wall and stick to large plain tiles for the other walls. 

Experiment With Scale

Mixing and matching tiles is not just about different colors. You can also play around with small- and large-scale patterns. Use at least three shapes of tiles: hexagonal, square, and rectangular. The important thing is to use a monochromatic color if you’re experimenting with scale. Don’t mix and match colors and shapes because your space will look cluttered.

Consider Natural Stone 

You can also use natural stones with your ceramic tiles, such as granite and marble. Use granite for your countertop and flooring while sticking to ceramic tiles for the kitchen backsplash. You can do it the other way around as well. 

Combine Different Types of Finishes

Ceramic tiles come in matte and glossy finishes, which can be combined. For example, you can use glossy tiles for your living room and matte tiles for your kitchen since glossy kitchen flooring may cause accidents. As long as the colors and scales are cohesive, matte and glossy finishes should work well together. 

By combining these two types of finishes, you can combine similar-size tiles and busy patterns. 

Use the Same Color but Different Shapes

You can experiment with same color tiles in the bathroom, but by using different shapes, you create a more unique look. For example, if you want an all-white bathroom, enhance the look with different tile shapes. You can use small hexagon tiles for the flooring and rectangular tiles for the wall. 

The Takeaway

It may seem overwhelming to match tiles on your own. By asking for recommendations from friends and family, it can be a fun activity. Of course, you will have the final say since you are designing your space. 

As you mix and match, don’t hesitate to ask questions and get suggestions from your tile manufacturer or distributor. Their experience in the tiles business will also give you a good perspective on the best combinations for your space. 

Tips for Tiling Your Shower with Ceramic Tiles

Tips for Tiling Your Shower with Ceramic Tiles 

Ceramic tiles are ideal for kitchens, wet rooms, and any other rooms in your home. Perhaps where they shine the most is in your bathroom shower. Ceramic comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, giving you endless options when it comes to design and style.

Tiles for Shower Floors

The tiles on the floor of the shower need to meet a few requirements: They need to be water-resistant, slip-resistant, and sized just right for the space of the shower. They also need to be able to stand up to the humidity and moisture in the shower. While stone and porcelain tiles are typical in many homes, ceramic is becoming more popular for homeowners.

Tile Shape

One of the most common choices for shower floors and walls are mosaic tiles. Not only is mosaic aesthetically pleasing to the eye, these smaller tiles can easily fit into the shape and slope of the shower floor. Mosaic tiles also have more grout lines than larger tiles, which helps to add texture and a slip-resistant surface.

When looking for mosaic ceramic tiles you’ll find a variety of choices for design. Hexagons, square patterns, and arabesques all add a unique style to the shower that can complement or contrast with the rest of your bathroom.

Ceramic Tile Color and Pattern

With so many colors and patterns available, it can be easy to go overboard on design. Build a color palette based on the vanity colors and cabinetry in the bathroom. One of the options for design is to match your ceramic shower tiles to the rest of the room to create a unified and flowing look. Another option is to go for a bold look and make a statement with contrasting hues that add a pop of color. And don’t forget grout color. You can build even more color by using colored grout between the tiles.

Types of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles and Porcelaine tiles can be either unglazed or glazed. Unglazed tiles are manufactured by using different types of clays that are ground and combined together into a fine powder. This powder is then blended with water and formed into tiles. Glazed tiles go through one further step in the manufacturing process. The surface of the tile is coated with a glaze that gives it a glossy look.

Finalizing the Look

Once you’ve come up with the perfect color scheme and design for your shower tiling it’s time to add the final touches with a shower faucet, handles, and a shower head that makes a statement of their own. Shower heads come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including square and circular. Or consider an overhead rain shower head that can give you a waterfall experience when showering. Coating on shower fixtures varies as well and includes stainless steel, polished chrome, brushed nickel, or the new trend of oil-rubbed bronze.

Let the professionals help you when it comes to choosing and installing ceramic tiles in your shower. Contact Ceramique au Sommet for their expert advice and answers to all your questions.