Tiles for kitchens: stylish options to transform your space

Key points

• Kitchen tiles come in two main types: wall tiles and floor tiles, each serving different functional and aesthetic purposes

• Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices for kitchens due to their durability and water resistance

• Tile sizes range from small mosaics (2.5x2.5cm) to large format tiles (75x75cm), with subway tiles being a timeless choice

• Kitchen tile prices typically range from £11.95 for basic options to £60.26 per m² for premium materials

• Proper installation starts at the lowest point and requires spirit level alignment for professional results

• Daily maintenance with neutral cleaners and damp cloth keeps kitchen tiles looking fresh

Types of kitchen tiles

Our Zayda Sage Multi tiles look stunning on a kitchen floor, bringing character and charm with their vintage-inspired patchwork design. Made from durable vitrified ceramic with a matt finish, and measuring 450x450mm, they’re as practical as they are stylish

Understanding the distinction between kitchen wall tiles and floor tiles is essential for making informed decisions. Each type serves specific purposes and must meet different performance standards to create a functional, beautiful kitchen space.

Wall tiles vs floor tiles

Kitchen wall tiles are typically lighter, thinner, and focus primarily on aesthetics and easy cleaning. They protect your walls from splash, grease, and moisture while adding visual interest to your space. Floor tiles, conversely, must withstand heavy foot traffic, dropped appliances, and constant use, requiring superior durability and slip resistance.

The perfect tile choice depends on understanding these fundamental differences and selecting products specifically designed for their intended application.

Ceramic tiles

Our Oasis White Gloss tiles create a fresh, clean look as a kitchen backsplash. Crafted from ceramic with a high-gloss finish, their subtle texture and soft curves bring effortless elegance and a modern twist to classic white tiling

Ceramic tile remains one of the most popular choices for kitchen applications, offering an impressive balance of affordability and versatility. Made from clay, minerals, and water fired at approximately 1000°C, ceramic wall tiles provide excellent protection against moisture and are easy to clean with a simple sponge and neutral cleaner.

Modern ceramic tiles feature incredible design flexibility, including stunning marble effect and wood panelling effect options that create sophisticated looks without the maintenance requirements of natural materials. These tiles suit various design styles, from traditional cottage kitchens to sleek modern spaces, making them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking timeless appeal.

However, ceramic tiles have higher porosity than porcelain, making them less suitable for high-traffic floor areas but perfect for walls and backsplashes where their lighter weight and easier installation provide significant advantages.

Porcelain kitchen wall tiles

Our Adventuras Malla Olive tiles make a beautiful statement as a kitchen backsplash. With their soft green tones and mosaic-style design, these porcelain tiles combine natural elegance with a contemporary edge—perfect for adding texture and warmth to modern kitchens

Porcelain represents the premium end of ceramic tile technology, fired at temperatures exceeding 1200°C to create incredibly dense, durable surfaces. Porcelain kitchen wall tiles offer superior water resistance with absorption rates below 0.5%, making them ideal for areas exposed to heavy moisture and steam.

These tiles excel in busy kitchens where durability is paramount. Available in both unglazed (through-body colour) and glazed varieties, porcelain tiles resist chips, scratches, and stains while maintaining their appearance for decades. While slightly more expensive than standard ceramic options, their longevity and performance justify the investment for many homeowners.

Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles bring intricate detail and design flexibility to kitchen walls, particularly effective for creating stunning backsplashes and feature areas. Typically measuring between 2-5cm and mounted on 30x30cm mesh sheets for easy installation, these small tiles allow for complex patterns and colour combinations that transform ordinary walls into works of art.

Available in glass, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, mosaic tiles offer a huge range of creative possibilities. Glass mosaics reflect light beautifully, making kitchens appear brighter and more spacious, while stone mosaics add natural texture and warmth to modern or traditional designs.

Natural stone tiles

Our Wychwood Limestone tiles look effortlessly elegant on this kitchen floor. With their tumbled finish and natural variation, these limestone tiles bring timeless charm and rustic sophistication to any space

For those seeking luxury and unique character, natural stone tiles including travertine, marble, and granite create sophisticated kitchen environments. Each stone type brings distinct qualities: marble offers elegant veining and timeless beauty, granite provides exceptional durability and scratch resistance, while travertine adds rustic charm with its naturally porous texture.

However, natural stone requires more maintenance than ceramic alternatives, including regular sealing to prevent staining and careful cleaning to avoid etching from acidic substances like coffee or lemon juice.

Glass tiles

Glass tiles represent a modern approach to kitchen design, offering exceptional light reflection that makes spaces appear larger and brighter. These tiles are virtually non-absorbent, making them extremely easy to clean and highly resistant to stains and moisture.

Particularly effective for backsplashes, glass tiles complement contemporary appliances and create striking visual impact when combined with under-cabinet lighting.

Kitchen tile sizes and formats

The size and format of your chosen tiles dramatically impact both the visual perception of your space and the practical aspects of installation and maintenance. Understanding how different dimensions affect your kitchen’s appearance helps create the desired atmosphere while meeting functional requirements.

Small format tiles

Our Metropolitan Barcelona tiles add a bold, decorative touch to this kitchen wall. Made from durable ceramic and inspired by traditional encaustic patterns, they bring a splash of colour and timeless style to your backsplash

Small format tiles, including the beloved 7.5x30cm subway tiles and 10x10cm squares, excel in traditional and cottage-style kitchens. These dimensions create intimate, detailed appearances that suit smaller spaces and complement classic design elements.

Subway tiles, in particular, have earned their status as timeless classics, offering versatility that works with virtually any colour scheme or design style. Their rectangular format creates visual interest through various laying patterns, from traditional brick bond to contemporary vertical or herringbone arrangements.

Medium format tiles

Medium format tiles measuring 30x30cm and 30x60cm provide balanced coverage that suits most kitchen sizes and styles. These dimensions offer practical advantages including easier handling during installation and moderate grout line visibility that doesn’t overwhelm the space.

The 30x60cm format particularly suits modern kitchens, creating clean lines that complement contemporary appliances and minimalist design approaches while remaining manageable for DIY enthusiasts.

Large format tiles

Our extra-large format Portare Davos Chevron tiles, 60 x 120cm, look stunning on this kitchen floor. Crafted from durable porcelain with a soft matt finish, their chevron design adds modern flair and creates a seamless, sophisticated look

Large format tiles measuring 60x60cm and extending up to 75x75cm create dramatic, seamless appearances that visually expand kitchen spaces. These impressive tiles minimise grout lines, creating uninterrupted surfaces that are easier to clean and maintain.

Particularly effective in modern and contemporary kitchens, large format tiles complement open-plan designs and work beautifully with handleless cabinetry and integrated appliances to create sophisticated, uncluttered environments.

Mosaic sheets

Mosaic sheets, typically measuring 30x30cm with individual tiles as small as 2.5x2.5cm, offer the ultimate in design flexibility. These pre-mounted sheets simplify installation while enabling complex patterns and detailed work that would be impractical with individual small tiles.

Perfect for creating feature walls or adding texture to plain surfaces, mosaic sheets work particularly well as backsplashes where their intricate patterns create focal points without overwhelming the space.

Plank tiles

Wood-effect plank tiles, typically measuring 15x90cm, bring warmth and natural beauty to kitchen floors without the moisture sensitivity of real timber. These tiles create contemporary looks that complement both traditional and modern design schemes while offering the practical benefits of ceramic or porcelain construction.

Popular kitchen tile styles and finishes

Our Bassoon Midi and Wide Stripe tiles make a striking statement on this kitchen floor. Made from high-quality ceramic with a bold, linear design, these stylish tiles add a contemporary, graphic edge and plenty of personality to modern interiors

The surface finish of your kitchen tiles affects everything from cleaning requirements to slip resistance and visual impact. Choosing the right finish ensures your tiles not only look stunning but also perform optimally in your specific kitchen environment.

Matt finish tiles

Matt finish tiles offer sophisticated, non-reflective surfaces that hide fingerprints, water spots, and minor scratches better than glossy alternatives. These practical finishes work exceptionally well in busy family kitchens where frequent cleaning is necessary but perfect maintenance isn’t always possible.

The subtle, understated appearance of matt tiles complements both modern and traditional design styles, while their slip-resistant properties make them ideal for floor applications where safety is paramount.

Gloss finish tiles

Gloss finish tiles maximise light reflection, making them perfect for small or poorly lit kitchens where brightness is essential. Their smooth, reflective surfaces are easy to clean and help create the illusion of increased space, particularly effective when used on walls and backsplashes.

However, gloss finishes show water marks, fingerprints, and soap residue more readily than matt alternatives, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance.

Textured tiles

Textured tiles add visual interest and improved grip for floor applications, making them excellent choices for kitchens where slip resistance is crucial. These surfaces create depth and character while providing practical benefits in high-moisture areas.

Available in numerous patterns and textures, from subtle leather-like finishes to bold geometric reliefs, textured tiles enable unique design statements while maintaining functionality.

Terrazzo effect tiles

The terrazzo effect has experienced a remarkable revival, bringing Italian-inspired sophistication to contemporary kitchens. These tiles feature speckled patterns with embedded color chips that create unique, artistic surfaces reminiscent of traditional terrazzo flooring.

Modern terrazzo effect tiles combine the aesthetic appeal of this classic material with the practical benefits of ceramic or porcelain construction, offering easier maintenance and greater durability than authentic terrazzo.

Marble effect tiles

Marble effect tiles deliver the luxury appearance of natural stone without the maintenance requirements and cost concerns. Advanced printing and glazing technologies create remarkably realistic veining and colour variations that closely mimic genuine marble.

These tiles suit both traditional and contemporary kitchens, particularly effective for creating feature walls or elegant backsplashes that complement neutral colour schemes and sophisticated design elements.

Wood panelling effect tiles

Wood panelling effect tiles bring the warmth and character of timber to kitchen environments while maintaining the moisture resistance and durability of ceramic or porcelain. These innovative tiles feature realistic wood grain patterns and colours that suit rustic, farmhouse, and contemporary design styles.

Particularly effective for creating accent walls or adding warmth to predominantly white or neutral kitchens, wood-effect tiles offer the aesthetic benefits of timber without concerns about humidity, staining, or maintenance.

Kitchen tile colour options

Our Nina Campbell Goa Indigo and Chocolate tiles look stunning on this kitchen wall, bringing a touch of boutique style with their rich indigo and chocolate tones. Made from premium ceramic, their intricate pattern adds elegance and a hint of exotic charm to any space. They are also resistant to water and will hide dirt well thanks to their pretty pattern

Colour selection profoundly impacts your kitchen’s atmosphere, apparent size, and coordination with existing elements. Understanding how different colours affect space perception and maintenance requirements helps create harmonious designs that reflect your personal taste while maintaining practical functionality.

Classic whites

White kitchen tiles remain the most popular choice for good reason, offering timeless elegance that transcends design trends. White reflects maximum light, making kitchens appear larger and brighter while providing a neutral backdrop that complements any colour scheme or design style.

White tiles work beautifully with both traditional and modern appliances, coordinate effortlessly with various cabinet colours, and create clean, hygienic appearances that suit professional and domestic kitchen environments.

Bold colours

Bold tile colours including blue, sage green, mustard, and teal create dramatic focal points and express personality in kitchen designs. These vibrant choices work particularly well for statement backsplashes or feature walls where they add character without overwhelming the space.

Navy blue tiles, for instance, create sophisticated contrasts with white cabinetry while maintaining timeless appeal, while sage green brings natural, calming influences that complement both traditional and contemporary styles.

Neutral tones

Neutral colours including grey, beige, cream, and taupe provide versatile foundations that adapt to changing decorative elements and design trends. These practical choices hide dirt and stains better than pure white alternatives while maintaining the space-enhancing benefits of light colours.

Grey tiles, in particular, offer contemporary sophistication that complements stainless steel appliances and works beautifully with both warm and cool accent colours throughout the kitchen.

Black tiles

Black tiles create dramatic, sophisticated statements that work particularly well in larger kitchens or as accent elements in predominantly light schemes. While black surfaces show water marks, fingerprints, and light dirt more readily than other options, they provide stunning contrast and contemporary appeal.

Black tiles work exceptionally well for creating feature walls, island backsplashes, or floor borders that define different areas within open-plan kitchen designs.

Colour coordination tips

Our Zayda Mocha tiles look beautiful on this kitchen floor, combining warm earthy tones with a vintage-inspired patchwork design. Made from durable vitrified ceramic with a soft matt finish, they offer both charm and practicality in one stylish package

Successful colour coordination involves matching undertones between tiles, cabinetry, worktops, and appliances. Consider the room’s natural light exposure, existing architectural features, and desired atmosphere when selecting tile colours.

Use colour wheels to identify complementary relationships, or choose tone-on-tone schemes for subtle sophistication. Remember that lighter colours expand space while darker tones create intimacy and drama.

Kitchen tile pricing guide

Understanding kitchen tile pricing helps establish realistic budgets and ensures you receive excellent value for your investment. Prices vary significantly based on material quality, size, finish complexity, and manufacturing origin, with additional costs for installation and accessories.

Budget options

Budget ceramic tiles begin around £11.95 per m², offering excellent value for basic kitchen applications. These affordable options typically feature standard sizes, simple finishes, and solid colours that suit practical renovations where cost control is essential.

While budget tiles may offer less size consistency or colour variation than premium alternatives, they provide perfectly adequate performance for most kitchen environments when properly installed and maintained.

Mid-range choices

Quality porcelain tiles typically cost £20-40 per m², representing excellent value for most kitchen applications. This price range includes superior durability, water resistance, and design options that balance cost with performance.

Mid-range tiles often feature advanced printing technologies, multiple size options, and specialised finishes that create sophisticated appearances while maintaining affordability for most renovation budgets.

Premium selections

Designer tiles including handmade options like Zellige may begin around £60.26 per m², offering unique character and superior craftsmanship. These premium choices feature exceptional quality, distinctive appearances, and often represent significant design investments.

Premium tiles justify their cost through superior durability, unique aesthetic qualities, and the satisfaction of owning truly special materials that create distinctive kitchen environments.

Cost-saving tips

Mixing standard field tiles with feature elements reduces overall costs while maintaining visual interest. Consider larger format tiles to minimise grout line maintenance, and purchase slight overages to avoid future matching difficulties for repairs or extensions.

Installation and planning

Our Marlborough Terracotta Parquet tiles bring warm, rustic charm to this kitchen floor. Made from natural terracotta with a classic parquet pattern, they add timeless style and a cosy, handcrafted feel in warm pinky brown tones to any house

Proper installation forms the foundation of any successful kitchen tile project. Whether pursuing DIY installation or hiring professionals, understanding the process ensures optimal results that protect your investment and create lasting beauty.

Planning your layout

Effective planning begins with identifying your kitchen’s lowest point, which serves as the starting reference for level installation. Use this point to establish horizontal and vertical reference lines that ensure proper alignment throughout the project.

Dry-lay floor tiles before installation to visualise the final pattern and minimise partial tiles at visible edges. For walls, establish level battens rather than following existing surfaces that may be uneven.

Essential tools

Professional installation requires specific tools including spirit levels, tile spacers, notched trowels, tile cutters or wet saws, mallets, buckets, sponges, and appropriate safety equipment including gloves and eye protection.

Quality tools ensure accurate placement, proper adhesive coverage, and clean cuts that create professional appearances worthy of your tile investment.

Installation process

Begin installation at your established reference point, working systematically outward and upward. Apply adhesive with proper notched trowel techniques to ensure adequate coverage without excess that can cause tiles to slide or create uneven surfaces.

Use tile spacers consistently to maintain uniform grout lines, and check alignment frequently with spirit levels to prevent cumulative errors that become increasingly difficult to correct.

Professional vs DIY

Professional installation guarantees proper substrate preparation, waterproofing, alignment, and finishing while providing warranties and expertise that protect significant tile investments. Complex layouts, expensive materials, or critical applications often justify professional costs.

DIY installation can reduce project costs but requires careful attention to preparation, technique, and finishing. Simple layouts with forgiving materials offer the best opportunities for successful DIY projects.

Common installation mistakes

Avoid insufficient substrate preparation, incorrect adhesive selection, inadequate waterproofing in splash zones, inconsistent spacer use, and improper levelling that can lead to cracking, shifting, or water damage requiring expensive corrections.

Take time for thorough preparation and precise technique rather than rushing through installation phases that determine long-term success.

Maintenance and cleaning

Our Paris Isabelle tiles bring a soft, elegant touch to this kitchen wall. Crafted from high-quality ceramic with a delicate floral pattern, they add timeless charm and subtle sophistication to any backsplash

Proper maintenance preserves your tile investment and keeps your kitchen looking pristine for years. Understanding appropriate cleaning products and techniques prevents damage while maintaining hygiene and aesthetic appeal.

Daily cleaning routine

Daily maintenance requires only a damp microfibre cloth or mop with fresh water to remove surface dirt and maintain cleanliness. This simple routine prevents buildup that requires more aggressive cleaning and preserves tile and grout appearance.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive particles that can scratch tile surfaces over time, particularly important for maintaining the appearance of high-gloss finishes.

Weekly deep cleaning

Weekly cleaning with neutral pH tile cleaners removes accumulated grease, soap residue, and cooking deposits while protecting tile and grout integrity. Avoid acidic products including lemon juice and vinegar that can damage glazes and degrade grout over time.

Focus attention on areas around cooking surfaces where grease accumulation is heaviest, and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent cleaner residue that can attract future dirt.

Stain removal

Address spills immediately to prevent staining, particularly important for grout and natural stone surfaces. Use gentle scrubbing with baking soda paste for stubborn grout stains, or specialized grout cleaners for persistent discolouration.

Coffee, wine, and oil stains respond well to prompt attention and appropriate cleaning products, but prevention through immediate cleanup remains the most effective strategy.

Products to avoid

Never use wax-based cleaners that leave residue films, acidic solutions that can etch surfaces, or alkaline products that can damage grout and sealers. Bleach can discolour grout and should be used sparingly if at all.

Abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads can scratch glazed surfaces and should be avoided in favour of soft cloths and appropriate chemical cleaning solutions.

Long-term maintenance

Reseal grout lines and natural stone tiles according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every 6-24 months depending on use and product specifications. This preventive maintenance protects against staining and water damage.

Address chips or cracks promptly to prevent water intrusion that can damage substrate materials and require expensive repairs extending far beyond the original damage area.

Choosing the right kitchen tiles

Selecting the perfect tile for kitchen applications requires balancing numerous factors including style preferences, functional requirements, budget constraints, and long-term considerations. This decision-making process benefits from systematic evaluation of your specific needs and circumstances.

Assessing your kitchen style

Modern kitchens benefit from large format tiles with minimal grout lines that complement sleek appliances and minimalist design elements. Traditional kitchens suit smaller format tiles including subway patterns that echo classic design principles.

Our Provence Falicon Square tiles bring classic Mediterranean warmth to this kitchen wall. Made from ceramic with a charming patterned design, they add vibrant style and timeless elegance to any backsplash

Rustic and farmhouse styles work beautifully with textured tiles, natural stone options, or wood-effect surfaces that add warmth and character to casual, family-oriented spaces.

Traffic and durability considerations

High-traffic family kitchens require robust porcelain tiles that withstand daily use, dropped items, and frequent cleaning without showing wear. Consider slip-resistant finishes for floor applications where safety is paramount.

Lower-traffic kitchens or primarily adult households can consider ceramic options that offer excellent performance at reduced costs while meeting functional requirements.

Matching existing elements

Coordinate tile selections with existing cabinetry, worktops, and appliances to create harmonious designs. Consider undertones, finishes, and style elements that complement rather than compete with established design features.

Plan for future updates by choosing versatile tile options that accommodate changing paint colours, cabinet hardware, or decorative accessories without appearing dated or incompatible.

Functionality vs aesthetics

Balance visual appeal with practical performance by considering cleaning requirements, maintenance needs, and durability expectations. Beautiful tiles that require excessive maintenance may become burdensome in busy household environments.

Consider your lifestyle, cooking habits, and entertaining patterns when evaluating different tile options to ensure your selection enhances rather than complicates daily life.

Future resale considerations

Classic colours and timeless styles typically offer broader appeal to potential buyers, protecting your investment and facilitating future sales. Extremely personal or trendy choices may date quickly or limit market appeal.

Neutral foundations with personality expressed through easily changeable elements like paint, accessories, and decorative objects offer flexibility for evolving tastes and market preferences.

Kitchen tile trends

Current design trends reflect growing interest in sustainability, technological innovation, and personalised expressions that create unique, functional kitchen environments. Understanding these trends helps inform selections that feel current while maintaining longevity.

Trending patterns

Herringbone and chevron laying patterns create dynamic visual interest that transforms simple tiles into sophisticated design statements. These classic patterns work particularly well with subway tiles and rectangular formats.

Vertical subway tile installation creates height illusions that suit kitchens with lower ceilings, while mixed-size installations add complexity and visual richness to contemporary designs.

Popular colour schemes

Warm earth tones including terracotta, sand, and clay create welcoming, natural atmospheres that complement both traditional and contemporary design elements. These colours work beautifully with natural materials and warm lighting.

Sage green continues gaining popularity for its calming, natural qualities, while navy blue offers sophisticated drama that works well with both warm and cool accent colours.

Innovative finishes

Concrete-effect tiles bring industrial sophistication to modern kitchens, while rust-effect surfaces add character and warmth to contemporary spaces. These innovative finishes offer unique appearances while maintaining ceramic durability.

Fabric-inspired textures create unexpected tactile interest that adds personality to otherwise straightforward installations, particularly effective for feature walls and backsplashes.

Sustainable options

Environmentally conscious consumers increasingly seek tiles manufactured from recycled materials, produced with reduced environmental impact, or certified through recognised sustainability programs.

These eco-friendly options often offer comparable performance to traditional alternatives while supporting environmental responsibility and sustainable design practices.

Technology integration

Advanced tiles featuring antibacterial coatings, self-cleaning surfaces, and enhanced stain resistance represent significant technological improvements that benefit busy kitchen environments.

These innovative features often justify premium pricing through reduced maintenance requirements and improved hygiene performance over conventional alternatives.