Gloss vs. Matt Tiles: How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Home

When you’re planning a renovation or new build, tile selection can be surprisingly overwhelming. From colour and shape to size and pattern, there’s a lot to consider, but one choice that often gets overlooked? The finish.

Gloss and matt tiles each offer unique benefits, and the right pick depends on where the tile will go, how you want it to look, and how you live day-to-day.

Here’s a some tips to help you choose confidently:

✨ Gloss Tiles

Glossy finishes reflect light, making them ideal for small or dark spaces where you want to create a sense of brightness and openness. They feel polished and clean, but they do come with some maintenance considerations.

Pros:

  • Reflects natural and artificial light

  • Great for visual impact in smaller areas

  • Ideal for splashbacks and bathroom walls

Cons:

  • Prone to showing water spots and smudges

  • Can be slippery when used on floors

Best for: powder rooms, kitchen splashbacks, shower walls

🧱 Matt Tiles

Matt tiles absorb light, creating a softer and more grounded aesthetic. They’re also more slip-resistant, making them great for high-traffic or wet areas.

Pros:

  • Slip-resistant and safer for floors

  • Hides smudges and dirt

  • Easy to maintain

Cons:

  • Can make a space feel darker or more subdued

  • Lacks the reflective, polished effect of gloss

Best for: bathroom floors, laundry, outdoor spaces, and textured feature walls

🛠️ Tips for Getting the Balance Right

  • Use gloss on vertical surfaces (walls) to brighten up the space

  • Use matt on horizontal surfaces (floors) for safety and practicality

  • Consider how much natural light the room gets — gloss tiles can amplify it

  • If you have young kids or pets, matt tiles are more forgiving

You don’t have to stick to just one finish. In fact, blending both gloss and matt is a great way to balance aesthetics with practicality.

If you’re in the middle of tile selections and need a second opinion, or want help pulling your whole palette together, I’d love to support you. Book a Clarity Call and let’s bring your vision to life.

Mudhurrah Baskaran