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by Vivian Garzon

Which Tile Style Matches Your Space? A Guide to Finding Your Look

Unsure which tile style suits your space? Here’s a simple guide to help you match your tiles to your home’s design, vibe, and personality.

Which Tile Style Matches Your Space? A Guide to Finding Your Look

Choosing tiles should be fun and not overwhelming. But between all the colours, patterns, shapes, and finishes out there, it’s easy to get stuck in decision mode. The good news? Finding the right tile style for your home isn’t about following trends but finding something that fits your space and feels like you. Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out which tile style matches your space, and where to start looking.

1. If You Love a Classic, Timeless Look: Go for Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are popular for a reason. They’re clean, simple, and they never go out of style.

Best for:

  • Traditional or Hamptons-style homes
  • Bathrooms that need a clean, light-filled feel
  • Kitchen splashbacks (especially with contrast grout)

Top tips:

  • Try a classic white gloss finish for a crisp, fresh look
  • Stack vertically for a modern twist
  • Mix with timber, brushed nickel, or shaker-style cabinetry

Shop the look: Explore wall tiles and floor tiles for timeless subway options.


Diagonally stacked subway tiles can make your kitchen pop!

2. If You Want Texture and Movement: Try Stone-Look Tiles

Stone-look tiles, especially soft concrete finishes, marble look, or terrazzo look, bring natural beauty into a space without the maintenance of real stone.

Best for:

  • Open-plan living areas
  • Ensuite bathrooms
  • Entryways that need a little drama

Top tips:

  • Go for larger formats (like 600x600 tiles) to minimise grout lines
  • Keep your palette simple and let the texture do the work
  • Add warmth with natural timber or brushed brass accents

3. If You Love a Pop of Personality: Choose Decorative Tiles

Sometimes, more really is more, and that's where decorative tiles come in. Think bold patterns, Moroccan-inspired motifs, geometric shapes, and colour.


Decorative tiles like the Wilton Dark Blue Matt 200 x 200mm are striking as feature walls. 

Best for:

  • Powder rooms (the perfect place to go bold)
  • Feature walls behind freestanding baths
  • Laundry splashback

Top tips:

  • Let decorative tiles be the hero and keep the rest of the room pared back
  • Smaller tiles (like 200x200 tiles) suit compact spaces perfectly
  • Use neutral grout to keep the pattern clean

Read more: Are Bathroom Floor and Wall Tiles the Same? Tips for Picking the Right One

  • 4. If You’re All About Minimalism: Go Large Format Matt

Minimalist homes call for simplicity, and large format matt tiles are perfect. Fewer grout lines, softer finishes, and a calm, open feel.

Best for:

  • Modern bathrooms
  • Large living room floors
  • Minimalist, open-plan spaces

Top tips:

  • Choose soft neutrals like grey tiles, white tiles, or beige tiles 
  • Mix matt floor tiles with subtle satin wall tiles for interest
  • Layer textures with linen, timber, and stone to avoid feeling flat

Large format tiles are seriously on-trend for modern bathrooms. 

5. If You’re After Timeless Elegance: Think Penny Round or Mosaic Tiles

Small-format tiles like penny rounds or mosaics are having a real moment, and they’re the perfect way to add texture and softness without committing to loud patterns.


Penny round tiles work beautifully as bathroom splashback walls. 

Best for:

  • Bathroom niches and shower walls
  • Kitchen splashbacks
  • Feature walls behind vanities

Top tips:

  • Gloss penny rounds bounce light beautifully in small bathrooms
  • Go marble or stone-look mosaics for a more luxe, subtle feel
  • Play with grout colours to define or soften the tile shape

Shop the look: Browse our bathroom tiles for some gorgeous options.

6. If You’re Brave with Colour: Try Green, Blue, or Black Tiles 

Not everything has to be white or grey. Coloured tiles can completely change the mood of a space. Think blue tiles, green tiles, and even black tiles. 

Best for:

  • Kitchens (green splashbacks are huge right now)
  • Bathrooms that feel warm and inviting
  • Statement powder rooms

Top tips:

Shop the look: Explore more with our range of kitchen tiles. 

How to Choose If You’re Still Unsure

If you’re stuck between a few styles, try this:

  • Think about the mood you want (calm? vibrant? sleek?)
  • Look at the light in the room (gloss tiles bounce light, matt tiles absorb)
  • Don’t overthink matching – neutral bases give you flexibility to change styling later
  • Order tile samples and lay them out at different times of day to see how they feel
  • Trust your gut (it’s your home after all!)

Need help working out how much to order? Read more on How Many Tiles Do I Need?

Find the Perfect Tile Match with Buildmat

At Buildmat, we know tiles are about more than just covering a surface; they shape the spaces where real life happens. Explore our full tile collection to find styles that feel just right for your space, and get ready to create a home that feels uniquely yours.