What’s the Gloss? Deciding if Gloss Finish Tiles Are Right For You

When you first start the tile buying process, it’s highly likely that your main focus will be on colour schemes and designs you want to pull off for the perfect home update. However, you’ll also need to decide which tile finish will work best for you. 

That’s why today, we’re giving you the gloss (sorry, we couldn’t resist a little wordplay) on whether high gloss floor or wall tiles are the way to go. Running through the pros and cons of both gloss and matt finishes, we’ll give you all the key information you need to make an informed decision.

Gloss vs matt tiles: what’s the difference?

Before we dive into the benefits of these two different tile finishes, it helps to know what they are and how they differ, as this can rightly impact your final decision. 

As the name suggests, glossy tiles have a shinier, polished and more lustrous finish to them that helps to reflect light off the surface. As you’d expect, matt tiles aren’t as smooth, which delivers a slightly duller finish that won’t reflect the light.

The visual differences between these finishes is fairly obvious, but does this mean they differ in quality and performance? The answer is no. Both gloss and matt tiles use the same materials and manufacturing process, meaning the tile itself delivers the same practical and durable qualities. 

The real distinction is the finishing glaze that’s applied to the surface of the tiles as a durable top layer. As you may have guessed, the glaze can be either glossy or matte. 

Gloss tiles: pros and cons

Much of the decision process for choosing gloss or matt tiles comes down to aesthetics, but each finish does have its own set of pros and cons. Let’s start with gloss tiles…

The pros

Make spaces look bigger – with a polished, shiny surface, gloss tiles offer the benefit of reflecting light around the room, which can make small areas feel larger. 

Brightens areas – not surprisingly, these light reflective properties also bring the benefit of making areas feel brighter and lighter – making them a top choice for dimly lit rooms. 

Easy to clean – with a smooth, polished surface, high gloss floor and wall tiles offer the ultimate easy-clean material. With a simple wipe down using a cloth or mop, cleaning your tiles couldn’t be easier, which is what makes them a popular option for kitchens and bathrooms. 

The cons

Show imperfections – while gloss finished tiles are easy to clean, their super shiny surface can mean water marks and smears are more noticeable. As a result, they’ll require frequent cleaning to keep them looking pristine – particularly with gloss floor tiles in high footfall areas.

Can be slippery – some gloss floor tiles can be slippery underfoot, particularly in wet areas like bathrooms. However, if you have your heart set on a polished finish for your home, opt for non-slip gloss floor tiles for added safety.

Too reflective – the light reflecting elements of gloss titles isn’t always a plus point if you’re looking to create a calm, serene space. With light bouncing off tiles they can in fact be a distraction, taking away from the tran quil vibe you’re looking for. 

Matt tiles – pros and cons

Now it’s time to look at matt tiles and what they bring to the party…

The pros

Better grip – if you’re tiling floors, then opting for a matt finish can be the way to go for better grip underfoot, which is why they’re often favoured for wet areas of the home. 

More practical – if you want tiled surfaces that require minimal upkeep, then matt tiles can be a more practical option. Without the shiny, polished finish those pesky water marks and smears are far less visible, meaning they shouldn’t need to be cleaned as frequently as polished tiles. 

More rustic – for those looking to pull off a softer, more rustic feel in their home, matt tiles are the ideal choice. Their duller surface can bring a more textured look that’s ideal for contemporary, understated decor. 

The cons

Make spaces feel smaller – matt tiles are typically best suited to larger rooms as, without the mirror-like reflective properties of gloss tiles, they won’t project that illusion of a larger space.

Trickier to clean – one of the best things about tiles is that they’re incredibly easy to clean and are generally low maintenance. But putting matt tiles alongside gloss tiles, you may find that removing stains can require a touch more elbow grease than with polished surfaces. 

Inspiration on how to use gloss tiles?

If you’re set on gloss finish tiles for your next home update, then here are a few ideas on how to use them in your home to help you create stunning interiors that bring the best out of your polished tiles:

Gleaming kitchens – with an emphasis on hygiene, choosing polished wall tiles for your kitchen splashback delivers a practical and uber chic look. For clean and sleek, choose polished super white tiles or opt for high-gloss crackle glaze metro tiles in a bold colour for a more quirky, vintage feel. Paired with glossy cabinets and worktops, your kitchen will be gleaming at every turn.

Opulent bathrooms – if you’re tackling a bathroom makeover and want to give your space an opulent edge, some shiny Gulfstone Quartz tiles should do the trick. With built-in sparkle, they’ll reflect light around the room, especially in modest-sized spaces.

Lavish living rooms – gloss floor tiles will make the perfect finish for a lavish living room interior update. Whether you go for a contemporary look using grey tiles with a polished stone-effect finish or polished wood-look tiles for a softer traditional style, the end result will be a living space that’s packed full of light and luxury. 

Whatever decor designs you have in mind, you’ll find plenty of inspiration when you browse our diverse range of polished tiles. From classic marble-effect to pretty shell shapes, there are colours, sizes and shapes to suit every taste.