Introduction:
After going through every part of interior decoration and surfing through tons of options for flooring, you might be getting information on porcelain tiles or perhaps you've already decided on them. If yes, you are in the right place.
Porcelain tiles are one of the best options available for flooring in the market. These tiles are strong, long-lasting, and come in many styles and finishes. But what type of porcelain tile should you choose? Whether your home needs a glossy, glass-like finish or a matte one, it's important to understand the differences in porcelain tile finish to choose the best one for your space.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons and help you decide between glossy tile vs matte porcelain tiles to get your desired look. Get ready to find the perfect shine or subtle charm for your space!
Understanding Porcelain Tiles
Before we get into the various finishes, we need to understand what porcelain tiles are.
Porcelain tiles have little porosity and are incredibly robust because they are made of fine, solid clay that is burnt at high temperatures.
This means they can withstand dampness, stains, and wear, making them suitable for both walls and floors. Porcelain tiles are available in a variety of sizes, including popular large format porcelain tiles, which can give any room a smooth, modern effect.
What Are Glossy Finish Tiles?
Glossy finish tiles are porcelain tiles coated with a durable layer of liquid glass. This coating makes the tiles shinier and brighter, with a smooth texture.
The liquid glass layer enhances the patterns and colors of the tiles, ensuring a luxurious appearance that lasts for decades without losing its sheen.
Glossy finish tiles can elevate home decor with their classy, trendy, and stylish look, adding a touch of sophistication to any space.
Advantages of Glossy Porcelain Tiles
Reflective Surface
The most noticeable feature of glossy porcelain tiles is their shiny, reflective surface. This can make a room appear brighter and more spacious by bouncing light around the space.
The mirror-like effect tricks the eyes into believing the room is bigger than it actually is. This makes glossy tiles perfect for small spaces or areas with limited natural light.
Aesthetic Appeal
Glossy tiles have a sleek and elegant look, making them a popular choice for modern and contemporary designs. They add a touch of luxury to any room, whether it's a bathroom, kitchen, or living area.
Easy to Clean
The smooth surface of glossy tiles makes them very easy to clean. Spills and stains can be wiped away effortlessly, making these tiles a practical choice for high-traffic areas and homes with children or pets.
Depth of Color
Glossy finishes enhance the depth and richness of the tile's color and pattern, making them more vibrant and eye-catching.
Durability
Despite their shiny appearance, glossy porcelain tiles are durable and resistant to wear and tear. This makes them a long-lasting option for floors and wall tiles.
Disadvantages of Glossy Porcelain Tiles
Slipperiness
One significant drawback of glossy porcelain tiles is their tendency to become slippery when wet, which can pose a safety hazard. This makes them less suitable for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and entryways.
Visibility of Scratches and Smudges
Glossy surfaces easily show scratches, smudges, and water spots, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance.
Glare
In spaces with abundant natural or artificial light, glossy tiles can produce glare, which may be uncomfortable for some people, especially in areas where glare can be distracting or unpleasant.
Maintenance
Maintaining the glossy finish requires more effort to keep it clean and free of marks compared to matte finishes, which are more forgiving in terms of the visibility of dirt and imperfections.
Limited Style Compatibility
Glossy tiles may not complement all interior styles and décor themes due to their high shine and reflective nature, which can clash with more rustic or traditional design aesthetics.
Ideal Places to Use Glossy Porcelain Tile Finish
Glossy porcelain tile finish are good for areas that need easy maintenance, such as kitchens, backsplashes, fireplaces, and sometimes countertops or bathroom walls. Their shiny appearance makes them suitable for both walls and floors.
For example, glossy finish wall tiles are popular because they add depth to a room's appearance.
You can transform a plain guest room into a luxurious suite using glossy finish porcelain tiles on the walls and floors, or bring elegance to your master bedroom with these tiles.
In small and narrow spaces like hallways and corridors, glossy finish wall and floor tiles can create an illusion of more space and brightness.
What Are The Matte Finish Porcelain Tiles?
Matte finish porcelain tiles have a dull and slightly rough surface, different from shiny glossy tiles. They achieve this look with a special layer during manufacturing.
Matte tiles give a natural and understated appearance that fits well with many interior styles. They highlight room accessories and add a touch of elegance.
Popular with younger people for their timeless style, matte tiles work well in modern, rustic, or classic settings, bringing sophistication and charm to any room.
Advantages of Matte Porcelain Tiles
Non-Slip Surface
Matte-finish tiles are designed with anti-slip properties, making them suitable for outdoor areas like patios, gardens, and around swimming pools. They reduce the risk of accidents caused by slippery surfaces, although care should still be taken with dirt or objects on the floor.
Low Maintenance
Matte tiles resist showing smudges, water spots, and scratches better than glossy tiles, which simplifies cleaning and upkeep.
Natural Look
Matte finishes provide a natural and subdued appearance that enhances a cozy and inviting atmosphere, particularly suited for rustic, industrial, or traditional design themes.
Versatility
Matte tiles' understated elegance allows them to effortlessly blend with various design elements and styles, making them a versatile choice for any room in your home.
Durability
Matte porcelain tiles are generally more resistant to wear and tear over time compared to glossy tiles, making them a durable option for high-traffic areas.
Disadvantages of Matte Porcelain Tiles
Less Light Reflection
Matte tiles do not reflect light as effectively as glossy tiles, potentially making a room feel darker or smaller, especially in spaces with limited natural light.
More Effort to Clean
Despite their resistance to showing marks, matte tiles can be harder to clean thoroughly due to their textured surface, which may trap dirt and grime more stubbornly.
Subdued Colors
Matte tiles often display colors and patterns in a more muted manner compared to glossy tiles, which may not appeal to those seeking a more vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic.
Surface Sensitivity
Matte tiles can be more susceptible to staining from certain substances due to their porous nature, requiring prompt cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Cost Consideration
Matte porcelain tiles may be priced higher than glossy tiles due to their specialized finish and manufacturing process, which is something to consider when budgeting for a project.
Matte porcelain tiles from a reputable porcelain tile company offer superior quality and durability, reflecting their specialized finish and manufacturing process, making them a worthwhile investment for your project.
Ideal Places to Use Matte Porcelain Tile Finish
Matte porcelain tile finish are versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to their anti-slip properties.
They're perfect for bathroom floors and other wet areas, offering safety against slips with proper precautions.
You can install matte tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, patios, balconies, offices, and study rooms.
They create a soothing and warm atmosphere, ideal for study areas or home offices where focus is essential. Matte finish tiles are also a practical choice for homes with elderly or young children, providing a safer surface for everyday activities.
Can't Choose Between Glossy Vs Matte Porcelain Tiles? Then Choose Both.
Mixing glossy and matte porcelain tiles can give your home a stylish and unique look. If you can't decide between glossy or matte tiles, why not choose both? Pairing matte floor tiles with glossy wall tiles creates a modern and sophisticated appearance.
For a more traditional look, use each finish separately in different rooms. For example, you can make a regular bedroom feel luxurious by installing glossy porcelain tiles.
To create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, opt for matte finish porcelain tiles, which are perfect for creating a calm environment for your guests.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Space
In the blog above, we explored the two most popular finishes for porcelain tiles: glossy and matte.
Choosing between glossy or matte tiles ultimately depends on the preferences of the homeowner or architect for their project. There are no strict rules you must follow when selecting a tile finish.
Both glossy and matte porcelain tiles have their own pros and cons, so your choice depends on what you need and like for your space. Large format tiles can make rooms look even bigger and more seamless, whether they're glossy or matte. Choosing a good tile company ensures you get durable and good-looking tiles.
Think about what you need for your home and how much upkeep you're willing to do when deciding between them. Whether you're redoing a bathroom, updating a kitchen, or creating a new living area, the right porcelain tile finish can really change how your home looks and feels.
