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Offering durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility, tiles are a staple in modern design and, in fact, have been used for centuries as a way of adding character and flair to a space. But, when it comes to choosing tiles for your project, narrowing down your options can feel like a difficult task.
To help make things easier, we’re going to take a look at the difference between gloss and matt tiles, looking at each of their unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, all with the aim of helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
At first glance, it may seem as though there aren’t that many differences between gloss and matt tiles, but they actually have some key features that affect their appearance, maintenance, and overall functionality. Below, we’re going to explore these differences in more detail.
Matte tiles are known for their robust durability, and their non-reflective surface is less prone to showing scratches, scuffs, and other imperfections, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces where heavy wear and tear are expected.
While also durable, glossy tiles are more susceptible to showing scratches and imperfections because of their reflective surface. This means that any damage or dirt is also more visible, which is another important thing to consider when choosing between the two.
The lifespan of matte tiles is generally quite long, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last several decades. Their durability also adds to their lifespan, and they’re a very good option if you’re looking for longevity in your design materials.
There isn’t much of a difference in lifespan between gloss tiles and matte tiles, and both can last decades when properly taken care of. However, their reflective nature means that they can show signs of aging faster compared to matte tiles, which means you may end up replacing them soon to keep them looking good.
Because there is less complex work involved with the glazing process of matte tiles, they’re usually less expensive than gloss tiles and this makes them a good choice for budget-conscious projects.
Gloss tiles are often priced higher than matte tiles, and this is because so much extra work goes into creating their shiny, reflective surface. Of course, prices will vary depending on size and manufacturer (and the same goes for matte tiles), but you’ll typically pay more for glossy tiles.
Cutting matte tiles is pretty straightforward, as the textured surface provides a bit of grip, which can make the tile easier to handle and cut accurately without slipping. This makes them a good choice for intricate designs or fitting into awkward spaces on floors or kitchen and bathroom walls.
Gloss tiles, with their smooth and slippery surface, can be more challenging to cut, and they require precise handling and the use of sharp, high-quality cutting tools to avoid chipping or cracking that you may only be able to access by hiring a professional installer.
Matte tiles have a slightly higher water absorption rate compared to gloss tiles, though this difference is generally minimal and depends on the tile material rather than the tile finish alone. However, the textured surface of matte tiles can sometimes retain more water on the surface, which can affect slip resistance.
Because of their non-porous, reflective surface, glossy tiles have lower water absorption rates, which makes them ideal for wet areas like busy bathrooms and kitchens, where water resistance is crucial. Do keep in mind, however, this means that they have more of a slippery nature, which could be a safety concern if used as floor tiles.
Keeping matte tiles in good condition is really easy, as their textured surface hides dirt, smudges, and imperfections well, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. However, the texture can sometimes trap and ingrain more dirt and grime, so occasional deep cleaning is needed.
Glossy tiles require more regular cleaning, because their shiny surface shows dirt and smudges more easily. They are, however, extremely easy to clean as they can simply be wiped with a soft cloth and mild detergent, and don’t require deep cleaning in the same way as matte tiles.
Matte tiles are best suited for areas where slip resistance and low maintenance are needed. This includes high-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and outdoor spaces, where their textured surface can provide better traction and hide wear and tear.
Gloss tiles are perfect for spaces in which you want to take advantage of light reflection to create a bright, clean, and elegant look. They are most often used in bathrooms and kitchens, but they are also great in other areas where their reflective surface can enhance light and make the space feel larger and more open.
Matte tiles offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for various uses. Firstly, their textured surface provides excellent slip resistance, making them ideal for areas prone to moisture or where safety is a concern, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
The non-reflective finish of matte tiles also hides scratches, smudges, and dirt better than gloss tiles, meaning there’s less of a need for cleaning and maintenance. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas or households with pets and children.
Their practicality is just one side of the story, though, and matte tiles also have an understated elegance that adds to their aesthetic appeal. The muted finish can help create a calm, soothing ambience, which is particularly beneficial in spaces designed for relaxation, like bedrooms and living rooms, and their subtlety means they can also complement a wide range of interior design styles, from rustic and traditional to modern and minimalist.
Despite their many advantages, matte tiles do have some drawbacks. For example, the textured surface, while excellent for slip resistance and hiding everyday grime, can trap dirt more easily than smooth surfaces. As a result, they may require more intensive cleaning methods, such as scrubbing, to keep the tiles looking fresh.
From a design perspective, matte tiles might not be the best choice for smaller spaces where a reflective surface could help enhance the natural light and make the area feel larger and brighter.
Another potential disadvantage is that matte tiles can sometimes feel less luxurious compared to their glossy counterparts. As such, in high-end design projects where a sleek, polished look is the aim, gloss tiles may be a better fit.
Matte tiles are best suited for those looking for practical, low-maintenance flooring or wall options. Not only are they ideal for busy households, especially those with children or pets, but their durability and ease of maintenance adds to their appeal, and they are also a great choice for anyone looking to create a relaxed, understated aesthetic in their home.
One of the biggest benefits gloss tiles provide is their ability to reflect light and create a bright, airy feel in any room. This quality makes them particularly useful in small or dimly lit spaces, where they can help enhance the natural light and make the area feel more open and inviting. The smooth, reflective surface of glossy tiles also gives them a luxurious, high-end appearance, making them a popular choice for elegant, modern interiors.
In terms of practicality, glossy tiles are super easy to clean, as their smooth surface does not trap dirt or grime, so a quick wipe is usually all it takes to keep them looking good. This easy cleaning makes them an excellent choice for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where splashes and spills are more common.
When it comes to the downsides, while easier to clean, the highly reflective surface of glossy tiles can show scratches, smudges, and dirt more easily than matte tiles, so they require more frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance.
Gloss tiles can also be very slippery when wet, which can pose a safety risk in areas like bathrooms or kitchens and make them less ideal for spaces where slip resistance is needed.
Gloss tiles are a good choice if you’re looking to create a bright, elegant, and modern aesthetic in your space, and they are particularly good in areas where their reflective qualities can be best appreciated, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and small rooms that could benefit from enhanced light.
When it comes to choosing between matt and gloss tiles, you ultimately need to think about your specific needs, preferences, and the characteristics of the space you are designing. Matt tiles require less frequent cleaning, and they offer better slip resistance, making them a great choice for high traffic areas compared to gloss wall tiles or gloss floor tiles. However, with their bright and shiny appeal, gloss tiles are great for adding sophistication to a room, and while they require frequent cleaning and are less slip resistant, they make it possible to make rooms appear larger by bouncing light off their shiny surface.
