Tiles vs. other wall and floor coverings

Tiles vs. other wall and floor coverings

When it comes to decorating the home, considering all your options first is a good idea. It’s great to skip ahead to the ‘fun’ bits of interior design such as picking colour palettes or accessories, but, to get the results you really desire it’s worth spending time working through your requirements.

With tiles in mind, let’s back up a little to the benefits of using tiles over other wall and floor coverings. Not that we’re biased or anything....

Credit: @hey.maca

Tiles vs. wallpaper

First things first, when working with potentially ‘damp’ areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, there’s only one winner. Tiles are the ultimate choice for a wall covering that’s completely waterproof. In addition to this, they’re easier to clean when compared to wallpaper which can easily stain or discolour.

Moving onto rest of the house, the decision becomes a little tougher. Both tiles and wallpaper offer a wide choice of colours and designs to suit any style or preference, so how do you choose?

If you’re looking for a longer lasting solution that offers a premium finish and stands the test of time, tiles are the one for you. Whilst wallpaper does benefit from easier self-application and lower upfront costs, it often needs replacing or touching up every few years, especially in the busiest areas of the home.

Tiles vs. paint

Paint is more often than not a cheaper and easier way to cover a wall, but, similar to wallpaper it’s not always the best solution in moisture-prone rooms. Even with water-resistant paint, the finish can lose its charm when used in damp environments like bathrooms, so for us, tiles are the go-to choice.

If you’ve got your heart set on a bold paint colour, then considering a combination of tiles and paint might be the way to go. Tiles are great for busy and high impact areas such as behind sinks and surrounding fireplaces, leaving you to style up the rest of your room any way you like.


Credit: @eventfulpr

Tiles vs. carpet

There is a time and a place for carpets and it’s not in the kitchen or bathroom. In rooms like these, where being ultra clean is the number one priority, most people find carpets hard to keep spotless. Tiles are also proven to be better from an antibacterial point of view.

But, what about elsewhere in the home?

When it comes to high footfall areas such as the hallway, tiles are the most durable option – especially when it comes to cleaning up muddy footprints (or pawprints!). Carpets are more likely to be found in living rooms and bedrooms as they are associated with warmth and comfort. If you’re worried about stains and wearing but love the feeling of carpet underfoot, we’d recommend covering the floor with a neutral tile and accessorising with a decorative rug. The best of both worlds!

Tiles vs. laminate

If you’re looking to save a few pennies, laminate flooring can be a great choice for a home renovation. Available in a range of wood textures, they’re easy to install and even easier to keep clean. That said, if you’re looking for something with a high-quality finish that won’t alter over time, wood effect tiles are the better option.

Laminate flooring has a bad reputation for warping or bubbling too. This happens if there’s too much moisture in the air or if a spillage gets forgotten about, meaning it’s not great in bathrooms and kitchens.

Credit: @alexandraposterbennaim

Tiles vs. vinyl

Vinyl flooring is another good way to save money, with a variety of designs to choose from to suit your style. It’s easy to install too and especially good for uneven floors. The cons? Sadly, it’s not very hardwearing. Impact from footwear or dropped items can often leave vinyl damaged. The design can also wear unevenly leaving an undesired finished.

Where vinyl is lacking, tiles really shine, making them a worthwhile investment if you want something long-lasting. You can’t beat the luxury feel of tiles underfoot, either! 

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