Kitchen Tile Trends
Picking the right kitchen wall tiles can truly change up your cooking area, adding both flair and practical benefits.
Why Picking Kitchen Tiles is a Big Deal
Tiles aren't just for show—they're the foundation of your kitchen's vibe. The right ones can:
- Make the space pop with colour and style.
- Last ages and clean up easily.
- Shield your walls from spills and splatters.
Choosing the perfect tiles sets the stage for a kitchen that looks top-notch and works well. Take a look at our kitchen tiles ideas for a dose of creativity.
Things to Think About Before Picking Tiles
Before you just grab any ol' tile, think about these important things first:
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Material: Each kind of tile has its own perks. Porcelain, ceramic, zellige, marble, and stone all come with their unique charm. Need a nudge? Check out porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles to see what clicks for you.
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Toughness: Your kitchen’s a busy spot, right? You need tiles that can handle the hustle and bustle. Stuff like stone and porcelain are super tough. See the upsides of stone tiles for more.
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Easy-Peasy Cleaning: How much elbow grease are you ready to invest? Smooth options like porcelain and ceramic are a breeze compared to the fussier natural stuff like marble.
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Looks Matter: You want tiles that jazz up your kitchen, right? Fancy something with a handmade touch? Zellige tiles might be your jam. Into sleek and shiny? Modern kitchen wall tiles are here for you.
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Cash Factor: Gotta watch those pennies. Consider the price for tiles and getting them set up. Fancy ones like marble can cost more but ooze luxury.
Material |
Toughness |
Maintenance |
Price |
Porcelain |
A+ |
Low |
$ |
Ceramic |
B+ |
Low |
$ |
Zellige |
B |
Medium |
$$ |
Marble |
B |
High |
$$ |
Stone |
A+ |
Medium |
$$ |
Getting a grip on these details means you'll pick tiles that lift your kitchen game. For some extra tips on sprucing up your space, check out our guide on kitchen tiles design.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are like the superheroes of kitchen decor—tough, stylish, and ready to save your walls from the perils of everyday cooking. Curious about what makes them tick? Let's find out more.
Characteristics of Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are the stuff legends are made of—strong and dependable. Made from super-fine clay and cooked at extreme temps, they turn into a material that's as solid as a rock. Check out what makes them so special:
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Tough Cookie: These tiles can take a beating, perfect for spots where activity is constant.
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Water Resistant Wonder: Barely absorbs water, so spills are no big deal.
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Infinite Styles: Tons of colors and patterns to match any vibe.
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Easy-Peasy Maintenance: A quick wipe and they're sparkling clean.
Feature |
Description |
Water Absorption |
Less than 0.5% |
Durability |
High |
Maintenance |
Low |
Available Styles |
Colours, Patterns, Finishes |
Want the full scoop? Check out our detailed guide on porcelain tiles.
Benefits of Using Porcelain Tiles in the Kitchen
When it comes to kitchen glitz and practicality, porcelain tiles are the real deal:
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Lasting Power: Built to last, they’ll keep looking fab for years to come.
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Spick and Span: Non-porous, so germs and mold have nowhere to hide.
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Style Guru: Enough designs to suit any kitchen vibe you’re going for.
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Hot Stuff: Handles heat without breaking a sweat—a must in the kitchen.
Choosing porcelain tiles is like giving your kitchen a major upgrade while keeping it practical. For more inspiration, peek at our page on kitchen tiles ideas, or dive into our scoop on kitchen wall tiles ideas.
Porcelain's trusty durability and endless style make it a favourite among homeowners and designers. They’re up to the challenge of your busy kitchen life and add some serious visual flair to boot.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are like chameleons for your kitchen walls – blending beauty and brute strength for a look that pops. They're not just a pretty face though; these bad boys are here to serve up some serious style and substance. So, what's the big fuss about ceramic tiles in the kitchen? Let me spill the tea.
Features of Ceramic Tiles
Once you go ceramic, you won't go back. Here's what makes them the kitchen MVP:
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Material Composition: Made from nature's very own clay, these tiles are sculpted and cooked at scalding temps until they're tougher than your grandma's fruitcake.
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Surface Finish: Whether you're into glossy glamour or earthy charm—glazed or unglazed options mean there's something for everyone's vibe.
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Dimensions and Shapes: Pick your poison—with sizes from cute little squares to funky geometric patterns. Your walls, your rules.
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Water Absorption: Just like a sponge bath, these tiles soak up minimal water, making them absolutely ace for indoor spots.
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Easy on the Wallet: They save you some dosh compared to flashier options like fancy porcelain or snooty marble.
Feature |
Details |
Material Composition |
Natural clay |
Surface Finish |
Glazed, Unglazed |
Dimensions |
Various sizes and shapes |
Water Absorption |
>0.5% |
Cost |
Affordable |
Wanna weigh the pros and cons? Check out our ceramic wall tiles to compare with other tile types.
Advantages of Ceramic Tiles for Kitchen Walls
Ceramic tiles are like that friend who’s always got your back—they’re reliable, stylish, and know how to keep things clean:
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No Drama Cleanup: Spill the beans or the sauce? No worries–a damp cloth swipe makes everything right.
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Dizzying Designs: With colors, patterns, and textures galore, you can deck your kitchen out just how you like it.
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Heat Lover: They can take the heat, literally. Perfect for the cozy nooks around your stove or oven.
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Tough Cookie: Forget scratches and stains; these tiles play hard and look good doing it.
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Fresh and Clean: Glazed surfaces mean no hiding spots for germs or mildew. Say hello to a squeaky-clean kitchen.
For ideas on sprucing up your kitchen with ceramic tiles, wander over to our kitchen tiles design and kitchen backsplash tiles sections.
When you choose ceramic tiles, you're giving your kitchen a facelift and some much-needed functionality. It's no wonder folks, from homeowners to top designers, keep coming back for more. Curious about other tile types? Be sure to peek at our thoughts on porcelain tiles and zellige tiles.
Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles are a brilliant way to infuse your kitchen with a splash of unique artistry. Originating from Morocco, these tiles boast rich hues and a handmade charm that makes them the perfect pick for jazzing up your kitchen walls.
The Charm of Zellige Tiles
There's something special about Zellige tiles that puts them in a league of their own. Thanks to their hand-crafted nature, no two tiles are exactly the same—each little imperfection plays into their rustic appeal. With a glossy sheen, these tiles love playing with light, creating a warm and lively vibe in your cooking space.
Thing |
Tidbit |
What's It Made Of? |
Clay, pure and simple |
Shiny? |
You bet—glossy all the way |
Colour Range |
Go wild: blues, greens, whites—you name it! |
Size Matters |
Little guys (10 cm x 10 cm) |
The quirks of the Zellige tiles bring in an artistic and genuine feel. It’s like adding a dash of character with stunning backsplashes or standout walls. Need more ways to spice up your kitchen? Check out our kitchen wall tiles ideas for inspiration.
Blending Zellige Tiles Into Your Kitchen Vibe
Getting Zellige tiles to groove with your kitchen's style isn’t tricky, but here's a few pointers to make sure they really sing in your design.
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Backsplash Brouhaha: Let Zellige tiles steal the show with a backsplash that draws the eye—and the glossy finish? It’ll brighten up your space like a dream.
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Wall of Wow: Choose a wall to go all out with Zellige tiles for a big artistic bang. Could be behind the stove or even on a kitchen island wall.
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Mishmash Magic: Marry Zellige tiles with marble tiles or ceramic tiles to create a one-of-a-kind look. The mix of textures will add layers and intrigue.
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Colour Picks: Play with the many shades of Zellige—from striking blues and greens to soft whites and creams. Make sure your choice gels with your kitchen's existing palette.
Design Tweak |
How To Use It |
Splashy Backsplash |
Tile up the whole backsplash area |
Wow Wall |
Pick one wall to make your mark |
Mixed Media |
Pair up with other tile types |
Choosing Colours |
Go with colours that vibe with your kitchen scheme |
Stick with these tricks and watch how effortlessly Zellige tiles transform your kitchen into a style haven. For more tips on incorporating various types of kitchen wall tiles, have a peek at our pieces on modern kitchen tiles design and kitchen splashbacks tiles.
Marble Tiles
Luxurious Look of Marble Tiles
Marble tiles are like the royalty of kitchen decor. They’ve got that endless charm that doesn’t just fill up your space but turns it into an elegant retreat. With every unique vein and colour, they splash a bit of luxury on your walls, which is why they’re a go-to for those craving a high-end vibe. Interior designers and savvy homeowners can’t get enough of them.
You can pick from various finishes like polished, honed, or brushed to match your dream design. Want some shine? The polished finish has that glossy, brightening effect that makes your kitchen feel open and airy. On the flip side, the honed finish gives you a sleek matte look for a soft, classy touch.
Practicality and Maintenance of Marble Tiles in the Kitchen
Before you get carried away by all that glamour, it pays to know how to care for marble tiles so they stay looking swish. Being a natural stone, marble likes a bit of TLC to keep it in top condition. Here’s the lowdown:
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Sealing: Marble's got a soft spot for soaking up spills, so sealing is a must. This keeps it protected and gleaming for longer.
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Cleaning: Stick to a pH-neutral cleaner for your marble tiles. Acidic stuff is a no-go as it can mess with the finish. Grab a soft cloth or mop for your daily grind.
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Maintenance: Keep your marble smiling with regular maintenance. This means resealing them every now and then and swift action on spills to dodge stains.
Maintenance Task |
Frequency |
Tools Needed |
Sealing |
Every 6-12 months |
Marble Sealer |
Cleaning |
Daily |
pH-Neutral Cleaner, Soft Cloth |
Spill Management |
Immediately |
Soft Cloth, Mild Soap |
Sure, marble tiles need a bit of looking after, but they transform your kitchen into a place of beauty and sophistication—making them worth every bit of effort. If you’re eyeing kitchen wall tiles, think luxury; think marble. Check out our articles for more modern kitchen tile design ideas and white kitchen tiles to keep the inspo flowing.
If marble isn't your thing, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our guides on stone tiles and porcelain tiles for the lowdown on other awesome materials.
Stone Tiles
The Grind with Stone Tiles
Stone tiles in your kitchen—what's not to love? They're tough as old boots and look a million dollars. Whether you go for granite, slate, or travertine, stone tiles amp up both practicality and style. Let's chat about why these bad boys are worth every penny.
First up, they're strong like bull. Scratch, stain, moisture—none of it bothers stone tiles, making them perfect for your kitchen chaos. Fancy a hot pan dance? No worries. These tiles laugh in the face of heat.
Now, let's talk posh. Stone tiles are the little black dress of interiors; never out of fashion. With polished, honed, or textured finishes, there's a style for every taste. Rustic or cutting-edge, take your pick and give your kitchen that magazine-ready look.
Craving more tile wisdom? Check out our posts on kitchen tiles and kitchen splashback tiles.
Stone Type |
Durability |
Finish |
Maintenance |
Granite |
Very tough |
Polished, Honed |
Easy-peasy |
Slate |
Strong |
Textured, Honed |
Regular |
Travertine |
Solid |
Polished, Brushed, Honed |
Regular |
Stone Tiles: Time-Travelling Your Kitchen
Pop some stone tiles in and watch your kitchen morph into a classic wonderland. Picking the right stone for your vibe is all-important. Granite screams modern coolness, slate says earthy authenticity, and travertine offers timeless charm.
Getting them up on your walls needs a bit of elbow grease. Clear off the muck from your walls and check they're flat as a pancake. Use an adhesive that can handle these weighty wonders. We’re talking industrial-strength sticky stuff here.
When you're ready to go, pile those tiles up from ground zero. Keeping them straight is a must, so keep those spacers handy for even gaps. You’ll fill those with grout later—think about it like icing between cake layers.
Sealing your tiles is like wearing a raincoat when it’s pouring; essential. It keeps the tiles pristine and stain-free. Do a regular seal check to keep them looking fresh and fab.
Want some extra flair? Mix it up with different materials for a unique look. Have a peek at our thoughts on ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles.
With the right stone choice and a bit of hands-on effort, your kitchen will be the toast of the town. Dive into our suggestions on kitchen wall tiles ideas and stand-out modern kitchen wall tiles for more inspiration.