10 Things to Consider Before Buying Ceramic Tiles for Your Home
Choosing the right ceramic tiles can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Whether you’re renovating a single room or designing an entire space from scratch, tiles play a major role in durability, design, comfort, and long-term value. At Koho Surface, we often see homeowners confused by the wide range of sizes, textures, patterns, and materials available in the market. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to help you make an informed decision—whether it’s for your living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or outdoor area.
Here are 10 essential things to consider before buying ceramic tiles for your home:
1. Know the Purpose of the Space
Before selecting ceramic tiles, think about where they will be installed. Different rooms have different requirements:
- Living rooms & bedrooms need stylish, comfortable, and easy-to-clean tiles.
- Bathrooms require anti-slip, water-resistant tiles.
- Kitchens need stain-resistant tiles that can handle spills and heat.
- Outdoor areas require tiles that resist weather, moisture, and rough usage.
Choosing tiles based on usage ensures long-term durability and safety. For example, glossy tiles look beautiful in living rooms but may be slippery for bathrooms or balconies.
2. Tile Size Matters More Than You Think
Tile size drastically impacts the visual appeal of your home. Large-format tiles create a sense of luxury and openness, while smaller tiles offer a more detailed layout.
- 600×600 mm tiles work well in modern living rooms and bedrooms.
- 600×1200 mm tiles add sophistication to hallways and large spaces.
- 300×600 mm tiles are perfect for bathroom walls.
- Small mosaic tiles work beautifully for feature walls.
Choosing the right size reduces grout lines, creates harmony, and enhances the overall elegance of your interior.
3. Choose the Right Finish: Matte vs. Glossy
The tile’s finish determines its look, feel, and performance.
Glossy Finish
- Reflects light and brightens the room
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for living rooms, walls, and showrooms
Matte Finish
- Non-slippery
- Offers a natural look
- Perfect for bathrooms, outdoor areas, and kitchens
Your lifestyle and safety needs will help determine the right finish. Families with children or elderly members often prefer matte surfaces in wet areas.
4. Understand Tile Durability and Strength
Ceramic tiles come in various strength grades. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens require tiles that can withstand continuous movement.
Look for:
- PEI Rating (Porcelain Enamel Institute): Higher numbers mean greater durability.
- Scratch Resistance: For homes with pets and kids.
- Load-bearing capacity: Especially important for commercial or outdoor spaces.
Always choose tiles that match your home’s usage levels to ensure they last for decades.
5. Water Absorption Rate
Tiles with low water absorption are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies. Ceramic tiles with high absorption may lead to moisture problems, stains, and long-term damage.
For wet spaces:
- Choose tiles with low porosity
- Prefer glazed ceramic tiles
- For extreme moisture, consider porcelain tiles
This protects your home from water seepage and maintains tile appearance for years.
6. Texture and Slip Resistance
A tile’s texture affects both aesthetic appeal and safety. Smooth tiles are visually appealing but may become slippery when wet. Textured or matte tiles offer better grip and reduce slip-related accidents.
Recommended:
- Textured or anti-slip tiles → Bathrooms, balconies, pool areas
- Smooth and glossy tiles → Bedrooms, living rooms, accent walls
Choosing the right texture ensures your home remains safe and stylish.
7. Colour and Overall Aesthetic
Tile colour plays a major role in creating your home’s mood and atmosphere. Lighter shades create a spacious and calm ambience, while darker shades add a premium, bold look.
Tips:
- Neutral tones like beige, cream, grey, and white give a timeless look.
- Dark colours like black, brown, and charcoal add richness but may show dust.
- Patterned or marble-look tiles elevate luxury.
Always consider the room’s theme, lighting, and furniture before finalizing the colour.
8. Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
Beautiful tiles should also be easy to maintain. Some tiles require more attention than others.
Glossy tiles are easier to clean, while matte tiles hide stains better.
Ask yourself:
- How much daily cleaning do you prefer?
- Do you cook frequently?
- Do you have kids or pets?
Choose tiles with a protective glaze, which prevents stains, scratches, and moisture buildup. Proper maintenance keeps your tiles looking new for years.
9. Budget and Long-Term Value
Tiles are a long-term investment, so consider both cost and quality. Cheap tiles may look attractive initially but can crack, fade, or stain within a few years.
When deciding your budget:
- Compare the price per square foot
- Consider installation costs
- Factor in tile thickness and quality
- Plan for spare tiles for future repairs
High-quality ceramic tiles offer better durability, stronger surface glaze, and long-term savings.
10. Choose a Reliable Brand and Supplier
The most important step is buying tiles from a trusted and reputed brand that provides quality, consistency, and after-sales support.
Why trusted brands matter:
- Better manufacturing standards
- Accurate sizing and thickness
- High-quality glaze and finishing
- Strong packaging for safe delivery
- Consistent colour and batch uniformity
Brands like Koho Surface ensure that every tile meets global quality standards and is suitable for residential and commercial spaces.