Choosing the right luxury tile finish

Choosing the right luxury tile finish

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When selecting tiles for your home or commercial space, most people focus on size, colour, and pattern. But just as important, if not more so, is the tile finish. The right finish can elevate your design, impact how light interacts with the room, and affect how easy the surface is to maintain.

Whether you’re going for sleek minimalism, rustic charm, or bold luxury, this guide will help you choose the perfect tile finish for your space.

1. Glossy Finish: Bright, Bold & Beautiful

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, feature walls, small spaces

Glossy tiles have a shiny, reflective surface that bounces light around the room, making spaces appear larger and brighter. They’re often used for splashbacks or shower walls, where their smooth surface is easy to wipe clean.

Pros:

  • Enhances light and space
  • Wipes clean easily
  • Adds a polished, modern feel

Considerations:

  • Can show water spots or fingerprints
  • Slippery when wet – best avoided on floors

2. Matt Finish: Soft, Subtle & Sophisticated

Best for: Floors, living spaces, wet rooms, outdoor areas

Matt tiles offer a muted, non-reflective surface that creates a more natural and understated look. They’re ideal for larger floor areas or places where a slip-resistant surface is important.

Pros:

  • Slip-resistant
  • Hides smudges and watermarks
  • Earthy, calming aesthetic

Considerations:

  • Slightly more effort to clean compared to glossy tiles
  • Absorbs more light, so not ideal for small or dark rooms

3. Satin or Semi-Matt Finish: The Best of Both Worlds

Best for: High-traffic areas, bathrooms, and kitchens

Satin tiles sit between glossy and matt. They offer a gentle sheen without being overly reflective, striking a perfect balance between style and practicality.

Pros:

  • Subtle light reflection
  • More forgiving on marks than high gloss
  • Suitable for both walls and floors

Considerations:

  • May still be slightly slippery when wet – check slip ratings if using on floors

4. Textured Finish: Depth, Drama & Design

Best for: Feature walls, fireplace surrounds, artistic spaces

Textured tiles come in a range of finishes, rippled, raised, hammered, or hand-crafted. These add depth and visual interest, making them ideal for creating a statement or focal point in your space.

Pros:

  • Adds architectural texture and movement
  • Great for accent areas
  • Can disguise imperfections in walls

Considerations:

  • Can be harder to clean
  • Not always suitable for floors due to uneven surfaces

5. Polished vs. Honed Natural Stone

For natural stone tiles (like marble or limestone), the finish dramatically changes the look and feel:

  • Polished: Highly reflective, luxurious, and smooth.
  • Honed: Matte to low-sheen finish, with a more organic and understated feel.

The choice depends on the ambience you want to create and the functionality you need.

How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Project

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Where will the tile be installed? (Floor, wall, indoor, outdoor?)
  • Is the space prone to moisture or spills?
  • Do you want the tile to reflect light or absorb it?
  • Is ease of cleaning important to you?
  • What mood or aesthetic are you aiming for?

Tiles are more than just a background. They’re a design statement. Choosing the right finish can define your space, enhance its functionality, and create the mood you’re after. Whether you lean towards the crisp shine of gloss or the earthy calm of matt, Alcera’s curated tile collections have a finish to match every vision.