Matte-finish tiles have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. A 2023 survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) found that 72% of designers specify matte finishes for their clients, up from 58% in 2020. Matte tiles offer a sophisticated look that can add a touch of luxury to any home. They are also highly durable and easy to maintain, making them a perfect choice for busy households.
Why Choose Matte-Finish Tile?
There are many reasons why matte-finish tiles are an excellent choice for your home remodeling project. Here are a few of the benefits:
- Durability. Matte-finish tiles resist scratches, chips and stains, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.
- Low Maintenance. Unlike glossy tiles, matte-finish tiles don’t easily show dirt and water spots. This means you’ll spend less time cleaning your floors and walls.
- Versatility. Matte-finish tiles come in various colors, shapes and sizes, making them an excellent choice for any design style.
- Safety. Because matte tiles have a slightly textured surface, they provide better slip resistance than glossy tiles. This is an important safety consideration for bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and other areas where water is present.
Using Matte-Finish Tiles in Your Kitchen Design
The trend towards natural materials and finishes in kitchens continues to grow. Matte-finish tiles offer a sophisticated look that complements textural, organic elements like wood cabinets and natural stone countertops. These tiles are also a practical choice for kitchens because they resist staining and watermarks, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Kitchen Backsplashes
A matte-finish backsplash is a stylish and practical choice for your kitchen. It can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space while protecting your walls from splashes, splatters and stains. Consider these design ideas to create a beautiful and functional backsplash using matte-finish tile:
- Statement Tile. A statement tile with a unique shape or pattern can add personality to your kitchen backsplash. For a modern look, consider using large hexagonal tiles or chevron-patterned tiles. If you prefer a classic look, subway tiles or penny rounds are always a safe bet.
- Color Blocking. To create a color-blocked backsplash, use two or more colors of matte-finish tiles or the same hue in a matte-polished combination. This is a great way to add visual interest to your kitchen and complement your cabinetry and countertops.
- Mosaic Tile Blend. A mosaic tile blend in matte finish can add a touch of luxury to your kitchen backsplash. Mosaic tiles come in various colors, shapes and sizes so that you can create a custom look perfect for your taste.
Kitchen Flooring
Matte-finish tiles are durable and easy to clean, making them a great choice for kitchen floors. They can withstand high foot traffic and moisture. Here are some things to consider when choosing matte finish tiles for your kitchen floor:
- Size and Shape. Large format tiles can make a small kitchen look larger, while small tiles can add visual interest to a large kitchen. Consider the overall size of your kitchen when choosing the size and shape of your tiles.
- Color. Light-colored tiles will help brighten a space, while dark-colored tiles can create a more dramatic look. The color you choose should complement the colors of your cabinets and countertops.
- Pattern. Matte-finish tiles come in various patterns, including solid colors, mosaics and geometric patterns. Choose a pattern that complements your kitchen’s style.
Creating a Spa-Like Bathroom with Matte Finish Tiles
Homeowners are increasingly seeking to create spa-like retreats in their bathrooms, where they can relax and unwind at the end of the day. Matte-finish tiles are perfect for creating an elevated, serene, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Here’s why:
- Tranquil Aesthetic. The soft, understated look of matte-finish tile creates a sense of tranquility and peacefulness in your bathroom. Unlike glossy tiles, which can appear bright and sterile, matte tiles have a more natural look that can help you relax and de-stress.
- Slip Resistance. Safety is essential in any bathroom, especially around showers and tubs. Matte-finish tiles have a slightly textured surface, providing better slip resistance than glossy tiles. This can help prevent slips and falls, especially in wet areas.
- Easy Maintenance. Matte-finish tiles are low maintenance and easy to clean. Their textured surface helps to hide water spots and soap scum, making your bathroom look cleaner for longer.
Using Matte Finish Tiles in Your Spa-Like Bathroom
- Shower Walls & Floors: Matte-finish tiles are great for shower walls and floors. They are durable, easy to clean and come in various colors and patterns that can create a spa-like ambiance. Consider using small mosaic tiles in neutral shades for a classic spa look or larger subway tiles in calming colors like blue or green.
- Bathroom Walls: Don’t stop at the shower. Matte-finish tiles can be used on all bathroom walls to create a cohesive and spa-like look. Use vertical subway tiles to create a sense of height in your bathroom or large-format tiles for a more modern look. Go with matte black for a dramatic, moody spa feel.
- Bathroom Floors: Matte tiles are durable and water resistant, making them ideal for bathroom floors. They can withstand high foot traffic and moisture and come in various colors and styles to complement bathroom fixtures.
- Paired with Natural Elements: For a spa-like bathroom aesthetic, consider pairing matte-finish tiles with natural elements like wood vanities, shower benches and shelves, as well as natural stone countertops like granite or marble.
Enhancing Living Areas with Matte-Finish Tiles
Matte-finish tiles are a versatile design choice that can be used in various ways throughout your indoor living spaces. They offer a sophisticated look that can add a touch of luxury to any room. Here are some ways to use matte-finish tiles in your home:
- Living Rooms. Matte-finish tiles can be used on floors, walls or even fireplaces in living rooms. For floors, large-format tiles can make a small living room look larger, while smaller tiles can add visual interest to a large living room. Consider using light colored tiles to create an airy feel or darker tiles for a more dramatic look. On accent walls or around fireplaces, matte-finish tiles can add a touch of texture and visual interest.
- Entryways. Matte-finish tiles are durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for entryway floors. They can withstand dirt, debris and moisture tracked in from outside. Consider using darker colored tiles and grout to hide dirt and grime.
- Dining Rooms. To add visual interest to dining room floors, consider using patterned or subtle-sheen tiles. On accent walls, matte-finish tiles can create a backdrop for artwork or other decorative elements.
- Hallways. These often-overlooked spaces can be just as stylish as other rooms. Matte-finish tiles can be used on floors and walls in hallways to create a cohesive look. Consider using light-colored tiles to brighten up a dark hallway or vertical subway tiles to create the illusion of more height.
Blending Indoors and Outdoors: The Transition of Matte Tiles to Outdoor Areas
Matte-finish tiles have become increasingly popular in both interior and exterior design applications. This trend reflects a desire to connect seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Matte-finish tiles can create a cohesive look that extends from your kitchen or living room to your patio, terrace or pool surround.
Creativity in Design from Indoor to Outdoor Spaces
There are many creative ways to use matte-finish tiles to create a cohesive look between indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are a few ideas:
- Matching or complementary colors. Use matte-finish tiles in the same or complementary colors for your indoor and outdoor spaces. This will create a visual connection between the two areas and make them feel like an extension of one another.
- Similar patterns or textures. Using matte-finish tiles with similar patterns or textures indoors and outdoors can also help create a sense of continuity. For example, use subway tiles in your kitchen backsplash and continue the same look on your outdoor patio.
Matte Tiles for Outdoor Living
Because matte-finish tiles are durable, slip-resistant and low-maintenance, they’re an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces such as four-season rooms, pool surrounds and more. However, not all matte-finish tiles are created equal. When choosing matte-finish tiles for outdoor use, selecting tiles specifically designed for exterior applications is important. Here are some things to consider:
- Water Absorption Rating. Choose tiles with a low water absorption rating. This means the tiles will absorb less water, making them more resistant to cracking and freezing.
- Material. Some materials are more weather-resistant than others. Porcelain and stone tiles are generally good choices for outdoor use.
- Freeze-Thaw Rating. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, be sure to choose tiles with a high freeze-thaw rating. This rating means that the tiles can withstand multiple cycles of freezing and thawing without cracking.
- Slip-Resistance. For more traction underfoot, consider tiles with a higher coefficient of friction for areas around pools and other wet areas.
Final thoughts about matte tile for your home remodel
Matte-finish tiles are a stylish and practical choice for your home renovation project. Their durability, ease of maintenance, and versatility can add organic texture and a luxe, modern feel to any space. If you’re looking for a way to update your home, consider using matte-finish tiles.
Do you have questions about matte-finish tiles? Stop in the Dover Floor & Tile Center today for a free consultation. We can help you choose the best tiles for your home and budget.
The best is yet to come,
Beth Orr
