How to Choose the Best Tiles for Your Home Renovation: Your Selection Guide
- Gurkeerat Sekhon
- Apr 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 20
Be it your inviting living room, the functional bathroom, the creative kitchen, or even the outside patio, the right choice of tiles makes all the difference. When selecting tiles in India, consider the tile's purpose for the specific area, its durability and safety features, size and finish to match the space's aesthetic and light, and the overall budget. Also, consider the regional climate and choose tiles that complement your home's existing décor.
In this article we focus on how to select the best tile for your home renovation by evaluating it from different aspects.
Right Type of Tile material
Ceramic tiles (most popular in India)
Affordable and widely available, ideal for bedrooms and walls. However, they can absorb moisture and may crack over time in high-traffic areas
Vitrified tiles (most popular in India)
Strong, low-porosity, and long-lasting (15–25 years). Great for living rooms and heavy-use areas.
Porcelain tiles
Denser and more water-resistant than ceramic—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies.
Natural stone (Marble, Granite, Kota)
Premium look and naturally cool (good for hot climates), but requires maintenance and higher investment.
Resin
Upcoming and costly. Allows you to do a lot of Designs but is more of one time thing for long time
👉 Tip: For Indian homes, vitrified tiles strike the best balance between durability, maintenance, and cost. Ceramic tiles are the next best option
You can refer to our section on different types of tiles for this. Click HERE
Choosing the Perfect Tile Size
Tile size directly affects how your space looks. Consider the size of your rooms, the desired visual effect, and the practicality of maintenance when choosing the tile size for each space in your home.
Large format tiles (600×600 mm or more)
Make rooms look bigger and reduce grout lines (modern homes prefer this). Perfect for living room/ dining room and bedrooms.
Medium Tiles (between 300x300 mm and 600x600 mm)
Strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. They are versatile and used in various rooms of your home, from kitchens and bathrooms to living areas
Small tiles / mosaics (300x300 mm or less)
Better grip and detailing—ideal for bathrooms and backsplashes.
Rectangular vs square vs patterned shapes
Rectangular tiles can elongate a room visually, while patterned tiles add character. Good for balconies or walls of bathroom.
👉 Tip: Larger tiles work best for Living rooms/ Dining room/ Bedroom; Don’t use larger tiles in smaller rooms as they make it appear smaller. For Kitchen and Bathroom use smaller or medium tiles. Never put small tiles on the floor and big ones on the walls, as it can make your room appear disproportionate.
👉 Tip: If in doubt, go with the basic rule of “bigger tiles on the floor and smaller tiles on the wall.
Pick the Ideal Tile Finish
The finish determines both aesthetics and usability. Before choosing perfect tiles, look for diverse finishes that can adorn your home in distinctive style. Some of the best choices available are - Polishes/ Gloss, Matte, Antiskid, Wooden, Carving etc. Depending on the overall décor of your abode you can choose the tile finish that goes perfectly with your sense of style.
Glossy finish
Attractive mirror-like sheen which reflects light, exude elegance and radiance, creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere, makes spaces look bigger. Commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens to achieve a sleek and modern look —but can be slippery. Hence better used on walls
Matte finish
More grip, subtle and sophisticated look, ideal for Indian homes (especially with dust). Less prone to showing smudges, scratches, and watermarks, making them suitable for areas where maintenance is a concern. Popular choice for floors especially in kitchen and bathroom, as they provide better traction and minimise the risk of slipping. You can also go with a semi-matte or lapatto finish. These have a higher shine than matte tiles and are non-slip in nature.
Textured / anti-skid tiles
Bring depth and character to your spaces, offering both visual interest and enhanced slip resistance. Mimic the look and feel of materials like stone, wood, or fabric, adding a tactile element to your floors and walls. Suitable for bathrooms, balconies, and outdoor areas.
👉 Important: Always check anti-skid ratings (R9–R13) for safety in wet areas.
Choosing the Right Color and Pattern
Now that we've covered the basics of tile selection let's dive into some design tips to help you create stunning spaces in your home. Color choice should align with both design and maintenance. Whether you go for lighter shades or darker ones, selecting the tile colour is up to you. However, you can consider some basic rules before going for the colour.
Light Shades (beige, white, pastel)
Make spaces look bigger but show stains easily.
Dark Shades (grey, brown)
Hide dirt better—practical for Indian dust conditions. Make your area feel warm.
Patterns & Textures
Wood-finish, marble-look, and geometric tiles are trending where you can simulate look and feel of natural materials.
👉 Tip: Neutral tones with subtle patterns are timeless and resale-friendly. Make your space look flexible and compliments the décor and accessories as well.
Cost Consideration (India Specific)
Tile pricing in India varies widely:
Ceramic: ₹30–₹70/sq ft
Vitrified: ₹70–₹150/sq ft
Porcelain: ₹90–₹200/sq ft
Marble/Granite: ₹150–₹400+
Refer to our article on ‘Calculating Tile Budget’ HERE
👉 Don’t forget following is in addition to the Tile Cost:
Installation: ₹150–₹200/sq ft
Wastage: 5–10% extra tiles
Labour varies by city
Final Tips Before You Decide
(As you embark on your tile selection journey, it's crucial to make informed decisions to get the best value for your investment)
Always see tiles in natural light before buying
Check tile thickness and quality to avoid cracking issues
Buy from reputed brands for consistency. (E.g. Kajaria, Somany, Italica etc. )
Balance looks vs. maintenance (very important in Indian homes)
Always keep in mind tile’s porosity while selecting. Vitrified tiles are most water-resistant.
Choose the right grout color. Refer to our special article on ‘Choosing the Right Type of grout’ HERE
Hire a professional tile installer and get the right tile adhesive as well. Refer to our special article on ‘Common Mistakes While Installing Tiles’ HERE
Last but not the least - Think long-term: tiles last decades
Quick Reference Guide to Selecting the Right Tile for Your Home Renovation
(Based on Room type, Your Budget and Where you want to install it – Floor or Wall)
Conclusion
Selecting the right tile for your home renovation is a mix of science and style. In the Indian context, factors like dust, climate, water usage, and budget play a crucial role. While ceramic tiles work well for low-cost projects, vitrified and porcelain tiles are often the smartest long-term investment due to their durability and low maintenance. Ultimately, the best tile is one that fits your lifestyle, complements your design vision, and performs well in everyday use—because great tiles don’t just look good, they last.
We hope these tips will help you find the perfect floor and wall tiles for your home. These useful tips will guide you to make the right choice without overwhelming you! If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about making the right choices, don't hesitate to seek professional consultation.
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