The surface of ceramic tiles is one of the main criteria for choosing a facing material. Both glossy and matte textures have their own characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages, therefore, it is not always possible to firmly answer the question which one is better, and which one should be abandoned. In order to make the best decision, the pros and cons of both types of ceramics should be taken into account.
Glossy Tile
Attractive and stylish glossy tiles - a godsend for perfectionists and lovers of bright interior solutions. She is able to transform even a small space and make the interior royally luxurious.
Advantages
Gloss looks equally good both in cramped rooms and in spacious rooms with a non-standard layout:
The tile polished to a mirror shine perfectly reflects light and visually increases space.
A high degree of light reflection gives the glossy surface an attractive, elegant look. The perfectly smooth surface is highly decorative, it catches your eye and does not require an abundance of jewelry.
Disadvantages
On a smooth, glossy surface, natural daylight will give out every speck of dust. It is with this property that the main disadvantages of this tile are related:
- Maintaining perfect cleanliness requires regular removal of dust and contaminants. Any stains, plaque and smudges must be removed with gentle means. An exception is scratch-resistant porcelain stoneware.
- Low water-absorbing properties make the glazed glossy surface very slippery, therefore, they limit the scope of application of such floor cladding in rooms with high humidity.
Matte tile
The muffled dull surface - the embodiment of elegance and the perfect backdrop for any interior. This type of cladding has almost no disadvantages, and the number of advantages makes such ceramics one of the leading decoration materials in popularity.
Benefits
It is not surprising that many people prefer this particular type of flooring. Indeed, the white glossy tile with all its simplicity looks very stylish and elegant. Its radiant surface will decorate both the bathroom and the dining room. Its advantages include the fact that the white tile will ideally combine with any shades, which means that nothing limits you when decorating the interior. Large floor products look spectacular, they can be either square or rectangular. And sizes vary from 40x60 to 60x120.
In the corridor
White gloss is good for the corridor. The shining surface will create a feeling of a spacious and very bright room. The light that will be reflected on its surface will add solemnity to your hallway. You must admit that the corridor sparkling with whiteness from the threshold raises the mood, which cannot be said about the dark room.
Even in the absence of lighting, white will do the trick. And if the sun's rays fall from the far window of the room, there will be enough light in the corridor during the day.
On the kitchen
Effectively floor white tiles will look in the kitchen, and the color of the furniture can be contrasting or seasoned in bright colors. And in that, and in another case, the interior will look advantageous, it all depends on your preferences and other components of the design.
An important role is also played by the fact that tiles are easy to care for, all the more hardware stores offer a wide range of detergents and cleaning products.
Be prepared to have floors washed every day, especially if you have a large family and you often cook, otherwise the tile will lose its attractive appearance. But if you are not afraid of excessive floor washing, everything in your kitchen will sparkle in the literal sense of the word. But if you have small children, make sure that during wet cleaning no one will slip and get injured.
More often the floor surface looks more advantageous if a large tile is used in its design. If you dream of warm floors, then keep in mind that ceramic tiles have good thermal conductivity.
Features of glossy tiles
Glossy floor tiles are used today more and more. And all because the manufacturers were able to preserve its charming shine and at the same time remove the frightening slippery that is inherent in such a polished tile.
Among the arguments for glossy floor tiles are:
- It has a unique shine, this helps to achieve high-quality lighting of the space. Natural and artificial light (from lighting fixtures) fights off a shiny surface, even black, thereby creating brightness.
- Gloss a priori will look brighter, regardless of color. This will create a positive mood and real fun every day. A room with a red or orange floor will energize you for the whole day. For lovers of cleanliness, white glossy floor tiles.
- It is not strange, but gloss, even white, is easier to wash than matte tiles. It does not have a porous structure into which dirt eats with pleasure. Such a coating needs to be washed far from every day, depending on the color, 1-2 times a week, which cannot be said about matte tiles. The spots literally eat into it.
- Despite the fact that the glossy tile retains its luster, it does not slip, which means that a room with such a floor will be safe.
- Glossy tiles on the floor can visually expand the space, increase it, especially with a reasonable selection of wall decoration.
Note! There are several misconceptions regarding gloss tiles. The first of them is that glossy black tiles are more practical - this is not so, gray dust on it will just be noticeable better. The second misconception - when moisture gets on the surface, it slides very. This is not entirely true - of course, spilling a bucket of water there is a risk of slipping and falling, and small splashes, for example, in the bathroom or in the kitchen, will not be dangerous.
Glossy tile application
White glossy tiles on the walls and floor look great in different rooms. The most important thing is not to overload the room with brilliance and whiteness. Overloading this or that effect will press, the room will become uncomfortable, it will blow cold. The classic combinations with:
- red
- in blue
- beige
- in black.
But you can also experiment - add juicy green, orange, azure, because absolutely all colors are combined with white. Glossy black tiles will create a strict combination, the black-and-white chessboard, which is able to restore the geometry of the walls, looks especially impressive.
Very often you can find a combination of a white floor with the same walls. Bright accessories, textiles, furniture can dilute sterility. Only one wall looks very original, painted or pasted on wallpaper of a bright color with an active pattern.
In the bathroom, light tiles will help to solve the problem of lighting in a windowless room. In addition, the secluded bathroom will become visually larger, glare of artificial lighting will be highlighted, thereby making the room brighter and more comfortable.
Light tiled floors with a glossy sheen are appropriate even in public places
Glossy tiles in the kitchen - this is the best solution, because the dirt from it is easily removed. Processing with special means of restoration and protection will provide resistance to fat and other pollution. Also a great solution for finishing your kitchen floor if you need a distracting maneuver. Perhaps there are certain disadvantages of the kitchen set and you need to “turn away” the eyes of those who enter the kitchen.
Spectacular glossy floor
Glossy floor and wall tiles can create real luxury in the house. She looks really chic due to the fact that it reflects any light that falls on her. With such brightness, you need to be careful, so this solution is not the best for the bedroom. Eyes from a glossy shine quickly overwork, and regular overwork affects badly the general condition, eyesight may fall.
White gloss on the floor of a country house
When choosing such a floor finish, do not chase the price, cheap tiles can be slippery, and all fears about its injury risk can be confirmed.
Do not use glossy as a floor tile if the room is well lit and the sun's rays fall into it for a long period of the day. As already mentioned, this negatively affects vision. The second negative factor is the exaggerated brilliance reduces the price of the interior; it does not look chic, but rather dumb.
White floor in the interior
Almost all the ideas of decoration and home decor people borrow from nature. So the white tile that shines on the floor is nothing more than a snowy winter. Against the background of whiteness, contrasting colors are especially pronounced, they play in a new way, literally come to life.
Such a floor solution will create an excellent combination with dark skirting boards and contrasting wall decoration. It is not strange that a combination with pastel tones that are barely noticeable will also look beautiful.
The white floor in the house is equipped with people who want to get away from the standard canons of decoration and those who want to impress their guests. Due to the fact that such a floor is easy to care for, it can be found more often in design projects. It is he who is the most successful solution for the decoration, no matter how strange it sounds. The room with it is always lighter, larger and lighter. The room is as if filled with air, it is easier to breathe in it.
White-white - the best solution for the bathroom
The uniqueness of the snow-white glossy finish is that it makes it possible to create any interior from modern and minimalism to pompous baroque. The interior may be:
And all this thanks to well-chosen finishes and accessories. He will not go out of fashion, as is the case with other equally striking decisions.
Classic combination in the kitchen
Which tile to choose: matte or glossy?
Given all the above characteristics, it is necessary to understand that where one option is good, the other will most likely be inappropriate. The basic principles and criteria for the purchase of ceramics are clear and obvious, however, it is better to avoid template solutions, trying to approach each task as individually as possible. Those who have not yet decided on the choice should remember that:
- Spatter, stains and smudges are less noticeable on glossy tiles of light color (beige, white or gray).
- Matte and glossy tiles can be well combined in one space: glossy elements are well suited for wall cladding, and matte for flooring.
- For a small room with poor lighting, it is better to use glossy tiles.
- Bright matte tiles are perfect for the interior in a modern style (modern, pop art, hi-tech, art deco, etc.).
- Matte tiles with a grainy and embossed texture are poorly suited for the design of areas subject to severe pollution (entrance hall, working area in the kitchen).
- If you want to combine the practicality of matte cladding and the decorative properties of glossy tiles, you can give preference to lappated porcelain stoneware.
In the bathroom
White tiles in the bathroom are used quite often. There are many design options and combinations can be very different. But white color is a classic, and if you add interesting decor elements, your bathroom will always look fresh and original. In this room, tile washing is very easy and pleasant. Dirt is removed in an instant, while a porous surface, for example, still needs to be tinkered with. Ceramic tiles are resistant to moisture and if initially properly laid using quality materials, it will last a very long time.
It is also important that the bathroom is not only a place for hygienic procedures, for many this is a relaxation corner. And you need to feel the most comfortable. For example, a bright red or orange floor will look original and will most likely cheer you up in the morning. But over time, this option can get bored. But the white color is neutral, and in any case will not annoy you. Do you want bright notes? There is nothing easier. It is enough to hang several colored towels or shelves, and you can also decorate the wall with special stickers. By the way, for the mood, you can place them on the floor. Most importantly, they are easy to clean at any time. Well complement the white floor and rugs.
Some are mistaken if they think that white tiles are more difficult to care for and lay black on the floor. Just on the dark, dirt and stains are more noticeable, but the light is much easier to clean from them.
In the room
The glossy white floor gives the room a certain chic and luxury, especially if the lighting is done correctly and the rest of the decoration with accessories is chosen with taste. Now it has become fashionable to lay tiles on the floor in living rooms, and in offices, and other rooms. But not everywhere such a floor will be appropriate. If it is really possible to create something original and interesting in the room with the appropriate decor, then this floor is most likely not to decorate the bedroom. It is also possible to create an interior in your office in a stylish and tasteful way, but such a covering is not suitable for a nursery.
Therefore, follow fashion trends, but do not forget that the design of each room should be approached individually and think through even a small detail, and even more so a floor covering. You do it for more than one day.
Right combination
Be sure to consider the fact that no matter how you strive for perfect whiteness, you also need to be careful with it. After all, if you get too much with white, you will not feel very comfortable. From such a room it will blow in the winter cold and you will always feel like a snow queen. Add some warmth and comfort to your interior. The classic combinations with white include black, blue, beige, red. But it’s not at all necessary to be limited to this. Everyone has their own favorite colors, and white is just perfect for experimentation. Therefore, you can safely add, for example, turquoise or orange, juicy green or delicate lilac.
Chic interior in glossy finish
For a Russian buyer, the glossy surface is more familiar, and therefore the question “Which tile is better: glossy or matte?” began to care for home masters only in the last decade. And, as often happens, the majority immediately went over to the exotic side: tiles with a matte, non-shiny surface. By the way, in vain! Indeed, in some rooms, gloss is not just desirable, but vital, for example:
- in rooms where there is no or insufficient natural light,
- in cramped, small-sized rooms.
Amazing Gloss Features
This can be explained by the ability of glossy tiles to visually expand the space due to the reflection of light from its surface, which is always true for small halls, bathrooms and bathrooms.
Gloss is bright! Compare 2 tiles of the same color with a shiny and dull surface, and immediately understand what it is about. That is why glossy tiles are the surest way to make the interior positive and life-affirming.
Noble matt surface
Matte tiles are created for aesthetes who can consider not only the catchy beauty of gloss, but also the modest charm of a restrained and noble finishing material. The matte surface does not glare and does not irritate the eye even when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, such tiles are often used in well-lit rooms: kitchens, spacious halls and even living rooms.
Designers often call matte tiles the finishing material for aristocrats, so solidly, but at the same time, it looks reserved. Unfortunately, they forget to mention one important feature: tiles with a matte surface are extremely demanding on their surroundings. Remaining in the shade and not attracting increased attention to itself, it becomes the backdrop for furniture, plumbing, decoration elements that simply do not have the right to be imperfect.
The weighty benefits of a glossy finish
- Dirt-repellent properties. The pores of a glossy tile are so microscopic that its surface is not physically able to absorb moisture, grease and dirt. Therefore, it is not necessary to wipe off stubborn stains from it.
- Easy to care. In order to keep the glossy tile clean, it is enough to periodically wipe it with a damp sponge. And fat is easily removed from its surface with liquid and creamy detergents.
Of course, smooth finishes also have flaws. First of all, it is a fear of abrasives and any strong mechanical impact. The cleaning powder can easily leave noticeable scratches on the tile, and if you walk on the glossy floor in dirty shoes, then after a few months you will find obvious scuffs.
In addition, the constant companions of glossy tiles, especially tiles of monocolor of dark and bright colors - streaks from water, drips, lime deposits remaining on the walls after evaporation of moisture. Therefore, the beauty of gloss depends on the willingness of the mistress of the house to regularly pay attention to this beautiful, but rather capricious finishing material.
But a more rational solution would be to abandon the glossy tiles in the bathroom and other rooms with high humidity. But for the kitchen or on the walls of the hallway, finishing material that is not afraid of either grease or drops of dirt, on the contrary, will become a real salvation.
Interesting! If, nevertheless, a glossy tile is chosen for the bathroom, its color should be heterogeneous - a tile with an ornament, stains, imitating the surface of natural stone, is suitable.
Arguments in favor of matte tiles
- High abrasion resistance or abrasion resistance. This means that dirty shoes will be no match for the matte tile - it will not leave a single scratch on the surface of the material. The matte surface will easily tolerate any cleaning, even if significant efforts are required. This means that such tiles are simply ideal not only for entrance halls of apartments and private estates, but also for the halls of commercial organizations and public institutions.
- No need for daily care. On a tile with a matte surface, no stains remain after washing and water leaks will never be noticeable.
But, unfortunately, matte tiles are more porous than glossy, which makes it easy to absorb a wide variety of contaminants. And if you do not start cleaning on time, it will be almost impossible to wipe away the stained stain over time. However, this drawback is more than compensated by a correctly selected coloring. For example, on a tile under a stone or imitating marble any pollution will be invisible for a long time.
Nevertheless, knowledgeable people recommend refraining from the desire to decorate the kitchen apron with matte tiles for the kitchen. But the bathroom lined with it will always look clean and well-groomed!
- If you know in advance that during laying you will have to cut a large number of tiles, it is better to buy a matte one. It gives fewer chips, and slices are always obtained more accurately.
- Wipe the joints of the tile with a matte surface very carefully. It is very difficult to clean the composition on the surface of the finishing material!
Which floor is better for the floor: matte or glossy?
But in this case, aesthetic preferences and even practicality fade into the background. The main thing is the safety of all family members! After all, no matter how spectacular the glossy floor looks, but if after the slightest drop of fat or water gets on it, and even more so, after wet cleaning, it turns into a real skating rink, then it is better to abandon such experiments. Especially if the house has restless children and the elderly.
Another thing is a tile with a matte surface. It is more porous and, as a result, less traumatic. If, nevertheless, the choice fell on a glossy floor tile, it is permissible to use it only in those rooms where there is a minimal likelihood of water getting on the floor: in the bathroom, dining room, living room, corridor. But for the bathroom and the kitchen, this idea is not worth considering, because practice shows that even rubberized rugs do not save from falls on wet glossy tiles.
In search of a compromise
The question "What to choose: matte or glossy tiles?" in the end, everyone decides for himself, because he does not have a definite answer. Given the features of the premises, their purpose, designers and craftsmen recommend:
- for safety reasons, for flooring, especially in bathrooms, as well as in cases where children and the elderly live in the family, give preference to matte tiles,
- as a wall covering, glossy tiles will be good where constant pollution is inevitable, for example, in the working area in the kitchen,
- and vice versa, so that washing the wall tiles for the bathroom does not become a daily obligation, it is better to choose a matte finishing material, on which leaks will be less noticeable,
- strive to make a spacious room more comfortable - buy tiles with a matte surface, visually expand the room - with glossy,
- walls lined with glossy tiles in bright rooms with large windows can irritate with their brilliance, but in a dark room this decoration option, on the contrary, will give the interior life.
A compromise solution can be considered the choice of semi-matt tiles, which combines the properties of glossy and matte finishing material. Or a combination of tiles of different textures in one interior. For example, those walls of the bathroom, on which water regularly falls, can be faced with matte tiles, and to achieve the play of light and visually make the room more spacious - using vertical glossy stripes on the opposite wall.
Using Glossy Tiles
As already mentioned, ceramic with gloss can be a good decoration for almost any room. Often the material finds its place in the bathroom, kitchen and hallway, where it complements the interior very well.
It should be noted that such a cladding is perfectly suitable for low-light rooms, since the unique coating helps to create a kind of play of light, which in turn significantly improves the lighting and attractiveness of the room.
Today, such material can be used for facing any surface. But with it you need to be extremely careful. In the case of walls, there can be no complaints, and there are no restrictions, respectively. But finishing the floor with this type of ceramic should be done carefully, since the gloss is rather slippery, which can lead to falls and injuries.
Gloss in the kitchen
Quite often, this option is also found in the kitchen, especially when finishing an apron. Such popularity is explained not only by aesthetic qualities, but also by operational characteristics, among which, ease of care becomes the main one.
Almost any dirt can be removed from glossy tiles, which can not be said about other species. Since the kitchen is a place of high risk of pollution, while quite frequent, the choice of this type of tile becomes almost the best option.
Floor tiles
Considering this type of material when it comes to choosing which tiles to put in the bathroom on the floor, the use of gloss is almost unacceptable. At a minimum, this is due to safety considerations. Even after minimally wet cleaning, such a surface becomes incredibly slippery, which can lead to falls and injuries.
Also note that the coating is too bright. Of course, this will help to create a spectacular texture and appearance. But at the same time, due to the strong play of light and light reflection, the surface contributes to rapid overwork of the eyes, which adversely affects their health.
But even if we talk about its use, then only in dry rooms. In addition, it is necessary to choose the correct tonality of the coating. In particular, to know a few nuances, among which, for example:
- The use of light tiles allows you to expand the space, while dark tiles, on the contrary, visually reduce it.
- Using a combination of several colors or drawings, you can focus on certain details of the interior.
- Correct size selection is also important. When considering which tile is better large or small, it is worth considering the size of the room itself, since the choice depends on them.
Matte floor and wall cladding
It should be noted that among the wide variety of finishing materials, it is matte tile that is most optimal for flooring. Therefore, speaking about which tile is better to put in the bathroom, attention should be paid to just such a variety.
Its popularity is determined by the following factors:
- The tile is easy to maintain and operate.
- When using detergents, no stains remain after drying.
- The material itself allows you to create an unusually beautiful interior.
- If water gets in, the surface does not slip.
In addition, this solution is applicable not only to the floor, but also to walls, which will become much more attractive and will gain a new look. Against the background of such cladding, the room will become warm and cozy.
Which is better: matte or glossy tile
It's time to evaluate the pros and cons, and still decide what tiles in the bathroom, glossy or matte, and it depends on various factors. In total, we provide you with a number of recommendations that will help you make the right choice:
- When finishing the flooring, it is desirable to use matte tiles, especially with high humidity in the room.
- In the case of finishing an apron or other areas and rooms with a high level of pollution, glossy tiles are better suited because they are easier to clean.
- Directly for the bathroom, it is better to stay on a matte tile, since it is she who will help create a cozy interior. But the glossy tiles in the bathroom, of course, will create a sense of brilliance and beauty.
- In low light conditions, glossy material is suitable.
And the last advice that applies to all types of material is to choose high-quality, and only then the results of the decoration will please you for a long time.
And finally, we offer you several videos that will talk about the characteristics of the materials in question.
Consider the cons
White glossy tiles have many advantages. But before you make a decision on its purchase, you need to familiarize yourself with the minuses. Remember that gloss is easy to scratch and it will not be possible to remove this defect. If you are one of those mistresses who catches your eye and spoils your mood, take care of the white tile and do not use powdered cleaners, but only gels and liquid. And no hard rags, especially sponges with a wire surface. Even if contamination is not removed, take no chances. Better fill with gel and leave for a while.
Dirty shoes and heels will not decorate your glossy white floor either. If it is not handled carefully enough, scuffs and scratches will appear on it, it will become dull. And from this there will be a feeling of untidy premises.
Remember that all the care for the beauty of such a coating will fall on you. If you are ready for this, then we can say that all these disadvantages are not scary for you.
Hostess reviews
Many people speak with enthusiasm about the white glossy floor tiles. Women believe that it’s not difficult to clean up once again, but the sparkling whiteness looks amazing both in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Many say that even cleaning is a pleasure. There are only a couple of nuances. Over time, trowel joints get dirty, so it’s much more difficult to wash them. And lovers to walk barefoot should consider that footprints remain on the glossy tiles.
In general, the reviews are positive. The white glossy floor visually enlarges the room and makes it brighter. This tile is easy to combine with any colors, furniture and decor. There are many options and ideas for such experiments.
After laying the white tile, the question arises of how to wash it from the grout. You will learn about this below.