A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Perfect Tiles for Your Home

Tiles can completely transform the look and feel of your home - but finding the right ones can be a challenge. Between materials, colours, shapes, and finishes, there’s a lot to consider. Whether you’re renovating one room or building from scratch, it helps to know what really matters when making tile decisions.

At Macarthur Tiles N Trade, we help homeowners, tradies, and designers choose tiles that look great and actually work for their space. Here's how to choose the right tiles for your home - without the overwhelm.

Start With The Space

The first thing to consider is the space itself. What kind of environment will these tiles be in day to day?

This shapes everything. For example, bathroom floors and walls need tiles that resist moisture and won’t be slippery when wet, while living rooms can handle more delicate finishes. Outdoor tiles face weather, temperature changes, and sometimes heavy foot traffic, so durability and grip become key.

Moisture levels (Is the floor going to get wet regularly? Will there be steam or condensation in the space?)
Slip resistance (Do you need non-slip tiles - especially in bathrooms, laundries, or outdoor areas?)
Foot traffic (Is this a high-use area like a hallway, kitchen, or living room?)
Indoor vs outdoor (Are the tiles going outside where they'll face rain or temperature changes?)
Sunlight exposure (Will they be sitting in direct sun all day and prone to fading?)

Choosing the right tile for each environment ensures your floors and walls look great and stand the test of time. If you’re unsure, our team at Macarthur Tiles N Trade can help guide you to the best options based on where your tiles will live.

Choose Your Look

Once you know where the tiles are going, the next step is thinking about the mood you want to create. Tiles are powerful design tools — they can set a calm, subtle tone or inject bold energy and personality into a room. Natural, earthy hues can bring warmth and comfort, while sleek, polished finishes deliver modern sophistication.

Ask yourself: Are you leaning towards something timeless that won’t date quickly? Or are you ready to take a risk with patterns and colours that pop? Consider the other finishes in the room - your cabinetry, benchtops, wall colours - and how your tiles can complement or contrast with those elements.

Mood (Would you prefer soft neutrals that soothe, or vibrant patterns that energise?)
Style direction (Are you inspired by classic designs, modern minimalism, rustic charm, or coastal vibes?)
Existing finishes (What textures and colours already exist, and how can tiles enhance or balance them?)
Colour palette (Would warm tones, cool greys, or mixed materials suit your space best?)
Feature vs background (Do you want tiles to be the room’s focal point or quietly support other design elements?)

If you feel unsure about style, don’t worry. We love helping customers explore ideas and find tile looks that truly reflect their personal taste.

Pick the Right Size and Shape

Tile size and shape play a bigger role than you might expect in how a room feels and functions. Large-format tiles create a more seamless, spacious look because they have fewer grout lines interrupting the surface. This can be especially helpful in smaller rooms like bathrooms or laundries where you want an open feel.

Smaller tiles or mosaics are fantastic for tricky spots - think curved walls, niches, or areas where you want a decorative touch. Rectangular tiles like subway styles open up design possibilities with patterns such as herringbone, stacked, or brick bond, adding texture and interest without overwhelming the space.

Consider the practical side too: smaller tiles mean more grout lines to clean, while bigger tiles tend to be quicker to maintain.

Room size (Could larger tiles visually expand a small area?)
Tile pattern (Are you interested in traditional layouts or more dynamic patterns?)
Placement challenges (Do you have curves or tight corners needing smaller tiles?)
Grout visibility (Would blending grout make the surface look smoother, or do you want grout to highlight your tile layout?)

Choose Materials That Suit Your Lifestyle

Different tile materials come with different characteristics, and matching these to how you live makes a huge difference.

Porcelain tiles are a favourite for their toughness and versatility - they’re dense, durable, and great for both floors and walls. Ceramic tiles offer budget-friendly options and work well on walls or light-use floors. Natural stone, like marble or travertine, brings a rich, luxurious feel but requires sealing and gentle care to keep it looking its best. Glass or metallic tiles add sparkle and personality but are better suited to splashbacks or feature walls due to their delicacy.

Maintenance is a key consideration: how much time and effort are you willing to spend on upkeep? Are pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic part of your daily life? We can help you pick the right material so your tiles stay beautiful for years with the care level you’re comfortable with.

Durability (Does the space demand tough tiles that handle heavy use?)
Maintenance (Are you looking for low-maintenance or don’t mind extra care?)
Application (Will your tiles be on walls, floors, or both?)
Finish (Do you prefer matte, glossy, textured, or slip-resistant surfaces?)

Don't Forget Grout and Finishing Touches

Grout often gets overlooked, but it’s a big part of your tile’s final look and performance. The colour and type of grout you choose can either blend your tiles into a seamless surface or highlight their pattern with contrast.

In wet or high-use areas, stain-resistant epoxy grout is a smart choice to keep grout lines looking fresh and clean longer. And finishing trims and edge pieces are essential for a professional, polished finish — they protect tile edges and provide a neat, tidy look.

Choosing the right grout and trims ensures your tiled area isn’t just beautiful but also built to last.

Grout colour (Do you want grout to blend in or stand out?)
Stain resistance (Is a waterproof or stain-resistant grout necessary?)
Trims and edges (Are finishing pieces required for clean edges and corners?)

Try Samples in Your Own Space

Tiles can look quite different when you see them at home compared to a showroom. Lighting, surrounding colours, and the scale of your room can all affect how a tile looks.

Taking samples home allows you to see your options under different lighting - natural daylight, evening lamps, and everything in between. Place them next to your cabinetry, benchtops, and wall paint to see if they harmonise or clash. For wet areas, check how tiles appear both dry and wet to be sure you’re happy with the finish and colour.

This step helps you avoid surprises after installation and gives you peace of mind about your choice.

Need a Hand?

Choosing tiles can feel overwhelming - but you don’t have to do it alone. At Macarthur Tiles N Trade, our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to guide you through every step.

Bring your ideas, plans, or even photos of your space. We’ll listen to what you want and help you find the tiles that perfectly fit your style, space, and lifestyle. Our Gregory Hills showroom is packed with inspiring choices, and we love turning your tile dreams into reality.