When choosing tiles, it's easy to focus on the colour, size or pattern first. But the finish can make just as much difference to how the tile looks in your home and how practical it is day to day.
A glossy tile can brighten up a small bathroom. A matt finish can give a space a softer, more contemporary look. Polished tiles can add a more luxurious feel, while an indoor/outdoor finish can help create a seamless flow between your home and outdoor entertaining area.
At Macarthur Tiles N Trade, we offer tiles in a range of finishes, including matt, gloss, polished, honed, external, indoor and indoor/outdoor. Each one has its own look, feel and practical benefits.
Here's what you need to know before choosing the right finish for your next project.
Matt Tiles
Matt tiles have little to no shine, giving them a softer and more natural appearance than gloss or polished tiles. They're a popular choice for modern homes because they work with almost any style, from clean and contemporary to warm and earthy.
One of the biggest benefits of matt tiles is that they tend to be a little more forgiving when it comes to everyday marks. Dust, fingerprints and water spots generally aren't as noticeable as they can be on a highly reflective surface.
Where are matt tiles best used?
Matt tiles are a versatile option and can work well in:
- Living areas
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Laundries
- Feature walls
The suitability of a particular matt tile will still depend on the product itself, so it's important to check where the tile is recommended for use.
Cleaning and maintenance
Regular sweeping or vacuuming, followed by mopping when needed, is generally all that's required to keep matt tiles looking good.
Because matt surfaces aren't highly reflective, you won't usually notice every footprint or water mark immediately, which makes them a practical choice for busy homes.
Current design trends
Matt finishes continue to be popular in modern interiors, particularly alongside stone-look, concrete-look and warm neutral tiles. Large-format matt tiles are also a popular choice for open-plan spaces because they create a clean, understated base without adding too much shine.
Best for: A modern, low-shine look that works well across a range of spaces.
Gloss Tiles
Gloss tiles have a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light around the room. This makes them especially popular in smaller or darker spaces where a little extra brightness can make a big difference.
They're most commonly used on walls rather than across large floor areas, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.
Where are gloss tiles best used?
Gloss tiles are a great choice for:
- Kitchen splashbacks
- Bathroom walls
- Shower walls
- Laundry splashbacks
- Feature walls
- Smaller spaces where you want to reflect more light
A gloss finish can also make colours appear more vibrant, so it's a good option if you want your splashback or feature wall to stand out.
Cleaning and maintenance
The smooth surface of gloss tiles makes them easy to wipe down, especially in areas where splashes and spills are common.
The trade-off is that fingerprints, water marks and soap residue can be more visible. In bathrooms and kitchens, a quick wipe now and then will usually keep them looking clean.
Current design trends
Gloss tiles are still a favourite for splashbacks, but we're seeing more interesting uses of them than the standard plain white subway tile. Handmade-look finishes, rich colours, vertical stacking and textured glossy tiles are all being used to add more personality to kitchens and bathrooms.
Best for: Brightening up walls, splashbacks and smaller spaces.
Polished Tiles
Polished tiles have a high-shine surface that gives them a more refined and luxurious appearance. They reflect light strongly and can make a room feel brighter and more open.
They're often used when the goal is to create a more dramatic or high-end finish, particularly with marble-look or large-format tiles.
Where are polished tiles best used?
Polished tiles can work beautifully in:
- Living areas
- Dining spaces
- Entryways
- Indoor feature areas
- Selected wall applications
The suitability of polished tiles for flooring will depend on the individual product and where it is being installed.
Cleaning and maintenance
Because polished tiles have a very smooth surface, they are generally easy to clean. However, their reflective finish means that dust, footprints and water marks can be easier to see.
Regular sweeping and mopping will help maintain their shine and keep them looking their best.
Current design trends
Polished marble-look tiles remain popular for anyone wanting a more luxurious look without using natural stone. Large-format polished tiles can create a seamless appearance and work particularly well in open spaces where the surface can really stand out.
Best for: Creating a polished, high-end look in indoor spaces.
Honed Tiles
Honed tiles offer a softer look than polished tiles. They have a smooth surface but without the strong reflection and shine of a polished finish.
They're a good middle ground if you like the refined appearance of polished tiles but want something a little more subtle.
Where are honed tiles best used?
Depending on the individual tile, honed finishes can work well in:
- Living areas
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
- Indoor feature spaces
Honed stone-look tiles can be particularly effective when you're trying to create a natural, sophisticated look without making the room feel overly glossy.
Cleaning and maintenance
Honed tiles are generally straightforward to maintain with regular sweeping and mopping.
As with any tile, the exact cleaning requirements can vary depending on the material, so it's always worth checking the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific product.
Current design trends
Natural-looking finishes are having a major moment. Travertine-look, limestone-look and other stone-inspired tiles are particularly popular in warm neutrals, making honed finishes a great fit for homes that are moving away from cool greys and overly shiny surfaces.
Best for: A refined, natural look with a softer finish than polished tiles.
External Tiles
External tiles are designed for outdoor areas where the surface may be exposed to weather, moisture, dirt and regular foot traffic.
They are a popular choice for creating practical outdoor spaces without sacrificing the overall look of the home.
Where are external tiles best used?
External tiles can be used in areas such as:
- Patios
- Alfresco areas
- Courtyards
- Balconies
- Outdoor entertaining spaces
- Pathways
Depending on the product, some external tiles may also be suitable for other applications. Always check the specifications of the individual tile before choosing it for your project.
Cleaning and maintenance
Outdoor areas naturally collect more dirt than indoor spaces, so regular sweeping is usually the easiest way to keep external tiles looking tidy.
Leaves, dirt and other debris can build up over time, particularly in covered outdoor areas. An occasional wash can help freshen up the surface when needed.
Current design trends
More homeowners are treating outdoor areas as an extension of the home rather than a completely separate space. Stone-look, concrete-look and natural finishes are popular choices for patios and alfresco areas because they create a relaxed look that works well with Australian outdoor living.
Best for: Patios, alfresco areas and other outdoor spaces.
Indoor Tiles
Indoor tiles are designed for use throughout the interior of the home.
The range of styles available means you can choose from different looks and finishes depending on the room you're working with. Whether you're tiling a bathroom, kitchen, living space or hallway, the right indoor tile can help tie the whole space together.
Where are indoor tiles best used?
Indoor tiles are ideal for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living areas
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
- Laundries
- Walls and feature areas
When choosing an indoor tile, think about how the space is used. A tile that works perfectly as a kitchen splashback may not be the right choice for a bathroom floor, and a polished tile you love in a living area may not suit every application.
Cleaning and maintenance
Indoor tiles are generally easy to maintain with regular sweeping and mopping. Areas such as kitchens and bathrooms may need more frequent cleaning due to spills, water and everyday use.
Best for: Interior spaces where you want to choose a finish based on the look and practical needs of the room.
Indoor/Outdoor Tiles
Indoor/outdoor tiles are designed to be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces. They are a great option if you want to continue the same tile from inside your home to an adjoining patio, alfresco area or entertaining space.
This can create a much more seamless transition between the two areas, especially in homes with large sliding, stacking or bi-fold doors.
Rather than the flooring stopping at the doorway and switching to a completely different material outside, an indoor/outdoor tile can help the entire area feel more connected.
Where are indoor/outdoor tiles best used?
Indoor/outdoor tiles are ideal for:
- Living rooms flowing into alfresco areas
- Kitchens connected to outdoor entertaining spaces
- Open-plan homes
- Courtyards connected to indoor living areas
- Homes with large doors opening onto patios
- Creating a continuous look between inside and outside
Cleaning and maintenance
The indoor portion can be maintained like other tiled areas with regular sweeping and mopping.
The outdoor portion will usually need more frequent sweeping to remove leaves, dirt and other debris. Because the same tile can continue across both spaces, it can also make the overall design feel more cohesive.
Current design trends
Indoor-outdoor living continues to be a major focus in Australian home design. More renovations are centred around creating entertaining spaces that flow naturally from the kitchen or living room into an alfresco or patio area.
Using an indoor/outdoor tile can help achieve that continuous look without having to compromise on the overall design.
Best for: Creating a seamless connection between indoor living and outdoor entertaining areas.
Which Tile Finish Should You Choose?
The best finish really comes down to where you're using the tile and the look you're trying to achieve.
If you want something understated and practical, matt could be the right choice.
If you're looking to brighten a wall or splashback, gloss can help reflect more light around the room.
For a more luxurious finish, polished tiles can create plenty of impact.
If you prefer something softer and more natural, honed may suit your style.
For patios and outdoor entertaining areas, external tiles are designed with outdoor applications in mind.
If you're tiling inside your home, an indoor finish gives you plenty of options for different rooms and styles.
And if you want the same look to continue from inside your home to your outdoor area, indoor/outdoor tiles can help create that seamless transition.
Find the Right Tile Finish at Macarthur Tiles N Trade
Choosing a tile isn't just about finding something that looks good in the showroom. It's about finding something that works for the space you're renovating and the way you actually use it.
The right finish can change the feel of a room, affect how much cleaning and maintenance is required, and determine where the tile is best suited.
Whether you're renovating a bathroom, updating your kitchen, tiling your living area or planning a new alfresco space, Macarthur Tiles N Trade can help you find the right tile for your project.
Explore our range online or visit Macarthur Tiles N Trade to find a tile finish that works for your home, style and project.
