Choosing tiles is one of those seemingly harmless moments that, in the life of a renovation, can turn into a test of psychological endurance. You enter the showroom calm, and leave three hours later confused, with twenty samples under your arm, two opposing quotes, and only one certainty: whatever choice you make, someone will tell you that you made a mistake.
There's the friend who says "I would have done everything in a concrete effect," the aunt who says "glossy tiles are more elegant," the architect cousin who looks at you as if you just suggested 80s linoleum. And then there's you, who has to live with it for the next 15–20 years.
Breathe. This article was created precisely to help you choose the right tiles, avoiding passing trends, costly mistakes, and those strange construction superstitions like "dark porcelain brings bad luck" (spoiler: it's not true, but we'll get to that).
Tiles are not just tiles (and this is where the problems begin)
The first big truth is this: tiles are not just a simple covering, but a structural and aesthetic choice that affects:
- the style of the house
- the brightness of the rooms
- the ease of cleaning
- the perception of space
- your peace of mind every time something falls on the floor
They're not like a cushion: you don't change them when you get bored. Tiles must be chosen with your head, not just your eyes (even if the eye wants its part, don't worry).
Porcelain stoneware, ceramic, marble: let's make sense before it's too late
Porcelain stoneware: the undisputed king
It's the most chosen material today, and not by chance. Resistant, versatile, suitable for floors and walls, it imitates practically anything:
- wood
- marble
- stone
- concrete
Pros:
- resistant to impacts, water, stains, pets, and real life
- easy maintenance
- perfect even for underfloor heating
Cons:
- if you choose a too "trendy" effect, you might get tired of it
Ceramic: classic but not dead
Excellent especially for wall coverings (bathrooms and kitchens). Less resistant than porcelain stoneware, but more economical and with great aesthetic possibilities.
Marble and natural stone: beautiful, but not for everyone
Elegant, timeless... and very delicate.
If you choose them:
- you really have to love them
- you have to accept maintenance
- you have to know that yes, they stain
They are a choice of character, not of convenience.
Trends: temporary friends, long-term enemies
Every year has its obsession:
- maxi formats
- ultra-grey concrete effect
- decorative Marrakech-style tiles
- herringbone installation everywhere (even where it's not needed)
The question you need to ask yourself is not "is it beautiful?", but:
"Will I still like it in 10 years?"
A smart strategy:
- choose neutral for the floor
- dare more on wall coverings, niches, accent walls
- use trends as a detail, not as a foundation
Because redoing a bathroom is expensive. Redoing it because you're tired of the floor... is a punishment we wouldn't wish on anyone.
Light or dark color? This is where superstitions are born
"You can see everything on a dark floor"
False.
You see dust and limescale, just like on light floors (just in a different way).
"Light is cleaner"
This is also false.
A white floor is a perfect indicator: it shows everything.
The truth:
medium tones (beige, greige, warm greys) are the most balanced
textured surfaces hide dirt and footprints better
cleaning depends more on the finish than on the color
Tile size: bigger is not always better
Large formats are beautiful, yes. But:
- they require perfect subfloors
- they cost more to install
- in small spaces they can look disproportionate
In standard apartments:
- 60x60
- 30x60
- 20x120 (wood effect)
are often the smartest choices.
Remember: installation is as important as the tile itself. An expensive tile installed badly is just a premium disappointment.
The installation: the real detail no one considers (and then regrets)
You can choose the most beautiful tile in the world, but if:
- the grout lines are crooked
- the cuts are imprecise
- the alignments don't respect the space
...the result will be mediocre.
Practical tips:
- thin but realistic grout lines (1.5–2 mm)
- grout color similar to the tile (less grid effect)
- pay attention to alignments with doors and sanitary ware
- Installation is not the place to save money.
Wood effect: beautiful yes, but choose well
Wood-effect porcelain stoneware is a modern blessing.
But be careful:
- avoid veins that look too "fake"
- choose natural tones, not too orange or trendy grey
- staggered or herringbone installation ONLY if consistent with the space
And no: it doesn't creak, it doesn't swell, it doesn't take revenge if water falls on it.
Bathroom and kitchen: two rooms, two philosophies
Bathroom
- non-slip floors (essential, not optional)
- easy-to-clean wall coverings
- concentrated decorations, not everywhere
Kitchen
- surfaces resistant to stains and grease
- better to avoid surfaces that are too porous
- pay attention to continuity with the living room if open space
Classic mistakes to avoid (save this list)
- Choosing only by looking at the small sample
- Not seeing the tile in natural light
- Not thinking about furniture, sanitary ware, kitchen
- Chasing trends without thinking about the future
- Saving on installation
- Not asking for a simulation or rendering
The right tiles don't shout, they work
The perfect tile is not the one that impresses everyone at first glance.
It's the one that:
- doesn't tire you after years
- makes rooms harmonious
- doesn't create problems
- makes you say "we chose well"
And if you feel confused during the selection, know that it's normal: it's part of the process. The important thing is to not be guided only by aesthetics, but not by fear either.
If you want, Gruppo Impianti Ristrutturazioni can help you to:
- evaluate materials and rooms
- avoid costly mistakes
- choose beautiful, practical, and durable solutions
Because tiles don't bring good or bad luck.
But a wrong choice... that, yes, you'll feel every day under your feet.
