Tiles are one of the most efficient forms of flooring out there in the market. Be it ceramic, stone or porcelain amongst many others, tiles come in a good amount of variety, giving homeowners a huge array to choose from to suit their needs and design. Tiles are not just aesthetically pleasing to look at but are also functionally great with features like water resistance, slip resistance and more incorporated into different tiles. Figuring out which tile serves the purpose both aesthetically and functionally can thus prove to be a daunting task. While picking tiles for any space in your home, certain factors have to be kept in mind. 

Here is an A to Z guide on how to choose tiles perfectly for your home. 

PLAN YOUR BUDGET 

Tiles are one such product that you can find extremely affordable and extremely luxurious variants in. While simple ceramic tiles are very cheap, natural stone tiles can rack up a huge bill. It is therefore key to first plan what you intend to spend on flooring in order to narrow down your choices. You can also try to plan effectively for each space in the sense that you could decide to go for a more affordable price point in rooms that are not on the forefront or don't see the most foot traffic, and splurge instead on the living areas which represent your home and see most visitors.

If you have a smaller budget, you could look towards more affordable variants such as ceramic or porcelain tiles. If you have the ability to splurge you can go for a classy marble or rustic granite to enliven your space. 

THINK OF TEXTURES 

The next and most important thing to keep in mind while picking tiles is to think of the texture that a space requires. The texture needed would vary from room to room in your house. For a bedroom, you would need to have a floor that is comfortable to walk one, and has a slip resistant quality to it. For kitchens on the other hand, you would need tiles that are able to endure heat, water, prevent slipping and don't stain easily since that is the place where spills are a frequent occurrence.

The texture is also influenced by the look that you are going for. For a more rustic and rough look, stone or terracotta tiles would prove to be the ideal pick. However for a classic and luxurious finish carpet or marble tiles may be the right choice. 

PICK THE RIGHT SIZE 

Picking the right size of tiles for your home is key to achieving the flawless look with minimum wastage. Tiles are available in a lot of sizes , including 2x2, 4x4, 8x8, 12x12, 18x18 etc. Depending on the space you are furnishing, you would have to first determine the size of tiles you need. This would be influenced by the design you are going for as well as the space. The most important factor to keep in mind is that the tile size can alter the appearance of a room.

If you utilize small tiles in a compact room, it'll make it look all the more smaller. However, swapping for bigger tiles can help give an illusion of added space to any room.  Even if you pick smaller cubic or penny tiles, you could work with the placement to create an illusion of a larger space. Picking the right size helps you achieve the right look for a room without generating too much waste. 

PAY ATTENTION TO THE FINISH 

The finish that a tile has is essential to the look and function of a space. The finish essentially translates to the kind of coating and look that a tile gives. Be it glossy, matte, rough or super smooth, there are a lot of different finishes to choose from. Depending on the room and the look you are going for, would also help determine the finish you need. For instance, a glossy finish tile reflects more light making it the better pick to brighten up a darker space. You may also need ones that have extra protection through coating, be it to scratches or to save it from the UV rays helping you create a functional and gorgeous space. 

EXAMINE POROSITY 

Porosity much like texture requires attention in order to develop a truly practical space. Porosity refers to the absorbance capacity of a tile. A tile that is extremely porous would absorb moisture, grease and things that come in contact with it. Tiles with lower porosity on the other hand are largely resistant to or absorb very little. The porosity affects the space the tile goes in.

It is important in spaces such as the bathroom or the patio to mostly utilize non porous tiles so as to prevent damage and the constant need for refreshing. Porous tiles, on the other hand, can work in a bedroom or office space where there may not be as much exposure to such things. 

CONSIDER MAINTENANCE 

The amount and kind of maintenance can influence the pick for a space. For instance, tiles that are prone to scratches and scuffing may not be the right choice for living areas and entryways which see a lot of activity. SImilarly, harder to clean tiles in the kitchen or bathroom area can prove disastrous as any lack of attention could damage the look and be unhygienic in allowing bacteria and viruses to spawn in the creeks. It is thus essential to pick tiles that are easy to clean, prevent bacterial growth and also be easy to replace if needed without hurting one’s pocket. 

MOVE TO THE MATERIAL 

The ultimate thing to pick is the material of tiles you are going for. Be it stone, ceramic, porcelain, terracotta, vitrified, or carpet, the list of options runs endless. Keeping the above things in mind can help you at least narrow down the best materials for each space. While for a living room you may wish to go for a classic marble tile, a comfy carpet or wooden tile might help add to the coziness of a room.

In the bathrooms you could go for a ceramic mosaic or keep it slip free with textured stone tiles. An easy to wipe off vitrified tile may prove to be the perfect choice for a kitchen floor, while a gorgeous glass tile can help add to the luxe factor of your bathroom. Keep the practicality in mind and pick out a material that has the right set of qualities while complementing your home well. 

Overall, there are a lot of different factors to be kept in mind while picking out which tile works best for your home. From teh size to the porosity, each quality has a set purpose making it ideal for certain spaces in your house. Look to our above guide to pick the perfect tiles for your home that look gorgeous and are hassle free to maintain.