23 Feb 2023 | Updated Date: 12 Feb 2025, Read Time : 7 Min

5 Tips for Mixing and Matching Different Tile Styles

Choosing tiles for your space can be tricky, especially if you are not redecorating from scratch. Most of the time, homeowners simply keep parts of the original “bones” of the space and upgrade what is necessary. When you are decorating a space from scratch, you have a blank canvas to work with. This means you can use whatever you want without having to take existing décor into consideration. But, when you are redecorating, say, your kitchen, you may only be tiling or re-tiling your walls while keeping your flooring intact. This means that your wall tiles need to work with your flooring, or else you will end up with a visual mess. Picking out the right type of tiles can be an intimidating affair with the variety of materials, patterns and colours available. Then, there is the task of matching your selected floor tiles or wall tiles with the other tiles you have chosen for your space. One common mistake a lot of people make while choosing tiles is not taking the other aspects of the space, such as overall colour palette upholstery, furniture, décor and other tiles, in mind. This only ends up in creating an ambience that looks slightly off and out of place.

Why Should You Mix And Match Tiles?

Mixing and matching different colours and patterns in a space is not a big deal. But it is imperative that you do it right. There are various things that you need to consider before you choose a colour palette or pattern for your space – one of the most important aspects being timelessness. As mentioned before, tiles are a long-term investment. Choosing extremely trendy tiles may not work out in your favour as with time, as the trends change, your space might end up looking highly dated. This is why mixing and matching tiles is important. Mixing and matching different tiles is an amazing way to add some diversity to your home. It also allows you to give your space a unique and personal touch that will certainly not look old or dated with the passage of time. Also using a mix of different tiles can also help reduce the need for carpets, rugs, wall art and other decorative accessories in your space.

What Are The Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing Tiles?

Choosing tiles is one of the biggest decisions you can make while decorating or redecorating your home. Tiles are a long-term commitment and are not usually changed every 2 years, so think of your choices very carefully before zeroing in. Here are some tips that you can take into consideration before selecting a tile for your space:

Functionality

While choosing the combination of tiles, one should be very sure about the traffic flow and the kind of utilisation of the different tile designs in various areas. In places that have high traffic, like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, it is a must to choose tile styles that can take on repetitive usage, are non-slip in nature, and ensure safety. Also, for places where moisture is most likely to occur—such as laundry areas, pool areas, and showers—it is most advisable to choose waterproof or water-resistant tile for the longest-lasting durability.

Style and Aesthetics:

Style is also important when it comes to the combination of tiles, different tile designs, and wall and floor tile colour combinations. Make selections that reflect or complement the motif of the space. To achieve a unique style you can Mix and match different sizes and shapes. Make sure you get around to experimenting with patterns and colour combinations of wall and floor tiles. Get creative with how patterns can inflict personality and how colours may affect the mood. Always remember to balance striking pieces of any setting with more neutral elements so that it doesn't become overwhelming.

Material and Maintenance:

When considering your different tile design options, there's not only the look to be taken into consideration but also the practical elements that will affect the life and maintenance of your tiles. Different materials, like metal, glass, natural stone, vitrified, porcelain, and ceramic, all have properties that come into play. For example, metallic tiles offer very high toughness, while glazed porcelain tile does the best when you want something with low maintenance that will undertake everyday abuse gracefully. Knowing what each one of these materials can offer in added durability, resistance to water, or ease of cleaning, you can pick the one that would come closest to your priorities and lifestyle.

Budget:

A reasonable spending plan is everything when it comes to a tiling job, as there are so many things to be kept in mind. All of these must be budgeted to ensure that the job gets finished without any hitch, from the cost of raw materials to the cost of fixing them, extra add-ons like mosaics, or trimmings. The necessity to get carried away with the initial quotes is not required, rather look at the bigger picture. While premium tiles may initially cost more, they may end up being less expensive over time. They are more cost-effective since they require fewer repairs because they are stronger and last longer.

Design Rules For Mixing And Matching Tiles Together

Using The Same Material Throughout

Shop this look here, here and here. The best way to create a mix-and-match tile design that is cohesive and gorgeous is by using the same type of material for all the tiles. So, if you fall in love with marble or ceramic tile, you can pair different colours, patterns and shapes together to create a cohesive, homogenous look. Try to use similar finishes for a gorgeous and eye-catching look.

Mix And Match Materials

While it is easy to create a cohesive look while using the same tile material, there are many gorgeous tiling material options to just limit yourself to a single material choice. Lots of times, for an out-of-the-box look, designers and homeowners tend to mix and match tiles with other various materials. Be it combining ceramic tiles with wood tiles or wood panels (as in the image above) or porcelain tiles with glass tiles – you can go all out and create an eye-catching juxtaposition with different materials. By pairing different materials, you can add some depth and dimension to your space effortlessly.

Sporadic Use Of Busy Patterns

Shop this look here, here and here. It may seem tempting to plaster your chosen patterns on every single surface, but it would be better to keep the use of patterns minimal in order to enhance their beauty. It is best to pair tiles with bold patterns with plain tiles for a soft yet eye-catching look. Also, make sure you do not use more than three different tile patterns in the same space – since too many patterns can make the space look too visually busy and cluttered.

Mixing Different Finishes

Shop this look here. While using the same finish throughout can be pleasing to the eye, using different finishes can add a subtle contrast and add some texture to your space. For example, you can do a small matte tile border around a wall of glossy tiles. Or use matte and glossy floor tiles in a chessboard pattern on your floor. As long as the functionality is not affected, you can club multiple finishes for a chic and unique look.

Using Multiple Colours

Shop this look here, here and here. As mentioned before, while using multiple colours, it is best to match the undertones in order to create a cohesive look. You can use complementary colours, contrasting colours or even a combination of bright colours with a neutral to create a colour palette. But, as with patterns, do not go overboard and use too many colours – the space will end up a visual mess! You can even use the same tile in different colours for a dramatic effect. It is very important to ensure that the tiles you use for your space work well together to create your desired ambience. Mismatched tiles can end up making your room look unattractive and visually unappealing. While the process of mixing and matching different tiles may feel arduous, if you follow the ground rules, you will be sorted and be able to create an eye-catching and beautiful space that is as unique as you.

How Can Orientbell Tiles Help?

Choosing multiple tiles for a single space can be a difficult task, especially if you are unable to imagine the tiles in the space. For this explicit reason, we at Orientbell Tiles have come up with a plethora of tools to assist you with tile selection and tile buying:

TriaLook – An industry-first revolutionary visualisation tool that is available for free on our website. Simply select the tile of your choice and upload a picture of your space – TriaLook will provide you with a realistic image of how your space will look with your choice of tiles installed in it!
TruLook – Have industry experts design your space for you with TruLook at the minimal cost of Rs. 500.
QuickLook – Our channel partners are equipped with the QuickLook software to provide you with a realistic look at how the tiles look post-installation.

All our tiles are available for purchase online or at a store near you.

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FAQs

How do you Mix and Match Tile Shapes?

To mix and match tile shapes effectively, start with a cohesive colour palette and balance bold patterns with subtle backgrounds. Combine large and small tiles to create visual interest and use border tiles for smooth transitions. Use geometric or mosaic patterns to add depth. Seek inspiration from design magazines or showrooms to see trending combinations and create a unique, stylish space that reflects your taste.

How do you Match Two Different Tiles?

Consider matching tiles by texture, colour, or pattern. For example, match all the ceramic tiles or work with the same colour or complementary tones. Just be alert to avoid too many mismatched tiles in one small area because that would look messy.

How do you Arrange Tile Patterns?

To arrange tile patterns, choose a design that complements your space, such as herringbone, chevron, or grid layouts. Plan your pattern by laying out tiles beforehand, starting from the centre or a focal point. For uniform gaps, use spacers, and make sure everything is aligned by checking with a level frequently. Mix colours and sizes for visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look.

Can you Mix Different Types of Tile?

Absolutely! Adding a variety of tile types to your area gives it personality. You can also give a look of uniformity by using tiles all made up of the same material, all ceramic, for example, in the room, or you could just use different materials likeceramic and wood to make the statement bigger.

Author

Mannika Mitra

Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.