Choosing the Right Tile for Every Room: A Practical Guide

When it comes to designing or renovating your home, tiles are one of the most versatile and long-lasting materials you can choose. But with so many types, styles, and finishes available, selecting the right tile for each room can feel overwhelming.

At August Tiles, we’re here to make that process easier. This practical guide walks you through the best tile choices for every area of your home — from the bathroom to the living room — helping you balance functionality, style, and durability.

Bathroom:

Porcelain tiles are a great choice here because they're dense, water-resistant, and available in many finishes.

For floors, choose tiles with a matte or textured finish to reduce the risk of slipping. On walls, you can get creative — think subway tiles, mosaics, or marble-look porcelain for a luxe feel.

Top Picks for Bathrooms:

• Slip-resistant porcelain floor tiles

• Glossy ceramic or mosaic wall tiles

• Stone-look tiles for a spa-like atmosphere

  
  

Kitchen:

Your kitchen is a high-traffic, high-spill zone, so tiles need to be tough and low-maintenance. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are ideal for flooring, as they're resistant to stains, water, and heat.

For splashbacks, this is your chance to add character. Go bold with patterned tiles, colourful mosaics, or timeless subway styles.

Top Picks for Kitchens:

• Durable porcelain floor tiles

• Ceramic subway tiles for splashbacks

• Patterned or coloured feature tiles

Living Room:

The living room is a space for relaxing and entertaining, so aesthetics are key. If you're after a seamless, modern look, large-format porcelain tiles with a stone or concrete finish are very on-trend.

Want warmth without the upkeep of timber floors? Try wood-look porcelain tiles — they offer the texture of timber with the durability of tile.

Top Picks for Living Areas:

• Stone- or concrete-look large format tiles

• Timber-look porcelain tiles

• Neutral tones for timeless appeal

Laundry:

Like bathrooms, laundries are exposed to moisture, detergents, and constant use. Choose non-slip floor tiles and easy-to-clean wall tiles. Porcelain remains the go-to here, but don’t forget to consider colour — darker shades help hide dirt between cleans.

Top Picks for Laundries:

• Matte finish porcelain tiles

• Easy-clean glazed ceramic tiles

• Smaller format tiles for compact spaces

Outdoor Areas:

Outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, or pool surrounds require tiles that can withstand the elements. Look for textured porcelain pavers or outdoor-rated tiles with a high slip resistance (P4 or P5 rating in Australia).

Top Picks for Outdoor Spaces:

• Anti-slip outdoor porcelain tiles

• Natural stone-look for patios

• Terracotta or earthy tones for warmth

Bedrooms:

While timber or carpet are common in bedrooms, tiles are growing in popularity — especially in modern or coastal homes. Paired with rugs, they offer a clean, low-allergy, and easy-to-maintain option.

Top Picks for Bedrooms:

• Timber-look tiles for warmth and texture

• Large format tiles for a sleek, minimal look

• Soft neutral tones to create a calming vibe

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Tile

Function first: Always consider how the space will be used.

Finish matters: Glossy for walls, matte or textured for floors.

Size and scale: Smaller tiles suit compact rooms; large tiles can make spaces feel more open.

Colour counts: Light colours open up rooms, darker tones hide wear and tear.

Grout makes a difference: Choose a colour that complements your tile and is easy to maintain.

Need Help Choosing? Ask Our Experts

At August Tiles, we help homeowners and trade professionals across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and beyond find the perfect tiles for every space. From style advice to technical recommendations, we’re here to support your vision — every step of the way.

Visit our showroom or explore our tile collections online to find what fits your space best.