Which tile for the bathroom is better to choose: glossy or matte?

Ceramic tile is a popular material widely used in facing surfaces inside and outside buildings. To create a beautiful bathroom interior, it is an ideal option, and thanks to a wide range of products you can implement the most creative ideas. To choose between glossy or matte tiles, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of using each type.

The choice of material is not an easy task, because every element in the interior plays an important role. Modern manufacturers offer a wide choice of ceramic tiles, which are distinguished by the following parameters:

• dimensions;
• the form;
• production method;
• design.

Even tiles of the same size, made by different manufacturers,may vary in thickness, texture, strength. Ceramics of 15x20, 20x30 and 30x30 cm are considered to be the most demanded. But among the many options on the building materials market, it will not be difficult to find products of non-standard sizes.

However, tiles differ not only in design, but also in the production method. The initial stage is almost the same everywhere. It includes kneading the mixture, creating the mold and drying. Further processing steps are selected based on the future purpose of the products, their design and properties.

The choice of colors is another important aspect when buying ceramics. Traditionally, bathrooms are used finish in cold colors. All shades of blue are relevant. Especially beautiful bathroom in turquoise and blue tones. Green tile - this is the second most popular when facing bathrooms. Green acts on the psyche relaxing, so in such a room would be a good time and relax after a busy day.

In modern homes, you can often find black ceramics in the bathroom. This color looks just amazing, but this bathroom requires a proper design. One of the most popular veneer options is a chess color. In the bathroom, it will look especially luxurious in combination with unusual decorative elements.

One of the main criteria when choosing a material is its appearance. Two types of ceramic products are suitable for finishing the bathroom: glossy and matte tiles. They have a number of advantages and disadvantages, knowing them, you can choose the perfect option for a particular interior.

This type of tile is the best fit for the walls in the bathroom. Its surface reflects the rays from the lighting devices, multiplying them and thereby filling the bathroom with light. Many consider glossy tiles to be a must-have element of luxury and style. Such a veneer option always looks beautiful and solemn. With it, you can transform even a very modest interior and hide some of the shortcomings of the room.

Huge plus of glossy products is a visual increase in space, saturation of rooms with air and spaciousness. The tiny bathroom will turn into the magnificent room only thanks to one tile. The shiny surface will appeal to connoisseurs of luxurious, elegant interiors. Glossy coating has a high brand, so this tile is often used for wall decoration. When facing the floor difficulty in the care of a glossy finish provided.

One of the most popular options today is considered to be porcelain. It is almost universal material for any premises. It will look good in both spacious bathrooms and in compact, dimly lit bathrooms. Its main advantage is high strength, it is able to withstand small chips and blows. Porcelain tile has excellent thermal conductivity, which is also important for bathrooms.

In addition to the speed of pollution, in this species there are several other drawbacks.

• Narrow range of application. Glossy tiles are ideal for wall cladding, but laying floors is traumatic.It has a rather low water absorption coefficient, which makes it slippery even without getting wet. Such products are not recommended for facing steps and borders, because there is a risk of injury.
• Tile design is not always appropriate. The glossy surface of the gloss looks catchy and flashy. For example, such a tile is not quite suitable for arranging a relaxed homely atmosphere.
• Difficulty in care. Ceramic with a glossy surface requires frequent and thorough washing. On it will be visible the slightest drips, dust and dirt. And during the cleaning will have to work hard so that it does not have any stains from the water. Even touching the hand, there is a risk of leaving a mark on the wall. And the floor of the gloss will look dirty almost all the time.
• Glossy tile not suitable for well-lit rooms. Rays of light will increase the brightness of the surface, and this reduces the price of the interior. And the constant glare over time will begin to annoy.
• Low resistance to abrasive products. It is impossible to clean such a tile with powder compositions, since the surface will be easily scratched and it will be impossible to return it to its former smoothness.

This type of tile is often used to create a uniform style throughout the interior. The matt surface is suitable for high-tech or modern interior design. It looks luxurious in the bathroom, creating a calm and cozy atmosphere.

Almost all modern manufacturers offer moisture-proof products, which is especially good for rooms with high humidity levels. Many consumers do not consider matte tile due to the simplicity of its appearance. If you choose the right elements, the interior of the bathroom will look very noble. Its discreet appearance becomes a luxurious backdrop for plumbing and furniture.

Matte tiles are equally suitable for wall and floor decoration. It is considered to be “warmer” and does not get bored even after a long time.

Contrary to expectations, it is easy to clean and does not need frequent cleaning. In addition, it does not have to rub to shine. She is not afraid of external influence, and very strong dirt can be easily cleaned with a special powder. Difficulties can arise only with rough coatings, the dirt easily clogged in the porous structure of which is difficult to clean and wash.Small chips and scratches are practically invisible on the matte surface.

The disadvantages of matte ceramics are very few. With its help, it is difficult to create luxury chic in the interior - this requires a decent environment in the form of furniture, textiles and decorative elements. Successful facing of the room with matte ceramics depends on the quantity and quality of the design strokes. Although many consider glossy products frivolous and prefer more strict matte options.

With the help of matte tiles make the room visually more impossible. Here it is possible only if there is a large area of ​​the room and a good level of lighting in it.

Room lighting is an important aspect in creating great design. In poorly lit rooms, matte tiles are lost, becoming less attractive.

When deciding which tile to give preference - matte or glossy, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Glossy tiles will look good in both large and small bathrooms. Its luxurious shimmering surface is perfectly combined with the brilliance of plumbing, and well-chosen lighting will help fill the room with volume.

Matte ceramics are the opposite of glossy tiles. However, it also attracts attention and is an important element of the interior. Her calm aristocratic design opens up huge possibilities for planning the design of rooms.

Each consumer himself chooses the best option that matches his requirements and capabilities. Modern designers often combine these two types together. This option looks very elegant and unusual. For example, the floor can be represented by a matte finish, and walls - glossy. In the end result, everything depends on the wishes of the owners of the house, because the design of the bathroom should be not only practical, but also pleasant to the eye.

Another compromise option is the use of semi-gloss tiles. It is not so brilliant and was loved by many thanks to the combination of all the advantages of both types of tile.

Considering consumer reviews and professional opinions, you should stick to the following tips:

• in homes where families with children and older people live, the bathroom floor is better laid with matte tiles to avoid injuries and falls;
• Glossy tiles are best used for flooring;
• in order not to bother with constant washing of the coating, it is better to choose a tile on which dirt is not too noticeable;

• light tile needs frequent care. Most professionals prefer ceramics with a pattern or stains. Products look good under a natural stone: onyx, granite, marble;

• in order to visually enlarge the room, a glossy tile will do, and to give the bathroom a homely atmosphere - matte. Dark tile can visually narrow the space, which is undesirable in the bathroom, so you should look at the light shades;
• The strongest and most durable is porcelain. But collections of tiles from this material are several times more expensive than simpler analogues. Porcelain tile is of three types: with high, medium and low abrasion. For the bathroom is better to use the second option;

• for decorating the bathroom is better to use no more than three colors. A large number of shades looks colorful and will eventually become annoying;
• to create the perfect interior, it is better to choose ready-made collections from well-known manufacturers, where the color and size of the tiles are already designed by true professionals.

You can see a master class on how to clean the splices, in this video.