So, you’re embarking on a home renovation journey in Singapore! It’s an exciting time, but we know it can also feel overwhelming with countless decisions to make. One of the most foundational choices—literally—is your tiles. They set the tone for your entire space, influencing not just aesthetics but also functionality and feel. After all, you will be stepping on them at all times.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to demystify the world of tiles, helping you make confident choices for your beautiful abode.
Understanding Tile Types: It’s More Than Just Looks
When you start browsing, you’ll encounter a few key terms. Knowing these will make your selection process much smoother.
- Ceramic Tiles: A popular and budget-friendly option. They are made from clay and fired at high temperatures. Ceramic tiles are great for walls and low-to-mid traffic areas. They are often finished with a decorative glaze that provides colour and pattern.
- Porcelain Tiles: Think of these as ceramic’s tougher, more durable cousin. Made from a denser clay and fired at even higher temperatures, they are less porous, more resistant to scratches and stains, and perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms and kitchens. They are a fantastic choice for Singapore’s humid climate.
- Homogeneous Tiles: This is a specific type of porcelain tile. Their key feature? The colour and pattern are consistent throughout the entire thickness of the tile. Why does this matter? If they ever get chipped or scuffed (which is rare!), the damage is far less noticeable because the interior looks the same as the surface. They are extremely hard-wearing and are a top choice for commercial spaces and residential floors alike.
Choosing the Right Size: Bigger isn’t Always Better
Gone are the days of only small, standard tiles. Today, the options are vast!
- Standard Sizes: Common sizes for floors include 600mm x 600mm and 800mm x 800mm. These are versatile, easy to work with, and often come at a good price point.
- Large-Format Tiles: Sizes like 1200mm x 600mm or even 1600mm x 800mm are increasingly popular. They create a sleek, seamless look with fewer grout lines, making your space feel larger and more open—a huge perk for many Singapore apartments.
- Bathroom & Feature Walls: Here, you can have fun! Smaller formats like subway tiles (102mm x 304mm), hexagonal, or Moroccan-inspired patterns are perfect for adding personality and texture to wet areas or creating a stunning feature wall.
Pro Tip: The size of your room matters. Large tiles in a small bathroom can lead to a lot of wastage from cutting. A good rule of thumb is to choose a tile size that is proportional to your room dimensions.
Selecting Tiles Room-by-Room
- Living Room: This is a high-traffic area. Prioritise durability and ease of cleaning. Porcelain or homogeneous tiles in 800mm x 800mm are excellent choices. Consider a finish with some texture (wood-look or stone-look) for added slip resistance.
- Kitchen: Spills are inevitable! Choose tiles that are stain-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Porcelain is king here. For the floor, ensure the surface has a slightly textured or matte finish to prevent slips when the floor is wet.
- Bathroom: Safety first! Always opt for tiles with a high anti-slip rating (often called R Rating) for bathroom floors. Textured surfaces, smaller mosaics, or natural stone-look tiles provide excellent grip. Walls can be more decorative with ceramic or porcelain tiles.
The “Grout” of the Matter
Don’t forget about grout! This material fills the gaps between your tiles and plays a big role in the final look. You can choose a colour that matches your tiles for a seamless flow or a contrasting colour to make your tile pattern pop. For wet areas, epoxy grout is highly recommended as it is more waterproof and mould-resistant.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Dream Home Doesn’t Have to Be a DIY Project.
Poring over tile samples, worrying about slip ratings, grout colours, and layout patterns—it’s a lot to handle. A successful renovation is more than just buying beautiful materials; it’s about precise installation, seamless project management, and bringing a cohesive vision to life.
This is where the value of an experienced Interior Designer truly shines.
At Dreamakers Interior, we take the headache out of your home transformation. We guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect tiles that match your lifestyle and budget to managing the entire installation process with our trusted craftsmen. We save you time, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure the final result is nothing short of spectacular.
Why spend your weekends stressed over samples and quotes? Let us handle the complex details so you can spend your precious time and energy doing what matters most: dreaming about your new space and creating memories with your loved ones.
Ready to lay the foundation for your dream home?
Reach out to our friendly team for a complimentary consultation. Let’s discuss your vision and turn it into a beautiful reality.
Get Your Free Quote Today – www.dreamakersinterior.com/contact
