Choosing the right tiles plays a vital role in defining the appearance, safety, and durability of any space. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, poor tile selection can result in:
Higher maintenance costs
Safety issues
Long-term design dissatisfaction
At Icolux, we help homeowners, architects, and interior designers make informed tile choices that balance aesthetics, performance, and longevity. Below are the most common tile selection mistakes and how to avoid them.
Many homeowners select tiles purely based on showroom appeal or online images. However, tiles that look attractive under controlled lighting may not perform well in daily use.
Common issues include:
Slippery surfaces
Visible scratches
Loss of shine over time
How to choose better:
Living rooms → Polished or glazed tiles for brightness and elegance
Bedrooms → Warm-toned matte or satin-finish tiles for comfort
Bathrooms → Anti-skid, matte-finish tiles for safety
Outdoor areas → Weather-resistant, textured tiles
Expert advice from Icolux:
Check water absorption rate
Review PEI and slip-resistance ratings
Confirm suitability for the intended space
Glossy tiles are often chosen for bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies due to their premium look. However, they become extremely slippery when wet.
Why this is a problem:
Increased risk of slips and falls
Unsafe for children and elderly family members
Better approach:
Choose anti-skid or matte-finish tiles
Check slip-resistance or R-value ratings
Prefer lightly textured surfaces for better grip
Tile size has a major impact on how spacious or cramped a room feels.
Common mistakes:
Large tiles in small rooms
Small tiles in large open areas
Recommended choices:
Small rooms → Medium-sized tiles for balance
Large spaces → Large-format tiles for a seamless look
Additional benefit:
Fewer grout lines
Easier cleaning and maintenance
Some tiles look beautiful initially but demand constant cleaning or special care.
Problems caused:
Frequent cleaning
Staining and dull appearance
Higher long-term maintenance effort
Smart selection tips:
Choose stain-resistant tiles for high-traffic areas
Avoid porous tiles in kitchens and dining areas
Prefer smooth finishes that resist dirt buildup
Icolux tiles are designed for long-term everyday use with minimal maintenance.
Low-priced tiles often compromise on strength and durability.
Risks involved:
Cracking and chipping
Shorter lifespan
Poor installation results
What to check before buying:
Tile thickness
Load-bearing capacity
Manufacturing and quality standards
Investing in quality tiles ensures long-term savings and durability.
Tiles chosen without considering interiors can disrupt visual harmony.
Common causes:
Clashing colors
Mismatch with furniture or walls
Inconsistent design theme
How to maintain balance:
Match tile color with interior theme
Use neutral shades for larger areas
Apply bold patterns only for feature walls
Grout plays a vital role in the final appearance of tiled spaces.
Common mistakes:
Poor color selection
Low-quality grout usage
Better grout choices:
Match grout color closely with tile shade
Use darker grout in kitchens and high-traffic zones
Choose durable, high-quality grout
Buying tiles in exact quantity leaves no margin for error.
Why extra tiles matter:
Cutting wastage
Breakage during installation
Future repairs
Best practice:
Purchase 10–15% extra tiles
Avoid design mismatch if tiles are discontinued
Tile finish affects usability, appearance, and maintenance.
Common problems:
Glare
Visible scratches
Frequent cleaning
Recommended usage:
Glossy tiles → Decorative or low-traffic areas
Matte tiles → High-traffic and wet areas
Matte tiles hide dust, scratches, and water marks better.
Tiles with high water absorption are unsuitable for moisture-prone areas.
Possible issues:
Dampness
Mold formation
Structural damage
Correct approach:
Choose low water-absorption tiles
Ensure suitability for Indian climatic conditions
Dark tiles can add depth but excessive use reduces brightness.
Common effects:
Smaller-looking spaces
Poor light reflection
Balanced usage tips:
Use dark tiles as accents
Combine with light walls and good lighting
Smooth tiles wear out faster in busy zones.
Problem areas include:
Entrances
Corridors
Staircases
Better solution:
Use textured or structured tiles
Select tiles designed for heavy foot traffic
Using multiple designs in one space creates visual clutter.
Recommended design approach:
Stick to one main tile style
Use contrasting tiles only for highlights or borders
Simplicity enhances elegance.
Tiles may look different under various lighting conditions.
Common oversight:
Choosing tiles without checking real-world lighting
Smart selection method:
View samples in natural and artificial light
Avoid overly reflective tiles in bright spaces
Trend-based tiles may lose appeal quickly.
Long-term planning tips:
Choose timeless designs
Prefer neutral shades
Focus on durability and ease of maintenance
Avoiding these common tile selection mistakes helps create spaces that are:
Safe
Stylish
Durable
Tile selection is not just a design choice—it is a long-term investment.
At Icolux, we offer premium wall and floor tiles that combine modern aesthetics with superior quality and long-lasting performance.