Matt vs glossy tiles: which are best for your shower

 If you are keen to renovate the shower area in your bathroom, the tile type you choose you should play a key part in your design process. Functionality should be a key consideration especially in a room which is prone to wet, humid conditions so you'll need to ensure your tiles are slip-resistant to start if you're planning to install them underfoot.

Choosing a matt or glossy finish

There are essentially two finishes when it comes to bathroom tiles - matt and high gloss. However, each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages so follow my guide on what to look for to make a more informed decision before you buy. 

Original Style Alamo Ash Rectified Glazed Matt Porcelain Tiles

The pros and cons of matt tiles for shower areas in bathrooms

Pros

The finish is non-reflective

Original Style View Off White Matt Glazed Ceramic Tiles

Gloss tiles may bounce more light around your bathroom whereas matt tiles provide a non-reflective finish. This can be ideal if you're looking for less shine and a more natural finish. This organic look can also add warmth and more texture to your shower area, which could be ideal if you're looking to create a bathroom which feels warm in winter.

Getting a good grip

Bert & May Carmona Marron Tiles

Safety should always take priority when it comes to shower floors, which is why a high gloss finish may not be such a good idea. Instead, matt tiles will provide a decent grip, which can be vital for family households or elderly homeowners were safety will be paramount.

Easy to maintain

Original Style Eden Pergola Matt Glazed Ceramic Tiles

If you live in a hard water area and you can't stand water marks, it's probably best to avoid gloss tiles in a shower area. Fingerprints can be another issue if you pick a glossy finish for your tiles.

So, a matt finish may help to keep wall tiles mark-free and could also be ideal if you prefer bathrooms with a modern, sleek look.

Cons

Stain issues

If you choose matt tiles rather than those with a glossy finish, you may find they can stain or even discolour, especially if they aren't sealed properly. This can be an issue too in a hard water area or a location with a high mineral content in the water. You can counteract this with a water softener, whether you pick a system or use a shower head filter.

Regular cleaning required

Matt tiles will still need to cleaned on a regular basis and dirt can be more noticeable on a matt surface, so perhaps high gloss tiles may make the better alternative? Ultimately, your decision needs to take all these pros and cons into account for you to pick the right bathroom tiles, which are going to work best for you.

The surface is less reflective

If you compare this finish with gloss tiles, your bathroom is likely to feel darker. You won't benefit from light bouncing around the room either, which could make your shower area feel less spacious. This might affect you if your bathroom is particularly small and you want to give it the illusion of looking larger and make it feel brighter.

The pros and cons of gloss tiles

Metro Verde Botella Gloss Tiles

Pros

Gloss tiles are more reflective
Minoli luminous Lume Blue Tiles

If space comes at a premium in your shower room, wall tiles with a glossy finish will help to reflect light around the space. This will instantly make your shower haven feel bigger and brighter.

Durability

Original Style Mini Pink Gloss Hexagon Tiles

Generally speaking, gloss bathroom tiles are less likely to stain or discolour when compared to matt tiles. Style-wise, they can look super-luxurious when you choose to use them on your walls. You won't have to worry about slip resistance if you pick matt tiles and/or a shower tray for the floor. These tiles will instantly add a touch of glamour if you want to invest in a bathroom that will stand the test of time.

 Easy to keep clean

Original Style Montblanc Brick Emerald

We offer a stunning selection of tiles with a high gloss finish if you're looking for more shine on every wall in a luxury bathroom. Gloss also doesn't show dirt as much as its matt counterpart and, with a sleek appearance, you choose from a huge collection of colours. As a result, you can enjoy a low maintenance bathroom, which looks perfect for years to come.

Cons

Little slip resistance

Avoid using gloss bathroom tiles on a shower floor because this finish can be slippery when damp. This applies even more so to those who may be less abled, such as the elderly, or you're planning to future-proof your home. This can also be particularly hazardous for young children.

Welcome to watermark hell

High gloss bathroom tiles are likely to show watermarks, and let's not forget fingerprints and any other smudges, too. So, you may need to clean them more often than a matt tile. If time tends to be tight, this will only add to your list of chores.

Can make your bathroom feel cold

Although a reflective finish may appeal for a smaller shower area, this can make your bathroom feel cold. So, gloss bathroom tiles may not work if you're predominately using white in a large area, for example.

Choosing the right tile size

Signature Sigma Perla Gloss Tiles

Tile size for your shower walls will essentially depend on the look you want to create. A mosaic tile for example, can add a striking feature wall however you may prefer large format designer tiles, which will look more streamlined. They are also easier to clean and, whether you choose matt or gloss, your tiles can add a contemporary finish, which will enhance the functionality and aesthetic in a bespoke bathroom.

How to maintain your shower tiles

Signature Bahia Blue Gloss Tiles

Clean them regularly

Once you have chosen your tile design and you have had them installed, you need to clean them on a regular basis - we recommend cleaning them at least each week to keep them in top condition. Don't use abrasive tools or harsh chemicals and instead use a mild cleaning detergent, a brush with soft bristles then a microfibre cloth to dry them.

Use a daily squeegee

Every time you have used your shower, use a squeegee on your tiles and you shower screen. This can be a great way to prevent build-up of soap and water stains.

Make sure your grout is properly sealed 

Use a grout sealer, which you can apply on a six-monthly basis to keep it looking its best. Otherwise it can absorb water (its porous) and become discoloured.

Remove any mildew

Mould and mildew are bad for you and will harm your shower tiles so use a dedicated cleaner for this and keep your bathroom well ventilated as a prevention method.

Making your decision

As you can see above, you'll need to take a variety of considerations into account before you choose a tile which will suit you needs. From safety concerns to aesthetics, you'll need to think about your individual needs first. If you need more expert advice, call our helpful team now on 01344 620211 now.