The kitchen is the heart of the home, and choosing the right kitchen tiles can completely transform both the style and functionality of this central space. Whether you're designing a brand-new kitchen or renovating an existing one, your tile choices will impact everything from how the room looks to how easy it is to clean.
At Delforno, we supply a wide range of premium kitchen wall and floor tiles. In this blog post, we’ll help you choose the best kitchen tiles based on tile type, shape, layout, room size, and overall interior style.
Choosing the Right Tile Type for Your Kitchen
The two most popular tile materials for kitchens are porcelain and ceramic. Each has its own strengths:
Porcelain Tiles
- Extremely durable and water-resistant
- Ideal for kitchen floors and backsplashes
- Stain-resistant and easy to clean
- Great for high-traffic areas
Ceramic Tiles
- Slightly lighter and more affordable than porcelain
- Perfect as a kitchen wall tile and splashbacks
- Available in a wide variety of colours and patterns
- Easy to cut and install
Want something unique? stone effect, marble-effect, or patterned encaustic-style tiles are also popular for adding visual interest and character.
Kitchen Floor vs Kitchen Wall Tiles
When choosing kitchen tiles, think separately about floor and wall applications:
Kitchen Floor Tiles
Floor tiles need to be hard-wearing, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain. We recommend matt-finish porcelain tiles or textured tiles for added grip. Large-format tiles work well in open-plan kitchens, helping the space feel more expansive.
Kitchen Wall Tiles
For walls and backsplashes, you can go bold with colour, texture, or shape. Glossy ceramic subway tiles, mosaic tiles, or geometric shapes can add a stylish focal point while still being functional and easy to clean.
Consider the Size of Your Kitchen
Room size plays a big role in how tiles will look and feel:
- Small Kitchens: Light-coloured tiles can help the room feel more open. Rectangular or slim subway tiles placed vertically can also add height to the space. Read more iin our blog post "How to Choose the Perfect Tile Colour for Small Spaces"
- Large Kitchens: Bigger tiles (60x60cm and up) with fewer grout lines create a seamless, modern look. Patterned tiles or feature walls can help define zones in open-plan layouts.
Tile Shapes and Layouts
Don’t underestimate the impact of tile shape and pattern on your kitchen’s style:
- Subway tiles: Timeless and versatile, can be laid in brick, vertical, or herringbone patterns.
- Hexagon tiles: Great for modern or Scandi-style kitchens.
- Square tiles: A classic choice that suits both vintage and contemporary kitchens.
- Chevron or herringbone layouts: Add movement and texture - especially stunning as a backsplash.
Looking for something bold? Our tile showrooms in Dublin and Cork showcase geometric designs and patterned tiles that can add personality to even the simplest kitchen.
Colour & Cohesion with the Rest of Your Home
Tiles should complement your home’s overall interior scheme. Here’s how to stay cohesive:
- Match the tone of your kitchen tiles to your cabinetry, countertops, or flooring in adjoining rooms.
- Use neutral tiles (white, grey, beige) for a timeless look that blends well with other décor.
- Add pops of colour in backsplashes while keeping floors more understated for balance.
- Choose similar finishes (matt, gloss, natural) throughout open-plan spaces for visual flow.
Remember: tiles are a long-term investment - choosing a cohesive palette helps your kitchen remain stylish and harmonious over time.
Bonus Tips from Delforno Tile Experts
- Add 10% extra tiles for future replacements - if a tile were to break in the future it will save you the headache of trying to find the exact tile, and the cost!
- Use slip-rated floor tiles, especially if your kitchen opens to an outdoor area.
- Consider underfloor heating compatibility when selecting your floor tiles - most of ours are compatible!
Are you looking for tiles in cork? Visit our Cork tile showroom or Dublin tile showroom for hands-on design advice. Let’s find the perfect tiles for your kitchen!
At Delforno, we’ve been helping homeowners and designers in Cork choose the right tiles for over 40 years. From durable porcelain floor tiles to eye-catching kitchen wall tiles, our expert team can guide you through every step - style, size, layout, and installation.