Are you currently in the planning stage of a kitchen renovation project or simply looking at cost-effect ways to up-cycle your existing one? Well, this guide is for you! Your kitchen floor is more than a surface to walk on, it's a statement piece that sets the tone for this space. With a plethora of styles, patterns, colours and materials to choose from, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the factors to consider when selecting the ideal kitchen floor tiles, ensuring that you make an informed decision that suits your unique taste and lifestyle. Whether you're aiming for a sleek, modern aesthetic or a warm, traditional feel, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect kitchen floor tiles that will transform your cooking space into a true masterpiece.
Factors to Consider When Looking For Kitchen Floor Tiles
Suitability
When it comes to choosing the perfect kitchen floor tiles, suitability should play a big part in your decision making, taking into account your personal life such as having children or pets; would a mirror polished porcelain tile be practical with little children running around? Would lighter coloured tiles be too much maintenance in a busy household? Are these tiles going to be a long-term investment? These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself and consider when looking at floor tiles for your kitchen, weighing out the pro’s and con’s to see if they fit your lifestyle as much as the aesthetic you are trying to achieve.
Durability
Widely perceived as the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the most used areas of your house, and with this in mind, you need to consider the amount the heavy foot traffic in this area, especially in designs such as open-plan kitchen and living. Again taking your lifestyle into account, its crucial to factor things such as spills and dropped items (let’s be honest, this is inevitable with little ones around), to make sure the material you choose can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Colours and Patterns
Another important consideration when looking for floor tiles is the style and design of your kitchen. Are you going for a contemporary look, a more traditional feel or something completely eclectic? The colour and pattern of the tiles should complement the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. You can narrow this down by asking yourself questions such as: Do I want a matching colour scheme? Do I want something that contrasts nicely? Am I still going to like them 5+ years later? Is this pattern too busy for the size of my kitchen?
General Maintenance
Some kitchen floor tiles require more upkeep and care than others, so it is essential to choose a material that fits your lifestyle. General maintenace is recommended regularly to ensure your tiles are not only clean, but are also protected for longevity, regardless of the material.
Why not take a look at through our previous blogs listed below on how to clean and care for different floor tiles including porcelain and natural stone floor tiles, giving you an insight on the kind of products you should be using, the do's and dont's and also a general idea to see what material fits your lifestyle.
Budget
Last but not least, and probably one of the most influential decisions when buying anything, is the price and budget you are setting for your new kitchen. Floor tiles coupled with the installation costs are not cheap, especially in this climate. Different types of tiles/materials come with varying price tags, so it is important to know your budget when ordering your new kitchen floor tiles. Nevertheless, due to our purchasing power and close relationships with factories all over the world, we work hard to offer our customers the very best prices without compromising on quality and design.
Different Types of Kitchen Floor Tiles
Over the last couple of decades, there has become a lot more variants in different kitchen styles. With the area becoming a more personalised space as well as practical one, it has allowed for more options to consider when looking for your perfect kitchen floor tile, with each type having its own unique characteristics and advantages. Let’s explore some of the most popular types of kitchen floor tiles.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain floor tiles are one of the most popular choices when it comes to looking for the perfect kitchen floor tiles. The material itself is dense, durable and almost completely non-porous, rendering it easy maintenance, hard-wearing and very practical for busy households. Owing to the latest inkjet technology, porcelain can cleverly mimic the look of natural stone or wood, giving your kitchen a high-end luxury feel and aesthetic, and what better than at the fraction of the price of the real thing?! Porcelain floor tiles are available in a wide range of styles, colours and patterns, rendering them one of the most versatile options for any kitchen design.
Natural Slate Tiles
With the correct care and general upkeep and maintenance, natural slate floor tiles can really stand the test of time whilst still looking absolutely stunning. The natural colour variations and different textures are completely unmatched; no two tile are the same. When looking at slate floor tiles, be sure to consider the kind of finish you’d want, that not only fits the aesthetic you are wanting to achieve, but the suitability of this in your kitchen to suit your lifestyle. With a little more maintenance required in comparison to that of porcelain tiles to protect and preserve the stone, there is no doubt that natural slate floor tiles are a quality investment when looking for kitchen floor tiles.
Limestone Tiles
Boasting similar qualities to that of natural slate tiles, limestone floor tiles are desirable for their sleek yet shabby chic aesthetic. Their natural colour variation allows for a warm, earthy and authentic feel. Here at the Stone Tile Company, our antique limestone floor tiles available in colours a french grey/blue and black in a gorgeous half honed antique finish with soft tumbled edges; perfect for both period and modern properties alike.
Kitchen Floor Tiles to Compliment Different Kitchen Styles
There are a plethora of different kitchen styles and designs to suit all tastes, personalities and homes. We have chosen 4 different kitchen styles to offer tile inspiration from our extensive range of kitchen floor tiles, so lets dive in!
Contemporary Kitchens
Contemporary is an ever-changing and evolving term in the interior world that allows for more freedom and trends such as cutting-edge designs, technology and materials; allowing home owners to really express themselves. Contemporary kitchen designs appeal to those who like a clean and sleek aesthetic where appliances are disguised as cabinets to make the space look less cluttered, lending a minimal and effortless vibe.
Contemporary kitchen designs can benefit from bold marble effect floor tiles such our Calacatta and Carrara ranges that would blend beautifully with marble worktops or even a waterfall island such as this one from Magnet. Mixing textures, materials and colours in this space is also a very common practice, so why not also take a look at the likes of our patterned wall and floor tiles for a touch of personalisation or our Wood effect porcelain floor tiles that possesses a texture and design that is uncanny from the real thing.
Slab Door Kitchens (Handleless)
Similar to that of a contemporary styled kitchen, slab door kitchens combine a sleek and streamlined aesthetic in line with modern living and technology that boasts luxurious living. You will find most slab door kitchens either have a gloss or matt finish, just like options from Howdens. Pairing gloss cabinets with a mirror polished porcelain floor tile is perfect for creating the illusion of a space being bigger than it is due to the light reflecting qualities from both the tiles and the cabinets. Pairing matt cabinets with matt porcelain floor tiles will obviously have the opposite effect but will exude a more warm aesthetic and atmosphere. If you don’t want an overwhelming sense of either of the above, you can mix finishes for something that works for you and your home.
Shaker Style Kitchens
Owing to the timelessness and versatility of Shaker styled kitchens, they will truly never go out of style. Despite being an old, classic style, shaker cabinets lend themselves very well to modern houses as well as traditional homes due to the simple and minimalist design. For a more sleek and modern style, we would advise using a matt porcelain floor tile with designs such as stone effect or concrete effect that will compliment this aesthetic beautifully; a practical and low maintenance option that is perfect for easy-living and hectic households. For more traditional or periodic homes such as The Henley on Thames Kitchen by DeVOL, we would opt for something a little more “earthy”, by inviting natural elements into this space with a natural stone floor tile such as slate or limestone for a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Country Style Kitchens
Country style kitchens possess an authentic feel that’s warm and inviting, yet also very elegant; a perfect mixture of a contemporary and traditional aesthetic as presented in this Country Ermine in Pebble Grey Matt kitchen by Wren Kitchens. Whether you are adding this kind of style into a modern home or renovating a periodic one, the main focus is around employing natural materials and fine craftsmanship, and what better than using natural stone floor tiles. Popular options include black slate floor tiles and charcoal grey slate floor tiles due to their timelessness. However, our Natural Sheera and Brushed Multicolour ranges allow for more colour variation in this space, rendering it a more versatile option. You can also look into our natural stone effect porcelain tiles such as our Tuscany range that boasts a gorgeous and realistic travertine effect, and whats better than at the fraction of the cost?!
Trends in Kitchen Floor Tile Designs
When it comes to kitchen floor tile designs, there are several trends that are currently popular. Let's explore some of the latest trends in kitchen floor tile designs.
Large Format Tiles
Large format tiles are a popular choice for modern kitchens. These oversized tiles create a seamless and minimalist look that is perfect for contemporary or open-plan designs. They can be used to create a sense of space and openness in your kitchen, making it appear larger than it actually is. Our Large format tiles are available in a wide range of colours and designs, allowing you to create a customised look that suits not only your taste and style, but also your home.
Geometric Patterned Tiles
Geometric patterns are a great way to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen floor. From hexagons to bold patterns, there are endless possibilities when it comes to geometric patterns. You can use a single pattern for a bold statement, or mix and match different patterns for a more eclectic look. Here at the Stone Tile Company, we have a stunning collection of patterned wall and floor tiles to suit all personalities
Wood Effect Tiles
Wood effect porcelain tiles are a popular choice for homeowners who want the warmth and beauty of wood without the maintenance. These tiles cleverly mimic the look of natural wood, complete with grain patterns and textures owing to premium inkjet technology. Our wood effect tiles are available in a wide range of on-trend colours and sizes, allowing you to achieve the look of hardwood floors without the cost or upkeep. They are also more durable and resistant to scratches and moisture than real wood, making them a more practical choice for kitchens.