Gloss or matt tiles: which is the best option for your space?

When it comes to renovating or decorating a space, choosing the right materials can make the difference between a room that dazzles with personality and one that feels dull and incomplete. Tiles, for example, are a key element in interior design, not only for their functionality and durability but also for the aesthetic impact they have on the space. However, among the many options available, one of the most common—and often most challenging—decisions is choosing between matte or glossy tiles.

Both types of tiles offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the style you’re aiming for, the space's functionality, and its lighting conditions. On one hand, matte tiles stand out for their subtle, sophisticated look, perfect for those seeking a more minimalist or natural design. On the other, glossy tiles capture attention with their reflective effect, amplifying light and creating a sense of spaciousness, making them ideal for small or dimly lit areas.

But what factors should you consider before making a decision? From aspects such as maintenance and wear resistance to how each finish affects the perception of size and brightness in a room, every detail matters. Additionally, the choice impacts not only aesthetics but also daily experiences, especially in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms where practicality is crucial.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between matte and glossy tiles in depth, helping you determine which option is best for your space based on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Get ready to discover how choosing the ideal tiles can transform your interiors into unique, comfortable spaces full of personality. Keep reading to make the best decision!

Matte tiles: subtle elegance and natural charm

Matte tiles are known for their understated elegance and natural appearance, making them an ideal choice for those who want a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Their soft finish minimizes reflections, creating a warm and harmonious feel in any room. Additionally, their texture often highlights the authenticity of materials, achieving a style that combines modernity with timelessness. Perfect for those who value subtlety, matte tiles add character without the need for shine.

Key features of matte tiles

-Non-reflective surface. Matte tiles do not produce glare or reflect light, resulting in a more uniform finish.

-Soft texture. They provide a warm, natural touch.

-Better slip resistance. Typically, matte tiles offer superior grip, making them a safe and functional choice, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.

Recommended applications

-Bathrooms. Ideal for floors, as their finish provides better traction, reducing the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

-Kitchens. Their natural, sophisticated look complements contemporary, rustic, or industrial styles, creating a warm and functional ambiance.

-Outdoor areas. Perfect for terraces and patios thanks to their slip-resistant properties, ensuring safety in wet or damp environments.

Advantages of matte tiles

- Reduced visibility of fingerprints and stains thanks to their finish, making them a practical and easy to maintain option, ideal for high graphic areas or in spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

- Timeless warmth and elegance thanks to their smooth, non-glare finish creates a feeling of warmth and comfort, ideal for cosy environments. In addition, its discreet and sophisticated aesthetic brings a timeless elegance, which adapts to a variety of decorating styles, from modern to classic. As they are more resistant to fingerprints and stains, they are also easier to maintain, making them a practical and durable option.

- Increased safety in wet areas as they are more slip resistant, reducing the risk of slipping in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, terraces and patios.

Glossy tiles: luminosity and visual spectacle

Glossy tiles bring a sense of luminosity and dynamism to any space. Their reflective finish maximises light, creating a wider and brighter atmosphere. This effect is ideal to give prominence to certain areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms, where a vibrant and modern touch is sought. In addition, glossy tiles offer a visual spectacle, highlighting colours and details, making them a perfect choice for those who want a bolder and more striking aesthetic. 

Main characteristics of gloss tiles

- Reflective effect. Maximises the light in the space and creates a more spacious and luminous ambience. This finish reflects light, making the space feel fresher and airier.

- Smooth surface. Gives a polished, reflective finish that enhances colours and patterns.

- Easy to clean. Thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface, it does not allow dirt, stains or water to be easily absorbed, making it easy to maintain.

Recommended applications

- Walls. They are ideal for walls, as their reflective finish helps to maximise light in small or dimly lit spaces, perfect for giving an elegant and modern touch in kitchens, bathrooms or even living rooms, creating a striking visual effect.

- Small spaces. They help to maximise light and give a feeling of spaciousness.

- Modern environments. Perfect for modern environments as their polished and reflective finish adds a touch of sophistication and dynamism.

Advantages of gloss tiles

- Greater luminosity as its reflective finish helps to maximise available light, making rooms appear larger and brighter, making it an ideal choice for areas with little natural light.

- Easy cleaning and maintenance as its smooth, non-porous surface prevents dirt, water or stains from adhering easily, allowing for quick cleaning with a damp cloth or mild cleaner. Ideal in areas with high humidity.

- Glossy tiles add a sleek, modern touch to any space. Its reflective finish creates a sophisticated and contemporary ambience, perfect for those looking for a dynamic and vibrant style, as its shine highlights colours and details of the decor, adding an air of luxury.

Gloss or matt tiles: which is the best option depending on the space?

Once we have analysed the characteristics of each of the finishes separately, we are going to analyse which is the best option between gloss or matt tiles depending on the space we have and various factors that affect the final decision such as the desired style, functionality and the environment in which they will be applied.

As we have said, matt tiles are ideal for those who are looking for a more sophisticated and natural aesthetic, while glossy tiles are the most suitable option if you want to maximise luminosity and give a touch of modern elegance. In other words, if you prefer a warm and safe atmosphere, choose matt and if you are looking for luminosity and a modern touch, opt for glossy tiles.

Gloss or matt tiles: which one to choose for the kitchen?

The kitchen is one of the most dynamic and heavily used spaces in any home, which means that the choice of materials should consider both functionality and aesthetics. Matt and gloss tiles offer unique characteristics that can influence the design of your kitchen in very different ways.

- Matt tiles in the kitchen. Matt tiles are an excellent choice for those looking for a modern, understated feel in the kitchen. Their dull finish gives them a more natural look, perfect for rustic, Scandinavian or industrial styles. They are also ideal for those who want a surface that camouflages minor imperfections, such as watermarks or fingerprints, making them particularly practical in work areas where splashes and constant use are inevitable.

Another important advantage of matt tiles in the kitchen is their ability to create a cosy and less visually cluttered space, as they do not reflect intense light. This is useful in large kitchens that do not need to optimise brightness, or in kitchens where there is already a lot of natural light.

- Glossy tiles in the kitchen. On the other hand, glossy tiles bring a touch of elegance and dynamism to the kitchen. Their reflective surface amplifies light, making them an ideal choice for small kitchens or kitchens with little natural light. This effect not only enhances the perception of spaciousness, but can also make the space appear cleaner and fresher.

In terms of maintenance, glossy tiles are generally easy to clean due to their smooth surface, which prevents dirt from adhering easily. This is especially valuable in areas such as the kitchen backsplash, where stains and splashes are inevitable. However, their ability to reflect light also means that they tend to highlight imperfections, such as fingerprints or water droplets, so they require more frequent maintenance to keep them looking spotless.

The choice between matt and gloss in the kitchen will depend on the balance between your practical and aesthetic priorities. If you prefer a serene space with understated style, matte is your best option. But if you want to maximise brightness and add a touch of sophistication, gloss is ideal.

Bathroom tiles: gloss or matt?

The bathroom is another space where tiles play a fundamental role in both functionality and design. As it is an area exposed to high levels of humidity and temperature changes, the materials must be resistant and practical, as well as contributing to a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

- Matt tiles in the bathroom. Matt tiles are ideal for bathrooms where a calm and contemporary design is sought. This finish creates a softer and more natural visual effect, helping to create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a spa-like bathroom. In addition, matt tiles tend to offer greater slip resistance, a crucial factor in wet areas such as showers or bathroom floors, making them a safer option.

From a maintenance point of view, matt tiles have the advantage of hiding water marks and limescale, which is particularly useful in areas where there is constant contact with water. However, as in the kitchen, they can be a little more difficult to clean thoroughly if stubborn stains build up.

- Glossy tiles in the bathroom. If you are looking for a bathroom that feels light and airy, glossy tiles are an excellent choice. Their ability to reflect light is especially useful in small or windowless bathrooms, where maximising luminosity is essential. In addition, gloss tiles add a touch of luxury and sophistication, making them perfect for modern or classic styles.

The smooth surface of gloss tiles makes them easier to clean, as stains and soap residue tend to slide off more easily. However, this finish also tends to show water marks, fingerprints and drips more clearly, which may require more frequent cleaning to maintain its flawless appearance. On the other hand, their low slip resistance can be a disadvantage on floors, so it is advisable to use them mainly on walls or combine them with non-slip materials.

In short, the choice between matt and gloss in the bathroom will depend on your specific needs and the ambience you wish to create. Matt tiles are ideal for those looking for functionality and a relaxing design, while glossy tiles are perfect for adding light and a touch of elegance.

Inspiration with real projects of bathrooms and kitchens with glossy or matt tiles

Theory is important, but nothing beats seeing these ideas come to life in real projects with Dune tiles. Here are inspiring examples of bathrooms and kitchens where gloss and matt tiles are masterfully used. From minimalist and modern designs to classic and cosy styles, these spaces will show you how each type of finish can completely transform a room. Find out how others have applied these options to maximise light, highlight textures or create unique environments, and get ideas for your own project.

In short, choosing between matt and glossy tiles is essential to transform the aesthetics and functionality of any space. Matt tiles stand out for their discreet elegance, warm feeling and safety, ideal for serene and cosy atmospheres, as well as for wet areas such as bathrooms or exteriors. On the other hand, glossy tiles offer luminosity, visual amplitude and a modern touch, being perfect for small spaces or spaces with little light, as well as bringing a sophisticated dynamism to walls and kitchens. 

Both finishes have the power to enhance your project, adapting to the style and needs of each space, finding the perfect balance for your home or design!