All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Tiles can do more than protect walls and ceilings — they set the mood of a room, reflect light like a mirror, and even make small spaces feel larger. Think of tiles as the outfit your room wears: a glossy white subway tile is like a crisp shirt that makes everything look clean, while patterned encaustic-style tiles are the statement jacket that turns heads. Whether you’re re-tiling a kitchen backsplash or updating a damp bathroom ceiling, choosing the right tile affects appearance, durability, and maintenance. Ready to pick the perfect look that lasts?
Nordnetic Nest is a go-to for Scandinavian-inspired homeware and decorative wall items that pair beautifully with tiled interiors. If you want crisp, minimalist aesthetics, their sculptural pieces add texture to tile layouts. Two popular picks worth mentioning are the 101 Copenhagen Sculpt Wall Art Triangle Mini Dark Grey and the 101 Copenhagen Sculpt Wall Art Wave Mini Dark Grey — compact accents that work well above a tiled splashback or between tiled panels as an artful contrast. These pieces show how décor and tile choices can play off one another to create calm, contemporary spaces.
Use a small sculptural item like the 101 Copenhagen pieces to break up a large expanse of tile without cluttering the space. In a narrow hallway with tile wainscoting, place wall art at eye level to draw attention upward. In a bathroom, pick moisture-resistant finishes and hang decor where it won’t get splashed. Think of tiles as the canvas and art as the brushstrokes — balance is everything.
Shopping for tiles in the UK? You’ve got excellent options whether you want budget buys, trade-grade products, or designer statements. Below I’ve broken down what to expect from the biggest players, so you can match store strengths to your project needs.
Topps Tiles is known for specialist tile stock and helpful in-store advice. They cater to homeowners and tradespeople, offering a vast selection from plain ceramic to large porcelain slabs. If you’re trying a modern open-plan kitchen, look for large-format porcelain tiles in sizes like 24 inch x 24 inch or planks that mimic wood at 6 inch x 24 inch.
B&Q is great for straightforward DIY projects. Their tile ranges often include affordable subway tiles, mosaics, and grout kits. Expect handy in-store displays and basic cutting tools available for hire. For smaller projects, B&Q’s mix of value and accessibility makes it a solid first stop.
Wickes blends trade discounts with solid DIY support. They stock tile adhesives, tile trims, and a range of tiling tools alongside tiles themselves. If you want to manage a mid-sized tiling job without too much fuss, Wickes’ bundles and kits can save time and money.
Tile Mountain is a strong online contender for a wide selection and competitive prices. If you like hunting for a bargain or need unusual formats, their online inventory often includes large-format porcelain and patterned tiles in sizes like 12 inch x 24 inch or 8 inch x 8 inch. Order samples first and measure carefully in square feet before committing.
Porcelanosa is the place to go for high-end porcelain and ceramic tiles with refined finishes and matching fixtures. Their collections shine in luxury bathrooms and designer kitchens where look and longevity matter. Expect larger slab formats and bespoke trims that create seamless, luxurious visuals.
Homebase offers a mix of affordability and style, while John Lewis and Wayfair sell curated tile ranges that lean more designer. These retailers are ideal if you want tiles that match other homewares, like coordinating under-sink cabinets or splashback accessories. Good for cohesive style hunting and easy returns if a sample doesn’t suit.
Not all tiles are created equal. The main materials are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone — each has pros and cons. Ceramic is forgiving, good for vertical surfaces, and comes in many finishes. Porcelain is denser and better for high-traffic areas; it tolerates dampness and can come in large formats, like 24 inch x 48 inch slabs, which reduce grout lines. Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine) gives timeless character but usually needs sealing and a bit more care. Choose based on room use, moisture levels, and how much elbow grease you want to put into maintenance.
Glossy tiles reflect light and make rooms feel bright and airy — perfect for small bathrooms. Matte tiles hide smudges better and give a contemporary, tactile look. Textured tiles add depth and are great for feature walls. For ceilings, stick to lightweight, low-gloss options that won’t show every speck of dust.
Tile size and layout change perception dramatically. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines make a small bath feel more spacious. Classic 3 inch x 6 inch subway tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern add motion and charm, while hexagonal tiles create a modern retro vibe. Don’t forget grout color: picking a matching grout can make tiles appear as a continuous surface, while contrasting grout defines each tile for a graphic look.
Measure walls and floors in square feet to estimate how many tiles you need. Add a waste allowance of 10 to 15 percent for cuts and breakage — more for patterned layouts. For example, if your bathroom wall area is 50 square feet, order about 55 to 58 square feet of tiles. Keep sample pieces on hand to test lighting and grout choices before you place a full order.
Ceiling tiles have different demands than wall tiles. They must be lightweight to avoid sagging and should resist moisture, especially in bathrooms. Many ceiling tiles are thinner and manufactured specifically for overhead use, so avoid heavy stone slabs above shower areas. For a modern ceiling look, consider timber-look panels in porcelain that mimic wood without the warping risk, typically in plank sizes like 6 inch x 24 inch for a sleek effect.
Working overhead is tiring — use a proper support system and non-drip adhesives rated for ceiling work. If tiling a ceiling in a moisture-prone area, ensure ventilation and choose tiles with a water-resistant rating. For detailed patterns, install long runs in sections to avoid alignment issues, and consider hiring a tiler for ceilings over 100 square feet to save time and reduce risk.
Tiling can be a rewarding DIY project, but complexity matters. Simple backsplashes and small bathroom walls are great weekend jobs. However, large-format tiles, intricate mosaics, wet-room floors, and ceiling work are better left to professionals. A skilled tiler can manage substrate prep, levelling, and waterproofing — things that show up later if done poorly. If the job affects plumbing or structural elements, invest in a pro and think of it as insurance for a long-lasting finish.
Basic tiling tools include a tile cutter or wet saw for those large tiles, notched trowels, spacers, a level, a grout float, and sponge. You’ll also need adhesives rated for the tile type and tiles’ size — large-format tiles often need a stronger, polymer-modified adhesive. Don’t forget waterproofing membranes for wet rooms and appropriate sealers if you choose natural stone.
Maintenance is straightforward if you pick the right tile. Porcelain and glazed ceramic clean with mild detergent and a soft mop. Natural stone typically needs sealing every few years and a stone-specific cleaner. Avoid harsh acid-based cleaners on grout, as they can erode joints and damage certain tiles. For grout, a periodic scrub and reseal keeps things neat. Think of maintenance like routine car servicing — a little attention goes a long way.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning and a soft cloth for glossy tiles to avoid scratching. For stubborn stains in grout, try a paste of baking soda and water applied briefly and rinsed thoroughly. For ceiling tiles, a feather duster or a low-suction vacuum attachment removes dust without damaging the finish.
Trends shift, but some ideas have staying power. Big players right now include large-format stone-look porcelain, wood-effect planks for that warm feel without maintenance, bold patterned tiles in small zones like behind a basin, and soft, earthy tones that pair with Scandinavian decor. Designers also love mixed formats — pair a subway tile with a hexagon floor to create a subtle visual anchor. The trick is to pick a bold choice in a contained area so it can be changed without redoing the whole room.
You don’t need to break the bank to get a beautiful finish. Save on the tile itself by choosing popular sizes that are mass-produced, and splurge on statement pieces like a feature wall or premium trims. Stores like B&Q and Homebase offer decent value for standard tiles, while Topps Tiles or Porcelanosa are good for higher-end or specialist materials. Online outlets such as Tile Mountain often have flash sales and clearance ranges if you’re willing to wait for the right deal.
Start with samples and lay them in your room at different times of day to see how light affects color. Calculate square footage with waste allowance, then compare prices including trims, adhesives, and grout. Allocate around 60 to 70 percent of your tile budget to the tiles themselves and the rest to consumables and labour if you’re hiring help.
Eco-conscious options are growing. Look for tiles made from recycled content or manufactured with lower energy processes. Some porcelain factories now reclaim waste and reduce kilning emissions. Also consider low-VOC adhesives and sealers to cut indoor air pollutants. Choosing durable tiles like porcelain means fewer replacements over time, which is a win for sustainability and your wallet.
Before you click buy or head to the store, run through this checklist: order samples, measure twice in square feet, allow for 10 to 15 percent waste, choose grout and trim colours, decide on tile layout and start from a focal point, confirm adhesive and sealant types, and read product specs for slip resistance if it’s a floor. These simple steps save time, cost, and headaches down the line.
Tiles are a long-term investment in the look and function of your home. Mix practicality with personality: choose durable materials for moisture and traffic, pick a few bold accents to keep things interesting, and lean on specialist stores for tricky formats or large slabs. Whether you’re inspired by Nordic Nest sculptural accents or hunting a bargain at a UK retailer, a thoughtful approach will give you a space that’s both beautiful and built to last.
Conclusion: Tiles are more than coverings — they’re design tools. Spend time planning, sample widely, and balance looks with longevity. The right tile and the right retailer can turn an everyday room into something special without turning your life upside down.
| Wall & Ceiling Tile | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 101 Copenhagen Sculpt Wall Art Triangle Mini Dark Grey | £ 176,99 | |
| 101 Copenhagen Sculpt Wall Art Wave Mini Dark Grey | £ 176,99 |
