Courses / Selecting Tile

Selecting Tile for Interior Designers

Learn what to consider when selecting tile for interior spaces, from where it will be used to size, performance, and finishing details.

Where will the tile go? A lobby floor, bathroom wall, and kitchen backsplash each have different requirements. Start with the application, then compare products that suit the space and the way it will be used.

PLACEMENT FIRST

Start with the application

Consider size and performance

The location helps you narrow your options. Check whether a tile is suitable for a floor or wall, how much use the area will get, and how the size and layout will work in the space.

Plan the finishing details

Consider where the tile meets another material and how exposed edges will be finished. Edge profiles and transitions are part of the selection, not an afterthought.

A tile that works well on a feature wall may not be suitable for a busy floor. Looking beyond its appearance helps you explain why a product fits the project.

Consider cost alongside the design

Tile options vary widely in price. Comparing cost as you make selections helps you decide where to invest and where another product may work just as well. It also gives the project team a clearer picture of the choices before the design moves forward.

What to consider when selecting tile

  • Application. Check whether the tile is suited to the surface and how the space will be used.
  • Size and layout. Consider the tile’s proportions, pattern, and how it will fit the area.
  • Performance. Review the product information for the intended use.
  • Finishing details. Plan edges and transitions to surrounding materials.
  • Cost. Compare options with the project budget in mind.

The honest learning curve

Tile selection gets easier as you compare products and see how they work in finished spaces. Keep track of more than the tile you chose: note where it was used, why it fit, and how the edges and transitions were handled.

COURSE

Selecting Tile for Interior Designers

A self-paced course on selecting tile for interior spaces, with approximately 31 minutes of video instruction. Allow additional time for the workbook and assessment. $49.50 a month on its own, or $126 a month with the Flooring and Lighting courses.

See the course

Common questions

What decides which tile fits a space?

Start with where it will be used. Then consider whether the product is suited to that application, along with its size, appearance, finishing details, and cost.

Can the same tile be used on a floor and a wall?

Some tiles can be used in both places, but don’t assume they can. Check the manufacturer’s information for the specific product and application.

What is Schluter edging?

Schluter is a brand that makes tile edge and transition profiles. These profiles can protect exposed edges and create a finished transition between materials.

How do I compare tile options at different prices?

Compare how each option fits the space, its intended use, appearance, finishing requirements, and cost. That gives the project team a clearer basis for making a selection.

Can I take Tile on its own?

Yes. Tile is $49.50 a month on its own, or $126 a month with Flooring and Lighting. All Access is $350 a month. The Tile course includes approximately 31 minutes of video instruction, with additional time for the workbook and assessment.

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