Comparison of Matte vs Glossy Bathroom Tiles (with Photos)

Written By Glenn Prescot

You can easily see how matte and glossy bathroom tiles vary in appearance. They also differ markedly in performance, especially floor tiles.

For instance, a glossy finish can expand your bathroom visually. Conversely, matte flooring can make a dim room feel smaller than its actual dimensions. Isn’t that remarkable?

Yet, matte and glossy tiles are even more unique. Before making your purchase, think about these factors:

ambiance created by the tile
cleaning involved
attractiveness
floor safety
cost of materials and installation

Here I give you all the pros and cons of matte and glossy tiles, paired with photos. I want to help you choose a practical, thrilling design!

Matte Tile Pros

1. Gracious Welcome

Matte tiles are inviting! They add a homey touch to your bathroom space. For instance, check out these engaging styles:

Wood – grounding, conveying warmth.

Slate – uplifting, especially in dappled ivory white.

Travertine – beckoning you with their alluring patterns. Many homeowners like the marble effect.

Note – Travertine tile consists of porous stone, requiring a water-repellent sealer. Otherwise, the material absorbs water, marring stone integrity. Since it takes skill to handle the tile and sealant, consider professional installation.

2. Soothing Look

Matte tiles have a flat finish, fostering calmness and relaxation. Manufacturers coat the surfaces with a non-reflective glaze, applied with an inkjet machine or a waterfall stream.

Does your bathroom have a natural design? If so, matte tiles are the ideal complement!

Furthermore, they’re quite durable. One reason is their grout lines are shallower compared to glossy tiles. In turn, matte flooring is less prone to scuffs and scratches, promoting its longevity.

Here you’ll see the difference in grout line depth between matte and glossy tiles.

3. Floor Safety

Since matte tiles have more traction than glossy types, slips and falls are less likely. Do you have children, pets, or both? If so, matte tiles are safer for them.

Still, note that their surfaces aren’t slip-proof. All tiles are slippery when wet.

4. Less Allergenic

Matte surfaces resist mold and mildew better than glossy ones.

Matte Tiles Cons

1. More Maintenance

“Are matte tiles easy to clean?” you ask.

Well, no. Still, they excel at hiding dirt, soap residues, smudges, and water spots. In particular, light-colored tile works well in bathroom doorways, camouflaging grime.

However, matte tiles have slightly rough finishes, holding onto debris. Even so, here’s a fantastic cleaning method to the rescue!

Mix a bucketful of warm water, one tablespoon of dish soap, and a cup of white vinegar.
Dip a long-handled scrub brush in the solution, rubbing the tiles with it. Do they have any musty mold or mildew? If so, let the vinegar solution sit for five minutes.
Rinse the surfaces with water.
Next, dry them with a foam squeegee, pictured here. First, move it across the floor horizontally, then vertically. This technique draws moisture from the grout, preserving it.

Now, your tiles are pristine and odor-free!

2. Less Perceived Space

Does your bathroom have meager natural light? If so, matte tiles will make the room seem smaller. That’s because their finishes don’t reflect light, a feature of glossy ones.

For this reason, matte tiles are better for large bathrooms and those with bright daylight.

3. Grip Oil Spots

If you accidentally spill greasy cosmetics or bath products, they can leave stains on matte tiles. Still, by using the vinegar solution above, you can banish them.

UPSHOT

So, we’ve seen that with matte tiles, the pros outweigh the cons by far. Thus, they’re a winning choice for your bathroom floor!

Glossy Tiles Pros

1. Luxurious Look

Since glossy tiles have a polished aura, they adorn your powder room with glamour. Does your bathroom portray a contemporary style? If so, glossy tiles will blend perfectly!

Moreover, they can be an artistic statement, displayed here.

2. Defy Stains and Grime

I’m sure you’re wondering, “Are glossy tiles easy to clean?”

Yes, relatively. Due to their smooth, slick surfaces, fresh spots surrender to light swiping. Still, when dirt and stains are neglected, they’re harder to erase.

3. Enlarge Space Visually

Glossy tiles have a mirror-like effect, bouncing light. Consequently, they make rooms appear larger and brighter.

Do you have a small bathroom or one with scant natural light? If so, glossy tiles are an option, best for your walls. I’ll explain why next.

Glossy Tiles Cons

1. Greater Fall Risk

Even when glossy tiles are dry, they can be slippery. Then, if you drip water on the floor, they’re especially slick. Thus, glossy tiles worsen the risk of falling, especially for kids, pets, and older people.

2. Sheer Brilliance

The gleam of glossy tiles can be loud, especially colored ones, seen in this photo.

The walls are a bit too glassy, right?

3. Intense Glare

Additionally, the vivid shine can evoke glare, demonstrated here. The glow can be distracting, even unsettling at times.

4. Pronounced Blemishes

On glossy tiles, you’ll notice each fingerprint, smudge, stain, and scratch. Dried water and soap spots also snag your attention. The shinier the surface, the more they show.

Meanwhile, the tiles can exhibit other white residues. Even so, there are simple remedies. This article will help you identify the marks and remove them.

UPSHOT

Glossy tiles are a poor pick for bathroom floors due to their heightened fall risk. If you prefer them for your walls, choose a style with a muted glaze. Otherwise, the sheen can be too strong for your comfort level.

Cost Comparison

1. Professional Installation

According to Costimates, porcelain flooring ranges from $10 to $21 per square foot when installed professionally.

The average cost nationwide is $12.65 per square foot as of January 2022. Specific prices vary by location.

2. Self-Installation

Are you skilled at laying tile? If so, the average DIY cost ranges from $4 to $15 per square foot. This quote includes the cost of tile and installation supplies. Still, also consider the added expense of tile removal and disposal.

3. Matte Vs. Glossy Cost

Generally, matte tile costs less than the glossy type. That’s because producing and applying the glaze takes more labor. Manufacturers impart a coat of liquid glass, endowing the tiles with luster.

In the matte category, travertine stone is the most expensive. Travertine resembles limestone, featuring superficial holes and tunnels that collect water. To prevent water absorption, installers fill the crevices, usually with epoxy resin. Then, they cover the surfaces with a sealant.

These extra steps account for the higher price of travertine tile.

4. Cost Estimate – Porcelain Tile

This Costimates search tool can help you gauge the cost of porcelain tile installation in your area.

Begin by typing your zip code in the search box. When you go to Step 2, the site gives you up to four quotes from local contractors.

Mixing Matte and Glossy Tiles in Bathroom

So, which tile type is best for a bathroom – glossy or matte?

On your bathroom floor, the safest choice is matte tile. Its traction offers steadier footing than glossy material, especially when wet.

People also ask, “Can you mix matte and glossy tiles in the bathroom?”

Yes, you can opt for glossy tile on your walls and a matte finish on your floor. This compatible arrangement is called “design fusion,” pictured here.

Advantages

Visual Interest – Melding textured and smooth surfaces gives your bathroom character.

Enhanced Patterns – Since glossy finishes catch light, you can better see the fine grain of matte tiles.

Combined Strengths – You’ll enjoy the safer tread of matte tiles and the uplifting effect of glossy ones.

Tip – For a unified, pleasing look, choose the same color theme for both matte and glossy tiling.

Wrap-Up

Here’s a concise takeaway, highlighting the pros and cons of matte and glossy bathroom tiles.

Softest Ambiance – The flat finish of matte tiles has a soothing effect. Glossy tiles can be glaring, especially colored ones, making them overwhelming.

Lowest Maintenance – Glossy tiles are easiest to clean, especially when you tackle stains as they occur. On the other hand, matte tiles hang onto stains and grime. Still, they release if you scrub them with a mixture of vinegar, dish soap, and water.

Safest – Matte tiles provide traction, absent on glossy flooring.

Expansiveness – Glossy tiles make rooms appear larger. Since light bounces off them like a mirror, they have a brightening quality. Conversely, in a dim bathroom, matte flooring can visually reduce space.

Blemish Emphasis – Meanwhile, glossy tiles accentuate smudges, dirt, and stains.

Cheapest – Generally, matte tiles are priced lower than the glossy type, taking less labor.

HAVE FUN!

By now, you can likely visualize the optimal tiling for your bathroom. You know a matte finish is the safest floor surface, carrying less fall risk than glossy material.

Moreover, you’re committed to honoring your budget. Plus, you’ve taken stock of your skills for a DIY project or chosen to hire a professional installer.

Would you like to implement a fusion design? If so, I recommend using the same color family for both the matte and glossy tiles. This way, the two types will coordinate well, complementing each other and looking integrated.

Now, you can have fun shopping. May you love the final outcome!