Matte vs. Glossy Tiles

If you’re in the process of choosing tile finishes for your home, one question that seems to come up time and again is: matte vs. glossy tiles, which is better? Both finishes bring distinct advantages, including appearance, maintenance, and functionality. But making the decision is less about right and wrong and more about what suits your space and lifestyle. 

Below, we break down the pros and cons of matte versus glossy tiles, compare them side by side, and help you decide which finish best suits your design goals.

What are matte tiles?

Matte tiles, such as our Oasis Grey 1x1 Matte Glass Tile, feature a non-reflective surface that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This type of finish offers a soft, organic feel that complements spaces seeking a natural, rustic, or spa-like ambiance. Thanks to the fact that matte tiles tend to hide dust and smudges, they’re often used on bathroom floors, walk-in showers, or kitchen walls where a balance between practicality and understated elegance is sought. 

What are the pros of matte tiles?

Matte tiles offer tremendous slip resistance and safety due to their textured surface, which provides better traction, making them the perfect choice for wet or high-traffic areas, such as entryways or bathrooms. They also do a fantastic job of concealing dirt, water spots, and everyday wear, keeping spaces looking cleaner between deep cleans. Apart from function, the warm and natural aesthetic they emit can complement rustic, minimalist, or organic design styles that favor subtle texture and understated beauty over high-gloss shine.

What are the cons of matte tiles?

One drawback of matte tiles is that they can be more challenging to clean, as their textured surfaces often trap dirt, soap residue, and grime, requiring more frequent scrubbing to maintain their appearance. While they effectively hide dust and smudges, matte finishes can still reveal scuffs and scratches over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. Additionally, because they tend to absorb rather than reflect the light, matte tiles may make smaller rooms feel darker and more enclosed. 

What are glossy tiles?

Glossy tiles bear a smooth, high-shine surface that reflects light and creates a mirror-like effect. They’re known for their sleek, modern, and bright aesthetic, and they’re especially popular in contemporary designs and smaller rooms that need visual expansion. Most often, you’ll find tiles like our Lilac 4x12 Glossy Glass Subway Tile on backsplashes, bathroom walls, or powder rooms, where their luster enhances a feeling of light and luxury. 

Pros Of Glossy Tiles

Glossy tiles are known for their ability to reflect light, instantly brightening small or dim areas and making almost any room appear larger and more open. Their smooth, slick surface resists stains and is easy to wipe clean with just a quick polish, making maintenance painless! Beyond practicality, glossy tiles provide a sleek, luxurious finish that adds sophistication to modern kitchens, high-end bathrooms, and statement walls. 

Cons of Glossy Tiles

There are several drawbacks to glossy tiles, including the following:

Slippery when wet. Not recommended for bathroom floors or entryways unless they’re slip-rated. 

Easily reflect water spots and smudges. This is thanks to their high reflectivity, making every mark visible.

Requires frequent upkeep. To maintain that incredible mirror-like shine, these tiles need regular cleaning and polishing.

Matte vs. Glossy Tiles: Side-by-Side Comparison

 

Where to use Matte Tiles vs. Glossy Tiles

Matte tiles, such as our Oasis Grey 1x2 Matte Glass Tile, are a perfect addition to any bathroom floor, a spa-inspired bathroom, or a mudroom. Their slip resistance factor, in combination with their muted tone, brings warmth and safety to these spaces.

By comparison, among our glossy tile selection, products such as our Kara 2x3 Glossy Glass Tile would be a great addition to a kitchen backsplash, accent wall, or even to add character to a small powder room where their brightness and reflection can amplify the feeling of an ample space.

Combining both finishes may look like using matte tiles for your kitchen floor and glossy tiles for your walls. Together, these create depth and visual balance to your space. This mix also defines zones within the same room while maintaining a cohesive feeling. 

FAQs

Are matte tiles harder to clean than glossy ones?

Yes. While matte tiles may hide dirt well, thanks to their textured surface, they can easily trap grime, thereby requiring greater effort to clean thoroughly.

Do glossy tiles make a room look bigger?

Indeed! Thanks to their reflective surface, light bounces around, making small bathrooms, kitchens, or powder rooms appear larger and brighter.

Which finish is safer for bathroom floors?

As a general rule, matte tiles are the safer choice due to their non-slip texture, which provides solid traction in wet conditions.

Can I mix matte and glossy tiles in the same space?

Absolutely! This design-forward approach is extremely popular at the moment. By pairing the two finishes, you can add contrast, visual depth, and sophistication to your space.

Oasis Tile: Your matte tile vs. glossy tile destination

When deliberating matte vs. glossy tiles, remember to consider both their function and aesthetic. Matte tiles offer a natural warmth and traction, while glossy tiles deliver a sleek style and reflect light. In many modern homes, the best choice isn’t one of the others- it’s often a combination of both.

If you’re ready to find your perfect finish, then look no further than Oasis Tile’s collection of matte and glossy tiles. Let us help you compare textures, colors, and sizes to bring your vision to life.