Tile Truths: What to know before renovating

Tiles are one of the most flexible and long-lasting design elements, able to completely change the feel of a room and add personality that lasts for years. But with so many choices in colour, finish, and size, a lot of misconceptions have surfaced over time, making it easy for renovators to second-guess their decisions or play it safe. The truth is that tiles are far more adaptable than people often give them credit for and knowing how to cut through the noise will help you choose with confidence.

Number 1: Dark Tiles Won’t Always Make a Room Feel Smaller

Dark tiles won’t automatically shrink a space. They can make a room feel dramatic, cosy, and full of character when styled thoughtfully. With the right lighting and décor, darker shades add depth and personality that lighter colours sometimes can’t achieve. Think mirrors bouncing natural light around, brass accents giving off a glow and layered textures creating a warm backdrop. To keep things balanced, pair dark tiles with lighter décor, or if you’re drawn to a moody, intimate atmosphere, lean right into it with complementary dark accents and luxe finishes. Many renovators are surprised by how liveable and welcoming dark tiles feel once they see them styled in a real home.

Number 2: Bigger Tiles Can Work in Small Rooms

Large-format tiles can make small rooms feel more open rather than less. With fewer grout lines breaking up the surface, the room feels more seamless and spacious to the eye. It’s a design trick often used by interior designers in powder rooms or laundries where every inch counts. Picture walking into a compact room where one large tile runs nearly wall to wall, making the space feel seamless and intentionally un-cluttered. If you’re unsure which size is best, our Tile Size Guide has plenty of tips to help you decide.

Number 3: Tiles Are Not Always Cold and Harsh

Yes, tiles can feel cool underfoot, but in Australia’s warm climate that’s often a blessing. And when the cooler months roll in, pairing tiles with underfloor heating will add the warmth you are craving. Tiles also team beautifully with other textures. Think rugs under a coffee table, timber furniture grounding a space and soft linens layered for comfort. The result is a room that feels inviting, warm, and practical all at once. That’s why you’ll find tiles being used in living rooms, bedrooms and spaces well beyond kitchens and bathrooms. If you’ve ever doubted their comfort factor, check them out in a styled lounge and you’ll appreciate how versatile they really are. For year-round ease, consider underfloor heating and explore our Underfloor Heating range.

Number 4: White Tiles Are Definitely Not Boring

White tiles are anything but dull. They’re timeless, adaptable, and endlessly creative once you start playing with the details. Texture, shape, grout colour, and layout can completely transform their impact. From gloss subway tiles to handmade textured finishes, white tiles can swing from a calm, minimal look to a bold, architectural feature depending on how you use them. Playing with patterns like herringbone, vertical stack, or basketweave adds movement and livens up the space. For inspiration, explore our White Tiles collection and browse our White Bathroom Ideas.

Tiles aren’t just practical surfaces to tick off your renovation list. From bold dark tones to fresh whites, large formats to gloss finishes, tiles can completely transform the way your rooms look and feel, breaking down misconceptions that have held renovators back for years. With the right choices, tiles become the backdrop for everyday life that’s as stylish as it is functional. If you’ve ever felt torn between what you’ve heard and what you love, let this be your reminder to trust your instincts. If you’d like extra peace of mind, have a look at our guide on 10 Common Renovation Mistakes before you get started.