Quick answer
Choose matt tiles for the floor and shower base, where grip counts most. Choose gloss tiles for walls if you want more light in the room. A mix of both is common and works well.
Matt hides water marks and grips better. Gloss bounces light around and wipes clean fast, but it shows every flaw in the wall and can be slippery when wet.
| If this matters most | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Grip underfootCheck the slip rating on any floor tile. | Matt |
| Hiding water marksGloss shows drips, soap film and fingerprints. | Matt |
| A brighter small roomGloss reflects light from the window and lights. | Gloss |
| Wiping clean fastA smooth surface has no texture to trap soap scum. | Gloss |
| Hiding a wavy wallGloss shows every ripple in its reflection. | Matt |
Texture varies a lot between products. Ask for a sample and check it wet.
Which finish is better for a bathroom floor?
Matt, in most cases. A wet floor is where a slip can happen, and a polished surface gives your feet less grip. Ask the supplier for the slip rating of any floor tile. It is shown as a P rating from the wet pendulum test or an R rating from the ramp test.
In the shower base, many people choose a matt tile or a small tile. The extra grout lines give more grip underfoot. A matt floor also hides footprints and water spots between cleans.
Which finish is better for bathroom walls?
Either can work. Gloss wall tiles brighten the room, which helps in a bathroom with little natural light. They also wipe clean quickly, so soap film comes off with one pass.
Matt wall tiles give a softer, calmer look. They hide water marks and fingerprints, so the wall looks neat for longer. Some textured matt tiles hold a little soap scum in the surface, so a soft brush now and then keeps them fresh.
How does the finish change the light in the room?
Gloss throws light back into the room. It can make a small ensuite feel larger and brighter, especially with a mirror and a window. Matt absorbs and softens the light, so the room feels warmer and quieter.
Your lighting plan matters here. Strong lights over a glossy wall can bring glare. Our bathroom lighting guide shows how to place lights so the finish looks its best.
Why does gloss show wall flaws?
A glossy tile acts like a mirror. If the wall behind it is slightly wavy, or one tile edge sits higher than the next, you see it in the reflection. A matt tile hides small flaws.
This is why careful prep and laying matter more with gloss. Straight walls, even joints and flat edges let the finish shine. Kieran C wrote of our tiling: "good falls, neat consistent joints, clean cuts and no lippage."
How do you clean each finish?
Gloss shows marks sooner, so you wipe it more often, but each wipe is quick. Matt shows marks less, but a textured matt surface needs a soft brush to lift soap scum out of the grain.
Grout is part of the cleaning job, whichever finish you pick. See our grout guide for types and upkeep, and our mould prevention guide for airflow and damp control.
Can you mix matt and gloss in one bathroom?
Yes, and many good bathrooms do. A common plan is a matt floor for grip with gloss or satin on the walls for light. Keep the colours close so the room stays calm.
Our wider tiles and finishes guide and porcelain vs ceramic comparison help you narrow the rest. Bring your sample tiles to the free on-site measure and we will check them against the room.
Frequently asked questions
Are matt tiles easier to clean than gloss tiles?
It depends on the tile. Smooth gloss wipes clean quickly but shows marks sooner. Matt hides marks, but a textured matt surface can need a soft brush.
Are gloss tiles slippery in a bathroom?
Polished gloss tiles can be slippery when wet, so they are better on walls than floors. Always check the slip rating of a floor tile with the supplier.
What finish is best for a small bathroom?
Gloss walls reflect light and can make a small room feel bigger. A matt floor adds grip. A light colour on the walls helps most.
Do matt tiles show water marks?
Much less than gloss. Water spots and soap film are easy to see on a glossy surface and far less visible on a matt one.
What finish should I use in the shower?
Many people use a matt or small tile on the shower floor for grip and a finish of their choice on the shower walls. Ask for the slip rating before you order the floor tile.