October 15, 2025 | 4:35 Min

Matte vs Glossy Tile: Striking the Right Balance

Tile 101
Tile isn’t just about color or shape. Finish is just as important in defining the mood of your space. Whether you choose a high-shine glossy tile or a soft matte tile, the surface reflects more than light, it reflects your design intent. Understanding when and where to use each finish, and how to layer them together, is the secret to creating interiors that feel curated and fashion-forward.

The Allure of Glossy Tile

Bathroom with white and gray rectangle tile on back wall, gray hexagon floor tile, white tub, and floor to ceiling window on back wall.
Bedroom with dark blue square tile on back wall, wooden dresser, various tall vases, and small vases on dresser.
Glossy tile delivers drama with its luminous surface. It reflects light beautifully, making it ideal for smaller rooms or areas where you want an airy, polished effect. Think kitchen backsplashes that sparkle under task lighting, or bathroom walls that feel like glassy couture. Glossy finishes are also perfect for accent walls, where you want the eye to land instantly.

Best uses for glossy tile:

Kitchen Backsplashes
Kitchen with dark wood look plank tile on floor, white subway tile on backsplash, gray marble look countertops, and black chairs at island.
Shower or bathroom walls
Bathroom with blue rectangle subway tile in brick joint pattern on back wall, light wood cabinets, white countertop, two large rectangle mirrors, and double sinks.
Accent walls in living areas
Hotel lobby with blue hexagon wall tile, wood look floor tile, white couches, two round coffee tables, and gold accents.
Smaller spaces needing light and lift
Dining area with light blue square wall tile, wooden table, two white chairs, and small tree on the side.

The Sophistication of Matte Tile

Bathroom with wood planks in chevron pattern, white tub, glass shower, and floor to ceiling windows.
Matte tile is about subtlety and depth. Its velvety finish absorbs light instead of reflecting it, offering a soft, grounded look. This makes matte tile the go-to for flooring, since it reduces glare and provides better grip, as well as for spaces where you want a more understated, modern edge.

Best uses for matte tile:

Large walls when you want a muted, sculptural backdrop
Living room with brown rectangle large format concrete look floor tile, two white couches, wood accents, and a fireplace in the middle.
Minimalist and contemporary interiors
Kitchen with white square tiles on back wall, white stone table, two wood stools, and white square floor tile.
Floors in kitchens, baths, and living spaces
Living room with white monochromatic look hexagon tile on back wall, white square floor tile, round white marble coffee table, and white couch.
Outdoor areas where a non-glare surface matters
Cabana section next to the pool with encaustic tiles surrounding the area.

Mixing Matte and Glossy Together

Bathroom with green subway tile on walls, white tub, and light wood flooring.

The most fashion-forward spaces often layer both finishes. Pairing matte tile with glossy tile creates contrast and visual intrigue, playing with light and shadow. Picture a bathroom with matte floor tile grounded in sophistication and glossy wall tile glimmering above, or a kitchen backsplash that alternates finishes for dimension. Mixing finishes is like mixing fabrics in couture, it’s where design feels intentional, layered, and bold.

Dare to Choose Your Finish

Bathroom with red bathtub, orange hexagon floor tile, white walls, and blue fluted tile on back wall.
Whether you’re drawn to the luminous energy of glossy tile, the refined subtlety of matte tile, or the striking balance of both, we dare you to set the tone of your space with unapologetic style. With the right finish, your design doesn’t just follow a trend, it defines one.