You only get one chance to make a first impression, that’s why the entrance to your house should be welcoming and set the tone for the rest of the property. This often-overlooked area of the home is the first part of your house that visitors get to see and provides the perfect opportunity to convey your personal style and home aesthetic.

Here we’ve used our vast experience and knowledge of the tile industry to give you our top tips on choosing the right tiles for your hallway. In this blog we list the advantages and disadvantages of a number of different floor tile materials.

Practical and stylish hallway floor tiles

The hallway is a high traffic area that is likely to get a considerable amount of wear and tear. In a busy family home, the hallway tends to accumulate muddy shoes and wet coats and is a haven for dirty pets returning from their winter walk. With this in mind, hallway flooring should be practical, hard wearing and easy to clean without compromising on style.

Porcelain tiles 

Porcelain floor tiles are a great choice for the hallway because they are extremely durable and don’t require ongoing maintenance, such as sealing, waxing or polishing. They are water and stain resistant, which means they are easy to keep clean and looking great. Porcelain tiles are a great option for pet owners because they are difficult to scratch and mark.

One of the main advantages of porcelain tiles is that there are a wide selection of designs and finishes on the market, so it’s easy to find a style that will match your chosen colour scheme. Porcelain tiles have been manufactured to look like a range of different materials including marble, wood and natural stone. This means you can get your desired look whilst being practical and saving money. It is advisable to use a grout protector spray on the grout to ensure it is waterproof.

Natural stone tiles

Natural stone tiles are a more expensive option but an investment that will stand the test of time. They are incredibly long lasting and can help add character to a property, thanks to the rustic finish and unique markings on each individual tile. Stone is an excellent conductor of heat, which means they work great with underfloor heating.

Unfortunately, whilst natural stone can help create a luxurious finish and striking aesthetic, there are a number of disadvantages that should be taken into consideration when choosing for a high traffic room. Due to their porous texture they are more absorbent than other forms of tile and will mark and scratch easily. This can be prevented by using suitable sealers and protectors.

Victorian tiles

At New Image we stock an extensive range of Victorian tiles, which are ideal for hallway flooring. Once reserved exclusively for period homes, there has been a revival of this trend in recent years and now this traditional tile is common in modern homes.

Victorian ceramic tiles can help create a real style statement in any home and have a number of advantages in a hallway setting. Like porcelain tiles they are extremely durable and water resistant, making them an ideal choice for a busy area. They are also available in a range or ornate patterns, which can create a bold look in any room.

Luxury vinyl flooring

If you prefer a wooden finish but don’t want the ongoing maintenance of hardwood flooring, why not try a luxury vinyl flooring such as Karndean Korlok. or Palio click Karndean has been engineered to mimic real wood or stone and comes in a variety of finishes with knots, colour gradients and a realistic texture to mimic wood or stone, without the hassle of sanding and staining.

Karndean have made use of the latest technology in their design process to ensure their products meet the demands of a busy family home. This innovative flooring is soft underfoot, warmer to the touch and even quieter than traditional wooden floors. What’s more they are water resistant and do not warp should they become water damaged. This means that they are incredibly easy to maintain and keep looking clean.

To discuss your hallway restoration project with one of our friendly design team please do not hesitate to get in touch. We can help you transform your space and give you expert advice and guidance.