Tiles by Type, the right tiles for every project
Tiles differ not only in colour and appearance but also in material, format, surface, thickness and technical construction. The most suitable tile type for a project therefore depends largely on where the tiles will be installed and the conditions to which they will subsequently be exposed. A bathroom wall has different requirements from a heavily used entrance area, patio, garage or commercial floor.
The Tiles by Type category allows you to explore our range according to properties, application and design. From classic wall and floor tiles to durable garden slabs, large-format porcelain tiles, decorative tiles and technical solutions, VITALE TILES offers numerous options for new buildings, renovations and individual interior-design projects.
What types of tiles are available?
The term “tile type” can be interpreted in several ways. It may refer to the material, intended application, format or decorative purpose of a tile. Our structure combines these criteria and makes it easier to access the selection relevant to your project.
An overview of all tiles
If you would first like to explore the full range, the
tiles category provides a broad overview of the VITALE TILES collection. Here you can compare different colours, formats, finishes, thicknesses and manufacturers.
This selection is particularly useful if you have not yet decided on a particular tile type. The available filters allow you to narrow down the products step by step. You can search by manufacturer, size, colour, surface or slip resistance and discover suitable tiles for floors, walls, interiors and outdoor areas.
Many of our tiles are made from high-quality porcelain stoneware. This ceramic material is fired at high temperatures and has low water absorption. Depending on the individual product range, porcelain stoneware can be durable, frost-resistant, easy to maintain and suitable for heavily used surfaces. The technical specifications of the selected product must nevertheless always be checked.
Wall tiles for bathrooms, kitchens and living areas
Wall tiles can be used for practical wall coverings as well as decorative accents. They are particularly common in bathrooms, showers, around washbasins and as easy-care kitchen splashbacks. Ceramic wall coverings are also increasingly used as intentional design elements in living rooms, restaurants, hotels and retail spaces.
Small formats, metro tiles, elongated tiles and geometric shapes are well suited to lively laying patterns. Larger wall tiles create calmer surfaces with fewer grout lines. Light or glossy finishes can make smaller rooms appear more open, while strong colours, textured surfaces and handcrafted-looking glazes introduce distinctive accents.
The design is not the only factor to consider. Wet areas require a suitable substrate, professional waterproofing and correct installation. Tile adhesive, grout and cleaning products must also be compatible with the selected ceramic material and its intended application.
Garden slabs for patios, balconies and outdoor areas
The
garden slabs category contains a large selection of durable porcelain stoneware for patios, balconies, seating areas, garden paths and other outdoor surfaces. Many of these slabs are 2 cm thick and have been developed specifically for outdoor use.
Frost resistance, slip resistance, water absorption, load capacity and the intended installation method are particularly important for outdoor tiles. Depending on the substrate and the product, garden slabs may be installed with adhesive, on pedestals, in gravel or on a suitable support system. The appropriate method depends on the construction, drainage, intended use and conditions at the property.
One advantage of many collections is the availability of similar or identical designs for interiors and outdoor areas. A standard-thickness indoor tile can often be combined with a matching 2 cm garden slab on the patio. This creates a harmonious transition between the interior and garden.
Large-format tiles for spacious surfaces
Large-format tiles enable calm and modern interior designs. Sizes such as 60 × 120 cm, 120 × 120 cm, 120 × 240 cm and large slabs measuring up to 160 × 320 cm reduce the number of visible grout lines and make surfaces appear more continuous.
Large formats are suitable for floors and walls in bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, reception areas, hotels, offices and retail premises. Depending on the product, thinner ceramic slabs can also be used for furniture, washbasins, kitchen worktops, tables and customised interior fittings.
For a high-quality result, the substrate must be sufficiently level and stable. Transport, cutting, handling and installation of very large slabs also require experience and suitable equipment. The arrangement should be planned before installation, especially with marble, stone or concrete designs that continue across several slabs.
Decorative panels for individual accents
Decorative panels can be used to emphasise individual walls, niches or floor areas. The selection ranges from geometric patterns and floral motifs to strong colours, relief surfaces and decorative elements coordinated with the base tiles of a collection.
Decorative tiles are suitable for kitchen splashbacks, shower niches, washbasin areas, guest bathrooms, entrances and individual feature walls. They can be used sparingly as an accent or combined into a larger continuous design. In shops, restaurants and hotels, decorative tiles can help create a distinctive atmosphere.
Before selecting a product, check whether the chosen decoration is intended for floors or walls. Not every decorative wall tile is suitable for a heavily used floor. A precise laying plan is also important for continuous motifs so that the pattern, orientation and connections are installed correctly.
Technical tiles for heavily used areas
Technical porcelain stoneware is primarily used where durability, safety and longevity are central requirements. Typical applications include garages, workshops, storage areas, entrances, stairwells, retail spaces, public buildings and other commercial or industrial premises.
Many technical tiles are made from full-body porcelain stoneware. With these products, the material effect is not limited to the upper surface. Depending on the product, minor wear or stressed edges may therefore be less noticeable than on tiles with only a surface decoration.
Required slip resistance, wear resistance, breaking strength, thickness, surface and ease of cleaning should all be considered when selecting technical tiles. A private garage has different requirements from a production area, shop or publicly accessible wet area. The technical data of each tile should therefore be checked carefully, and advice should be obtained at an early stage for demanding projects.
Popular tiles and current favourites
The
popular tiles category contains a selection of frequently requested designs chosen by us. It includes different formats, colours and finishes and provides a convenient starting point for customers who have not yet selected a particular collection.
Popular choices include natural shades such as beige, greige, grey and anthracite, as well as stone, marble, concrete and wood effects. Coloured wall tiles, decorative small formats and distinctive glazes are also frequently used to give kitchens, bathrooms and feature walls more personality.
The popular-tile selection can provide inspiration, but it does not replace an assessment of the technical properties. Format, surface, slip resistance, thickness and intended application must still be suitable for the individual project.
Clearance tiles in the outlet
Our
tile outlet contains high-quality clearance tiles and limited remaining stock at reduced prices. These products often consist of remaining quantities from previous collections, excess stock or individual production batches.
Clearance tiles are particularly suitable for smaller bathrooms, guest toilets, kitchen splashbacks, entrances, feature walls and other projects with a clearly defined material requirement. Before ordering, compare the available quantity with the calculated requirement, including a suitable reserve. If a collection has been discontinued, it may no longer be possible to order additional tiles later.
The application, surface, format, slip resistance and frost resistance should also be checked for reduced products. An attractive price alone does not automatically make a tile suitable for every project.
Order tile samples before deciding
Colours and surfaces may appear different on a screen than they do in the actual room. Lighting, wall colours, furniture, wood and other materials all influence how a tile is perceived. With our
tile samples, you can examine many designs at home or on the building site before placing a larger order.
A physical sample shows not only the colour but also the level of gloss, texture, feel and reflection of light. With marble, natural stone, wood and lively decorative effects, remember that a small sample shows only one section of the overall collection. The complete variation often becomes visible only when several tiles or the manufacturer’s images of the entire collection are compared.
Samples also help architects, interior designers, clients and tile installers coordinate material concepts and discuss decisions. For larger areas, we recommend viewing samples at different times of day and under both natural and artificial light.
Understanding the difference between floor and wall tiles
Not every wall tile is automatically suitable as a floor tile. Floor tiles must withstand the expected loads and require an appropriate surface and slip resistance depending on the room. Many porcelain stoneware tiles can be installed on both floors and walls, while certain lighter or particularly decorative ceramic products are intended exclusively for walls.
Bathrooms, showers and other wet areas require consideration of both general slip resistance and the requirements of barefoot zones. Entrances, kitchens, commercial premises and outdoor areas have different criteria. The technical information supplied by the manufacturer and the actual use of the surface are always decisive.
Small tiles or large formats?
Tile size has a significant effect on the appearance of a room. Smaller formats create a lively grid through the higher number of grout lines and work well for curves, niches and traditional laying patterns. They are also suitable for deliberate colour accents and small or detailed areas.
Larger tiles create calmer and more spacious-looking rooms. Fewer grout lines can simplify cleaning and produce a continuous material effect, particularly with stone, concrete and marble designs. The size of the room is not the only deciding factor: a suitable large format can also look very high-quality in a small bathroom if the layout, cuts and installation are carefully planned.
When choosing a format, consider the dimensions of the room, door connections, wall projections, sanitary fittings, floor drains and the desired alignment of the grout lines. Planning the layout at an early stage helps avoid narrow edge pieces and unnecessary cuts.
Matt, glossy or textured surfaces?
Matt tiles often create a calm and natural appearance. They suit modern, understated interiors and are available in numerous stone, concrete, terrazzo and wood effects. Depending on the surface, water marks or fingerprints may also be less visible.
Glossy and polished tiles reflect more light and can enhance colours and marble veining. They are frequently used on walls, in representative living areas or for elegant accent surfaces. Their suitability must be checked carefully wherever moisture or an increased risk of slipping is expected.
Textured and slip-resistant tiles are particularly relevant for showers, entrances, commercial rooms and outdoor areas. A stronger texture can, however, increase the cleaning effort. The best surface therefore results from the combination of design, safety, use and maintenance.
The right tile type for every room
Bathroom and shower
In the bathroom, design, moisture resistance and ease of cleaning must work together. A wide range of colours, decorations and formats is available for the walls. The floor and shower area additionally require suitable slip resistance. Large formats create calm surfaces, while smaller formats can offer practical advantages around slopes and level-access showers.
Kitchen
Kitchens require easy-care and durable surfaces. Floor tiles must withstand daily use, while wall tiles and decorative panels can be installed as splashbacks behind worktops, hobs and sinks. The colour of the grout affects both the design and subsequent maintenance.
Living rooms and open-plan areas
Tiles are increasingly used as durable flooring in living areas. Large-format slabs in stone, concrete, marble or wood effects create continuous surfaces and can work well with underfloor heating when the complete floor construction is suitable. Similar indoor and outdoor tiles can visually extend the living area onto the patio.
Entrances, garages and commercial areas
Entrances, garages, workshops and retail floors are exposed to greater stress than many private living areas. Durable surfaces, ease of cleaning and application-specific slip resistance are particularly important. Technical or full-body porcelain stoneware can provide a suitable solution for these projects.
Patios and balconies
Only products approved for outdoor use should be installed outside. Frost resistance, slip resistance, drainage and a professionally prepared base are essential for a lasting result. Porcelain garden slabs combine these technical requirements with a wide range of modern colours and natural appearances.
What should you consider when buying tiles?
Before ordering tiles online, calculate the surface to be covered as accurately as possible. In addition to the measured area, a reserve is required for cuts, breakage and possible future repairs. The appropriate reserve depends on the shape of the room, format and laying pattern.
Where possible, order the complete required quantity from the same production batch. Ceramic products can show slight differences in colour and calibre between batches. Before installation, several boxes should be opened and tiles mixed to distribute natural variations evenly across the surface.
Before ordering, check:
- the intended application
- the required slip resistance
- format and tile thickness
- surface and maintenance requirements
- frost resistance for outdoor areas
- available quantity and required reserve
- matching skirting tiles, decorations and special pieces
- substrate and installation requirements
Choose tiles online and check them as samples
Organising the range by tile type provides a clear introduction to the extensive VITALE TILES collection. You can begin with the intended application and then refine the selection by colour, format, manufacturer and surface.
If several products are suitable, we recommend comparing physical samples. This allows you to assess the tiles alongside furniture, kitchen fronts, sanitary fittings, wood, natural stone and other materials. We are happy to provide personal advice regarding technical properties, available formats and suitable combinations.
Discover the different tile types and find suitable tiles for your bathroom, kitchen, living room, patio, balcony, commercial space or next construction project.