Opting for Italian kitchen tiles means choosing quality, style, and longevity. These tiles are crafted to endure while keeping your kitchen elegant. But one final choice awaits: matte or polished finish?

This decision shapes your kitchen’s appearance, practicality, and upkeep. Let’s dive into the differences to help you choose wisely.

Understanding Matte and Polished

It’s simple.

Polished tiles have a glossy, mirror-like surface, created through grinding and buffing. They offer a modern, vibrant look, reflecting light to make kitchens feel larger and brighter. They highlight bold patterns and colors.

Matte tiles feature a non-reflective, subdued finish. They bring a natural, earthy aesthetic, sometimes with a slight texture. They don’t gleam but create a soft, inviting charm.

The finish affects how the tile looks and functions, so let’s see how they perform in real-world use.

Living with Your Tiles

Kitchens are for cooking, eating, and living—spills and messes included.

Polished tiles show every mark—water spots, crumbs, fingerprints. Their glossy surface amplifies imperfections, so you’ll need to clean often to keep them spotless. If you’re fine with regular wiping, they’re a great fit.

Matte tiles are more forgiving. Their non-reflective surface hides dirt and smudges, making them perfect for busy households with kids, pets, or limited cleaning time. You can go longer without scrubbing.

Both handle wear, but matte tiles make messes less obvious.

Safety First

Kitchens can be slippery zones.

Polished tiles can get slick when wet, especially with spills like grease or water. They’re better for quieter kitchens where spills are cleaned up fast.

Matte tiles provide better grip, often with a textured surface that reduces slipperiness. They’re safer for families with young kids, elderly members, or active pets.

If avoiding slips is a concern, matte tiles are the smarter choice.

Style That Fits

Both finishes are beautiful but set different tones.

Polished tiles feel sleek and contemporary. They bounce light, making small or dark kitchens feel more open. They’re great for showcasing intricate designs or rich colors in Italian kitchen tiles.

Matte tiles create a softer, more natural vibe. They work well in rustic, Scandinavian, or earthy kitchens, complementing wood, stone, or neutral tones for a cozy feel.

You can mix them—matte floors for safety, polished backsplashes for brightness. Test samples in your space to see how they work with your lighting and decor.

Long-Term Durability

When sourced from a reliable tiles supplier, Italian kitchen tiles—matte or polished—are built for longevity. But they show wear differently.

Polished tiles can scratch from heavy use, like moving appliances or dropping tools. The glossy finish makes marks more visible.

Matte tiles conceal scratches and scuffs better, thanks to their non-reflective surface. They’re ideal for high-traffic kitchens where wear is expected.

Both last for years with proper care, but matte tiles hide wear more effectively.

Maintenance Needs

Cleaning depends on the finish.

Polished tiles are smooth, so spills and grease wipe off easily. But their shine shows every mark, so you’ll clean more often to maintain that flawless look.

Matte tiles hide dirt better, but textured surfaces can hold sticky spills, requiring more scrubbing. You clean less frequently, but tough messes might need extra work.

Pick polished for frequent, easy wipes or matte for less frequent, slightly tougher upkeep.

Price Considerations

Polished tiles might cost more due to the extra work for their glossy finish, but the gap is usually small. Matte tiles can be just as expensive depending on the design or brand.

Focus on quality. Low-end tiles may not last, regardless of finish. A reputable tiles supplier offering high-quality Italian kitchen tiles ensures durability and value.

Choosing the Right Tile

Your kitchen’s lighting, traffic, and lifestyle should steer your choice. A tiles supplier specializing in Italian kitchen tiles can offer personalized guidance based on your needs.

Grab samples if you can. Place them in your space, spill something, walk on them. Test how they perform. The best tile isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how it works for you every day.