Ceramic tiles come in glossy, satin, matte and textured finishes. Any finish can be used on any surface, but some are better suited to a particular use. A glossy tile can be slippery and show scratches, so it may not work for countertops or a high-traffic floor. Matte tiles hide scratches better on floors and counters. Textured tiles offer more slip resistance.

Decorative tile is designed for wall use. Countertops and floors get more wear.

Thicker floor tiles can also be used on walls.

Large tiles can overcome a small space, but small tiles will open up the same area. Small tiles may get lost in a large room, while large tiles will show off better.