About Wall Tiles

Tiles offer a durable, water-resistant surface that adds visual value to the room while making cleaning and maintenance a breeze. They are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, showers and backsplashes, but can also make a stunning focal point in other places.

Modern design innovations brought a resurgence of wall tiles popularity in New Zealand, with a variety of styles, shapes, patterns, and colours. 

Where to Use Wall Tiles

Bathroom wall tiles: The same type of tiles suitable for a shower can be applied to the whole bathroom in New Zealand- even overhead, instead of ceiling tiles. As long as the tile is waterproof, it can be used in humid areas. 

Subway white bathroom tiles make an obvious choice, but other options are worthy of considering. With a mix of Morrocan and grey tiles bathroom turns into quite a chic amenity, while black tiles add a touch of drama. A zig-zag pattern in a pastel palette is another way to convey a designed flair. 

Shower wall tile: One of the most common uses of bathroom tiles in New Zealand typically features either glazed porcelain and ceramic. These materials are waterproof and a breeze to maintain. 

Kitchen wall tiles: Similar to the bathroom, the entire kitchen can be covered in wall tiles instead of a backsplash only. Apart from style and durability, they provide a stain-resistant surface easier to clean than any other. 

Backsplash wall tiles: Backsplash tile is the most convenient way to protect walls from the side effects of cooking. Many backsplashes come as mosaics or other tile sheets for effortless installation.

Accent walls: Tiles make an excellent visual feature in any room. 

Advantages of Wall Tiles

Durability: Most wall tiles materials in New Zealand, especially porcelain and ceramic, can withstand bumps and scrapes with no problem. High temperatures exposure during porcelain manufacturing makes it exceptionally scratch-resistant.

Versatility: Wall tiles can be used on any vertical surface in several patterns and styles. They are available in many shapes, sizes, and designs to suit any contour and idea. 

Style: Decorative tiles are chic features that can be changed to keep up with trends in New Zealand without major remodelling. 

Resilience: Glazed porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles are completely waterproof, resistant to scratches and signs of wear

Types of Wall Tiles

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are the most popular choice for walls in New Zealand, mostly because they don’t need to be sealed after installation. They can be found in a virtually endless range of designs, colours, sizes and effects. Ceramic tiles are a budget-friendly option, easy to maintain and clean.

Porcelain Tiles

Made in a process similar to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are stronger and more hard-wearing. Some porcelain tiles are frostproof and suitable to use outside, with an adequate adhesive that can hold their weight safely. Porcelain tiles can be finished unglazed, glazed, or polished.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles are cut, coloured and sometimes hand-finished. It can be found in a wide range of shapes, styles, textures, and colours in New Zealand, suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, living spaces, and pool areas. 

Stone Slabs and Tiles

Natural tiles and stones, such as marble or travertine, are packed with organic character. They are also quite authentic - it’s impossible to find two identical natural stone tiles. 

Travertine tiles come in two finishes, polished or tumbled or polished. It’s a porous material with a sponge-like texture. Polished travertine tiles and stone slabs are filled and buffed to a sleek finish, but it still needs to be sealed before use. 

Marble tiles are typically sold polished with a high-shine finish in New Zealand. It makes one of the most refined, luxurious organic options available on the market. 

Wall Tile Styles in New Zealand

Wall Tile Shapes 

• Hexagon wall tiles:  A very attractive and versatile choice, hexagon wall tiles are perfect to create a mosaic design or unique abstract patterns. 
• Fish scales: Trendy and impossible to ignore, fish-scale bathroom wall tiles add a glossy designer touch to the room. 
• Penny tiles: Modern circular shapes convey a fun and modern look, while their small size allows for versatility of use.   
• Diamonds: Attractive and unusual, diamond tiles boast diagonal lines to engage the eye and make any room more visually interesting.
• Subway tiles: Inherently classic and trendy at the same time, subway tiles never really go out of fashion.
• Mosaic tiles: Any material can serve to make mosaics and arrange them in sheets for effortless installation. 

Wall Tile Textures in New Zealand

• Stacked stone, brick, or slate textures convey an organic appeal, meant to mimic the style of natural stone walls.  
• 3D wall tiles are modern features suited for minimalistic contemporary spaces. Abstract shapes and patterns add visual dynamics and create statement accents that eliminate the need for any other embellishments. 3D tiles surfaces are often smooth and glossy but can be found in matte finishes, too. 
• Cement look is a fashionable option fit to several interior styles, from rustic to industrial and minimalistic. Concrete tiles are not always the most affordable option around, but it’s possible to find porcelain and ceramic tiles that mimic the look in a more budget-friendly way. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Wall Tiles

In New Zealand, smaller tiles are better suited to tiny kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Still, too many grouts can also mean more challenging maintenance. 

Large tiles can make a large room even more spacious. 

It’s possible to use floor tiles on walls to create a more uniform look, but not the other way around. Floor tiles need to be designed for heavy use and lots of traffic.  

The grout colour matters. It can emphasise lines and the design or mute it down for a more subtle appeal. 

If you need assistance to find the right wall tiles for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to various professionals in New Zealand, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.