How to choose decorative tile for your room
Start with where the tile will go, then compare pattern, color and size. Decorative Tile Shop is operated by Georgia Lynn Designs in Abita Springs, Louisiana. This guide explains how to shop our current indoor decorative tile collection; each product listing’s application limits and instructions govern the tile you order.
Should I select Floor or Wall?
Select Wall for a permitted indoor vertical application, such as a kitchen backsplash, bathroom accent wall or vertical stair riser. A stair riser is the upright face between steps; it is different from the tread you walk on. Select Floor only when the individual listing permits your intended indoor floor application. The application selection is required when adding a tile to your cart and is included with your order.
The Floor option is intended for low-traffic decorative indoor flooring. Selecting Floor does not establish suitability for shower floors, stair treads, heavy traffic, exterior areas or submerged installations. A room image alone does not establish suitability. If your project involves sustained moisture, heat or unusual wear, contact us with the exact location before ordering; do not assume suitability from a design name.
Choose a pattern and color that work with your room
Compare the tile’s lightest and darkest colors with fixed elements you plan to keep: countertops, cabinets, flooring and wall paint. Use the single-tile image to study the artwork, and room scenes to consider the overall visual effect. For an accent area, decide where the pattern starts and ends before choosing the tile size. A larger tile changes the apparent scale of the motif, even when the artwork is the same.
In a kitchen, compare a sample beside the countertop and cabinet finish in both daylight and evening lighting. For a dry bathroom floor, compare it with the vanity, wall finish and adjoining floor. For vertical stair risers, check the height and width of each riser and how the pattern will be cropped. Browse all decorative tile designs to compare palettes rather than relying on a single room scene.
Why order a sample before cases?
A physical sample lets you assess color, finish and pattern scale in your own lighting. Screens and room visualizations can differ from the finished tile. Select the intended size and Floor or Wall application for the sample. Samples are individually finished and made to order; they are not a promise that every later batch will be identical. Keep the exact design name and number when comparing or ordering.
Compare tile sizes, pack counts and project quantity
Listings offer nominal 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch and 12-inch size options as samples or cases. Current 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cases contain 24 tiles; 12-inch cases contain 10 tiles. A sample price is for a sample, not a case. Review the selected option and its total price before adding it to your cart.
Measure the project area and confirm the actual tile dimensions and layout with your installer. For a rectangular tile, tile face coverage in square feet equals width in inches × height in inches ÷ 144. Multiply by the number of tiles for tile face coverage per case. Nominal size alone is not an exact installed coverage measurement; grout joints, cuts and layout affect the order quantity. Ask your installer to allow for cuts, breakage and matching spare tiles before you order.
Understand the finish, installation and care
Current listings describe a smooth satin Wall finish and a slightly textured matte/satin Floor finish. These descriptions do not establish a tested slip-resistance rating. Decorative faces are scratch resistant, not scratch proof. A stone-like, aged or dimensional-looking design is artwork on a flat tile, not a promise of raised relief.
Follow the individual listing’s installation and grout instructions. Protect the decorative face during handling and grouting; abrasive grout or tools can scratch it. For routine care, use a mild, diluted, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, acidic cleaners, harsh chemicals and aggressive scrubbing. Do not drag furniture or appliances across the decorative surface.
Plan your order and delivery
Standard production is approximately 7–14 business days before shipment, followed by typical transit of 3–7 business days. US standard shipping is free. Contact us before purchasing a large or custom order to confirm timing. Review shipping estimates and cancellation and returns terms before ordering: change-of-mind cancellations and returns are not accepted after production starts.