Design Trends: 4 Ways to Mix Gloss and Matte Tile

Mixing matte and gloss tile finishes can be a beautiful yet subtle way to add texture to your spaces. The softness of a matte combined with the light-reflecting shine of a gloss can supply an additional point of interest to any installation.

This look can be achieved with our Ceramic, Brick and Glass Tile, and works well for any application from your fireplace surround to your kitchen backsplash to your bathroom floor. You can control the ratio of how much gloss to matte you prefer, whether it’s a pronounced difference or a light spattering.

Below are four of our favorite ways to combine matte and gloss finishes (plus a bonus tip!).

1. Nuanced Neutrals

Choosing gloss and matte finishes in similar tones adds sophisticated visual interest to a neutral tile installation. This is a great way to spice up a classic white subway tile or all-white specialty shape installation while adding subtle depth to your space as demonstrated by the office kitchen below.

If you’re working with whites the slight contrast between the textures is understated and modern–especially when you bring in several shades. You can do this in a randomized pattern, as shown below, or with a more uniform arrangement like stripes or checks.

Take the modern appeal up a notch by trying the same three-toned neutral blend in an elongated vertical subway tile pattern. The combination of cool and warm shades and glossy and matte finishes creates a mesmerizing pattern that will give your space unforgettable personality.

2. Go with Gradients

Another stunning way to contrast matte and gloss finishes is by incorporating both of them into a gradient. This look is especially popular in kitchens, where the light reflecting off the glossy blocks of color is particularly noticeable.

If you’re concerned about installing a matte finish for your kitchen backsplash because you fear a more difficult cleaning process (especially near your stovetop), fear not! It is actually as painless to clean as its glossy counterpart.

3. Try Checkerboard

Add a twist to a classic checkered pattern by using two finishes. The modern kitchen below clad its counters and backsplash with a California-cool pairing of matte grey and glossy white tiles that reflect light beautifully in the bright and open space.

On the other hand, this glam powder room has a checkerboard floor featuring matte white and high-gloss black tiles to play up the luxe Art Deco feel.

A gorgeous play on this trend is to use the same color in both matte and gloss finishes–especially impactful with our Glass Tile. The modern shower below illustrates this sophisticated look, using deep green matte and gloss glass tiles in a checkered pattern to create an eye-catching accent wall.

4. Make a Statement

Don’t be afraid to embrace your creativity with this look–that’s the best way to create an unforgettable tile moment. We love how the drinking fountain wall at Detroit Achievement Academy created a playful accent wall of glossy white tiles sprinkled with matte colors.

Go bold! If you love this sort of contrast, really showcase it with striking colors, specialty shapes or fun patterns. You can do this by choosing colors that are similar tonally or opt for a few colors in a mixture of matte and gloss finishes

We love how the bathroom below cleverly uses finishes. Glossy lavender tile hangs floor to ceiling in the windowless water closet, reflecting light to make the small space appear brighter, while a matte white wainscot surrounds the rest of the bathroom. Both shades are used in the pastel checkered floor and shower tile to fully tie the look together.

Bonus: Use Gloss & Matte On Different Planes

If you like the idea of incorporating both sheens but would rather keep your finishes separate, using gloss and matte finishes in the same room on different surfaces is a great way to achieve this look. For example, a matte floor tile with glossy walls is a functional choice for wet areas like the shower where slip resistance underfoot is essential.

The shower below uses this trick with matte glass tiles on the wall and the same shade in a glossy finish to frame the window casing, beautifully reflecting the natural light.