Hello islandcandy,

Matte vs Polished trends come and go. Instead, you might think about what appeals to YOU more, matte or polished, and what you will be attracted to for the next dozen (or more) years. Be sure to check the slip resistance if you are planning to use tiles on the floors. Many of the matte finishes have a higher slip resistance rating than the polished ones do and that may help you in making a decision.

A few examples of matte:




A few examples of polished:
https://www.houzz.com/photos/225-fifth-ave-penthouse-contemporary-bathroom-new-york-phvw-vp~234343

(Can't see the soap scum.... yet!)


Best of luck with your decorating and please let us know if we can be of any assistance,

Elizabeth Cabell, ASID, CID
Cabell Design Studio

I prefer matte finishes for floors and counters, but either matte or shiny can look good and be practical on back splashes and shower walls .

I prefer slip resistance above shiny.

it all depends on the situation! wonderful post!

Thank you all for your helpful comments. I must say that the decision about tiles is the most difficult of all. I love them all!

I made the BIG error so putting a low sheen porceiln tile in the guest bathroom. Ended up having to warn guests repeatedly about using care. When it came time to do the master bath a matte almost rough finish porcelain tile was used. It never was slick/slippery. It was used for the shower floor as well as the rest of the MB. If you are still in doubt get a sample of each, wet them and do a test drive.

Old post from 2012.

I am looking to have some matte or slip proof porcelain marble looking tiles put in my master bath. I am having trouble finding a finish close in color to the glossy finish in color. They seem to be vibrant white or cream. My question is, do you think it is fake looking? Is it a mistake to go with a look alike? I love that it is slip proof and I do color touch up my hair between appointment. My husband is not happy about babysitting floors in any part of the home. I am keeping original shower tile. Which is part of the problem- finding the white to match. Not too white and not too cream. White ice granite counter top and painting cabinet off white or grey.

The flooring on the right of the white small tile is glossy and the left is the slip proof-matte finish.

Update; I ended up going with the glossy, after visiting a friend with glossy in master bath. She said it was not to slick. I am so glad I went with the glossy, I really like the look so much better in my master, (really dressed up the room. I will use the matt in the entrance from garage and the laundry room. The powder room will be glossy.

Please help, I have to decide gloss or matte for our bedroom, the bed and dressing table are glass rose gold, what do you recommend pls

I prefer the matte with your decor, it is more of a contrast. With everything shiny it looks to similar. I love that matte grey tile.

I want to find the 12 x 24 cararra tile for my Master Bath. I want it matching in a matte version for the floor and a polished version for the wall. Does such a thing exist - where can I buy it?

home depot! both matte and polished in same color/style

Is anyone familiar with a satin finish porcelain tile? I’m thinking of using it for floors in my master bath. Seems to be best of both matte and glossy. Any advice?