Choosing of Tiles for Living Room and Bedroom

Choosing Tiles for Your BTO Renovation: My Personal Take

Congratulations on getting your BTO! If you're reading this, you're probably deep in the renovation planning phase, figuring out how to turn that empty unit into your dream home.

Now, if you didn’t opt for the OCS (Optional Component Scheme) flooring, you’ll be starting with bare floors. That gives you full flexibility—and that’s exciting! Like many others, you might be considering to install tiles as they are the most durable. So, how do you pick the right tiles?

Let me share my perspective. Everyone has different tastes and priorities, so take what works for you and decide based on what suits your lifestyle best.

1. Tile Size Matters

For living rooms and bedrooms, large-format tiles are a popular choice. Why? They make the space look bigger and cleaner by reducing grout lines.

However, there's a little physics involved that many don’t consider. Long tiles—especially those that mimic timber—can have a natural curve (called "hogging"). This can cause lippage, where one tile edge sits higher than the one next to it. It’s not always about tile quality; it’s just how materials behave.

If you're going for timber-look tiles, most showrooms will advise against laying them in an alternating (staggered) pattern. This helps avoid placing the highest and lowest points of adjacent tiles next to each other, which minimizes visible unevenness.

2. Matte or Polished Finish?

This one’s all about preference. Personally, I love polished tiles. They reflect light, make spaces feel larger, and have a more high-end, luxurious feel.

But there are trade-offs:

• Scratches: Very visible, like lines on a mirror.

• Reflection distortion: Polished surfaces can exaggerate warps, making straight things like your TV console or window grilles look wavy.

• Watermarks: More visible on polished tiles, though for dry areas like bedrooms and living rooms, it’s a small issue.

• Slippery when wet: Important to consider if you have kids or elderly folks at home.

Matte tiles, on the other hand, offer better grip and hide scratches better. Some homeowners love them for that "industrial" vibe. But they can look a bit dull to some, and cleaning can be more tedious because of the textured surface—spill a coffee, and you’ll want to clean it up immediately!

3. Grout Options: What You Need to Know

Grout might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in both looks and maintenance.

• Cementitious Grout: This is the standard option. Affordable but porous—meaning it can absorb water, oil, and stains over time.

• Epoxy Grout: More expensive, but water-resistant and nearly maintenance-free. With fewer grout lines (thanks to big tiles), it’s a worthy upgrade for many.

• Marble Gum: This gives a “groutless” look but only works with homogeneous tiles. It’s beautiful and seamless, but note: over time, you’ll need to re-polish the floor, which means moving furniture and rugs out of the way.

4. The Tile I’m Most Excited About

There’s one special tile that I personally love—continuous vein, marble-look, polished porcelain tiles. Imagine a floor where all the marble veins connect seamlessly, making it look like one massive slab of natural stone. Unlike most marble-look tiles on the market where the pattern is obviously repeated, these create a truly luxurious and cohesive aesthetic.

Unfortunately, I’ve sold out of these tiles for now and won’t restock until I head to China in October 2025. But if you’re curious, feel free to WhatsApp me—I’d be happy to share some photos!

5. Skirting Height: 50mm or 75mm?

When it comes to skirting, most homeowners tend to decide between two common heights—50mm or 75mm.

Personally, I prefer 50mm. It offers a sleek, modern look while still providing enough protection to prevent scuff marks on your wall from daily sweeping or mopping. It also transitions nicely if it meets your cement base, keeping the overall profile clean and minimal.

That said, some homeowners opt for the taller 75mm skirting, especially when it aligns with their cement base. One of my clients specifically requested 75mm to match the height of their robot vacuum. With more people relying on robotic cleaners for everyday upkeep, the taller skirting can help ensure the robot doesn't knock into or scuff the walls—something worth considering if you use one at home.

It’s a small detail, but it can make a noticeable difference in both function and finish.

Final Thoughts

I hope this helps you in your tile selection process. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—choose what suits your style, needs, and budget best. And most importantly, enjoy the renovation journey. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience turning your new flat into a place you’ll call home.

Happy renovating!