Discover Polished and High Gloss Tiles
Posted by Kate Spencer on Jul 2nd 2020
Have you considered polished and high gloss tiles for your home? These looks are not only beautiful but extremely versatile, adding light and spaciousness to any area of your home. I invite you to discover these great designs with me.
What's the Difference Between Polished and High Gloss Tiles?
Although both types of tile look similarly glossy, they are different.
To create a polished finish, tiles are first double-fired with the tile pattern or color and then receive a clear coat application. Polished tiles go through the same polishing procedure as stones, passing under polishing wheels with water, and a polishing compound. To finish the look, the tiles are then sealed to retain their appearance and give you that polished look.
A high gloss tile is created with a glossy glaze instead of the polishing process above. These tiles still allow you to have that shine of polished tiles without the expense of the polishing processing.
Glossy Finish Care Tips
Please keep in mind that all tiles are slippery when wet; polished and high gloss tiles are no different. You will need to dry these tiles after you mop and clean them.
You also need to take care not to track in dirt and sand from outside so as not to scratch the finishes. You'll want to keep a rug or mat at the front door to wipe your feet and prevent entry scratches.
The Range of Possibilities for Polished and High Gloss Tiles
The range of possibilities for these products is only limited by your imagination and design preferences.
For example, in the image above, notice all the polished tile! You see polished tiles on the floor throughout the house and even polished Carrara tiles on the walls in the foyer. What a nice contrast between the dark stone look on the floors and the white on the walls.
If you're looking to mimic this look, you'll find what you need at Tile Outlets of America where there's a rich assortment of polished and high gloss porcelain tiles available!
For the walls, consider installing Marble Carrara Polished Porcelain Tile 12x24 (K-7722).
And, on the floors, here's Kashmir Hueso Polished Porcelain 15x30.
Discover Polished and High Gloss Tiles
In this article, you'll find inspiration for the following categories of polished and high gloss tiles:
- Polished White Tiles
- Polished Stone Looks
- Carrara Polished Looks
- Dark Polished and High Gloss Tiles
Polished White Tiles
Polished white tiles are used often to create a bright clean space and they're available in a variety of sizes. Along with putting them on the floors, you can use these tiles on the walls in showers or backsplashes to create that minimalistic look.
Below you see a 12x24 format.
Here's an example that combines large white polished tiles with mocha polished tiles to accent the space and break up the entryway.
You have many options to use to create this look, starting with polished white tiles in 12x24 and 24x24 available at Tile Outlets.
The reflection of the lights and outdoor sun rays will reflect off the polished tiles as you see in the image below.
Keep in mind that you need to make sure you have protection under your tables and furniture to avoid scratching the tile when moving pieces.
In the image below, an area rug under the bed provides protection and a touch of warmth underfoot.
Stone Look Polished
The stone look is popular in polished porcelain tiles. Imagine having that stone look with less maintenance than natural stone. You still need to protect your floor from scratches, however, you won't have the maintenance burden of refinishing and sealing every year.
These rectified tiles in the image above are installed with the minimal grout joint recommendation. This is a great stone look that is taken throughout the house.
To achieve this same look, consider Travertino Natura Polished 24x24.
This series also comes in a 12x24 format if you don’t want to use a 24x24 to create this look.
The warm beige floor in the image below still has a stone look with a nice warm and bright tone that complements many different styles.
Did you notice how the decorative mirror on the wall reflects on the floor?
Try creating this look with Crema Imperial Polished 24x24.
Or, achieve this similar look with Royal Dianna II Polished which is available in a 12x24.
In the image below, you notice a darker polished tile on the floor that is offset with white cabinets.
The wood finish on the back of the bar stools really pulls these tones together. This look could also be created with a beige or grey tile.
Linear Stone Looks
The warm polished floors and white and grey furniture nicely complement this design. This look features linear stone patterns.
To create this look, try Petra Nova Bianco Polished 24x48 (K-5083).
Another option is Lira Natural Glossy 24x48.
The dark countertops with the stainless steel refrigerator give a nice reflective touch to the polished floors.
Again the look of the Lira Natural Glossy 24x48 featured above would be a great alternative to create the design below.
This polished floor is done with 12x24 tiles but could be created with larger tiles as well. The Lira Natural Glossy 24x48 featured above would be a great alternative to create this design.
To create the polished floor below, you have many different options.
This is a more linear look. Two products come to mind:
Don't forget to have a mat or rug under the desk chair to avoid scratches and the wearing of the tile.
Carrara Polished Looks
Carrara polished tile looks and designs can be used in any part of the house. Whether you are doing a bathroom, kitchen, or living room, you'll find a look that will work in your space. Remember these tiles can be used on floors and walls.
The Carrara looks are always popular. You can get these in a polished or matte finish and in many different formats.
Check out these six options available to create this similar design.
If you are looking for something a little different and a splash of color we have the new Oikos Blue Polished 12x24 which is a Carrara look in blue.
Dark Polished Looks
The last segment in the polished and high gloss tiles category includes dark polished looks.
After all, polished doesn’t mean that the tiles must be light in color. You can also achieve beautiful floors with cold-toned polished tiles in black and gray. Here are four of our favorites that we stock at Tile Outlets of America.
Interested in Adding Polished and High Gloss Tiles to Your Home?
We hope you enjoyed exploring polished and glossy tiles at Tile Outlets of America. You'll find many more products worth featuring, so please stop by the store to see the other options.
