When homeowners are updating their tile, the debate rages on between “settling” for generic, buyer-pleasing tile versus letting your personal taste shine. Read on to learn about tile installations and how they can affect your home’s resale value, and to find suggestions for a stylish happy medium between timeless and trendy.
The Impact of Tile on Home Resale Value
Most tile updates take place in the kitchen and bath, which are also rooms that require more effort and money when it comes to renovation. In addition, these spaces can make or break a real-estate deal—and tile selections play a crucial role in shaping potential buyers’ perceptions of your home.
“Kitchen and bathrooms sell a house,” says Tisha Leung, This Old House design editor. The right choices can elevate your property’s appeal, while poor selections may deter interested parties.
How Tile Affects Buyer Perception
Tile is often one of the first design elements that catch a buyer’s eye, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Potential buyers may be turned off by tile choices that clash with their personal style or seem outdated. On the other hand, well-chosen tile can create a positive first impression and showcase the home’s potential.
Key Areas Where Tile Matters Most
Kitchens and bathrooms are high-traffic areas that see frequent use and serve as key selling points. In kitchens, backsplashes offer an opportunity to make a statement without overwhelming the space. Leung notes, “The backsplash is vertical, so it’s the first thing that you see. You can make your impact there.” In bathrooms, floor tiles and shower enclosures are areas where tile choices can significantly influence a buyer’s decision.
Establishing Your Move-Out Timeline Before Choosing Tile
Before diving into tile selection, figure out your future plans for the property. Your intended length of stay can guide your choices between more personalized designs and universally appealing options.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Tile Choices
If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, opt for more neutral, widely appealing tile options. These choices are less likely to deter potential buyers and can help your home appeal to a broader market. For longer-term stays, you have more flexibility to incorporate personal style while still considering future resale value.
The Seven-Year Rule for Creative Freedom
Leung suggests a practical guideline for balancing personal taste with resale considerations: “If you’re living in a house seven years or longer, you can have a little more creative freedom. If you’re planning on living there for less than seven years, be more aware of the resale value and what kind of remodeling you do.” This rule of thumb can help guide not only tile choices but other renovation decisions as well.
Timeless Tile Options That Appeal to Buyers
Certain tile styles have endured, remaining popular throughout decades and design trends. These options offer a safe bet for homeowners looking to maximize resale potential.
Classic Subway Tile Variations
White ceramic subway tile is a perennial favorite, but it’s not the only timeless option available. Mary Elizabeth Hulsey Oropeza of Mission Stone & Tile suggests exploring different formats: “Many people who are ’tile shy’ go for a different format than the go-to 3-by-6. A 2-by-4, 4-by-5, or larger rectangular shape is a safe bet for many homeowners.” These variations on the classic subway tile can add interest while maintaining broad appeal.
Natural Stone Tiles for Universal Appeal
Natural materials like travertine, granite, and tumbled stone offer timeless beauty that resonates with many buyers. These options can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space. Their natural variations in color and texture also help to hide wear and tear, making them practical choices for high-traffic areas.
Vintage-Inspired Tile Designs
Some tile designs with historical roots have made a strong comeback in recent years. Penny tiles, for example, offer a charming nod to the past while remaining relevant in modern design. Oropeza notes the resurgence of hexagon tiles: “While the smaller hexagon mosaic has been a favorite in vintage-home remodels, the larger hexagon tile can be incorporated into older homes for an updated look or installed in new homes for a spin on an old classic.”
Trendy Tile Choices: When and Where To Use Them
While timeless options are generally safer for resale, incorporating some trendy elements can add personality and contemporary flair to your home.
Incorporating Trendy Tiles as Accents
Using trendy tiles in small doses can update your space without overwhelming potential buyers. Consider using bold patterns or colors as accent pieces in a backsplash or as a decorative border in a bathroom. This approach allows you to showcase your style while maintaining a broadly appealing base design.
Balancing Personal Style with Resale Potential
If you’re not planning to sell soon, you have more leeway to incorporate current trends. However, it’s still wise to consider how these choices might age. Opt for trends with staying power, such as large-format tiles or subtle textured surfaces, rather than overly bold or quirky designs that may quickly fall out of favor.
Practical Considerations for Tile Selection
Beyond aesthetics, there are several practical factors to consider when choosing tile for your home.
Durability and Maintenance
Select tiles that can withstand daily wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. Porcelain tiles, for example, are known for their durability and resistance to staining. Regular maintenance and ease of cleaning can make a significant difference, particularly when presenting the home to prospective buyers.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Tile Dimensions
Tile size can significantly affect the perceived spaciousness of a room. Larger tiles can make small spaces appear bigger, while smaller tiles can add intricate detail to larger areas. Additionally, larger tiles often require fewer grout lines, which can provide a cleaner and more modern appearance—an aspect increasingly appreciated by buyers looking for low-maintenance options. When selecting tile sizes, consider the scale of your space (and your tolerance for maintenance) to create a balanced look.
Grout Color and Its Impact on Overall Appearance
Grout choice is often overlooked but can dramatically affect the final appearance of your tile installation. For resale value, Jason Kyser, a home renovation expert at Pro.com, advises, “Stay away from contrast and instead make your grout ‘fade away.’ Acrylic stain-free grout is a great bet too.” Neutral grout colors like white, beige, gray, or black are generally safe choices that won’t detract from the tile’s appeal. These neutral tones often blend seamlessly with most tile designs, enhancing rather than distracting from the intended aesthetic.
Creative Tile Arrangements for Added Value
Even with classic tile choices, creative arrangements can add visual interest and value to your home.
Herringbone and Chevron Patterns
These timeless patterns can elevate the look of simple subway tiles or add sophistication to natural stone installations. Leung notes, “Things like herringbone and chevrons are very classic. You can find them in 200-year-old houses.” These patterns work well in kitchen backsplashes or as feature walls in bathrooms. They add a dynamic element to otherwise plain tiles, offering a visually engaging design that can make a strong impression on potential buyers.
Mosaic Inlays and Borders
Mosaic tiles can add a touch of luxury and craftsmanship to your tile installation. Consider using them as an accent strip in a shower or as a decorative border around a bathroom mirror. Leung suggests using mosaics sparingly: “Try one as a centerpiece on a floor or backsplash, instead of covering an entire surface in the look.” This strategic placement can serve as a focal point in the room, lending a sense of uniqueness and sophistication without overwhelming the space or the budget.
Budget-Friendly Tile Updates for Maximum Impact
You don’t need to break the bank to make impactful tile updates that boost your home’s resale value.
Focus Areas: Kitchen Backsplashes and Bathroom Floors
Concentrate your budget on areas that offer the most visual impact for potential buyers. Kitchen backsplashes and bathroom floors are excellent starting points. As Oropeza advises, “The smaller space allows you to stretch your dollar on the bathroom floor, and if you can spring for it, update your shower walls and add a small backsplash behind the vanity.” By focusing on these strategic areas, you can achieve a high-end look even on a limited budget.
Cost-Effective Alternatives To High-End Tiles
Many affordable tile options mimic the look of more expensive materials. Porcelain tiles that resemble natural stone or wood can provide a high-end appearance at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, using smaller amounts of premium tiles as accents alongside more budget-friendly options can create a luxurious look without overspending. For example, a few high-quality marble tiles incorporated into a ceramic or porcelain backdrop can give the illusion of a more expensive installation.
DIY Tile Projects To Save Costs
Another way to save on tile installations is by undertaking smaller projects yourself. Simple installations such as backsplashes or small bathroom floors can often be handled by homeowners with a bit of guidance. DIY projects not only cut down on labor costs but also provide the satisfaction of having a hand in crafting your home’s aesthetic. Just be sure to follow installation guidelines carefully to ensure a professional-looking finish.
Our Conclusion
Choosing tile for your home involves balancing personal style with potential resale value. By focusing on timeless designs in key areas and incorporating trendy elements as accents, you can create a space that appeals to both your tastes and future buyers’ preferences. Remember to consider practical aspects like durability and maintenance alongside aesthetics. Ultimately, the best tile choices for your home will depend on your specific circumstances, including your timeline for selling and your local real estate market.
