){kind=icon}
Premium tiles change how a room looks, feels and lasts. A premium tile holds its colour for decades, resists water and wear, and carries a finish you notice every time you walk in. A budget tile looks fine on day one and tired by year five.
The problem for most buyers: "premium" appears on almost every tile website in the UK, and the word means nothing on its own. Some suppliers use the word for a glossy photo. Others use the word for genuine first-quality porcelain, hand-cut shell and real Italian design.
This guide shows you what makes a tile premium, how to check quality before you buy, what premium tiles cost per square metre, and which premium tiles suit each room. Every product below is live on luxurytiles.co.uk, with the price shown at the time of writing.
Luxury Tiles UK supplies premium mosaic tiles, premium floor tiles and premium wall tiles. Delivery takes 1 to 2 days across the UK and is free on orders over £299.
Quick answer: where to buy premium tiles in the UK
· Buy premium tiles from a specialist supplier with first-quality stock, full technical specs, samples and fast delivery.
· Luxury Tiles UK stocks 66 collections and 13 brands, from polished marble effect porcelain to handmade mother of pearl.
· Call 0207 411 9038 for expert advice, Monday to Saturday.
What Makes a Tile Premium?
A premium tile earns the label on seven points. Use these as a checklist for any tile, from any supplier.
1. First-Quality Grade
Factories sort every batch into grades. First-quality tiles have no chips, no warping and an even shade across the batch. Second and third grades sell cheaper with visible faults. Every tile at Luxury Tiles UK is first quality.
2. Low Water Absorption
Premium porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water. Low absorption means no frost cracking outdoors, no staining in kitchens and no damp creeping behind shower walls.
3. Rectified Edges
Rectified tiles are cut and ground to an exact size after firing. Every edge sits straight and square, so your tiler sets grout lines as thin as 2mm. Thin grout lines give large-format floors a near-seamless finish.
4. Print and Surface Depth
Cheap marble effect tiles use a flat print which repeats every few tiles. Premium porcelain uses high-definition inkjet printing with many unique faces, so the veining looks natural across a whole floor. Polished and lustre glazes add depth you see from across the room.
5. Real Natural Materials
Mother of pearl, marble, limestone, slate and glass sit at the top of the premium range. Each natural tile differs from the next, so your wall or floor becomes one of a kind.
6. Craft
Handmade and hand-cut tiles show small variations in shape and edge. Those variations catch light and give a wall life a machine-made tile never matches.
7. Performance Ratings
A premium floor tile lists a PEI wear rating and an R slip rating. Missing specs are a warning sign. Check every product page before you order.
|
Feature |
Budget tile |
Premium tile |
|
Grade |
Often second or mixed grade |
First quality only |
|
Water absorption |
Above 3% on many ceramics |
Under 0.5% on porcelain |
|
Edges |
Pressed, uneven |
Rectified, straight and square |
|
|
Flat, repeating pattern |
High-definition, many unique faces |
|
Grout line |
3mm to 5mm |
As thin as 2mm |
|
Lifespan |
5 to 10 years before looking tired |
20 years and more |
|
Specs |
Often missing |
PEI, R rating and absorption listed |
Premium, Luxury or Designer: What Is the Difference?
Buyers often use these three words as if they mean the same thing. They do not.
· Premium describes quality: first grade, low absorption, rectified edges and strong ratings. A premium tile performs well for decades.
· Luxury describes material and finish: real shell, gold glass, polished marble looks and hand-cut pieces. A luxury tile looks special.
The best tiles tick all boxes. The Arabesque Gold, for example, is premium in quality, luxury in material and designer in origin. A tile like the Magic Gold Marble Effect is premium in quality with a luxury look, at a far lower price.
Premium Tile Trends to Watch
Polished Large Formats
Polished 60 x 120cm tiles now appear in bathrooms as well as living spaces. Fewer joins give a calm, hotel-style finish. The Opaline and Alloy ranges lead this look.
Metallic Warmth
Brushed brass, copper and gold replace cold chrome. Copper scallops, gold glass and Alloy Copper porcelain carry the same warmth from fittings to walls.
Stone Looks in Glass
Glass mosaics printed with marble and watercolour patterns, such as the Karma range, give the look of stone with zero porosity.
Soft Green and Aqua
Sage, moss and aqua tones lead colour choices for kitchens and bathrooms. See green tiles and blue tiles.
Organic Shapes
Scallops, fish scales and pebbles replace hard squares. See scallop mosaics and pebble mosaics.
Pattern Feature Walls
Raised floral and pattern tiles, such as Dakota Flora, turn one wall into art while the rest of the room stays plain.
Premium Polished Porcelain Tiles
Polished porcelain is the fastest-growing part of the premium tile market in the UK. Large formats, mirror-like glazes and natural stone looks give a hotel finish with no sealing and almost no upkeep.
Opaline Pearl Polished Marble Effect Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile 60 x 120cm
The Opaline Pearl Polished Marble Effect brings a soft pearl-white marble with fine veining and a high-shine polish. At 60 x 120cm, each tile covers 0.72m², so a bathroom floor needs far fewer grout lines. Use the same tile on floors and walls for a seamless spa room.
Opaline Shadow Polished Marble Effect Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile 60 x 120cm
For a deeper tone, the Opaline Shadow Polished Marble Effect gives a grey marble look with the same polish. Pair Opaline Shadow on the floor with Opaline Pearl on the walls for a two-tone scheme from one collection.
Alloy Pearl Semi-Polished Porcelain Tile 600 x 1200mm
The Alloy Pearl Semi-Polished Porcelain Tile has a soft metallic sheen. A semi-polished finish gives more grip than full polish, ideal for open-plan kitchens and living spaces.
Alloy Copper Semi Polished Porcelain Tile 60 x 120cm
The Alloy Copper Semi Polished Porcelain Tile brings warm copper tones to feature walls, restaurant floors and boutique retail spaces.
Agate Aqua Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile 60x120cm
The Agate Aqua Porcelain Tile copies the banded layers of real agate stone in cool aqua tones. At £34.95/m², the tile gives a rare-stone look at a sensible price.
Magic Gold Marble Effect 600x1200mm Floor and Wall Tile
A best seller rated 5.0 from 3 reviews, the Magic Gold Marble Effect gives gold-veined marble at £32.00/m², one of the best value premium floor tiles in the range.
Venetian Blue Floor and Wall Tile 1200x600mm
The Venetian Blue brings deep sea-blue tones to statement bathrooms and dining rooms.
Ivory Onyx Grey Matt Wall and Floor Tile 600x600mm
The Ivory Onyx Grey gives the soft banding of onyx in a matt finish, with better grip for hallways and bathroom floors.
See all polished and marble effect tiles, 60x120cm tiles, XL tiles and onyx effect tiles.
Premium Mother of Pearl Tiles
Mother of pearl is the most luxurious material in the range. Real shell, cut by hand and set on mesh sheets, shifts from white to soft pink, silver and green as light moves across the wall.
White Mother of Pearl Illusion Polished Mosaic Tile
The White Mother of Pearl Illusion sits at the top of the range. Flat shell pieces create a 3D effect, so one feature wall lifts a whole room.
Oyster White Pearl Herringbone Polished Mosaic Tile
The Oyster White Pearl Herringbone sets polished shell in a herringbone layout for shower walls and vanity splashbacks.
Handmade White Fish Scale Mother of Pearl Mosaic Tile
The Handmade White Fish Scale Mother of Pearl Mosaic Tile sets genuine white pearl shell in a classic fish scale pattern, handmade in Italy and polished to a soft lustre that shifts as the light moves across it. Each 300 x 300mm sheet is just 2mm thick, mesh-mounted for easy fitting and resin-sealed, so it wipes clean in showers, bathrooms and behind the hob. Use it for a kitchen splashback, an ensuite feature wall, a fireplace surround or a spa wall, where its pearly white tone brightens the whole room.
Handmade Beige Scallop Mother of Pearl Mosaic Tile
A best seller, the Handmade Beige Scallop Mother of Pearl Mosaic brings warm cream tones to ensuites and dressing rooms.
Mother of Pearl Penny Mosaic
The Mother of Pearl Penny Mosaic sets small rounds of polished white pearl shell side by side, giving a soft, retro look with a modern iridescent finish. Each penny-sized piece catches the light differently, so the wall glows with shifting tones of white, pearl and silver throughout the day. Mounted on 30 x 30cm sheets just 2mm thick, it suits bathroom walls, shower areas and kitchen splashbacks in homes and commercial interiors alike. Pair it with crisp white fittings for a calm coastal feel or with brass for a classic finish, and explore more penny mosaics and mother of pearl mosaics from Luxury Tiles UK.
White Pearl Hexagon Shell Mother of Pearl Mosaic
Price: See product page
[Product image: White Pearl Hexagon Shell Mother of Pearl Mosaic, linked to https://luxurytiles.co.uk/products/white-pearl-hexagon-shell-mosaic]
The White Pearl Hexagon Shell Mosaic adds a geometric pattern to spa walls and backsplashes.
See the full mother of pearl mosaics collection.
Premium Gold and Metallic Mosaic Tiles
Gold glass and metallic finishes bring warmth and glamour. Glass is non-porous, so steam, splashes and grease wipe straight off.
Arabesque Gold Mosaic Tile by Fired Earth
The Arabesque Gold Mosaic Tile sets gold glass in a graceful lantern shape inspired by Moorish design. A layer of metallic foil sits within each glass piece, giving a multi-faceted gloss surface that catches and reflects light from every angle. The glass is non-porous and needs no sealing, so it stays bright and wipes clean on bathroom walls, shower walls and kitchen splashbacks. Pair it with black porcelain for a dramatic powder room or with white marble and brass taps for a warm, high-end kitchen, and see more arabesque mosaic tiles and gold mosaics from Luxury Tiles UK.
Dune Metallic Gold D940 Mosaic Tile 30x30cm
From Spanish brand Dune, the Metallic Gold D940 gives a mirror-bright gold finish. Rated 5.0 from 2 reviews.
Gold Stone Glass Mosaic Tile 30cm x 30cm
The Gold Stone Glass Mosaic mixes gold glass with stone tones. Rated 5.0. Made in Germany, the Gold Stone Glass Mosaic Tile sets small square chips of metallic gold glass on a 30 x 30cm mesh sheet. Its glossy finish reflects light back into the room, adding warmth and depth to a wall without the upkeep of real metal leaf. The 8mm glass is hard-wearing and easy to clean, which makes it a strong choice for kitchen splashbacks, accent walls and feature panels. Pair it with white marble effect porcelain for a bright, glamorous look or with deep navy for real drama, and see more gold mosaics and glass mosaics from Luxury Tiles UK.
Glass Mosaic Tiles Midland Gold 300x300mm
The Midland Gold Glass Mosaic suits powder rooms, home bars and hotel bathrooms.
See all gold mosaics, gold tiles, metal mosaics and sparkle mosaic tiles. The Midland Gold Glass Mosaic sets 32mm squares of gold glass on a 300 x 300mm sheet. The gloss finish reflects light across the wall, creating a warm, glamorous glow in powder rooms, home bars and hotel-style bathrooms. Because the 8mm glass resists water, stains and fading, it also suits shower walls, kitchen splashbacks and even swimming pools. Pair it with dark cabinetry or black porcelain to let the gold stand out, and see more gold mosaics and glass mosaics.
Premium Glass Mosaic Tiles
The new Karma glass mosaic range brings natural stone looks to glass. Each sheet measures 33.3 x 33.3cm, larger than a standard 30 x 30cm sheet, so you fit fewer sheets and fewer joins.
Karma Calacatta Glass Mosaic Tiles 33.3 x 33.3cm
The Karma Calacatta Glass Mosaic gives white Calacatta veining with the water resistance of glass. Ideal for shower walls. A new arrival at Luxury Tiles UK, the Karma Calacatta Glass Mosaic brings the soft grey veining of Calacatta marble to white glass, set in a crisp grid of 25mm squares. Its gloss finish catches the light, so a wall or pool takes on the detail of real marble with the easy upkeep of glass. Mesh-backed and frostproof, the sheets suit internal and external walls as well as swimming pool tanks, from a kitchen splashback to a garden pool. Use it to line pool steps, create a bright feature wall or tie a spa bathroom to a marble effect floor, and see more swimming pool mosaic tiles, glass mosaics and new arrivals.
Karma Black Marble Glass Mosaic Tiles 33.3 x 33.3cm
For a bolder take on marble, the Karma Black Marble Glass Mosaic sets fine white veining against deep black and charcoal glass, in a grid of 25mm squares with softly rounded edges. The gloss finish reflects light across every square, giving dark walls depth and a sharp, graphic edge that real black marble struggles to match. Mesh-backed and frostproof, the sheets suit internal and external walls as well as swimming pool tanks, from a dramatic bathroom feature wall to a striking garden pool. Pair it with brass fittings and white marble effect porcelain for a monochrome look, and see more black tiles, glass mosaics and new arrivals from Luxury Tiles UK.
Karma Aquarela Glass Mosaic Tiles 33.3 x 33.3cm
Inspired by watercolour and natural minerals, the Karma Aquarela Glass Mosaic swirls blue-grey and sage with warm rust, brown and ochre across a grid of 25mm glass squares. Its gloss finish catches the light, so the pattern seems to move across the wall and no two sheets look quite the same. Mesh-backed and frostproof, the sheets suit internal and external walls as well as swimming pool tanks, from a bathroom feature wall or kitchen splashback to an outdoor pool. Pair it with natural stone, warm timber or matt black fittings for an earthy, organic look, and see more glass mosaics, swimming pool mosaic tile.
Karma Blue Moon Glass Pool Mosaic Tiles 33.3 x 33.3cm
Made for water, the Karma Blue Moon Glass Pool Mosaic layers mottled deep blue with teal and charcoal across 25mm glass squares with softly rounded edges. The clouded markings sit under a gloss finish, so the colour shifts and deepens as light moves through the water. Mesh-backed and frostproof, the sheets suit swimming pool tanks as well as internal and external walls, from a garden pool to a spa-style bathroom feature wall.
See all glass mosaics and glass tiles.
Premium Decorative Wall Tiles
Dakota Flora Port Gloss Floral Porcelain Wall Tile 32 x 62.5cm
The Dakota Flora Port brings heritage charm to a modern format, with rows of small eight-petal flowers in dusty rose and terracotta on an off-white glazed porcelain base. Its gloss glaze adds a soft reflection, while slight tonal variation from tile to tile gives the pattern a hand-painted feel. At 32 x 62.5cm and frostproof, it suits kitchen splashbacks, bathroom feature walls and even external walls. Pair it with the plain burgundy Dakota Port Porcelain Tile, warm timber or brass fittings, and see more pattern tiles and new arrivals from Luxury Tiles UK.
The Dakota Port tile is the plain burgundy one from the same new arrivals range, and the homepage photos show the two used side by side in a shower.
Gelato Green Gloss Mosaic Porcelain Tile
The Gelato Green Gloss Scallop Mosaic brings soft green scallops to kitchens and ensuites. The soft scallop shapes in a rich racing green glaze. The gloss finish picks up the light along every curve, giving the wall a rippling, organic texture that plain tiles can’t match. Made from hard-wearing 6mm porcelain and mounted on mesh for easier fitting, it is waterproof and easy to clean, so it suits bathroom walls, kitchen splashbacks and other wet-area walls. Pair it with brass taps, white marble effect worktops or warm limestone.
Natural Stone Buttermilk Slate Porcelain Wall Tiles
The Buttermilk Slate Porcelain Wall Tile shows layered slate texture in warm cream tones. Rated 5.0. The Buttermilk Slate Porcelain Wall Tile recreates the look of hand-stacked stone in a soft buttermilk cream, bringing the outdoors in without the weight or upkeep of real slate. Each large 650 x 333mm tile shows many small layered pieces in a matt finish, so a full feature wall goes up quickly with fewer joints. Made from hard-wearing 10mm porcelain, it needs no sealing, wipes clean and suits wet-area walls in bathrooms and kitchens.
See all feature tiles, Moroccan wall tiles, scallop mosaics and wave tiles.
Premium Floor Tiles for Every Room
Golden Oak Matt Chevron Wood Effect Porcelain Floor Tile
The Golden Oak Matt Chevron gives a Scandinavian oak chevron floor with the water resistance of porcelain. Ideal for kitchens and hallways. The Golden Oak Matt Chevron Wood Effect Floor Tile captures the warmth of honey-blonde oak in hard-wearing porcelain, with a subtle chevron pattern that adds character to a Scandinavian-style interior. Each large 1200 x 600mm tile is rectified for thin, neat grout lines, so the floor reads as one continuous run of timber. The matt finish and wear rating suit everyday home floors, and unlike real wood it will not warp, scratch easily or need re-oiling.
Mosaic Tiles River Pebbles Cut Tan 305x305mm
The River Pebbles Cut Tan Mosaic sets real natural stone pebbles, sliced flat and laid in a warm tan blend, for a floor or wall that feels like a sun-warmed riverbed. Designed and crafted in Germany, each 305 x 305mm sheet mixes pebbles of different sizes, so the surface looks organic rather than repeated. The matt cut finish keeps the natural texture while giving a smooth, level surface that suits both walls and floors. Because it works indoors and outdoors, it can run from a spa-style bathroom floor or feature wall out to a garden terrace; browse more pebble mosaics and natural stone mosaics for matching tones.
Green Sea Moss Mosaic Tile 305x305mm
Inspired by coastal rock pools and underwater planting, the Green Sea Moss Mosaic blends many shades of green glass, from deep forest to soft sage, across each sheet. The gloss finish reflects light the way water does, so the colours shift and shimmer as you move through the room. Made from 4mm glass for indoor and outdoor use, it suits swimming pools, spa walls, shower walls and kitchen splashbacks alike. Set it against a pale limestone floor or natural timber for a calm, organic space, or take it further with more green tiles and swimming pool mosaic tiles.
The Green Sea Moss Mosaic holds a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews and brings a lagoon green to pools and wet rooms.
Premium Tiles Room by Room
Premium Bathroom Tiles
The bathroom gets the largest share of premium tile spend. Combine a polished large-format floor with one shell or glass feature wall. A popular scheme: Opaline Pearl on floor and walls, with the White Mother of Pearl Illusion behind the bath. See all bathroom tiles and read our Bathroom Tiles UK buying guide.
Premium Kitchen Tiles
In a kitchen, the splashback carries the luxury. Gold glass, foil mosaics and scallops sit behind the hob, with a hard-wearing semi-polished porcelain floor below. Alloy Pearl on the floor with Chiara Glass Foil on the splashback gives a calm, high-end kitchen. See kitchen tiles, kitchen splashbacks, sinks and taps.
Premium Hallway Tiles
A hallway sets the first impression. Large-format marble effect or heritage patterns in porcelain handle muddy boots and daily traffic. See black and white tiles and our Black and White Tiles design guide.
Premium Living Room and Open-Plan Floors
Open-plan spaces suit 60 x 120cm and larger formats. Run the same tile from kitchen to garden doors for a continuous floor. Porcelain works over underfloor heating.
Premium Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor porcelain needs frost resistance and grip. See 20mm outdoor tile slabs and outdoor tiles for terraces and garden paths.
Premium Pool and Spa Tiles
Glass mosaics such as Karma Blue Moon and Atlantis resist chlorine and frost. See all swimming pool mosaic tiles.
Premium Tiles for Hotels, Restaurants and Retail
Commercial spaces need premium looks with heavy-duty performance. Alloy Copper floors, Dakota Flora feature walls and gold mosaic bar fronts all suit hospitality projects. Our tiling services team fits hotels, restaurants and lounges in London and nearby areas, and trade buyers open a trade account for project pricing.
7 Ways to Spot a Premium Tile Online
1. Check the grade. Ask for first quality only.
2. Check water absorption. Premium porcelain absorbs under 0.5%.
3. Check the PEI rating for floors: PEI 3 for homes, PEI 4 or 5 for busy areas.
4. Check the slip rating: R10 or above for wet floors, R11 for pool surrounds.
5. Look for rectified edges on any tile 60cm or larger.
6. Read reviews on the product page and on Trustpilot.
7. Order samples and view them in your own light, morning and evening.
Premium Tiles on a Smart Budget
Spend on One Feature Surface
Put shell, gold glass or copper on one wall, niche or splashback. Two square metres of mother of pearl starts from £329.56 and transforms a room.
Use Large-Format Porcelain for Floors
Premium porcelain from £32.00/m² looks high-end and cuts grout lines. Fewer grout lines mean faster cleaning.
Upgrade Trims and Grout
Brushed brass or matt black tile trims and the right grout colour lift any tile for a few pounds per metre.
Check the Sale
The tile sale and clearance mosaic tiles collections list premium designs at reduced prices.
How to Care for Premium Tiles
Polished Porcelain
Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Avoid wax-based products, which dull the polish. Polished porcelain needs no sealing.
Mother of Pearl
Use a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Seal the grout lines in showers. Avoid scouring pads.
Glass and Metallic Mosaics
Wipe with a glass-safe cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Keep grout clean with a soft brush.
Natural Stone
Seal before grouting and reseal every 1 to 2 years. Avoid vinegar, lemon and bleach. See tile sealers and cleaners.
Installing Premium Tiles
Premium tiles deserve premium fitting. Large-format and polished tiles show every uneven edge, so use an experienced tiler with a levelling system.
· Use a flexible, high-grade tile adhesive, with full back-buttering on tiles 60cm and larger
· Use white adhesive under glass and mother of pearl, so the colour shows true
· Leave a 2mm to 3mm grout joint on rectified tiles
· Protect polished surfaces during the build with board or film
· Order everything from one batch, plus 10% to 15% extra for cuts
Our tiling services team offers free quotes in London and nearby areas. Call 0207 411 9038.
Why Buy Premium Tiles from Luxury Tiles UK
· First-quality tiles sourced direct from factories in Italy, Germany and the UK
· Prices up to 70% below high street alternatives
· Featured in House Beautiful and Woman and Home
· Member of The Tile Association
· Price match promise and 14-day returns
· Samples across the range
· Express delivery in 1 to 2 days, free over £299
Browse our designer tiles, new arrivals and best sellers.
Contact Luxury Tiles UK
· Company: Luxury Tiles UK (Luxury Tiles U.K. Limited, company no. 10471161)
· Phone: 0207 411 9038
· Email: info@luxurytiles.co.uk
· Samples: sample@luxurytiles.co.uk
· Address: Marshall House, Middleton Road, Morden SM4 6RW
· Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm
Frequently Asked Questions About Premium Tiles
What are premium tiles?
Premium tiles are first-quality tiles with low water absorption, rectified edges, high-definition surfaces or natural materials, and full performance ratings. Examples include polished porcelain, mother of pearl, gold glass and natural stone.
Where do I buy premium tiles in the UK?
Luxury Tiles UK in Morden, south London, supplies premium tiles across the UK with 1 to 2 day delivery, free on orders over £299. Call 0207 411 9038.
Are premium tiles worth the cost?
Yes, for floors, showers and feature walls. Premium tiles last 20 years and more, resist staining and keep their colour. A small area of premium tile changes how a whole room feels.
What is the difference between polished and semi-polished porcelain?
Polished porcelain has a mirror-like shine, best for walls and low-traffic floors. Semi-polished porcelain has a soft sheen with more grip, better for kitchens and busy floors.
Are polished porcelain tiles slippery?
Polished tiles have less grip when wet. Use polished tiles on walls and dry floors, and choose matt or semi-polished tiles with R10 or above for bathroom floors.
Do premium tiles work with underfloor heating?
Yes. Porcelain and natural stone hold and release heat evenly. Use a flexible adhesive and follow the heating maker's guidance.
Which premium tiles suit a small bathroom?
Large-format polished porcelain in light tones, such as Opaline Pearl, makes a small bathroom feel larger. Fewer grout lines and a reflective finish bounce light around the room. Add one small shell or glass niche for a premium detail.
Are glass mosaic tiles premium?
Yes, when the glass is thick, colour-fast and set on a strong mesh. Glass absorbs no water, resists stains and suits showers, splashbacks and pools. The Karma range uses larger 33.3 x 33.3cm sheets for fewer joins.
Does Luxury Tiles UK offer samples?
Yes. Samples are available across the range. Email sample@luxurytiles.co.uk or call 0207 411 9038.
Shop Premium Tiles Today
Premium tiles give you a room which looks better and lasts longer. Luxury Tiles UK combines first-quality porcelain, real shell, gold glass and designer brands with price matching, samples and delivery in 1 to 2 days.
Speak to our team on 0207 411 9038, Monday to Saturday, or email info@luxurytiles.co.uk.
