If you’re tired of the same old boring paint and flat walls, there is a solution that adds dimension and a modern flare to your walls – wall tiles. Tile can be anything from stone to 3-D wallpaper tiles, or even tiles made into beautiful murals.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, most tiles are some type of clay or a clay mixture and are classified as porcelain or non-porcelain – red or white clay fired in a kiln. What you need to know for your decorating needs is that porcelain tiles have better water resistance and hold up longer to wear and tear or heavy traffic. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are less expensive but better suited for lower traffic, such as walls or out-of-the-way places.

1. Choose Your Material

Your first step is to choose which tiles will appear in which part of your home. For example, a glass tile may look perfect in your bathroom but not look quite right in a master bedroom. If you’re unsure which tiles to add where, ask to take home a few samples of each and set them up against the wall. This will show you how they blend with the other décor and also give you an idea of how well the tile colors go with the overall color scheme and look of your home.

2. Decide on a Color Palette

Tiles come in every color you could possibly imagine. You may want to think of about three to five colors you’d like to use throughout your house to tie everything together. You can also choose a general color palette before you ever go shopping for tiles to make sure color combinations work well together and have enough contrast.

3. Paint Existing Tiles

If you have tile in your home but it is outdated or a horrendous color, take heart. You can paint tiles for a more uniform look or just to update the overall theme. Most painters use either latex or epoxy paint to freshen up old tile. Use a combination of colors to create a textured look, paint the tile wall a solid color or paint a mural on the tiles. You can even leave plain tiles alone but add a detail such as a floral accent or geometric pattern.

4. Create a 3-D Pattern

Another option for wall tiles are 3D patterns. Typically, these tiles come in sections, but when placed side by side you can create forms such as waves, circles or flowers. You can combine different types of tiles to create a wall story or simply stick with one design and paint it a simple white. You can make this an accent wall with touches of color or create the pattern in an entire room.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Unique Materials

Don’t be afraid to try unique ideas, especially for accent. For example, create a beautiful mural backsplash from tiny glass tiles of the French countryside. Take copper or stainless steel ceiling tiles and use them behind your sink for a sleek, modern, industrial look. Use huge marble floor tiles for the walls in your bathroom for a Grecian design.

When it comes to adding interest to your home by placing tiles on the walls, take the time to lay a few pieces against the wall, hold them up and make sure it is a look you’ll love for years to come. There is only one thing that is more challenging than choosing the tile you want for your home: That’s trying to take it back out if you decide you don’t like it. With just a little planning, you’ll find something you love and the time and effort will be worth it. You’ll be thrilled that the tile is there to stay.