The versatility of Marlborough Matts

At Marlborough Tiles, we’ve long believed that the most beautiful interiors are those that are thoughtfully crafted, tactile and quietly expressive. With the Marlborough Matts collection, our true matt, paper-smooth tiles, we offer not only a unique aesthetic but incredible versatility. Whether used on walls, floors, or both together, these tiles have a remarkable ability to transform spaces while feeling calm, architectural and deeply lived in.

Why Matt works everywhere

Matt tiles have a unique charm: their soft, light-absorbing surfaces create a calm, welcoming atmosphere that glossy finishes often cannot. The Marlborough Matts have been specially developed to feel almost chalky to the touch, with a perfectly flat surface that echoes the understated elegance of high-quality matt paint.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tiles are incredibly practical. Strong, durable and water-resistant, they don’t require sealing and can withstand everyday wear, making them suitable for everything from kitchen splashbacks to wet room floors. Whether on walls or underfoot, Marlborough Matts combine beauty and functionality in equal measure.

On the walls: calm, architectural and characterful

In kitchens, Marlborough Matts bring a quiet confidence to the walls. The 11 x 11cm square format creates a clean, timeless splashback, while the original metro and skinny brick tiles offer more linear elegance. Their matt surface softens even bold colours like Coldharbour Green or Slate Blue, making them feel grounded rather than overpowering.

Bathrooms take on an entirely different character when clad in matt. Light is absorbed rather than bounced back, creating a restful, spa-like atmosphere. Even pale shades such as Diminished Blue or Sky White feel warm and velvety rather than stark. The tiles can be laid vertically for height, horizontally for width, or in herringbone or stack-bond patterns for added interest.

Beyond kitchens and bathrooms, matt tiles work beautifully in cloakrooms, fireplace surrounds, utility rooms and feature walls. Their texture adds depth without taking over, ideal for layering with natural stone, warm woods and brushed metals.

On the floors: strong, subtle and surprising

What surprises many people is that our Marlborough Matts are not just wall tiles. They are durable and strong enough to be laid on floors too - including bathroom and wet room floors. The finish is smooth but not slippery, and unlike cement or encaustic tiles, they require no sealing or specialist care.

The new hexagon tile particularly brings life to floors. Laid in a honeycomb pattern, these tiles add gentle movement and a contemporary yet timeless feel. In bathrooms, it’s perfect underfoot in a walk-in shower. In hallways, boot rooms or kitchens, it pairs beautifully with underfloor heating and natural textures like timber or jute.

Square tiles can also be laid underfoot to create a classic, European-style floor. Laid straight, they are calm and ordered; laid on the diagonal, they bring subtle dynamism.

Combining wall and floor for a seamless feel

One of the most striking ways to use Marlborough Matts is to run them across both the walls and floor. A wet room fully clad in one tone, such as Coldharbour Green or Stone Wall Grey, feels immersive and serene. Alternatively, pair a deeper wall colour with a pale floor tile for gentle contrast; Slate Blue walls with Milk Yard White floors, for example.

Even small rooms can benefit from this approach. Using the same tile on walls and floors visually expands the space and creates an enveloping calmness.

Colour also plays an important role. In north-facing rooms, we recommend warmer shades to counteract cooler light. In south-facing rooms, you can embrace deeper colours which appear more balanced in bright sunshine.

Versatility rooted in design and detail

What sets the Marlborough Matts collection apart is the thoughtfulness behind every element, from the development of each glaze to the carefully curated colour palette. We designed this collection not just to be beautiful, but to be usable in real homes; on walls, on floors, in wet rooms, around fireplaces and beyond. The tiles are made to invite creativity; they work as confidently in contemporary spaces as they do in characterful period homes. With their soft, light-absorbing finish and timeless tones, they offer a foundation for interiors that feel calm, intentional and completely your own.

If you’d like help selecting the perfect shade or layout, our design team would love to assist.