Like peel-and-stick wallpaper and sticky-backed vinyl wrap, floor tiles have undergone a commitment-free makeover.
While traditional tiling methods aren’t going anywhere (no need to retire your grouting kit just yet), for those who like to refresh their interiors with each passing season or who can’t make permanent changes thanks to rental agreements, self-adhesive tiles are a way to breathe new life into spaces in a way that saves both time and money.
While you can apply hard-wearing stickers to existing tiles or buy a stencil to spray patterns onto floors and walls, self-adhesive tiles are another route to a speedy transformation. Depending on the size of the space in question, you may be able to complete the job in one afternoon; good news if you’re hoping to makeover busy spaces like the kitchen, entryway or bathroom.
Available in a huge swathe of sizes, colours and patterns, you’re bound to find a look to suit your mood board.
How to apply self-adhesive floor tiles
They are typically only a few millimetres thick, and may need a sharp cutting knife to fit them around awkward areas like loo and basin bases or door frames. Applying a layer of spray glue can offer additional staying power, but most floor tiles of this type are sticky enough to use on their own. Always apply self-adhesive floor tiles to clean, dust-free flat surfaces to avoid creating bubbles where moisture and mould can build up.
Know your numbers
The most important thing, as with any DIY venture, is to measure, not just once but twice - and maybe a third time after that to ensure you have rock-solid reliable numbers. And unless you’re just looking for a few tiles to trial, it’s best to make your order in full to avoid mishaps with colour runs, which may differentiate slightly in tone.
Floor tile trends
Floors are often an afterthought when decorating a room, but picking out interesting options can make them the star of the show. Take your cue from the Victorians with monochrome checkerboards or strong geometric patterns in earthy hues. Meanwhile, inspiration from Moroccan or Mediterranean tiling patterns can give a holiday-at-home appeal. Or try floor tiles with a natural stone look for a subtle but welcome uplift.
To illustrate what’s possible, we’ve found the best self-adhesive floor tiles to update your home.
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FloorPops FP3931 Biscotto Floor Tiles, Black
WallPops has revolutionised the DIY scene with its huge range of sticky tile designs that can give kitchens and bathrooms a quick, easy (and cheap) uplift.
Each pack contains 10 tiles measuring 12 x 12 inches each and there’s no need for grout or special tools to apply. Simply peel back the protective film on the back and fix into position on a clean, flat floor.
The glossy water-resistant and washable tiles can also be used on sink backsplashes, offering more decorating options than just the floor.
Find the full range of WallPops designs here.
Buy now £12.30, Amazon
Livelynine White Vinyl Flooring Tiles
Mimic the effect of a marble-tiled floor at a snip of the cost. How? These sticky flooring tiles made from vinyl make it oh-so simple. Each purchase is for four tiles measuring 12 x 12 inches and can be fixed in a similar way to lino flooring. Make sure your floor is clean and completely flat before you start or you might find you get air bubbles that water can then find its way into. Properly fixed, the tiles are easy to care for; just run a damp mop over them to keep them clean.
Buy now £11.96, Amazon
Elffloor Peel and Stick Floor Tiles
With such an intricate, pretty design, there's no way visitors will be able to guess that your new floor comes courtesy of vinyl peel-and-stick tiles. This black, yellow and white mosaic look is available in two sizes - 20 x 20cm or 30 x 30cm squares with 10 tiles in each bag, which can cover 0.4sqm. The waterproof tiles are made from a six-layer construction that the company says has been through rigorous friction tests to ensure it's up to scratch.
Buy now £8.15, Amazon
NUFLR Store Peel and Stick Floor Tiles 30 x 30cm
With a tasteful palette and elegant Moorish-esque pattern, these stick-on tiles would give any floor area in the house a welcome uplift. Sold in a pack of ten, enough to cover 0.9sqm, the waterproof and oil-proof tiles are easy to clean, long-lasting and can be trimmed with household scissors to get the perfect fit.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
FloorPops FP2944 Sevilla Peel & Stick Floor Tiles
Proving that grey needn't be boring, FloorPops' Moroccan-inspired tiles are finished with a semi-gloss effect that will help bounce light off the floor, making it a good choice for dark spaces. There are 10 tiles in the bundle, each measuring 12 x 12 inches - perfect for quickly revitalising a laundry room or small loo.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Floorpops Gothic Sage Self Adhesive Floor Tiles
Not brave enough to wallpaper the kitchen? Bring patterns to your floors instead. Another design from FloorPops, this Gothic-themed print uses sage green and cream tones to give floors a quick and easy lift. The water-resistant tiles come in packs of 10 and although the adhesive is sticky, applying extra around the edges is a good idea for a tight seal.
Buy now £16.00, Dunelm
Plancs White Slate Self-Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tile 5 Piece Pack - 0.93 sqm
Love the minimalist look? Give your floors the 'quiet luxury' treatment with Plancs' slate effect floor tiles. The self-adhesive design is slip- and water-resistant meaning they're ideal for placing in the bathroom or kitchen and can be laid over existing concrete, timber, and ceramic tiles, as long as the surface is flat. They come in various colours but we like the cream best for its lightening effect.
Buy now £16.00, Homebase
Symple Stuff Altair Vinyl Tile in Black and White
A monochrome floor is instantly elegant and this tile design goes one further with a starburst pattern that will look good anywhere. There's no need for special grouting tools; simply cut to size, apply to flat, clean surfaces and stand back to admire your handiwork.
Buy now £11.33, Wayfair
Rosalind Wheeler Budde PVC Tile in Blue
Want to make your floors look expensive but don't have the budget for traditional retiling? Rosalind Wheeler's peel-and-stick option doesn't need any special tools or DIY skills but still promises to leave you with professional-looking results. The oval floral pattern adds to the appeal.
Buy now £22.99, Wayfair
D-C-Fix Stars Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles
Patterns can have a transformative effect on a room, be it from soft furnishings, wallpaper or floor tiles. Get the look without the hassle with these sticky-backed geometric design that uses a simple colour palette to maximise the statement effect.
Buy now £25.00, Argos
D-C-Fix Terrazzo Peel and Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles
For those who dream of Italian Terrazzo floors, this shortcut gives you the look without the expense. The speckles are multicoloured which means they can tie into lots of different room schemes, whether you’re picturing them in the bathroom, kitchen or hall.
Buy now, Argos
Jes Roses Abstract Geometric Black Premium Peel & Stick Tiles
For floors that demand attention, there’s nothing like a strong graphic pattern. This 30 x 30cm design from Jes Rose comes in packs of 9, 18, 27 and 36 although you can order a single sample one first to see how it looks in your intended space. We like the sharp monochrome look best, but there are also blue, grey, beige, green and pink alternatives to consider.
Buy now £6.00, Jes Roses
