Types of Tile Trim: A Guide To Tile Trim Finish Options

09/12/2025

Tile trim finishes are essential to a successful tiling project. Not only do they cover and neaten exposed edges, but they also tie your whole design together. However, if you choose the wrong colour, material, or type of tile trim, not only does it ruin the aesthetics of your project, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your tiles. This guide breaks down all of the different types of tile trim finishes to help you select the best one.

What Do We Mean When We Say Tile Trim Finish?

The finish on tile trim refers to its appearance, shape, and texture. Tile trim is the strip of material – metal or plastic – that fits onto the edge of your tiles. Tile trim can be used on corners, straight edges, and curves, and is designed to protect your tiles. The finish of the tile trim, i.e. the colour, material, or shape, adds to the aesthetic of your tiles, subtly blending in and complementing your décor.

Different Types of Tile Trim Finishes

Tile trim finishes are broken down into multiple categories. Most overlap, for example, you can pick a silver, aluminium, flexible trim such as the Dural DUROSOL Z-Flex. To get a complete overview of the various finishes to tile trim, we have broken them down by colour, material, profile, type, and area.

Tile Trim Colour & Texture

With a broader range of tile colours and patterns, coloured tile trim provides the perfect match or complementary shade to bring your tiling project together. You can choose between:

Metal Colours: These often include brass, chrome, silver, gold, copper, bronze, nickel, or classic stainless steel, to create a sleek, elegant, and timeless finish.

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Bold Colours: These tend to be block colours such as black, white, grey, beige, cream, and rose gold. These are used to blend into your tiles for a flush finish. Or you can use them for a striking finish, such as black trim on white tiles.

Brushed: Often paired with metal colours like brass, gold, or nickel, a brushed tile trim finish features a dull, matte coating that creates a muted, textured look and feel.

Polished: A highly reflective, shiny tile trim finish that provides a mirror-like surface. These complement modern and minimalist designs, often using materials such as aluminium or brass.

Milled: Typically, a metal material, like aluminium, is used to create a rough, natural, authentic appearance as if it’s just been cut. These are better suited to low-moisture areas.

Tile Trim Material

One purpose of tile trims is to prevent water from seeping between the tiles. They, therefore, need to be water-resistant, with the majority of tile trims made from two materials:

Plastic Tile Trim: Available in multiple colours and profiles, plastic tile trim is a popular choice for its versatility, flexibility, and durability. It’s also a cost-effective option and easy to cut and install.

Metal Tile Trim: These are limited to metal colour shades but offer high-quality protection and durability to your tiles. They also enhance your design with a sleek, professional finish.

Tile Trim Profiles

The profile of tile trim refers to its shape or design. There are four popular choices depending on the location you’re working in and your preferred finish:

Round Tile Trim: Also known as bullnose trim, this has a smooth, curved shape that softens sharp angles on wall or floor tiles. It works well in corners of kitchens and bathrooms, where safety is key.

Square Tile Trim: Often called box trim, this is the most versatile tile trim for walls and floors. Its compact and robust design fits tightly to the tiles, taking up minimal space and blending into the design.

Straight Tile Trim: With clean lines, straight trim helps frame your tiles, creating a polished finish. It is also called a L-shaped trim due to its 90-degree angle, which sits beneath the tile. This makes them ideal for tiling against walls and countertops.

T-Bars: These are transition trims used to connect to different flooring materials. It provides protection from foot traffic, prevents trip hazards, and sits flush with the floor for a seamless connection.

Read More: How to Fit a T-Bar Threshold

Tile Trim Type

We offer multiple types of tile trims, each with a set purpose:

Trade Tile Trim: A tradeline trim refers to the straight, neat, and tidy finish delivered by professionals. These trims fit tightly to your tiles for subtle but effective detailing.

Balcony Tile Trim: Designed specifically for outdoor tiles to prevent chipping or cracking. They have a ‘drip’ feature which directs water away from the tiles and building.

Internal Corner Tile Trim: Internal tile trims conceal the inside corners of tiled areas, for example, around windows. It helps protect the tiles and provide a flawless finish.

Angle Tile Trim: With a gentle slope, these are ideal for the sides or bottoms of tiles. Their design creates a continuous flow from top to bottom.

Corner Tile Trim: As the name suggests, these trims sit on the corners of your tiles to neaten rough edges and protect them. They’re available in various shapes and colours to match the rest of your tile trim.

Border Tile Trim: With a straight, smooth finish, these are often used for decorative purposes. Their thin profiles make them ideal for a wide range of tile designs and locations.

Flexible Tile Trim: With a bendable profile, flexible trims are ideal for curved edges on walls, floors, and around objects like pillars. Easy to install, they provide a smooth, tight fit to your tiles.

Tile Trim Area

Whether you’re tiling an interior shower unit, kitchen wall, tiled floor, or an exterior window sill, it’s crucial to have the right trim for the environment.

Floor Tile Trim: Choose from a range of colours and shapes to create a smooth, secure connection between your tile and floor, or between your shower tray and floor.

Wall Tile Trim: With the broadest selection, choose the colour, profile and material to match your bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen tiles. Wall trims help protect your tiles and neaten exposed edges.

Bathroom Tile Trim: In high-moisture areas, tile trims are essential to prevent water from seeping behind tiles. Bathroom tile trims are water-resistant and suitable for wall and floor tiles.

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Kitchen Tile Trim: Kitchen tiles are exposed to high levels of moisture and wear and tear – tile trim helps extend the appearance and durability of tiles, enhancing your design or blending into the background.

External Tile Trim: Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and direct water away from your tiles, extending the appearance, lifespan, and durability of your outdoor tiles.

Read More: The Window Trim Guide

What Type of Tile Trim Do I Need?

When picking the correct tile trim for your tiles, it’s important to consider the following:

Tile colour and pattern: Do you want the trim to blend in or stand out?
Your preferred material and durability.
The purpose of your tile trim: Decorative, functional, or transitional?
Location of your tiles: Use water-resistant trim in high-moisture areas.
Tile depth: We offer a range of tile trim sizes from 4mm or 6mm to 18mm or 30mm.
Installation method: Do you prefer screws, clips or adhesive to secure your tile trim?

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If you’re unsure about which tile trim finish is best for your project, you can read our Guide to Choosing Tile Trim, or please get in touch with our friendly professionals at Premium Tile Trim.