Whilst slate is renowned for its deep, dark and rich colouration, quartzite offers a full spectrum of shades. The two stone types might be created in much the same way, however their aesthetic effect is often quite different.

These layered rocks are created by millions of years of sedimentary deposits. Quartzite though is subject to extremely high temperatures, which is why it often comes in a variety of hues covering a full spectrum of colours. Both though create a fantastic effect when used as tiles.

Slate, as we all know, comes in varying shades of grey. Some tones might include purple, blue or earthy brown tints, but largely it offers a solid, rich finish. Contrasting this with lighter decoration within a room will help to create a real feature and develop a distinct classical look.

Quartzite often includes a number of colours, which are arranged in patterns across the textured surface of the stone. This creates a slightly different effect to the simplicity and richness of slate; however, that isn't to say that it is any less classical in appearance.

Stone is an extremely tough material and slate is certainly no exception. For this reason it has become increasingly popular as a choice for floor tiles. The dark shades make them less susceptible to stains and discolouration, whilst the stone itself is durable enough to resist the pressures of continuous wear and tear.

So not only will it bring a luxurious, classic look to any building, it will continue to do so for many years. This is just one of the reasons why stone has seen a renaissance in popularity over recent years. Whilst it might be more expensive than some carpets or wooden alternatives, stone tiles like quartzite and slate have the durability to last many years without fading or deteriorating.

If you have sourced some slate or quartzite tiles and are looking for some design inspiration, you shouldn't come up short. Black slate for example (which is actually usually a very dark shade of grey) creates an instant impact. Whilst it will immediately darken a room, you can contrast that with white furniture or cream detailing. This won't leave it feeling imposing or shrink the room, but instead will bring clarity and give a fresh appearance.

Quartzite too can have a huge impact. Whilst the colours will change quite considerably to include reds, pinks, purples and other natural tones, when used correctly you can create a fantastic finish. Whether using one shade of tile or contrasting colours for effect, the lasting impression is often one of elegance and genuine style.

Again, as with slate, it can be a risk to mix dark shades with equally deep colours around your room. Equally, when using more striking tones like reds and purples, you want to avoid clashes elsewhere. To achieve a classical look the flooring must compliment the room, not compete against it.

Whether you are looking to have quartzite in the foyer of your office or slate on the kitchen floor, creating a classical look with these stone tiles is easy. The natural beauty of the stones and the strong earthy colours that they offer will breathe life into any space and provide a luxurious finish in the process.

So when you come to choose your stone flooring option and want to make a real statement, look no further than slate or quartzite. Aesthetically impressive and structurally very tough; the perfect blend for any area looking to achieve a classical look.