Decorating
10 Exciting Ways to Decorate With Tiles
They can offer so much more than simply lining your shower, so give tiles a promotion and let them loose in every room of the house
The simple tile is, in fact, anything but. It’s a hugely versatile and practical design, available in a bewildering array of shapes, colours and patterns. Tiles are manufactured in a variety of materials, too, from ceramic and cement to porcelain and glass, each with its own unique properties.
And while we tend to think of tiles as belonging on the walls of a bathroom or kitchen, or perhaps making up a hard-wearing floor, their range of uses is far broader than that – as these inspiring rooms demonstrate.
And while we tend to think of tiles as belonging on the walls of a bathroom or kitchen, or perhaps making up a hard-wearing floor, their range of uses is far broader than that – as these inspiring rooms demonstrate.
Give a fireplace extra funkiness
Tiles have long been used as a decorative and practical addition to a fire surround. Victorian cast-iron fireplaces, for example, typically feature a run of patterned tiles on either side of the grate. This living room takes that idea and modernises it, using small mosaics to completely cover a chimney breast.
Tiles have long been used as a decorative and practical addition to a fire surround. Victorian cast-iron fireplaces, for example, typically feature a run of patterned tiles on either side of the grate. This living room takes that idea and modernises it, using small mosaics to completely cover a chimney breast.
Inset with wood
Combine tiles with timber to create a floor that’s rich in texture and tone. Here, slate tiles help to zone the entrance of this apartment and are laid in a neat square. Their hard-wearing, easy-to-clean surface makes them a practical choice for a heavy-traffic area like this, too.
Combine tiles with timber to create a floor that’s rich in texture and tone. Here, slate tiles help to zone the entrance of this apartment and are laid in a neat square. Their hard-wearing, easy-to-clean surface makes them a practical choice for a heavy-traffic area like this, too.
Go for wall-to-wall pattern
Tiling the walls and floor in a small, narrow kitchen creates a uniform look, but this galley space takes that concept to the max with a bold, patterned design. It’s still a cohesive result, but the space is visually stimulating, too, with pattern flowing across almost all the surfaces, creating a really strong statement.
Check out nine common mistakes to avoid when space is tight
Tiling the walls and floor in a small, narrow kitchen creates a uniform look, but this galley space takes that concept to the max with a bold, patterned design. It’s still a cohesive result, but the space is visually stimulating, too, with pattern flowing across almost all the surfaces, creating a really strong statement.
Check out nine common mistakes to avoid when space is tight
Work in lots of angles
Spice up simple ceramic tiles in white or grey by choosing exciting shapes, such as these large hexagonal designs on the wall, but also by laying them in an interesting way. On this floor, simple metro tiles are arranged in a herringbone pattern for a parquet effect. The lines create movement and variety without disrupting the cool, simple feel of this bathroom.
Spice up simple ceramic tiles in white or grey by choosing exciting shapes, such as these large hexagonal designs on the wall, but also by laying them in an interesting way. On this floor, simple metro tiles are arranged in a herringbone pattern for a parquet effect. The lines create movement and variety without disrupting the cool, simple feel of this bathroom.
Build a bedhead
Tiling the wall behind the bed is an original idea and a smart way to introduce colour and texture to a bedroom. Here, a low wall that separates the sleep space from a dressing area behind has been tiled with skinny rectangular mosaics in warm blues and browns, turning a humble divide into a fabulous feature.
Browse 10 ways to add wow factor and boost your home’s value
Tiling the wall behind the bed is an original idea and a smart way to introduce colour and texture to a bedroom. Here, a low wall that separates the sleep space from a dressing area behind has been tiled with skinny rectangular mosaics in warm blues and browns, turning a humble divide into a fabulous feature.
Browse 10 ways to add wow factor and boost your home’s value
Create a streamlined effect
In a kitchen, take wall tiles onto end panels and even worktops for a cohesive, wraparound look. Here, large metro tiles cover the low wall that bookends the range cooker, while horizontal, white-painted wood panelling continues the look on the wall around the window.
In a kitchen, take wall tiles onto end panels and even worktops for a cohesive, wraparound look. Here, large metro tiles cover the low wall that bookends the range cooker, while horizontal, white-painted wood panelling continues the look on the wall around the window.
Freshen up a trad tile idea
OK, so tiling an entrance hall floor isn’t exactly a new idea, but using a really bold pattern feels very fresh and contemporary. These tiles are a modern take on the classic Victorian encaustic tile, typically laid in hallways. Here, the monochrome tones have a more up-to-date feel and the mismatched patterns look really exciting.
OK, so tiling an entrance hall floor isn’t exactly a new idea, but using a really bold pattern feels very fresh and contemporary. These tiles are a modern take on the classic Victorian encaustic tile, typically laid in hallways. Here, the monochrome tones have a more up-to-date feel and the mismatched patterns look really exciting.
Lay a faux floor
Love the practicality of tiles but the look of wood? No problem. Beautiful wood-effect tiles are widely available, providing a hard-wearing and practical floor that brings all the warmth and character of boards to a space. This design is made of porcelain with an ink jet print and matt finish.
Love the practicality of tiles but the look of wood? No problem. Beautiful wood-effect tiles are widely available, providing a hard-wearing and practical floor that brings all the warmth and character of boards to a space. This design is made of porcelain with an ink jet print and matt finish.
Consider the ceiling
Attractive tin tiles make a great decoration for a wall and are lightweight enough for ceilings, too. Simply glue them into place for a splash of decoration where you least expect it!
TELL US…
How have you used tiles in your home? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Attractive tin tiles make a great decoration for a wall and are lightweight enough for ceilings, too. Simply glue them into place for a splash of decoration where you least expect it!
TELL US…
How have you used tiles in your home? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Rectangular and square tiles are the usual go-to option, but why not seek out something more angular? These hexagonal tiles in a warm woody tone are a great alternative and their six-sided shape dictates the free-form design of these two splashbacks.
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