Where can tile be used in the home?
Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.
Timeless, clean, and elegant. These are three words that would be used to describe tile. It is a versatile material that is used in multiple areas within the home from flooring to backsplash. It is also popular in the bathroom and laundry room of the home since it is easy to clean up any water spills. Since it comes in a variety of colors and materials, tile can complement a variety of styles and tastes. Here we share some of the benefits, types, and locations of where you can incorporate this beautiful material into your home.
Benefits of tile
Many ask why they should use tile, what are the benefits of it versus other traditional floorings? Here are several of our best reasons.
- Durability: unlike carpet, tile doesn’t wear down no matter how many people walk over it nor does it stain easily.
- Low maintenance: simply sweep and mop, or wipe with a damp cloth for backsplash and showers, that’s all that is needed to keep tile looking great and prevent bacteria build-up.
- Eco-friendly: many tile materials are natural which means it is a great option for the environment.
- Allergy-free: carpet is often a breeding ground for the things that make us sneeze or stir up our allergies but tile is a simple material that doesn’t mold or have pet hair embedded into it making it the perfect choice for those who struggle.
These are just a few of the benefits of choosing tile. It is perfect for any style and can be used in almost any area of the home.
Where can tile be used?
For the longest time tile was thought of as a flooring option but designers have gotten more creative resulting in new areas of use. Tile is now used in multiple areas in the home such as:
- Showers: this is a beautiful way to showcase your style because tile has so many colors and shapes making the possibilities endless. Tile can create a shower that is a statement piece in the bathroom almost like a piece of art.
- Walls: by adding a little extra tile above a countertop such as a bathroom, it can add a nice element to the room.
- Fireplace: tile can add a special design touch to the fireplace as it blends well with other elements plus it is also easier to keep clean. We do, however, recommend checking with your designer so that they can show you options that can handle the heat temperatures produced by gas or real fireplaces.
- Stove splash: the section of the wall behind the stove is often the recipient of grease, oil, and sauce as you cook making it appear dirty and unsanitary. Adding a tile stove splash makes it easy to clean up and is also a way to personalize your design in a very unique way.
Tile is a functional and fun design element to work with and can give a room a little pop of color or texture. Due to its easy maintenance, it also has the benefit of keeping your home cleaner. View a beautiful bathroom project that has beautiful tile incorporated into the design.
Types of tile
While we often use the word tile in a generic term there are a lot of different materials to choose from when it comes to tile.
- Ceramic and Porcelain: this is usually the most cost-effective option for tile and comes in a variety of styles and colors making it great for most projects. Porcelain tile is a great material choice for bathrooms since it has a higher standard of water absorption than traditional ceramic tile.
- Glass: due to how it sparkles and shines, this tile is often used to create beautiful patterns or a statement piece in a room. The best areas to showcase its elegance is kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. It is a delicate material that is not suitable for flooring.
- Quarry: a versatile material that can be used both inside and outside. It is also durable making it a great choice for heavy traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. Due to its naturally rough surface, it is a great choice for flooring since it has a good grip.
- Stone: an eco-friendly material, it works great in kitchens and bathrooms. Some of the varieties in this category are, travertine, granite, and slate.
The purpose of the tile usually determines which material is best suited for your project. We always recommend confirming your selection with your designer since they can find out if the material is the best choice. For more information, follow this link.
Tile flooring
Tile is a great option for flooring for more than just it’s looks and style.
- It helps keep your home cool due to its ability to repel heat versus carpet that retains heat.
- Water damage is never a concern which is why it is great in bathrooms and laundry rooms that are susceptible to leaks.
- Ceramic tile is a cost-effective option that gives you a beautiful floor without breaking the bank.
Multiple styles and sizes continue to make tile a popular option for designers to use.
Tile backsplash
Backsplash is more than just looks or adding flair to an area, it can help prevent messes, stains, and keep the space looking clean. Kitchens are among the hardest areas to keep clean without a backsplash. Scrubbing your painted walls can create problems with the area over time. Tile doesn’t stain and most can be scrubbed when needed making for easy maintenance. Tile backsplash is also a great way to add a little color or pattern to the space. Be sure to discuss this with your designer, they will be able to show you some options that reflect your style and budget.
Mix and match
New trends are showing the possibilities of mixing different tile styles. By mixing up the sizes you can create a completely new design or adding different materials makes for an interesting texture to the eye. When it comes to tile think outside the box to make a look that is just right for you.
Designed for you
Tile is more than just a simple material for your home, it has the ability to reflect your personality, create a visual feast for the eyes, and serve multiple areas in the home. We have a variety of styles, sizes, and materials on display in our showroom located in beautiful uptown Shelby, come for a visit, browse our selections, and grab a bite to eat at the many delightful restaurants located nearby. We proudly serve 16 counties such as Mecklenburg, Polk, Buncombe, and Greenville, SC but are not limited to these.
We look forward to serving you soon.
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