Decorative Tiles

About Decorative Tiles

Tiles with patterns are not a new design they have been around for quite a long time. With their attractive appeal and colourful flair, decorative tiles are an eye-catcher impossible to ignore. Added as accents, they instantly turn any surface from simple to stylish. 

Traditionally, decorative tiles have been made from baked clay and manually decorated piece by piece. Modern decorative tiles are typically made from ceramic or porcelain and embellished with digital printing techniques. Technology made it possible to create virtually any design imagined while keeping the price in the affordable range. It’s possible to find decorative tiles that mimic wood, stone and other organic materials, or those that boast abstract and fashion-forward patterns. 

Decorative Tiles Application

Hallways: Entrances make the first impression on visitors, and patterned tiles do double duty there. They make a visual statement while keeping the area low-maintenance. 

Bathrooms: Decorative bathroom tiles can enhance overall relaxing vibes or invigorate the spirit in the morning. Discreet patterns such as Victorian floral will add a traditional touch, while bamboo patterns and wood-mimicking tiles produce a spa-like atmosphere. 

Kitchen splashbacks: Patterned tiles provide excellent low-maintenance wall protection behind the stove, adding a plethora of character and style at the same time. 

Accents and feature walls: Dramatic patterns can make a striking focal point as an accent contrasted to the rest of the room. Fireplaces and chimney breasts are also good places to add some visual dynamics. 

Staircases: Using patterned tiles on staircase risers can make quite an impact, especially when combined with wooden threads. 

Types of Patterned Tiles

Patchwork

Eclectic, bohemian style of patchwork tiles is inspired by Mediterranean fashion and traditional Moroccan quilts, featuring an explosion of different prints and patterns. Their vibrant schemes and alternating geometric patterns are fun and playful, perfect for any space inside and outside the house. Paired with rustic features, they will add a chic twist and create a point of visual interest.

Victorian

Intricate and attractive with their geometric patterns and neutral shades, Victorian tiles make a perfect choice for floors and accent features. Traditional yet timeless, they can fit classic, country or modern decors in colourful, black and white, or monochrome versions. 

Moroccan

Moroccan tiles are full of vibrant ornaments and eclectic vibes that match modern bathroom features and kitchen cabinetry surprisingly well. These tiles are ideal for splashbacks, showers, and feature walls.

Geometric

Geometric tiles feature a muted or monochrome repetitive graphic pattern suited to modern decor. They make a stunning visual feature without imposing to stylishly complement any interior. The colour palette is simplified, ranging from a couple of shades to monochrome. Pastel versions and discrete contrasts make them a great low-key ornamental choice for spacious floors, while black-and-white geometry creates a striking feature floor or statement wall.

Vintage

The vintage aesthetic of patterned floor tiles carries the timeless beauty of antique designs, translating it into the modern age. They can look good even in tiny kitchens and bathrooms. 

Decorative Tiles Sizes

Patterned tiles are typically smaller in size than standard tiles for a more prominent effect. The smallest versions measure 15 x 15 cm, while the largest reach 45 x 45 cm. 

Smaller versions are suited to be a part of mosaic tiles arrangements. Large decorative tiles mostly feature “faux-glazed” grout joints that frame the pattern and make the tile appear smaller when installed. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Decorative Tiles

Most modern decorative tiles varieties are made of ceramic or porcelain. They can be installed in the same way as standard tiles. 

Large tiles are better suited to ample spaces, such as an open-plan living area or kitchen with an island and dining table. Large tiles can make space appear even more expansive. Still, it’s important to note that patterned floor tiles with overly busy designs can downgrade the style of the whole room. 

Highly detailed small tiles can complement tine areas and make them more visually interesting.  

Decorative bathroom tiles should be slip-resistant and provide some friction levels for safety. Highly polished patterned tiles are best to avoid in wet areas altogether. Natural stone tiles usually feature a matte finish and good anti-slip properties but need to be sealed before use. 

Depending on the intended use, it’s good to consider the Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness ratings before buying patterned tiles. 

• Class one means that the tile is designed as wall tile, not suitable for foot traffic.
• Class two floor tiles can withstand light traffic but are better suited for residential and commercial wall applications. 
• Class three is for low to moderate traffic in residential settings, also suitable for countertops and walls.
• Class four is designed for average to heavy traffic and is suited for residential, medium commercial, and light institutional use.
• Class five can easily handle heavy traffic, hence being approved for all applications.