When it comes to interior design, every decision counts, especially in smaller spaces. Paint choice, window dressing, and additional decor can all turn a small space into something magical. Perhaps one of the biggest decisions is when it comes to tile.
Choosing the right tile can transform a room, especially spaces that are a bit more cramped than others, into a bright and airy oasis in your home. This guide will explore how to choose the best tile and why you should spend time and effort exploring all your options.
What Room Needs a Refresh?
Before you start looking at the different styles of tile, it’s very important to know what to look for based on which room is getting refreshed. What’s good for your kitchen may not be the right choice for a bathroom, for example. And when you’re dealing with a smaller space, there are considerations that need to be discussed.
Floor Tile Vs. Wall Tile
Perhaps the first consideration when looking at tile is deciding where it is going. Will it be on the floor or the wall? Deciding this could greatly impact which tile you’re looking for. Floor tile is often heavier, stronger, and more durable overall. Wall tiles, on the other hand, are thinner and lighter. Can you use floor tile on a wall? Sure! But don’t use a wall tile on the floor.
Size Matters
When adding tile to a small room, one of the biggest decisions you will make is the size of the tile. Larger tiles can make a space feel bigger and more open. On the opposite side, smaller tiles can feel more intricate and detailed, allowing for creative designs and mosaics. You should also consider where the tile is going when deciding on size. A smaller tile allows for more grout, which can add more grip if used on the floor.
Shape Can Impact Installation
If you choose smaller tiles and a more intricate design, be prepared to increase the time taken for installation. Bigger tiles with straight edges can be installed quite easily. But if you pick something other than a rectangle or square, it will not only take more time to install, but it can also greatly increase the difficulty of the project if this is a DIY situation.
Different Colors, Different Moods
So, you know what size tile you want, and you’ve narrowed it down to the shape you’re interested in. Another big choice now is color. Choosing the right color can turn a room from drab to airy, from cool to warm. If your goal is to turn a small room into a bright and airy space, then you want to get away from metallics, dark shades, and neutrals. This is the opportunity to really pick something expressive and bold.
Off the Beaten Path
When you think of tile, many people can automatically imagine the classic white tile used in bathrooms and kitchens. White tile matches everything and is really easy to clean and maintain. But what if you want to pick something a bit more… unique? That’s when you want to consider some specialty types of tile.
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- Concrete Style: One of the more popular, modern styles of tile right now is concrete style. These are tiles that simulate the look and feel of concrete, without the hassle of actually pouring the material in the room.
- Wood Style: If you want the strength and ease of tile, but the look of a hardwood floor, then wood-style tile is something you should strongly consider. It’s beautiful and durable.
- Fabric Style: To make a small space bright and airy, there might not be a better choice than fabric-style tile. With the ease of cleaning and durability of tile, but the look and feel of fabric, this could be the best of both worlds. And yes, it does have a texture like fabric.
- Marble Style: If you love the look of natural marble, but are a bit worried about the cost associated with the material, then look no further than marble-style tile. This can add a touch of elegance to the room without the cost and labor of the real thing.
- Glass Style: Primarily used for walls, glass tile adds a touch of beauty to your room. As the name implies, glass-style tile mimics the look and feel of glass but adds a durability that can only be found with tile.
Budgeting for Tile
As mentioned, tile can be a cheaper option compared to natural stone and other tile-like materials. However, that doesn’t mean tile is cheap, and knowing the price differences can really impact your choices. As you might imagine, ceramic tile is cheaper than most other types of tile, going for as low as $2 per square foot. Other styles can be a bit more expensive, such as porcelain, which can be as low as $3 per square foot. The more exotic styles, such as glass or concrete style, can start around $7 per square foot.
The Transformative Power of Tile
There are various ways to easily change the look and feel of your home with just one simple change. When you’re attempting to change the complexion of a room with one meaningful change, the right tile can do it all. From its strength and durability to its beauty and style, tile can easily transform a small space into something bright and airy.
With a seemingly endless selection of various styles, there is bound to be the right tile for you out there. No matter where you are in the world, there are great tile options to consider, such as tiles for sale in Jamaica.