Choosing the right tiles
Give your home a stylish, modern touch, with Latest Interiors’ guide to choosing the right tiles
‘Moderna’ ceramic floor tiles and black terracotta floor tiles, £POA, all at www.firedearth.com
Flagstones, limestone, slate, ceramics, encaustic or even quarry: tiles are one of the big flooring trends for 2008. The sheer range of materials and finishes is a major factor, but there are also practical reasons for choosing tiles: safe, hygienic and easy to clean, they even provide a layer of insulation. Modern, affordable under-floor heating systems mean that they need never be cold underfoot. Whether you choose natural stone or manmade ceramic, the vast range of colours, textures and finishes available mean that floor tiles are fast becoming a must-have finish. Where did we get those tiles? Read on and find out…
Natural stone
Natural stone tiles give a beautiful finish. Limestone – a soft, sedimentary stone formed over millennia from shells and bones settling on the sea bed – is a classic finish for period hallways. Popular with designers, it comes in a variety of shades from parchment to a soft
honey colour. Travertine has a more variegated appearance, and is also available in a variety of forms, including polished, honed and tumbled.
Marble – a crystalline material that is the result of extreme heat and pressure applied to limestone – gives a high gloss polish, adding depth and light to rooms. Slate, granite and quartz are also back in vogue.
‘Moderna’ ceramic floor tiles and black terracotta floor tiles, £POA, all at www.firedearth.com
Ceramic tiles
As versatile as stone, ceramic tiles can be more affordable, easier to work with, and offer a greater choice of colour and finish. Unlike natural stone where colour and texture may very, ceramics offer uniform, clean lines – perfect for a contemporary look. Terracotta, encaustic and mosaic tiles are perfect for halls, bathrooms and conservatories. A smoother, uniform finish can also make them easier to clean and maintain.
What’s new?
Size is a key trend: larger tiles add space to small rooms, but smaller styles and mosaics are gaining ground. Lived-in encaustic tiles are also an excellent finish to period properties, bestowing a certain vintage chic to hallways and kitchens. Fussy textures are over: go for smooth chocolate browns, glossy reds, matt blacks or simple neutrals.
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:27 am
What is the price for a square meter of limestone tiles and who is the best supplier ?
March 14th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Hi I’m having trouble finding good marble flooring. Do you know of any sites to look?