Of course, when you think of tile the most common places that spring to mind are bathrooms and the kitchen. But what if we wanted to challenge that norm with some unexpected ways to use tile in your home?
Why you may ask? Because working with tile can go so much further than simply it being a practical choice. Whether you're looking to create a statement, add texture and color, or even redefine the purpose of an old piece – tile has the power to turn any ordinary surface into something extraordinary.
And the experts agree. Designers are embracing tile ideas in many bold, unexpected ways and are certainly making a case for you to do so too. Here are some of our favorite examples.
Unexpected Ways To Use Tile In Your Home
With so many colors, shapes, and materials available on the market (from budget-friendly to luxurious, handcrafted options), tiles can be used in virtually any room of the home to add personality. There really are no rules here.
From patterns and print to sleek modern finishes right through to Moroccan zellige tiles and mosaics, here are the expert's favorite ways to work with tiles that go beyond the bathroom.
1. Try a tile-clad chimney breast
The chimney breast or fireplace in your home is not a stranger to statement decor. From ornate mantelpieces to accent paint colors and bold decor, it is a focal point of any room – but have you ever considered tiling it?
'Don't contain yourself to practical tile placements,' says Benji Lewis who designed the cozy living room seen above. 'Tile your chimney breast to create interest, or use tiles in niches or the recesses on either side of the chimney breast,' he suggests.
This could be done by cladding it top-to-toe in tile to create a statement or try using tile to make a surround or add a border, much like a dado rail. Natural stone like or travertine or terracotta can create a rustic, earthy feel that pairs beautifully with wooden beams or neutral color schemes. Alternatively, glossy tiles in a vibrant shade can give the chimney breast a glow-up.
2. Give tiled furniture a go
Kristina Khersonsky, founder of STUDIO KEETA, created this bespoke bench [seen above] using beautiful tiles.
'Tile is a wonderful material that can take many shapes and forms, and lends itself to a variety of styles,' Kristina says. 'At our Beachwood Canyon Treehouse, we applied a tile from Heath Ceramics that had irregular hues of blues and greens giving movement and textural play to a dramatic stretch of bench that lined an entire wall upon entry of the house. The low-tiled bench acted more as an informal sideboard housing decorative objects, lighting, and books,' she explains.
By incorporating tiles into furniture pieces, particularly old pieces you want to give a new lease of life, you can introduce an unexpected touch of texture, color, and pattern into your decor. From tiled tabletops to kitchen islands, benches to custom-made sideboards, tile can help you to create really one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, they'll be really easy to clean.
3. Introduce tile to the living room
One room you hardly ever see the tile in is the living room, family room, or snugs. Essentially, rooms that are dedicated to being cozy and comfortable – something tile previously wasn't very synonymous with.
However, this multi-colored cement tile floor in this retro river house [seen above] by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design has convinced us otherwise. Not only is it super practical for busy homes (it is easier to clean than carpet) but it brings such a unique style to this eclectic home. The matte finish of the cement helps it feel less bathroom-ready, and you can always layer up with rugs for something softer underfoot.
'Casing an entire living room wall in tiles is another bold and captivating move, transforming the space into a canvas of texture and depth,' suggests Carly Allison, head of product design at Fired Earth. 'We recommend selecting a tile with an earthy tone such as our Jaipur Pompeiian Red tiles which have a gently undulating surface, giving them a rich artisanal feel.'
4. A tiled feature wall has a place in any room
There is so much more to tiles than a simple kitchen backsplash or pantry floor, and we are seeing plenty of customers experiment with tiles in unconventional spaces,' Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, says. 'One example we love is using tiles for a bedroom headboard or feature wall because it is a really intriguing and unexpected design choice.'
Unlike traditional painted or wallpapered accent walls, a tiled feature wall introduces a three-dimensional element that can be tailored to suit any style. Whether you're looking to make a statement in your living room, bedroom, or even in the kitchen or bathroom (yes, they can go beyond practicality in these rooms too) a tiled feature wall offers endless possibilities.
When planning a tiled wall, consider the scale, shape, placement, and proportion of the tiles. Larger tiles can make a small room feel more expansive, while smaller tiles or intricate mosaics can add a sense of intricacy and detail to larger spaces. You can go for a subtle, color drench effect that blends with the room, or look for something more contrasting that really stands out.
5. Add personality to the front porch
The front porch is the first area visitors enter in your home and tile can be a great way to enhance the personality of this space. Whether you opt for a bold geometric design or a classic checkerboard, tiling the front porch can instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal.
Ashley Ferguson of Ashley Ferguson Interiors says: 'An area that's often overlooked is using tile on a front porch. Natural stone tile is incredibly durable and can make such an impact on an outdoor space. After all, the front porch is the first impression of your home, and tile is the perfect way to make a statement.'
'As a designer, I love experimenting with materiality in fresh ways to emphasize visual intrigue within a space. And when it comes to tile, there are endless applications beyond the kitchen and bathroom,' adds Ashley. 'For example, staircases are an opportunity to play with color, pattern, and texture by applying tile to the stair riser. This move can easily take a staircase from forgettable to a focal point.'
Incorporating tile into your home in unexpected ways opens up a whole new world of design possibilities, allowing you to create more colorful, creative, and unique decor moments. From transforming chimney breasts and furniture to creating stunning feature walls and patterned porches, tile can offer so much more than practical solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.
