Types of finishes

Finishes, or different effects on the surface of a tile that alter its appearance, are generally divided into ceramic, porcelain and other man-made tiles vs. stone categories because of the different ways the materials can be treated. First, we’ll explore the processes that define stone finishes and then look at man-made tiles.

Stone

Stone tile with a polished finish has been passed under a series of polishing wheels with increasingly finer pads using water and polishing compound to assist in the process. This results in a smooth and shiny tile, perfect for adding a touch of luxury and glamour to formal and traditional spaces. Marble is a one type of stone that is often polished.

Satin finishes are produced through the same process as polished but using fewer polishing wheels. This lends a softer and less shiny appearance to the tile, the perfect balance between polished and honed.

Honed tiles go through the same process as polished and satin but with even fewer wheels that result in a smooth matte finish. This is the most casual finish of the three, reflecting very little light and contemporizing a design.

For a brushed finish, stone is run under wheels with metal bristles to achieve an orange peel-like finish. Benefits of a brushed tile are that its texture provides softness, it handles wear and tear and has a relaxed character.

To obtain a tumbled finish, tiles are put into large drums filled with aggregate and shaken. The aggregate wears down the surface of the stone, giving it a rough surface and more rounded edges. Tumbled stones offer increased traction, hide imperfections and flawlessly coordinate with rustic décor.

We’re going au naturel with this one. With natural finish stone tile, what you see is what you get. Nothing is done to the surface of these tiles, and, besides being cut to size, they’re just like they looked when they were quarried. Natural tiles give an authentic and outdoorsy look to your space. Slate is a common example of a natural finish stone.

Filled and unfilled are not exactly finishes, but they alter the surface of a tile so they’re worth mentioning and defining here. Filled stone has its natural crevices and holes filled with an epoxy resin mixed with stone dust in a color that closely resembles the stone’s natural color. This makes the tile easier to clean and install. Unfilled stone is left in its natural state, voids and all. This allows you to choose to fill it with the grout color of your choice or leave it in its rustic, raw state for a unique look.

Here, you can see the difference in appearance of an unfilled travertine compared to a filled travertine. Bucak Silver Honed Unfilled Travertine, on the left, has visible holes and crevices on its surface, whereas Bucak Light Walnut Honed Filled Travertine, on the right, has a lighter colored compound filling in these areas.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Polished tiles are double fired, first with the desired pattern or color and then with a clear coat. Afterwards, they go through the same polishing process as stone, passing under polishing wheels with water and polishing compound. Lastly, the tiles are sealed to retain their appearance. Stone-look porcelain or ceramic tiles are often in polished finishes to mimic the look of natural stone.

A glossy finish is different from polished in that it is created with a glossy glaze instead of a polishing wheel process. Depending on the texture of the tile, gloss glazes can pool in areas, creating thicker and thinner areas of glaze and variations in coloring.

Matte tiles are covered in a non-shiny glaze that is applied with an ink jet machine or in a waterfall stream glazing method. This process yields tiles with a flat finish that do not reflect light and offer a contemporary look.

Multifired tiles are one of the most exciting technological advancements in the industry in recent years. They’re so interesting, we devoted a whole blog post to them! These are tiles that go through more than two firings in a kiln, usually to give them 3-D texture, metallic finish or another interesting effect that is not possible with just one or two firings.

An anti-slip surface is perfect for tiling in wet areas like bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. They’re also great if aging in place is a consideration in your home. A fine grit or sand is added to a matte glaze to create a rough, gripping texture on the tile.

Textured tile is made by pressing materials into a mold that give a textured effect, such as that of natural stone or wood. Then it’s glazed and fired to achieve the desired look. The below tile is actually a porcelain that has been textured to look like a tumbled stone.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed a crash course in natural stone and man-made tile finishes. If your head is spinning, don’t worry. Our tile experts are waiting in your local store to help you design your next project and choose your perfect tile. Schedule a design consultation or stop in today.

The post Guide to Tile Finishes appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Contrasting Colors

Boldly contrasting colors are a sure way to make a big impact. Dark and light tones play off of each other, making each stand out even more. Below, the dark backdrop also serves to highlight the sleek lines of the contemporary tub.

Contrast goes glam with this dramatic display that plays up sumptuous style.

Contrast can be created with color combinations beyond black and white. In a warmer take on the style, a wood-look floor balances grey and white walls with tons of welcoming textures.

Monochromatic Mix

If you’re dreaming of a clean monochromatic color palette, try incorporating different finishes, sizes, shapes or materials on the walls and floors. This adds dimension, texture and interest to a design while keeping it clean. You can also include functional and safety features this way. Here, a glossy ceramic wall tile is an easy-to-clean option that protects the backsplash from spills. The coordinating porcelain floor tile is durable and transitions between the surfaces smoothly in the same soft grey color palette.

“People always ask me, ‘If I use ceramic on the floor, don’t I have to use it on the walls?’ The answer is no! Mixing it up creates a more interesting space.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

This space demonstrates a perfect example of using mixed materials (also known as “fusion.”) With ceramic wall tile, porcelain shower wall tile, porcelain floor tile and marble trim pieces, all of these different materials unite in a cohesive way and in a monochromatic color palette to portray a serene spa bathroom.

We love how these floor and wall tiles are so different from one another in finish, shape, size and material yet coordinate flawlessly. The space works because the color palette is soft and neutral and hints of organic materials add warmth and interest.

Here, the similar polished finish of the ceramic subway wall tile and the marble shower pan tile unifies the shower’s style. A framed marble mosaic is an added touch of elegance—fusion at its finest!

Varying the shape of your wall and floor tiles is another way to add interest in a monochromatic design. From the mix of porcelain and ceramic to the distinct shapes, there is so much to entice the eye in this cream laundry room!

This is a great example of fusion. The materials on the walls and floor could not be more different, consisting of real wood, wood-look porcelain and a slate and porcelain mosaic, but they all have a similar rich hue that ties them together.

Coordinated Collections

One of the easiest ways to ensure your design flows together is using the same collection or series on walls and floors. One of the great things about The Tile Shop’s stone collections is the sheer number of different shape, size and trim options. Collections are also sourced from the same quarry, so, while no two pieces are ever the same due to natural variation, you never have to worry about different tiles coordinating.

This space uses the same stone, Milas Lilac, on every surface, so there’s no fear about the tiles not coordinating. By using many different shapes (we’re not even sure we can count them all!), distinct zones are established, subtly distinguishing the shower from the vanity area.

To make designing a coordinated space even easier, we’ve extended it beyond stone. Our proprietary Fired Earth ceramic and porcelain collections, like the Carrara Gris floor tile below, coordinate with our marble collections, too. This makes adding a special designer touch even easier. Handmade Weekly elevates her fusion design beautifully here, with a marble-look ceramic tile and a unique statement marble mosaic. Marble trims polish the look to perfection.

Patterns That Pop

One of our most popular wall and floor tile combinations is patterned and non-patterned tile. For the bold at heart, there’s nothing better than an accent wall or floor brimming with striking shapes. Paired with a neutral color, the overall effect is delightful. This hexagon shape, duplicated in the floor tile, garners just enough attention to set this shower apart.

Here, a boldly patterned floor is softened with a coordinating, neutral wall tile.

White subway tile plus a bold, old-world style encaustic is always a good idea.

Tone on Tone

One sure way to demonstrate a cohesive look between floors and walls is to pick a neutral or color from one surface and use it on the other. The soft grey wall tiles below perfectly reflect the same mottled grey in the pattered floor.

The unique ombre effect on this Annie Selke floor tile presents the opportunity to pull two different colors onto the wall design.

This concept does not have to be all or nothing. A hint of color, like the beachy brown in the floor tile that’s also found in the chevron stripe on the wall and shower, goes a long way towards tying this room together.

This kitchen plays with a number of different colors, but choosing the backsplash subway tile in hue plucked from the floor tile ensures that the space feels cohesive.

Multiple patterns can get tricky but this space strikes a perfect balance. Surrounding this floral art glass splashback with a neutral frame and a subway tile in a color that is duplicated in the floor tile, the patterns do not compete.

Eclectic

Rules are made to be broken, right? Sometimes a design that doesn’t follow any of these rules or even breaks them just works. Here are some of our favorite eclectic combinations that don’t follow the guidelines. Here, pattern, wood look and a bold subway tile create the perfect modern farmhouse nook.

Bold geometric shapes on the walls and floors and exaggerated contrast?! This look is bold, but the black-and-white palette keeps it clean.

Here’s another example of a bold pattern paired with multiple colors. The grey color is reflected in the patterned tile, and the wood-look floor acts as a neutral that balances the space.

There are dozens of different wall and floor tile combinations. It just depends on your desired overall effect—whether it’s eye-catching contrast, calm coordination or eclectic patterns. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a design consultation or stop into a store to talk to a tile expert and get started!

The post Tried-and-True Wall and Floor Tile Combinations appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Colorful cabinets

Neutral is nice, but colorful cabinets add an unmatched wow factor. Painted cabinetry, especially in soothing greens and blues, is perfect for adding pops to a neutral bathroom or bringing out a particular color in your tile. Below, the cobalt-blue paint color of the cabinet makes the same color in the tiles stand out, unifying color the room.

Featured: Talavera Encaustic. Design by The Divine Living Space. Photography by Spacecrafting.

Remember that using color doesn’t mean it has to be bright or bold. This soft, minty green brings a calming note to an otherwise neutral space.

Featured: Octagon Matte White with Black. Design by Bria Hammel Interiors. Photography by Spacecrafting. Building by SD Custom Homes.

Here’s another example of coordinating tile and cabinet colors. This time, the navy trim piece is the inspiration for the cabinet color.

Featured: Victoria and Albert Morgan Blue Decor, Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Imperial Bianco Barnes, Imperial Bianco Gloss Pencil, Imperial Cobalt Gloss Pencil

The turquoise tone below was pulled from the wood-look tile, making it more prominent.

Featured: Sambu Azul Wood Look. Design by Sublime Homes.

This dusty blue looks like it’s straight from a day spa’s color palette.

Featured: Firenze Calacatta Honed 4 x 12,Firenze Calacatta Honed 8 x 20, Firenze Calacatta Honed 12 x 24, Firenze Calacatta Honed Barnes, Firenze Calacatta Honed Bullnose, Firenze Calacatta Honed Somerset, Alato Beachwalk Chevron Mosaic

Bold Walls

Whether an unexpected color, a dark hue or a lively pattern, a statement wall speaks volumes—and is easier to pull off than you might think. This bold pink-and-black color scheme is lightened by white cabinets and woodwork. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have a little fun, especially in small-scale powder rooms.

Featured: Tempesta Neve Polished Wheaton with Black. Design by Timber Trails. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

Bold takes on a different meaning in this image. Instead of bright, this design is dark and glamorous. The intricate details and luxe gold touches make this room feel opulent from top to bottom.

Featured: Effect Dark AC, Camilla with Gold Antique Mirror Mosaic, Hampton Carrara Polished Chevron, Noir Polished Somerset, Glass Gold Liner, Dot Negro

If this bathroom makes you reconsider both dark walls and oversized florals, you’re not alone. Picking just one wall to cover in a print and coordinating that color with the floor keeps the space chic.

Featured: Hex Matte Black Mosaic. Design by Construction 2 Style.

An unexpected color can still create a clean and simple space. Opting for a darker tile mixed with white walls is the best of both worlds.

Featured: Dot Indigo and Matte White 1 in Mosaic. Design by Paro Home.

Mixed Metals

Decorating is all about coordinating instead of matching exactly. Gone are the days of using the same finish everywhere in a room. This mix makes spaces look intentionally eclectic and give them more personality. The simple combination of a stainless tile trim, matte black faucet and bronze-look mirror modernizes this farmhouse bathroom below.

Featured: Decor Daiza White Pav, Dark Stainless Steel Metal Somerset, Splendours White Subway

The different materials of the lights and faucet are made hardly noticeable because they’re not right next to each other, and they both work with the style of the room.

Featured: Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey Matte, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway. Design by I SPY DIY.

A black faucet that coordinates with the light fixture lets the more glamorous mirror become the focus.

Featured: Adoni Black Slate Hexagon. Design by Morrissey Home Solutions. Photography by Jen Morley Burner.

Matte Black

A relatively new finish gaining popularity in the industry, the photos below prove the adage that every room needs a touch of black. Below, the matte black fixtures paired with the black recessed shelves lend the perfect amount of contrast.

Featured: White Hex, Hex Matte Black, Premium Antrasit

The lower half of this space is almost entirely outfitted in matte black, but the white walls and access to natural light fully brighten it up. White subway tiles and contrasting black grout coordinate with the matte black and tie the space together all the way up to the ceiling.

Featured: Imperial Bianco Matte, Hex Matte Black. Design by I SPY DIY.

Between grey subway tile walls, a wooden vanity and encaustic tile floors, there are a number of different colors and finishes happening here. Matte black accents, finishings and accessories unify with a cohesive feeling.

Featured: Imperial Oatmeal Gloss, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Pencil, Imperial Oatmeal Gloss Skirting, Liria Negro Encaustic, Noir Polished Arabesque Travertine Mosaic

Sculptural Elements

These dimensional pieces, whether found in tiles, bathtubs or artwork, are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, like a sculpture. They are often simple and minimal with smooth lines and add an artistic component to a space. Below, this unique bathtub serves this purpose with its clean and sweeping lines.

Featured: Alato Beachwalk Chevron Glass Mosaic, Marta Gris, Meram Blanc Polished Marble Somerset

The light fixtures in the space below are works of art.

Featured: Verona Blanco Polished, Camilla with Mirror Glass and Stone. Design by Russo Residential.

The combed, geometric design on this wall mosaic perfectly exhibits this trend in a soft way.

Featured: Bianco Puro Combed Hexagons Honed Mosaic, Bianco Puro Honed Somerset, Dural Chrome-Plated Brass Square Edge, Bianco Puro Honed

These wall tiles are a compelling way to make neutral walls stand out.

Featured: Memphis Bianco Di Elba

Below, this sculptural lighting fixture creates subtle, modern interest.

Featured: Liria Negro Encaustic, Imperial Brite White Matte Subway, Black Hex. Design by Timber Trails Homes. Photography by Stoffer Photography Interiors.

The sweeping movements of this tile take white walls from bland to beautiful.

Featured: Folhas Quartzo AC

Individuality

More and more we see people wanting their spaces to stand out from the crowd and speak to their own individuality. Something simple and neutral might be less intrusive to the next buyers, but will it make you happy for as long as you live in your home? Do what you love (and it just might be what sells the next homeowner). This gorgeous Milas Lilac marble is refreshingly unique and striking.

Featured: Milas Lilac Polished Chevron, Milas Lilac Polished Skirting, Milas Lilac Polished 8 x 20 in, Milas Lilac Polished Hex, Milas Lilac Polished Somerset

Another way to show your colors is to do just that—design with color. There are more options than ever to personalize with a spectrum of color choices.

Featured: Color Market Series

Expressing your individuality might also come in the form of a unique design made from different shapes and colors of tiles. Many of our collections are made to be mixed and matched into playful configurations.

Featured: Connect Tri Sgr Matte, Connect Tri Wh Matte, Connect Tri Gr Matte

If glamorous is your style, go all the way. This stunning mosaic sets the tone—elegant and feminine.

Featured: Monroe Marquina Mosaic, Black Marquina Polished Barnes, Black Marquina Polished 8 x 20, Black Marquina Polished Somerset, Firenze Carrara Polished Somerset

We hope you found inspiration in some of the latest bathroom trends. Still searching for ideas? Visit our bathroom tile idea page for more inspiration.

The post 6 Bathroom Trends to Try Now appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Featured: Tanagram Branco 3-D

Designs and trends are constantly evolving, allowing for the ultimate expression of creativity and imagination. One trend we’ve seen pushing the boundaries of ingenuity, artistry and self-expression is geometric tile. We’re going to highlight our favorite geometric tiles and how to use them to their full potential.

“Geometric shapes hold an energy pattern, and scientists did some experiments which say certain geometric shapes can affect matter around them. It’s simply because when a human looks at a shape, they instantly receive energy from their brain.” – Tom DeLonge, musical artist

The extravagant movement, iconic shapes and energetic patterns of geometric tile allow you to make a statement in any space. These tiles aren’t just an addition to a design – they ARE the design. Geometric shapes include squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, hexagons, diamonds, pyramids and more. With so many different variations and shapes in geometric tile, the possibilities are endless!

Featured: Estrela Jeans Matte 

Featured: White Hex, Black Hex, and Hex Matte White with Black Flower

Categorizing Geometric Tiles

Geometric Patterned Tile 

Stunning designs can be printed on tile to add an artistic flash to any space. Glamorous patterns have universal use. You can either cover a wall to make a bold statement or display a small statement as a piece of art.

Featured: Outline White Gold AC 

Some printed patterns are made to complement modern spaces while others are created to wow viewers. The geometric tiles above define a wall with an elegant yet subtle diamond pattern. In contrast, the bold and bright pattern on the image below almost demands (and deserves) attention.

Featured: Artisan Tiare

Patterned tile can bring a very artistic and contemporary look into your home. The tile below creates a 3-D effect by using two different colored triangles and rhombuses to create a geometric structure.

Featured: Rowallan Encaustic Square Pattern

Geometric Shaped Tile

While most tile like subway or square tile only has four sides, geometric shaped tile brings tile design to a whole new level. Shapes like hexagons, diamonds and rhombuses stand out compared to standard rectangular formats. Geometric shapes can be either 2-D or 3-D. The front cover of our 2018 design book contains a very fresh, modern 3-D pattern. Yara Metal Silver Hex ceramic wall tile is unique because not only is the shape a hexagon, but the tile contains several different 3-D triangles for extra texture and augmentation.

Featured: Yara Metal Silver Hex

Geometric Mosaics

Mosaics are small pieces of tile that are intricately placed together on a mesh sheet to create stunning patterns—that’s what makes these mosaics so unique. Not all mosaic designs are the same. Check out the lavish, Nova Hex Graphite mosaics in the image below. The mosaic pattern is created by repeating stretched hexagons to add glamour and dimension.

Featured: Skyline Marquina Mosaic

The pattern on this next image shows a mosaic from the Legno Limestone collection. This design presents a stylish look with its wood-like texture and variety of shapes.

Featured: Legno Geometric

Ways to Use Geometric Tile

The Center of Attention 

When people want to make a bold statement, they might use a big collection of art, flashy furniture or even a bright-colored tile or wallpaper. While those are all great options, geometrically patterned tile is your key to making a show-stopping space. Cover your floor or wall with tile to make a bold, eye-catching presentation.

Featured: Star Olive/Grey Encaustic

Subtle Accent Displays

Don’t let the boldness of geometric tile intimidate you. Many people turn away from geometric patterned tile and layouts because they think it might be overwhelming. But patterns can be displayed as an accent piece if you aren’t committed to the full effect. Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop design manager, loves adding small statement displays to rooms because it adds a dash of emotion and color.

“You don’t need to be scared of using geometric tile and patterns. They are a great opportunity to add something exciting that won’t overpower the features in a space. – Kirsty Froelich

Featured: Alato Beachwalk Chevron Glass Mosaic

Display a geometric accent piece in your shower or on the side of a bathtub or island countertop. “Accents give you a chance to add unexpected artistry,” Froelich said. As seen above, these geometric displays are ideal for people who only want a subtle but stunning statement.

A Lively Greeting

Incorporating geometrically patterned tile is wonderful in an entryway. Fun and spirited patterns give guests an immediate welcoming impression. West Bay Homes perfectly completes a modern farmhouse design with the vintage, symmetric Star series.

Image from West Bay Homes. Featured: Star

Modern Elegance

Solid-white tile is a great choice for creating a clean, modern presence. The White Hex tiles below create a chic, fresh feeling without an overbearing display.

Featured: White Hex

Create Your Own Masterpiece

A current trend is to create your own geometric designs and shapes with tile. This trend attracts the bold and brave designers. Every concept you explore is a statement and your very own work of art. The Connect series in the image below was made to mesmerize. The small triangular pieces allow you to create extravagant designs for a modern twist. This method of using geometric tile guarantees originality and personalized taste and vision.

Featured: Connect Tri 

“Styling with geometric shaped tiles gives you more flexibility and freedom to make whatever you want.” – Luke Crownover, Tile Shop product manager

Whether a bold, patchwork arrangement of patterned tiles, an elegant kitchen backsplash or a simple display of white hexagons, geometric tile will always be the ultimate tool to express yourself. Inspired by what you see? Schedule a design consultation to achieve your next vision with geometric tile.

Source of Tom DeLonge quote: Spin Magazine

The post Self-Expression Through Geometric Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.