A conservatory space can be an important addition to any home, providing a bridge between the outdoors and the indoors, and allowing the outdoor area to be appreciated from within. The decor you choose for this space can have a big impact on the overall style and design of the room, as well as the practicality. Tiles can be a fantastic choice, bringing practical as well as visual benefits. But what are the important considerations when choosing tiles for the conservatory? And how can you make the right choice for your space?
What are the important considerations when choosing tiles for the conservatory?
There are a number of important considerations to take into account when choosing the right tiles for the conservatory. These include:
- Choosing the right colour tiles
- Considering the practicalities
- Design considerations
Choosing the right colour tiles for your conservatory
Tiles are available in every colour you can think of, which means that you should carefully consider which colour of tiles to use, to suit your conservatory space. Some popular and effective colour options include:
- Neutral colours- Beige, grey, and light brown are among the most popular colours for conservatory tiles. These are tones that help connect the space to nature, reinforcing the idea of the conservatory acting as a bridge between the interior and the exterior of your property. These are tile colours that also bring warmth, creating a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
- White and off-white- White or off-white tiles can make a conservatory feel airy and spacious. Because your conservatory will undoubtedly experience plenty of natural light, this can be reflected by white tiles to create a bright, airy space. However, these tiles can be impractical for floor tiling, where they may become discoloured or stained due to dirt from the outside. As such, you should limit your white tiling to the walls of the conservatory.
- Earth tones- Neutral colours can help to connect the conservatory to nature, but earthy tones really help to bring nature into the conservatory itself. Shades like terracotta, burnt orange, and earthy greens are great for achieving a rustic or nature-inspired look. These colours work especially well if the conservatory is surrounded by greenery, creating a striking blend between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Darker colours- If you’re looking to make a bold statement, deep greys, charcoal, and even navy can be very effective. These can help to create a conservatory space that feels modern and cosy at the same time. Dark colours are less prone to showing stains, which means that they can be a good option for a conservatory floor. However, these colours tend to absorb light, instead of reflecting it, which can make a small space feel even smaller, and more cramped. As a result, dark coloured tiles are most well suited to larger conservatories with ample natural light.
- Bold colours and patterns- If you would like to make a statement with your conservatory tiling, bold colours and patterns can be the perfect option. These allow you to add your own personality and flair onto the space, creating a unique and interesting impact. If you choose bold colours or patterns, consider using them as accents rather than covering the entire floor, which can create a balanced and stylish effect.
What are the practical considerations for conservatory tiles?
There are a number of important practical tiling considerations to take into account to ensure that your conservatory is a usable and functional space. These include:
- Durability- It’s important that your conservatory floor tiling is durable and long-lasting. This is because conservatories often experience high foot traffic and can be exposed to fluctuating temperatures due to their position next to outdoor areas. As a result, the tiles you choose need to be hard-wearing and resistant, so that they can last a long time, without needing to be replaced.
- Maintenance- Some tiles require more upkeep than others. For example, natural stone tiles typically need to be sealed periodically to prevent stains, while ceramic and porcelain tiles are low-maintenance and easy to clean. Porcelain tiles are especially popular because they’re resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture, making them the perfect practical choice for conservatories.
- Slip resistance- As conservatories most often lead into outdoor or garden spaces, it is essential that these are water resistant, stain resistant and of course slip resistant. It is very common to bring wet footprints and moisture into the conservatory when entering, and this can leave puddles and pools of water that can become a slip hazard. As a result, you should choose tiles that have a high anti-slip rating, and that can provide a good amount of traction and friction.
- Underfloor heating compatibility- Installing underfloor heating can be a fantastic choice for any conservatory, helping to keep the space warm and comfortable all year round. However, if this is something you would like to achieve, you will need to make sure that the tiles you select are compatible with this feature. Porcelain and ceramic tiles conduct heat well, making them suitable for underfloor heating.
What are the important design considerations?
As well as the practical features and the colour, you should also consider the design features for your conservatory tiling. As part of this, you should bear in mind:
- Consistency with interior design- If your conservatory is connected to other living spaces, choosing tiles that flow seamlessly with adjacent rooms can create a cohesive and unified look. For example, matching or complementing the colour and texture of tiles in nearby rooms can enhance continuity and make the conservatory feel like an extension of the main living area.
- Contrast or accents- Alternatively, if you want the conservatory to stand out, choosing contrasting colours or patterns can work well. For example, patterned tiles or tiles in bold colours can add character, especially when paired with neutral-coloured furniture.
- Grout colour- Don’t overlook the colour of the grout, as this can significantly affect the overall appearance of the floor. Dark grout can help hide dirt and create a frame around each tile, which can enhance patterns. Light grout, on the other hand, blends with lighter tiles for a seamless look but may require more frequent cleaning.
- Shape and layout options- From square and rectangular tiles, to hexagonal tiles, there are a number of tile shapes to choose from, each bringing different layout options and pattern choices. These tiles are also available in a number of different sizes, including large format tiles that can be perfect for continuous tiling effects.
For the perfect tiles for your conservatory, why not take a look at what we have in store or online today? Here at Tiles 2 Go, we are Preston’s leading tiling experts, and we are sure to have the perfect tiles for your conservatory.