When choosing tiles for any space, there are a wide range of options to consider. Textured tiles are becoming increasingly popular, and they have a versatile range of purposes and uses. But what are the benefits of textured tiles? And where can these be used for the best possible result?
So what are the advantages of textured tiles?
There are a number of benefits to choosing textured tiles for any space, kitchen, bathroom, living room or hallway. These benefits can be split into different categories, including:
- Visual benefits
- Overall style and design
- Practical benefits
What are the visual benefits of textured tiles?
Textured tiles can bring a number of benefits and advantages to the visual impact of a space. Because of their texture, these tiles can add visual depth, using light and shadow to a stylistic effect. Some of the specific visual benefits include:
- Improving visual contrast- The human eye is designed to identify differences in small features, and this includes a difference in texture. This means that textured tiles can draw the eye by creating a subtle or bold contrast, depending on your design preferences and choices. For instance, a matte-finished textured tile can contrast sharply with a smooth, high gloss tiled surface. This level of contrast can be used to define zones within a space, for example, within an open plan kitchen or living room. It can also be used effectively to highlight specific architectural features.
- Unique patterns and designs- Textured tiles are available in a range of designs that can mimic natural materials like stone or wood. This can create patterns that add a touch of authenticity and charm to a room, and introduce natural elements. The texture of these tiles can amplify the design of these patterns by creating a more tactile and interesting surface.
- Depth and dimension- Textured tiles also add a three-dimensional quality to your walls or floors. This can be very useful for creating a sense of depth within the space. This depth enhances the perception of space, which means that in smaller rooms, textured wall tiles can give the impression of a larger area, making the space feel bigger than it truly is.
Textured tiles for the overall style and design theme
As well as bringing a unique visual effect and charm, textured tiles can be highly beneficial for complementing the overall style and design theme of your room or home in general. The benefits of using textured tiles in this way include:
- Versatility across styles- Textured tiles are available in a wide variety of finishes, colours, and patterns, making them the perfect choice for virtually any design style. For example, textured tiles with a neutral colour, with a linear texture, can be perfect for a contemporary look. Alternatively, for a more rustic or traditional aesthetic design, why not choose textured tiles that mimic natural stone or terracotta. Textured tiles in these colours and styles can bring warmth and character to a space, tying in seamlessly with other natural elements like wood or metal.
- Enhancing design cohesion- Textured tiles can act as a bridge between different elements in a room, creating a cohesive design. For example, textured tiles with a wood grain finish can complement timber furniture, while a stone-effect tile can tie together a space that features exposed brickwork or other earthy materials.
- Creating focal points- This type of tiling can be very effective for creating focal points in any room. For example, in the bathroom, textured tiles can be used as splashback tiling to draw attention to the shower or sink, or the space behind the bath. This can help to create a spa-like feel.
- Timeless appeal- Unlike some design trends that quickly become dated, textured tiles have a timeless quality that ensures they will remain stylish for years to come. Their connection to natural materials and their ability to adapt to evolving design preferences make them a long lasting and effective choice.
Practical advantages of textured tiling
In addition to bringing visual, style, and design benefits, textured tiling can also deliver a number of practical advantages too. These include:
- Improving traction- Tiles with a textured surface have increased friction, which makes them inherently safer than smooth tiles in rooms with a lot of moisture. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, where water or spills can create hazardous conditions. Textured tiles are often rated for slip resistance, with specific ratings indicating their suitability for wet environments. For example, tiles with an R11 or higher slip resistance rating are ideal for outdoor areas or shower floors.
- Durability and maintenance- Textured tiles are not only slip-resistant but also highly durable. Their robust design makes them resistant to wear and tear, even in rooms with a heavy footfall. Additionally, many textured tiles are designed to be stain resistant and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for busy households or commercial spaces.
- Versatility in applications- The practical benefits of textured tiles extend beyond wet areas. For example, in kitchens, these tiles can provide a surface that is both safe and forgiving of spills, while in hallways, they can withstand the constant foot traffic without showing signs of wear. Outdoors, textured tiles can be used for steps, pathways, and patios, offering a secure footing in all weather conditions. This high level of versatility ensures that they can meet the practical needs of virtually any room or outdoor space in the property.
For textured tiles for your latest tiling project, 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.