Effective tiling options for contemporary living rooms

For your contemporary living room, you may not have considered the possibility of tiling, but this is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Tiles can be a fantastic choice for both functionality and visual design, creating durable surfaces that are easy to maintain, while upholding your style and aesthetic design choices. As such, they are becoming increasingly popular for both floor tiling and feature wall tiling. But how can they be used effectively? And what are the most effective tiling options for contemporary living rooms?

What are the most effective tiling options for contemporary living rooms?

There are a wide range of tiling options to consider for your contemporary living room. These can have a dramatic impact on the visual effect, overall aesthetic, and the functionality and practicality of the space. Some of the most effective tiling options include:

Natural effect tiling
Tiling patterns and layouts
Tile colour options

Choose natural effect tiles for your contemporary living room

One of the most popular options for contemporary living rooms is natural effect tiling. These are tiles that are designed to look exactly like natural materials, including timber and stone, beginning the natural effect into your home, without the added maintenance hassle of real wood or stone. For example, natural effect tiles are waterproof and resistant to stains and damage, while real hard wood and stone would both need to be treated regularly to remain waterproof, and can be damaged or scratched more easily.

Stone effect tiles

Stone effect tiles can be a very effective choice. These are available in a wide range of colours, and styles, to mimic different types of natural stone. From marble to slate, there are stone effect tiles that can be perfect for your contemporary living space. These different types of stone effect tiles can create different impacts, and be used for different purposes. These include:

Marble effect tiles- These are often used in contemporary spaces for their elegance and sophistication. They work especially well in minimalist or modern homes where the smooth, veined finish complements sleek furnishings and open spaces. As such, these can be very effective for feature wall tiling in a contemporary living room.
Slate effect tiles- These are a fantastic option for adding natural texture and intrigue to your contemporary living room. These can add depth to your contemporary design, and can be very effective for floor tiling, especially in large living spaces. However, you should be sure to choose tiles with a high slip resistance rating.
Limestone effect tiles- These provide a soft, neutral look, with shades ranging from creamy whites to muted greys. These tiles work well in spaces that aim for a relaxed, organic feel, and the colours can complement any contemporary living room with ease.

Timber effect tiles

If you’d rather choose tiles that mimic the appearance of natural hardwood, instead of stone, timber effect tiles are the perfect solution. These have more durability than hardwood floors, and are naturally resistant to wear, moisture, and scratches, which makes them an excellent choice for floor tiling in high traffic living rooms. These are available in a range of colours and shades, and visual textures, so you should be sure to choose the option that best reflects your interior design and style, particularly choosing between light and dark wood:

Light wood effect tiles- These can make a space feel more open and airy, and include options that mimic oak or birch.
Dark wood effect tiles- These are ideal for creating a more cosy, intimate atmosphere, adding richness and depth to your living room, and include options like walnut or mahogany.

Effective tiling patterns and layouts for contemporary living rooms

Another important aspect to consider is the tiling pattern and layout used. This can have a significant impact on the visual appeal and design of your living room. As a result, it’s important to choose the option that will be most effective for a contemporary living space. Some of the most effective tiling layouts for contemporary spaces include:

The herringbone pattern- This layout, where tiles are arranged in a zigzag pattern, creates a dynamic, visually interesting floor. Herringbone works particularly well with timber effect tiles, as it mimics the look of parquet flooring. This can also be installed with large format tiles, for a more modern twist on this classic pattern.
Modular tiling- This tiling layout involves using tiles of different sizes arranged in a repeating pattern. This technique is popular with stone effect tiles, where it mimics the irregular appearance of natural stone paving.
Grid layout- The grid pattern, where tiles are laid in a simple square or rectangular arrangement, is the most straightforward and minimalist option. It is highly effective in contemporary spaces due to the straight clean lines, and can be very effective with large format tiles, which have become increasingly popular in the UK for contemporary interiors.
Honeycomb (hexagonal) tiling- Honeycomb or hexagonal tiles bring a geometric twist that is both playful and stylish for any contemporary living room space. This can be very effective for contemporary wall tiling, particularly in feature areas.

Choose the right tile colours for your contemporary living room

Finally, you should also make sure that you choose the effective colour options for your contemporary living room tiling. The right choice of colour can make a world of difference to the sense of space, the amount of light, and to the overall design and style of the space. Some effective colour choices include:

Neutral shades- Tile colours like grey, beige, and off-white remain popular choices for living rooms as these can complement any furniture or style choices with a neutral background. Beiges and browns can create a warmer looking space, and can be very effective for timber effect floor tiling, while greys offer a cooler choice that can be perfect with stone effect tiles.
Bold colours- For tiling that makes a bold statement, coloured tiles can be perfect. From deep blues and greens to oranges and purples, there are a number of ways to use bold colours as part of your contemporary tiling. Black tiles can also be beneficial. These can deliver a dramatic, sophisticated effect, which works very well in larger, well lit contemporary living rooms.

If you’re planning on tiling your contemporary living room, there are a wide range of options to choose from. Why not take a look at what we have in store or online, here at Tiles 2 Go? We are Preston’s leading tiling experts.