Accent walls are a popular way to add interest, color, texture, or a focal point to a room. They can be simple or decorative, and may be made of many materials – including tile. Many modern tiles are available with unique surface textures and 3-dimensional relief that can create a one-of-a-kind accent wall that will enhance any setting. As you consider accent wall ideas for your home, make sure you keep these tile ideas in mind as well.
Accent walls enhance the rest of the decor in a room. This is a single wall, usually, the first wall seen when you enter, or the wall that most people will face once they are seated in the room. This wall may be painted a different color or covered in another material from the rest of the walls, making it stand out. Accent walls have a lot of benefits.
They can visually shape a room, making it look larger or cozier than it is. They can also tie in other types of decor, and help unify a design, or they can help create a focus for the space. Accent walls differ from gallery walls, because the accent wall design is meant to be a backdrop, rather than several separate designs grouped together. Common accent wall materials include natural stone, brick veneer, reclaimed wood, faux painting techniques, and tiles of all kinds.
There are many different materials that can be used to create an accent wall.
Depending on the style of your home and your personal tastes, you can have a lot to choose from. Included in the many materials, several types of tile can be used to create some very unique and impressive statements in this area, letting you create a wall design that truly stands out from the crowd. Tile also has several benefits that can set it apart from other materials.
For wall use, most tiles are very low in maintenance. In addition, if you want to create that accent in a wet area like a shower or a busy area that sees a lot of fingerprints and splashes like a kitchen, tile gives you even more low maintenance options than other materials on the market. Many tiles are water resistant and easy to clean. Use them above a working wood stove, in a shower, or in a busy family room or kitchen. You can get the color, interest, and texture you want, without the worry.
Choose a glazed tile or an unglazed porcelain for a smooth, easy to clean surface that won’t hold onto dirt or stains. Or, consider glass tiles that can be cleaned with your favorite glass cleaner. Tiles won’t be affected by things like humidity levels, either, so they won’t darken or potentially warp like some wood products may.
You have many more options for appearance and design with tile than with other materials. This is because while floor tiles have certain attributes that make them capable of supporting foot traffic, tile for walls have no such restrictions. Therefore, wall tile can be 3-dimensional with intricate repeating patterns, made of unique natural stone materials, or pieced together from mosaics of glass or stone to create stunning wall displays. Tile has the benefit of also coming in many colors – letting you create an accent wall color and design at the same time. This is important when using the accent area to help visually shape the room, since cool colors will help make the wall look further away, while warm shades will make it appear closer. By using tile, instead of paint, you can get texture and interest along with the color you desire.
Many wall materials used for accents don’t give you many options for style. You may be more limited when it comes to finding something for a contemporary space, a rustic space, or a traditional one when choosing materials like brick, wood, or paint. Tile is endlessly versatile. Simply changing the color or pattern or a tile can make it appear more modern or traditional, and there are countless contemporary, rustic, and transitional styles as well. This versatility means that you can more easily reflect your personal style, and get the benefits of an accent point in the room at the same time.
If you’re creating a green or sustainable home, there are countless green, sustainable, and natural options for wall tile as well. This includes tiles that are reclaimed or that are made with recycled content. While paint and some fabricated wall boards can give off harmful VOCs, most tiles are safe and do not off-gas, giving you a lot of healthy options for use in the home.
Choose from ceramic, concrete, glass, metal, and natural stone tiles. All can provide you with the style, color, and look you’re after, along with the sustainability you want for your home.
Like any material or design, you can get more out of it by paying attention to certain things, such as where you intend to use the tiles, and the overall effect you want to get from the display.
While tile for walls can be found in both grouted and ungrouted varieties, make sure only use ungrouted tiles and materials in dry areas. Avoid using them in bathrooms or in areas that may see splashes and moisture, like parts of the kitchen.
In addition, while most tiles are very low maintenance, make sure that if you are using stone tiles or ceramic tiles with a crazed (crackled) finish in an area where they may absorb particles from smoke or moisture, that you keep them sealed to help prevent staining.
Tiled accent walls should be designed like any others. Choose a wall that can be the focus of the room, and that is readily visible when you enter or sit. Avoid walls with lots of doors or windows, as well as walls that will be covered with artwork or images that may compete with the accent itself. This is particularly true if you choose a tile mural or mosaic design, or if you are using a relief tile with a repeating pattern. The tiles are meant to be the focus of the wall, and to cover the entirety of the area. Avoid combining them with other designs to prevent the area from getting overly busy.
Whether you’re creating a modern living room or a rustic mountain retreat, there are many tile options that can help you create the perfect accent for your design. Tiles are beautiful, durable, versatile, and can help you achieve your interior design, no matter what your personal style. Stop into one of our showrooms today and let our Design Consultants help you find the ideal tile for your wall design.
