May 16, 2024

Ceramic tiles (and that includes porcelain!) are traditionally seen as a staple for kitchens and bathrooms, but modern design trends are pushing these boundaries to include other parts of the home, like bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and hallways. Advancements in tile technology and design offer not only practical benefits but also open up a world of creative possibilities. Let's explore how tiles can transform these unconventional spaces with both style and functionality.

The Practical Perks of Tile in Unexpected Places

Tile's Durability 

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are well-known for their durability and resistance to wear, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. They can withstand scuffs and scratches from daily life better than many other flooring and wall surface options.

Cottage porcelain hex tiles echo the character, warmth, and connotations of a countryside cottage, yet fused with a modern sensibility.

 

Water Resistance of Tile

While water resistance is a well-known benefit in bathrooms and kitchens, it’s also a valuable characteristic in other areas of the home. For bedrooms or living areas that open directly onto pool areas or for entryways, water-resistant tiles can prevent damage and maintain their appearance over time.


Inspired by Portuguese Atlantic Dark limestone, our Portugal porcelain tiles flow seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. 

Cool Touch

In warmer climates, tiles' coolness• makes them an appealing choice for bedrooms and living areas. Ceramic and porcelain tiles provide a refreshing underfoot sensation that can help keep these areas comfortably cool.

* While it’s true that a room with ceramic tiles is likely to feel colder than a room that is carpeted or has hardwood, it isn’t because the floor is colder than other surfaces. It’s because floor tiles absorb heat, which makes them feel colder to your bare feet. Other types of flooring retain heat, which makes the flooring seem warmer. Tile has the same effect on other objects in the room as well as the air.

More porcelain floor tile recalls an exclusive blend of Brazilian, Indian, and South African slates. 3D technologically precisely recreates the smooth, rough, and thrown areas of natural slate. 

Creative Opportunities with Tiles

Tiled Accent Walls

You can use tiles to create stunning accent walls in any room, providing texture, color, and pattern. A tiled accent wall in a living room, dining room, or bedroom can serve as a focal point to add dramatic flair and personal style to the space. 
Zera Annex porcelain tile draws inspiration from the rich textures of textiles. The tiles on this wall have a clean linear look that offers modern appeal.

Spark Joy porcelain tile is perfect for adding a playful touch to your wall covering.

Form porcelain tile's timeless encaustic pattern in gray tones provides bold, graphic interest to this monochromatic living room.


This time, Form porcelain tile collection provides geometric perfection as a stunning fireplace focal point. 

Tiled Furniture Accents

Consider using tiles to enhance furniture, such as a tiled tabletop in your living room or a tiled headboard in your bedroom. Customize tile elements to add unique touches that reflect your personal aesthetic.

Enso ceramic wall tile is used to craft a headboard/wall in stunning tile style. 

Moroccan-inspired Fez ceramic wall tile combines beauty and practicality with glossy translucent finishes, soft mattes, and metallics. 

This headboard/wall has a modern, tailored look featuring wall tiles from our Faces ceramic wall tile collection, characterized by clean lines and minimalistic aesthetics.

Floor Art 

The variety of available tile designs makes it possible to create a unique floor design that can enhance the appearance of hallways and larger rooms. Whether it's intricate patterns or bold color blocks, floor tiles can be laid out in ways that transform the floor into a piece of art.
Patterned, encaustic tiles are the inspiration for our Casablanca porcelain tile collection. Bold and graphic encaustic tiles are a designer favorite, but the porcelain version's durability and easy maintenance make floor care a breeze.

Intricate patterns and rich colors are dazzling in Marrakesh Moroccan-inspired porcelain tiles.

Tips for Incorporating Tiles in New Spaces

Choose the Right Tile

Not all tiles are perfect for every application. If you prefer a cozy vibe in bedrooms and living areas, look for tiles that have a softer texture and warmer aesthetic. 
With antique terracotta charms, Mestizaje's Chateau floor tiles draw inspiration from century-old French terracotta in soft, chalky hues.

Consider the Scale

Large format tiles can create the illusion of a larger space, while smaller decorative tiles often work very well in larger areas or as intricate accents.
Inspired by nineteenth-century hand-made Spanish cement tiles, Tesserae mosaic tiles in contrasting intricate patterns are an eye-catching solution for this large living and dining area. 


This exquisite porcelain tile collection brings to life the allure of marble’s natural and timeless beauty. La Marca large-format tiles are ultra-realistic and contribute to a luxurious, elegant vibe.

Mix and Match Tile Colors, Finishes, and Patterns

Don’t be afraid to mix different tile textures and colors. Mixing and matching tile colors, finsihes and patterns can add depth and interest to your space. For example, combining matte and glossy finishes can create visual interest that is dynamic and unexpected. Mixing different tile patterns, especially if they are in the same color palette, can add a dynamic and bespoke feel to your interior.
Duo porcelain tile celebrates color and texture with glossy & matte finishes within the same pieces.


Wow, Floor Trapezium ceramic tile is offered in four modular shapes to mix and match for unique floor art. 

Using tiles in unconventional places can bring a fresh perspective to traditional home decor. Tiles offer durability, easy maintenance, and a wide range of design options. They not only serve functional purposes but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of our living spaces, making them ideal canvases for expression and creativity. This opens up new avenues for both practicality and design flair. 

The Crossville Studios tile pros at our 27 dedicated locations are here to assist you in exploring the latest tile trends and help you specify for your tile projects with confidence. Connect with us today!