Are you looking to define a specific area in your kitchen or bathroom? Want to add more depth to your shower? Or perhaps create a mosaic-style pattern on that painfully bare wall? Accent tiles can result in an instant makeover and allow you to showcase your impressive attention to detail!
Given their almost magical powers, you certainly don't want to pick them randomly. Imagine ending up with tiles that don't really pop or, even worse, that clash with your existing décor!
Follow our expert tips in order to choose accent tiles that can turn your wall into a fresco-worthy exhibition.
2. What is the best material for accent tiles?
Different materials can help you achieve a specific feel or effect. However, if you're planning on placing your accent tiles in a corner where they're likely to be exposed to humidity and water, you should also focus on practical matters such as durability and porosity:
- Ceramic and porcelain are some of the most common wall tiles and can be extremely detailed; because they absorb water at a much slower rate, porcelain tiles are the safest option in high-moisture areas;
- Glass tiles are durable, solid and rather moisture-resistant; since their surface isn't as porous as other materials, they're also a breeze to wipe down and maintain (a blessing for shower walls!); they often feature bright colors with unique shades and veins or crystal-like designs: ideal for an elegant, luxurious feel;
Natural stone tiles (usually made of marble, slate, travertine or granite) are durable one-of-a-kind beauties that can help you achieve a sophisticated look, bringing a little bit of nature inside your home; however, because of their porosity, they're better suited for rooms or areas where moisture and water aren't a concern;
Not as popular as more traditional and decorative options, metal tiles are incredibly durable and impeccable at withstanding moisture or temperature changes, which makes them a great candidate for your modern kitchen backsplash; they're easy to clean, but keep in mind that you'll need to wipe them immediately to avoid stains.
3. What shape should accent tiles be?
Square is the most popular shape for accent tiles, as it's the most versatile and can easily help you define smaller areas as well as cover larger parts of the wall;
Rectangular tiles are another interesting option that can result in completely different looks simply depending on the tiles' orientation:
Horizontal or listello tiles can emphasize the length of the accented area, and are often used as kitchen or bathroom backsplashes;
Vertical tiles can help you open up smaller spaces and are therefore popular for shower walls.
5. What accent tile pattern is best for my décor?
Whether you're planning on accenting an area in your kitchen, bathroom or an entirely different room, start by considering the colors of the wall as well as the room's palette:
As for designs and patterns:
Solid tiles are great in modern or minimalist rooms and, depending on the material, they can help you focus on the natural veins or shapes rather than a specific design; they're a tasteful decorative choice if you already have lots of other patterns and textures in that area;
Pebbles or rocks can add to the coastal theme of your bathroom or bring a natural element into the room;
Accent tiles with food-related designs are a popular choice in kitchens;
Mediterranean-style patterns will result in an exotic but warm and cozy feel;
Natural designs are another classy way to inspire a connection between your house and the outside world, and they're rather popular for mosaic-style models; when choosing accent tiles, you'll find that the most common natural designs involve plants and flowers, but you can find anything from the four elements to animals and landscapes.
