Kitchen Tile Ideas

Create distinctive tile patterns in your kitchen with mosaic tiles.

Tile materials and designs for your kitchen can range from small, intricate patterns to large, embossed sections of metal. While natural stone is a popular choice for kitchen tile designs due to its durability and heat resistance, other tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, glass, copper and tin. Mix tile materials between floors, counter tops and ceilings to customize your kitchen design.

Mosaic Tile Counter Top and/or Backsplash

You can cover your kitchen counter tops and/or the walls behind your counter tops and appliances with decorative mosaic tiles. Mosaic tiles are available in porcelain, ceramic, marble, travertine and glass. Each variety of mosaic tile offers different design effects; care and maintenance expectations will also vary based on the type of material you select. Individual mosaic tiles are no larger than 2 inches square and are most often attached to mesh backings in 1-foot square sections. The mesh backing simplifies installation and creates uniform spacing between each of the tiles.

Tin Tile Ceilings and Back Splashes

Decorate the ceiling in your kitchen with tin tiles to create a reflective, embellished design. Tin tiles are sold with pressed designs that range from elaborately scrolled patterns to minimal border accents. Tin tiles are also popular materials for kitchen back splashes as the installation of tin is easier than other types of tiles; no grouting or spacing is required. Look for tin tiles in a variety of metal finishes, designs and sizes from online retailers and from your local home improvement stores.

Granite Tile Counter Tops

Cover kitchen counter tops with granite tiles to enjoy the natural beauty, strength and durability of a solid surface granite counter top at a fraction of the cost. Granite tiles are available in 12-inch squares; install them the same way as you would install ceramic tiles, or with thinset, spacers and grout. Larger-sized tiles result in fewer grout lines; as with ceramic tile counter tops, the grout becomes part of the design.

Slate Tile Flooring

Enhance your kitchen with the natural beauty of a slate tile floor. Slate tiles have characteristically uneven surfaces as well as variations of color within each tile; these veins and color variations are part of the intrinsic beauty of the stone. Purchase only high-quality slate tiles to avoid potential flaking. Installation is the same as with granite or ceramic tiles, but slate does require special sealing after installation and periodically for maintenance purposes.

References

• Home Living Answers: Five Ways to Decorate with Tin Ceiling Tiles

Resources

• Mosaic Tile Guide: Tips and Resources