Tiles are gaining popularity not just as an option for flooring but also for decorating walls. They provide a more cheaper and durable alternate to paint or wallpaper. We've come a long way from when traditional tiles came in square shapes, often arranged in a checker pattern to tiles that are now 10X bigger and offered in unthinkable shapes.

If you think that tiles won't give a sophisticated look to your walls, you could be mistaken. Contemporary design involves extensive use of unconventional tiles in bold colours and unique textures. The best thing about such a contemporary design is that it is ever evolving while keeping in mind two major elements of minimalism and easy access. Tiles help achieve these two objectives by offering a variety of size, textures and colours.

The latest trends in tiling involves the use of very different colour choices with bright, bold commercial looks and warm, neutral tones for residential spaces. While traditional stone looks are still popular in 2018, realistic wood looks and other textures with different layouts and patterns are on the rise.

When choosing the right tile, you come across various options like,

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles have been manufactured since ages. They have a red or white clay biscuit, with decorative glaze applied to the surface and are baked in a kiln at high temperatures to fuse the glaze to the body.Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean. This makes them a great choice for walls where there's likely to be splashes of soaps, shampoos and sauces. Generally, they're smaller than other types of tile.

Pros

• Glazed ceramic does not absorb water
• Durable
• Relatively inexpensive
• Huge variety of colours and designs

Cons

• Not as waterproof as porcelain

Terracotta

Terracotta is a clay-based unglazed where the fired body is porous. In maintenance concerns, you will need to fasten it with sealing agent every two years to prevent and protect the tiles from stains and damage. Terracotta's pros and cons similar to ceramic with an additional advantage that they don't get as cold as other ceramic options.

Vinyl

Vinyl tiles are the most commonly used in bathrooms. It is easier to install and eco-friendly. They are cheaper as compared to ceramic tiles and less prone to cracks and breaking.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Resilient
• Easy to install

Cons

• Not as beautiful as ceramic, porcelain or other tiles

Stone Tiles

Tiles made from marble, granite and limestone are gaining popularity but require more maintenance in terms of regular cleaning and this is more expensive that the other types of tiles.

Marble

Marble tiles have a highly polished look and can be patterned or veined, adding interesting colour to a room.

Pros

• Beautiful

Cons

• Expensive
• Susceptible to scratches and stains

Granite

Granite tiles are perfect for baths since they are resistant to stains and moisture.

Pros

• Durable and strong
• Versatile

Cons

• Slippery
• Expensive

Limestone

Limestone has a strong and solid surface, which is ideal as a flooring material. The muted colors of limestone tiles give a clean and comfortable feel.

Pros

The natural tones and shades add warmth to the design of the room

Can be shaped easily

Durable

Cons

Porous rock and soft

Needs to be sealed properly