Kitchen dark tile floor
Kitchen Floor Tiles That Are Classic, Durable, and Trend-Proof
By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/17/20
Jean-Yves Bruel / Getty Images
When you're shopping for kitchen floor tile, you need to keep certain factors in mind that distinguish this space from others in your home. So, along with the all-important need to seek beauty and aesthetics, you should balance these other factors:
Water-Resistance
Even though kitchens are not as water-intensive as a shower, bath, or even the general bathroom area, they do get water. That's the number one reason why surfaces like tile (vinyl stone, or ceramic) or sheet vinyl are great for kitchens: water cannot degrade these inorganic materials.
Durability
Kitchens are notorious for getting lots of activity, and not all of it related directly to cooking. So, your kitchen floor tiles need to stand up to the constant flow of traffic.
Through-Body
One aspect of durability is a tile property called through-body. This means that the tile is homogenous: what you see on top continues all the way through the tile material to the bottom. In real-life terms, this means that if you chip a tile that is not through-body, you will see white underneath If you chip a through-body tile, you will see more of the same top material.
Standing/Walking Comfort
The irony of installing durable kitchen flooring such as stone is that it can be hard underfoot. For many home chefs, stone and ceramic/porcelain tile are hard the back and legs, especially when you stand for a long time. Resilient floor tile provides more flex than ceramic tile.
Stain-Blocking
Ever wonder why so many kitchen floor tile designs use earthen tones? Darker tones hide the dirt from foot traffic and cooking spills better than light colors such as white. If you do purchase lighter toned flooring, be prepared for more frequent cleaning.
Breakage
This is a minor point, but it bears mentioning. Resilient floor tiles provide for better breakage protection than ceramic--thus the word resilient. If you accidentally sweep a bottle of olive oil off the counter, there is a good chance (but no guarantee) that it will bounce off of the vinyl kitchen tile. Do the same thing with ceramic tile, and you'll be wet-mopping oil for days to come.
Breakage of the tile itself (not just kitchen items) is important, too. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can crack if a heavy object such as a small appliance is dropped on it. Resilient tile will not crack.
Product: Shown here is large format travertine tile for this Tuscan style kitchen. Travertine is a sedimentary rock that is a favorite for flooring as it has a warm, comfortable, almost suede-like texture. You can purchase imitation travertine in ceramic form for a relatively similar appearance, though the texture will be smoother.
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Dependable and Durable
American OleanKitchen flooring doesn't get any more basic and dependable than this 18"x18" size ceramic tile from American Olean.
The color, Brownstone, runs all the way through the tile, due to ColorBody, which the manufacturer states is "a color pigment...mixed with the clay body powder, giving the finished tile a consistent color throughout the body of the tile."
Through-body color is an important feature for maintaining durability: if the tile chips, white will not show through. Instead, much like chipping natural stone, you will see more of the top material.
Product: American Olean Avenue One Brownstone
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Clean and Bright
American OleanFirst, you consider earthen tones to hide traffic stains, wear, and cooking spills. Then that white tile in nice large 18" x 18" format begins to look pretty good, too: bright, cheerful, and clean.
Product: American Olean, Mirabella Ocean Pearl
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Scuff-Free
ArmstrongArmstrong resilient kitchen tile that offers a scuff-hiding low gloss finish and a limestone-impregnated surface, the very definition of durable and maintenance-free.
This is a dry-back tile, meaning not self-adhesive. You need to apply using a separate adhesive.
Product: Armstrong Moselle Valley
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Terra-Cotta
American OleanNow, this is a sturdy kitchen tile floor. Solid clay pavers, one foot by one foot square, for a rich, warm feeling in your kitchen.
Note that these are unglazed kitchen floor tiles.
Product: American Olean Terra Paver 12x12 Clay (Solid)
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Custom Tile
GustinWhy should Armstrong and American Olean have all the fun? Small, locally-owned shops can put out kitchen floor tile as good as the big boys. So take that, humph!
Gustin Tile, based in South Dartmouth, MA, is owned by Chris Gustin--a real-live BFA/MFA. Now, how many floor tile makers can claim graduate degrees?
Gustin puts out lovely tiles of "handmade of vitreous high-temperature stoneware clay that is fired to 2300 degrees."
Find It: Gustin Ceramics
Ceramic Tile Flooring Review: Pros and Cons
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Canyon Shadow
ArmstrongA vinyl, no-wax kitchen floor tile from Armstrong. Color is Canyon Shadow in 16"x16" size. The low gloss finish works great in kitchens. This is dry-backed; not self-adhesive.
Product: Armstrong Mesa Stone Canyon
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Dark Chocolate
American OleanCeramic and dark-toned, this product is another low-maintenance floor tile that comes in 18"x18" sizes. The glazed finish helps withstand stains and resist traffic.
Product: American Olean Vallano 18 x 18 - Dark Chocolate Tile Flooring
Wall vs. Floor Tile Comparison Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Using Black Tile in Your Kitchen | Hadley Court
One trend that’s coming back in a big way is black tile in your kitchen. Black kitchen tile may sound basic or boring, but that’s just not the case! With different finishes, materials and shapes, black tiles are as unique as the kitchens in which they appear.
This isn’t the black tile of the 80s. Today, black tile in kitchens can be sleek and modern or warm and rustic. No matter how you prefer it, incorporating black tile into your kitchen will make your home look effortlessly elegant and totally chic. Becoming familiar with the various styles can help you decide what black kitchen tile is for you.
Let’s dive into the options and styles to inspire you to use black tile in your kitchen!
Houzz
Materials, Finishes, and Shapes
Depending on your home and your taste, you may prefer super-shiny or moody matte finishes. Certain materials look better with certain finishes. For example: matte looks best with a texture, glossy looks best when paired with a smooth surface.
When to Use Glossy Tile in Your Kitchen
If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your kitchen, you certainly don’t want to use dark colors that will absorb the light and make it even darker. Hearing that, you may assume you are forever relegated to using light finishes in your kitchen so it can remain somewhat bright. Not true!
One way to use black tile in a darker kitchen is by using a tile with a glossy finish. The reflective surface will bounce any light that comes its way and brighten the space, even though it’s black. The tile itself could be ceramic with a shiny glaze, or glass mosaic tile. Glossy tile looks great paired with warm metal fixtures, including brass or, my favorite, gold hardware!
You may also enjoy: Gold is Back! 8 Gold Hardware Ideas for Kitchens and Baths
elledecor. com
When to Use Matte Tile in Your Kitchen
Matte black kitchen tiles make a quieter statement than glossy ones, but the message is still a strong one! One big benefit of matte tile is that it can easily hide dirt, especially when paired with grout that doesn’t provide a stark contrast (ie: not bright white). A matte black kitchen tile can make a room feel more minimalist or more rustic depending on the setting.
If you don’t want to go all the way to the mattest type of tile, I’d recommend using black marble tile in your kitchen. It will add some visual texture and warmth without taking away the moody feel that matte adds to a space. While marble tiles are typically polished, they aren’t as glossy as glazed ceramic or glass.
Slate is another material that’s often used when you’re looking for darker or black tiles. Slate can be stain-resistant, which is obviously an excellent choice for a kitchen. Slate is also a good choice for a kitchen because it’s fire-resistant! Slate tiles are typically used on floors and will have a more rustic feel than other materials mentioned above.
CobbShops.com
Black Tile Shapes
In addition to considering the finish of your tile, you also need to think about its shape. Of course, there are square and rectangle (subway) black kitchen tiles, but that’s only the beginning! Black tiles come in hexagonal or circle (penny) shapes. You can also give your room a modern Moroccan feel with black arabesque tiles. This decorative tile is a great way to highlight a specific area in your kitchen (like a niche).
You may also enjoy: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Wall Niches
MSI Stone
Where to Put Black Tile in Your Kitchen
Different tiles and finishes will look good in different areas. Now that you know all about the different finishes and some black tile shapes, it’s time to learn how to use them.
Backsplashes
Of course when you think about tile in a kitchen, the first place your mind probably travels is to a backsplash. Just because it’s the most common place for tile in a kitchen doesn’t mean you have to use it in a common way! Mix up your backsplash with black kitchen tiles.
A herringbone pattern is one way to create a modern look on your kitchen backsplash. Make the pattern pop by using light colored grout. Bright white can make the style look dated, so stick with a light gray-greige. This grout choice goes for any pattern you choose, not just herringbone, by the way.
backsplash.com
A visually interesting way to use black tile in your kitchen is to use highly glossy, reflective subway tiles and place them in a vertical stack pattern. Typically, this classically-shaped tile is placed horizontally offset. Undoubtedly, you’ve seen pictures of this on Pinterest in various kitchens and baths.
Mix it up by placing the tiles vertically instead of horizontally. There are so many pattern options and ways to vary the feel of the room based on the pattern you choose: vertical brickwork, vertical stack, or vertical offset. Either way, vertically-placed tiles have the same elongating effect on a room as stripes and move your eye around your kitchen in a new way.
loveproperty.com
Countertops with Black Tile
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my favorite ways to use black tile: terrazzo! And it’s great in a kitchen because it’s man-made and therefore easy to clean and maintain. Terrazzo comes in all shapes and colors, so you can create a countertop with a monochromatic look using terrazzo or add some color into your black tile countertop with bright chips placed in the terrazzo tile. Either way, you’ll get a look that’s unique to your and your kitchen!
You may also enjoy: Why We Are Obsessed with Terrazzo Tile Right Now (And You Should Be Too!)
Venoza
Black-Tiled Walls
Black tile doesn’t have to stop at the end of the backsplash! One kitchen concept I’m seeing is a full wall of tile from the countertops up. It looks amazing behind open floating shelves (if you’re able to neatly store everyday essentials that way!).
If you choose to have a fully-tiled wall in your kitchen like this, choose a more understated tile that will create a beautiful backdrop for the shelve. The key is not overpower or compete with the minimalist look, rather play harmoniously together.
That’s the great thing about black kitchen tile: it can steal the show or be a supporting player depending on how you use it!
You may also enjoy: Open Shelving Solutions
Decoist
Another dramatic way to use black tiles on the wall is to have the opposite wall full of white cabinets. A black and white kitchen makes a bold statement on its own, and there’s nothing bolder than one black wall and one white wall. If you’re concerned about the contrast being too stark for your space, balance the rest of the room by including black and white elements as well as wood tones to ground the space with an organic element.
Marie Killam
Black Tile on Your Kitchen Floors
A kitchen floor is a natural place to add tile – why not make it a chic, black tile! As I mentioned above, a matte black tile with a muted grout color will easily hide dirt. So handy in a popular room like a kitchen!
On the floor, you can really play with the scale of your tile depending on the style of your kitchen. Black decorative tiles like arabesque shapes are also good for floors and can help set the tone for the room.
Floor & Decor
For something more modern, place large, polished black slate tiles in an atypical pattern, like diamond, chevron, or herringbone. Or choose matte slate in a square shape and set it in a
rhombus pattern. For a more traditional or classic feel, choose smaller black tiles in a glossy finish.
You may also enjoy: Inspiration! Black Kitchens
hackrea. com
Whether you’re going for rustic and using textured slate and wood or trying out a modern look with glossy subway tile, or even mixing it together for a grandmillennial look, you cannot go wrong with black tile in your kitchen. You’ll create an effortless look that’s chic and always in style!
photos of beautiful tiles for decoration
Contents
- Kitchen floor tiles: the most trendy designs
- Floor materials: tiles, stoneware, parquet
- Floor color: dark, light, grey, white, black, beige
- Floor design in the kitchen-living room: examples of zoning
The design of the floor in the kitchen can be very different. First of all, the design depends on the type of material chosen. For example, porcelain stoneware is larger than tiles, and there is also ceramic parquet, engineered board, self-leveling floor. Kitchen floor tiles with a particular style design are usually the most practical yet economical solution. We recommend marbled porcelain stoneware for the highest quality and professional repair.
In this article, we will show you photos of the design of the floors in the kitchen, which will be the most interesting and original. We will also look at different styles in interior design, fashion trends and design solutions that look great in a particular area.
And we will also show successful zoning and floor design options in the living room kitchen and floor design in the hallway and kitchen when these two rooms are connected to each other by an open plan. You will see that the floor finish is very important in terms of visual zoning.
The floor design in the kitchen in porcelain stoneware will be the most appropriate solution for business class and elite renovation. We also recommend natural marble for luxury design. Now in interior design, kitchen renovations with a beautiful floor in marbled porcelain stoneware are the most popular. In fashion and finishing the floor in the kitchen with porcelain stoneware for concrete, stone or wood (in the form of a complex parquet or a simple floorboard).
Wall and floor design in the kitchen is also very related. Sometimes we even see the use of the same material for interior decoration. In this article, we will separately look at the colors for the floor in the kitchen and the different styles of flooring in the kitchen.
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Kitchen floor tiles: trendiest designs
The design of the walls and floor in the kitchen is the main renovation of this room. Below we show kitchen renovations with a beautiful floor in different shades: dark and light, white, gray and brown.
Kitchen refurbishment with beautiful flooring in marble effect porcelain tiles in three colors
In the photo above, in the art deco kitchen floor design, we see a combination of several types of black, white and gray marble effect porcelain stoneware. Inserts of thin stripes of decor in white are stacked with a geometric ornament in the Greek style. This solution is often found in styles such as classic, neoclassical and art deco. A similar pattern is sometimes called a "carpet", since the dark part of the tile with decor imitates the perimeter of a rectangular carpet. A strip of black marble on the right side visually zones the kitchen space with an island and the main dining room.
Kitchen floor design in cream French parquet look
The design of the floors in a small neoclassical kitchen is most often made under wood or parquet. In the photo above, you can see the flooring in the kitchen under French parquet with the effect of aging, but porcelain stoneware was used for decoration. This finishing option almost always involves the installation of a warm floor. In the photo you see a marbled apron and a parquet floor.
Neoclassical kitchen floor design with central decoration
In this beautiful kitchen interior with a beautiful ornamented floor, we see a light set in the neoclassical style with golden elements. Here the dining room is located near the window, and the shades of the countertop and backsplash are repeated in the design of the floor.
Hexagon tiles in black and white with colored inserts
In the photo above, in the interior of a kitchen with a loft-style corner set, you see a unique floor design with hexagon-shaped tiles. The combination of hexagons in white, black, walnut, complemented by an ornament, looks very modern. The asymmetrical arrangement of colored details makes such an interior extremely stylish and fashionable.
Pattern carpet in the design of the floor in the culinary area in marbled porcelain stoneware and glencheck pattern
In this bright interior, a fashionable carpet pattern looks very elegant in the design of the floor in the culinary area. The most up-to-date finishes are in marble-look porcelain stoneware and glencheck pattern. It is worth paying attention to the design of the backsplash, countertops and islands in white marble.
Art Deco Geometric Kitchen Renovation
In a modern kitchen, any geometric ornaments are in favor, including in the decoration of various rooms and in combination with different materials.
Floor design in brown, black and white marble effect porcelain stoneware
The design of the floor, walls and ceiling in the interior should be interconnected. A professional interior designer selects all materials for the overall design of the kitchen set and at the same time creates an atmosphere in which the elements do not compete with each other for the right of superiority in aesthetics, but organically complement.
Marble floor with carpet ornament in black and white porcelain stoneware
In the photo above you see another beautiful example of a carpet patterned floor in white and black marble. This option effectively highlights the island in the central part of the room.
Luxurious polished floor in luxury kitchen design
A kitchen design with a black floor can be especially spectacular. We can recommend it for a luxury renovation in neoclassical, art deco or classicism style. Also, the black floor can be found in minimalism and loft, but in a more concise manner. In any case, the design of a kitchen with a dark floor is a very trendy solution. In the kitchen above, there is a sumptuous floor in luxury large-format ebony-effect marble-effect porcelain stoneware with light-coloured pine effect inserts.
Plain floor in marble effect porcelain stoneware without accents or inserts
For the design of the floor in a small kitchen, a light, almost monochromatic option is more suitable. Porcelain stoneware in light onyx, white or beige marble is the perfect choice.
Modern kitchen with gray white marble effect porcelain stoneware flooring
Gray white marble is another great option for both small and spacious kitchens. Usually such a finish does without additional decor and ornaments. It is the gray floor that is best suited for modern interiors.
Natural wood in the interior of the kitchen-dining room
Natural wood is not the most practical solution, but with proper care, you can easily afford such a design. True, you still have to choose between wood-effect porcelain stoneware, veneered engineered board, parquet and other popular options.
Parquet wood floor in kitchen design with island
The design of the floor in the kitchen with laminate is not the most practical solution. That's why we recommend wood look/parquet/laminate porcelain stoneware in the right design and color range for Italian cuisine.
Go to the catalog of kitchens
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Modern kitchens classic kitchens Loft kitchens Kitchen Provence Neoclassical kitchens Art Deco Kitchens
Floor materials: tiles, porcelain stoneware, parquet
Next, we will look at several types of materials that are most often used in modern kitchen design. You can see examples of their use in the photo with our kitchens. We will show you the following options:
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wood effect tiles
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marble effect porcelain stoneware
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ceramic parquet
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veneer engineered board
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natural parquet
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terrazzo
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poured concrete floor
Modern kitchen design wood look tile walnut
The design of the wood floor in the kitchen looks traditional and very cozy. The warm color scheme of this solution creates the perfect mood for a family interior.
Large format black marble look porcelain tile for kitchen floor
The design of the floor in the kitchen in marbled porcelain stoneware looks best in a large format. This solution looks especially luxurious if the wall design is made in the same style.
Gray ceramic parquet in minimalist kitchen floor design
Ceramic parquet on the floor imitates the presence of a natural wooden floor. Ceramic parquet usually does not have a square shape, but an elongated rectangular one, just like parquet boards.
Engineered veneer board in the interior of the kitchen-dining room
Engineered veneer board is ideal for the dining area. For more practicality, it can be combined with marble effect porcelain stoneware in the wet area.
Natural parquet in the interior of a European kitchen with a French mood
Natural parquet can be a chic solution for a luxury kitchen interior. There is also a more modern version of porcelain stoneware for parquet. Warm and grayish shades look the most fashionable.
Trendy terrazzo floor in concrete with natural stone inclusions
A terrazzo floor is a variant of a self-leveling floor or terrazzo floor tiles in kitchen interior design. This floor immediately attracts attention and looks very modern.
Self-levelling concrete effect floor for kitchen interior in loft style
Self-leveling floor under concrete is not the most popular solution, but one of the most exclusive. It is usually used for interiors in the loft and minimalist styles, because it goes well with the black furniture that is typical for these styles.
Floor color: dark, light, grey, white, black, beige
The colors of the floor design in the kitchen greatly affect the psychological perception of the interior. The light design of the floor in the kitchen visually enlarges the interior and makes it more tidy. At the same time, the design of the kitchen with a dark floor looks luxurious and luxurious. A kitchen design with a gray floor can be a neutral modern option. Whereas the design of a white kitchen with light floors will be the most relevant and concise. But the design of a kitchen with a brown floor can often be found in a classic or country-style interior.
Gray shades: ash, charcoal, smoky
The gray color scheme is very common, as the gray floor is a sophisticated and original solution in light colors.
White range: snow white, gray white, ivory, milky
The white palette in the design of the floor is most often found in white marble effect porcelain stoneware and bleached wood. This solution can be called universal, it fits almost any style of interior.
Brown floor: chocolate, coffee, walnut, wood
An excellent solution in design and decoration for interiors in neoclassical, classic and Scandinavian style!
Beige palette: light beige, creamy, antique, latte
The beige palette in interior design is usually found in classic and neoclassical styles. The combination of white with beige and gold looks the most elegant. In the photo above, pay attention to the multi-colored glass accents in the design of the chandelier and stained glass cabinets.
Black color scheme: black amber, onyx, licorice, peat
The black color scheme very often creates a glamorous mood in the interior. For example, black and white, black and brown, and black and gray palettes are now a favorite among interior designers. More complex combinations are possible, but in general, the use of a light background or furniture to compensate can be recommended.
Two-tone floor: combinations and shade combinations
A multi-colored floor can be a stunningly aesthetic solution for interior decoration. We can recommend dark colors only for light interiors or for very spacious ones. And light combinations can be used in any room.
Floor design in the kitchen-living room: examples of zoning
The kitchen-living room can have zoning elements in the floor design, which allows you to create an exclusive cozy interior. Zoning makes it possible to comfortably use each zone and create a unique atmosphere for it. The most common combination is marble and wood effect porcelain stoneware, as well as ceramic parquet and marble effect tiles.
Combination of wood and marble effect porcelain tiles in the design of the kitchen-living room with underfloor heating
The combination of wood and marble effect porcelain stoneware in the design of the kitchen-living room can be the best solution for separating two zones. For example, in the culinary and in the island area, you can use marbled decoration, and in the living room itself - under the tree.
Marble effect porcelain stoneware combination with dark perimeter black accent
The intricate porcelain stoneware finish with a black accent around the perimeter looks especially luxurious. The photo above is a perfect example of just such an art deco finish with a minimalist set. Gold accents beautifully accentuate this dark interior with natural marble countertops and backsplash.
Geometric greek carpet for central kitchen area
The “carpet” pattern is becoming more and more popular today, and in this interior with a mirrored apron and a gray ashy set, it looks especially harmonious. Check out the ceiling design with built-in lighting and art deco accent chandeliers above the island. This interior has a particularly refined atmosphere!
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Article about floor tiles for the kitchen 🍱 Types, properties and features
Choosing a floor covering for the kitchen is not an easy and responsible task. To date, the most optimal solution for the floor in the kitchen - from a practical and aesthetic point of view - is tile. Tiles for the kitchen on the floor can be made of ceramic or porcelain stoneware. The second option is more durable and reliable. The tiled floor is easy to clean, which is extremely important for this type of room. Today, kitchen floor tiles come in many sizes, shapes, textures and designs. This allows you to realize any, the most ambitious project! Kitchen floor tiles are the best way to combine beauty and convenience.
- Features
- Porcelain stoneware
- Stone effect tiles
- Wood or parquet effect
- Multicolour or patterned
- Bright or printed
- Dimensions and format
- Kitchen floor requirements
- Applications
- In a private house
- Small kitchen
- Layout
- Herringbone
- Chessboard
- Allocation by zones
- Light or dark floor
- Why choose tiles
- Pros and cons of tile flooring
- Types and formats of floor tiles
- Maintenance
- Design
Characteristics
Only safety can be more important than aesthetics and practicality. Slippery tiles in the kitchen are a very bad idea! If liquid gets on a glossy tile, it becomes dangerous, so it is better to give preference to other types of tiles: matte or lapped. The size of the floor tiles also has an impact on the slipperiness of the floor. The smaller the format, the more tile joints that prevent the legs from sliding. There are also plates with a special anti-slip surface, although they are more relevant for baths and pools than for the kitchen. It should be borne in mind that the rougher the surface of the tile, the more difficult it will be to wash it. And you have to wash the floors in the kitchen quite often!
Porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is a relatively new material that is a stronger, improved ceramic. Porcelain stoneware tiles are so durable and stable that they can be easily laid even on the street, which means that in the kitchen they will undoubtedly last a long time and without a flaw! Porcelain stoneware is not afraid of moisture, cleaning products and fire. Thanks to improved production technology, slabs from it can be simply huge in format: up to three meters in height. This will appeal to those who do not like tile seams that interrupt the pattern. The natural surface of this material is non-slip, matte. However, there are polished, glossy and structured options. With all these advantages, porcelain tiles have excellent aesthetic characteristics. Including, she easily imitates more expensive and capricious materials like natural marble or wood.
Stone effect tiles
Stone effect tiles have become incredibly popular over the past few years, replacing natural stone from the market. The secret of success is in a much lower price and wide availability. But not only! The tile is much more practical and unpretentious, and thanks to modern printing technologies, it almost surpasses the originals in beauty. Marble tiles are the most popular. It will fit perfectly into both classic and modern interiors. Also, many people like onyx tiles, travertine and other rocks. Stone tiles, as a rule, have a pockmarked, complex pattern, which is very beneficial for the kitchen floor - dirt and stains on such material are almost invisible.
Wood or parquet look
Wood look floor tiles are another hit of recent years. Natural wood is very capricious in operation and very expensive. The tile is much stronger, does not require special care, is not afraid of chemical influences and is durable. As for the appearance, high-quality wood-like tiles are almost impossible to distinguish from the “original” at a glance. The floor with wood pattern will give the kitchen warmth and comfort.
Multicolour or patterned
Of course, tiles can not only imitate other materials, but also have their own unique design. Patterns and drawings on tiles can be very diverse: from modern geometric compositions to traditional crafts. The modern assortment of tiles makes it possible to lay out a beautiful pattern on the floor in any style, for every taste!
Bright or printed
Even if you have a minimalist modern kitchen design, it is better to choose printed tiles. The floor in the kitchen is very prone to pollution, which is why plain tiles risk looking forever dirty, smudged with something. A well-chosen print can hide small spots.
Dimensions and format
The optimal floor tile format for a particular kitchen depends on its size and layout. If the floors are small in size, then small formats are usually preferred: up to 60x60 cm. If the kitchen is spacious or connected to the living room or dining room, it becomes possible to lay the floors with large-format tiles in order to minimize the number of seams.
Kitchen floor requirements
Kitchen floor tiles must meet a fairly wide range of requirements. First, kitchen tiles should not be slippery. In the kitchen, various liquids often spill onto the floor, which, together with a slippery coating, can make staying indoors traumatic. Tiles on the floor must be resistant to aggressive chemicals, because it is common for the kitchen to use various cleaning products. The flooring should be fairly durable, as heavy items such as bottles of liquid or dishes are often dropped there. Tiles on the floor for the kitchen must withstand frequent cleaning, not be combustible or toxic. And most importantly - it should be a decoration of the room. Ceramic and porcelain tiles perfectly cope with all these requirements.
Applications
When it comes to selecting tiles for a kitchen, there are many factors that influence the final decision: the overall design concept, the size and layout of the room, and the budget. Color schemes can be bright or neutral, the tile pattern is modern or classic. Consider several applications:
In a private house
In private houses, the kitchen is often combined with a dining room and a living room. With such a layout, a popular solution is when the flooring in the kitchen and the adjacent area is a single surface of large-format tiles. This is especially true for classic interiors. An excellent solution would be to use marbled tiles - this pattern looks great not only in antique interiors, but also in modern ones, giving them luxury and uniqueness.
For a small kitchen
For a kitchen limited to one small room, on the contrary, tiles of a small format are suitable. It will be easier to lay it, and it will visually expand the kitchen space. Light colors will also help visually enlarge the room. Although it is believed that dark floors are more suitable for floors due to the soiling of the surface, a compromise can be reached by choosing a light-colored tile with a pattern that will hide potential contamination.
Key
You can achieve an original floor not only by choosing a special tile, but also by laying it in an unusual way. Let's consider some of them:
Herringbone
Beautiful and aristocratic way of laying rectangular tiles. In addition to slabs, one can also find mosaics on a grid with elongated chips stacked accordingly.
Checkerboard
A laying method requiring tiles of two colors but one size. The degree of contrast between colors can be different. However, keep in mind that a very contrasting combination of floor colors in the kitchen can completely overshadow all other elements of the room, diverting all the viewer's attention to itself.
Separation by zones
Tiles on the kitchen floor can also be used for zoning by choosing different tiles for different zones. For example, this way you can separate the cooking area from the dining area, or the kitchen area from the living area.
Light or dark floor
When choosing a shade of flooring for the kitchen, many people first of all think about how much household dirt will be visible on the tile. It is a mistake to believe that dark colors are much more beneficial than light ones, especially if a glossy or lapped surface is preferred. The main thing here is not the color, but the pattern of the tile. A pockmarked pattern with frequent small spots or veins of different shades will hide the effects of cooking on the floor more effectively than others. Also, vintage, aged tiles are perfect for these purposes.
What really affects the dark or light color of the coating is the visual size of the room. Light tones visually increase it, dark ones - vice versa. So when choosing the tone of ceramic tiles, focus primarily on the design of the kitchen.
Why choose tiles
When choosing floor tiles in the kitchen, it is better to decide in advance on all the design elements of the room. The floor can both play the role of a kind of background for a kitchen set, and vice versa, be the main focus of the composition. To strike a sweet spot between the two, the colors of the tile are best paired with the colors of other design elements. For example, laying the floor and backsplash with the same tiles is a good solution when using a large format. Also, the floor can echo with the kitchen countertop or with unusual kitchen accessories.
Grout options
Today there are a huge number of grouts of different colors on the market, which in itself turns tile joints into a design element. Although, most people still prefer to choose a grout that matches the tile. An option with a bright, contrasting grout color is suitable for small format tiles laid in a modern interior.
Grouts differ not only in colors, but also in composition. The most budgetary and common option are cement grouts. A more expensive and reliable option is epoxy grout. It is not afraid of moisture, does not absorb dirt and is not covered with fungus, but it also costs much more.
Pros and cons of tile flooring
Like any solution, kitchen floor tiles have their pros and cons. The advantages can be safely attributed:
- Strength
- Durability
- Moisture resistance
- Possibility to install underfloor heating
- Huge range of designs, sizes and price ranges
- Resistance to aggressive chemicals
- No special care requirements
- Easy to clean
- Variety of surfaces: from glossy to non-slip
Minuses are few, but still they are:
- Material is quite cold without underfloor heating
- Material difficult to transport due to heavy weight. This is especially true for large-format porcelain tiles .
- Poor soundproofing
Types and formats of floor tiles
When choosing tiles for yourself, it is important to consider the size of the material. The tile also differs in shape. The most common are: rectangular, square and hexagonal. The last original version is more suitable for modern interiors, but if desired, it can also be entered into neoclassicism.
Format is very important when choosing material. Large-format porcelain tile is gaining more and more popularity, which allows you to minimize the number of tile joints, or even create a coating without them. However, the larger the tile, the more expensive it is, the more difficult it is to install and transport. The most popular and optimal formats are 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm. For small rooms, small formats are well suited to visually enlarge the room.
Care
Ceramic or porcelain stoneware floor tiles, unlike natural stone and wood, require little maintenance. It is easy to clean and does not require special expensive products, which makes these materials ideal flooring for the kitchen.
Design
Design options for the kitchen and floor tiles in particular are endless. The floor of light shades visually makes the room larger and brighter, which is extremely advantageous for small kitchens. A dark floor, in turn, can make a room too heavy, even a large one, so it should be used with caution, combining it with light-colored furniture or walls. Using different plates, you can organize the space into different zones.
The color of the tiles on the kitchen floor can even affect the perception of the temperature in the room. In the case when the windows face north or west, the kitchen can be cool for most of the year. Warm-colored tiles can improve the atmosphere. When the situation is reversed, and the windows face south, tiles of light and cold tones can be used to "cool".
The optimal solution in terms of practicality and aesthetics is marbled tiles.