Tiles in the interior: types and features of application

Interior tiles as decoration material are used in the design of premises for various purposes. Products are available in a wide range and stand out for technical and decorative characteristics.

Tile classification

According to the manufacturing method:

Class A tileThe material is of high quality, has a flat surface and a clear contour. It is made by extrusion technology.
Class B tile. The product contains minor flaws in the geometry and is molded by pressing.

By surface type:

glossy tiles. A smooth surface with high reflective properties contributes to the visual expansion of the space. Most often used in the design of a kitchen group and bathroom;
matte. Actual type of decoration for niches in the bedroom, study and living room. Also, the material is in demand in the decor of the fireplace area. The matte version of the cladding is able to give the interior an effect of nobility and elegance;
embossed. The current catalog presents models embossed on a glossy / matte surface.

According to the shape of the edge:

tile with a straight edge. When installing the finish, seam fixing parts are used;
tile with a universal edge. The material is laid end to end.

Varieties of products react differently to environmental influences. When choosing a finish, attention is paid to the characteristics of the model in terms of heat / moisture resistance, resistance to fire, mechanical and chemical aggressions.

Overview of the types of plates by material

According to the base material, the following categories of decoration are distinguished:

ceramic tile. There are options for various shapes, colors, design. Ceramic cladding is sold in the middle price segment;
porcelain. The product with a smooth surface with a glass effect, has high aesthetic properties, good characteristics of resistance to environmental influences. The material is presented in a variety of colors, geometries, design. The cost of goods varies in a higher range compared to the previous product;
porcelain stoneware. Products are produced in the form of imitation of noble finishing materials, including marble, granite. The range of this category of coatings represents the middle and expensive segment;
mirror tile. The finish is very effective, it is used in the arrangement of spaces with a low coefficient of humidity, mainly as part of a complex composition of different coatings;
clinker. It has high performance, durability to all types of aggression, invariable decorative qualities;
teralya. Tiles are made on the basis of valuable grades of clay with sand and flux. The product is valued for impeccable environmental and operational qualities;
majolica. Italian tile is made of clay sand fractions, has a glazed surface, stands out for its special strength;
cotto. The product with a matte surface is made from noble grades of clay. Finishing practically does not respond to humidity, provides for the use in the design of various spaces, including bathrooms, saunas and bath complexes.

Choose a facing coating depending on the nature of the room, the complexity of installation and the features of operation and care. The cost of the product is another important criterion when choosing a material.

Styles categories

Modern technologies make it possible to produce a finishing resource in various style accents:

classic - provides for execution in a monophonic range, a surface with a simple design. Most often, traditional materials are imitated, such as marble, brick;
eco-style - tile with a wood look texture is gaining popularity not only in the design of the entrance group and office. Eco-style decoration is in demand in the design of bathtubs and kitchens, a bedroom and a living room;
ethno style - the surface of the product is decorated with ornaments, ethnic motifs, hieroglyphs, Arabic script or ancient letters, imitates papyrus, mysterious artifacts. Facing in folklore performance is able to provide the interior with a special flavor of spirituality;
hi-tech - imitation of metal or the effect of rust, the image of crystal is used in the design. Also use photographs and reproductions of famous paintings or other stylistic techniques.

For exclusive interiors, most often choose cover options with a relief surface or tile with a 3D effect. Noteworthy embossed leather finishes. Design collections also feature mica-impregnated models that add texture to the coating.