6 Unconventional Ways to Use Terracotta Tiles on Floors
Are you in love with the earthy charm of terracotta? Then why not introduce these stylish tiles into your home
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
22 May 2018
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
Terracotta floor tiles are made of baked red or brown clay, and this material is widely used in vernacular Indian homes. Initially these tiles were handcrafted in square or rectangular shapes but now machines can produce terracotta tiles in other geometrical designs as well. The faded look of terracotta-tiled floors not only infuses an organic warmth but can effortlessly give rustic appeal to any space. How about going a step further and looking beyond the conventional application of terracotta tiles? These floors not only look good but bring a whole new depth and character into the home. Here are some inspiring ideas on how you can go about it.
1. Mix materials, shapes and shades…
Create a pattern with a combination of colours and shapes in terracotta and porcelain or ceramic. This eye-catching terracotta floor features squares in soft red bordered by long polished brown tiles, forming a grid. Don’t miss the subtle motifs at the juncture points. Make sure that the tile thickness of both these materials are same so as to achieve an even floor surface.
Create a pattern with a combination of colours and shapes in terracotta and porcelain or ceramic. This eye-catching terracotta floor features squares in soft red bordered by long polished brown tiles, forming a grid. Don’t miss the subtle motifs at the juncture points. Make sure that the tile thickness of both these materials are same so as to achieve an even floor surface.
2. …Or introduce colour with glazed insets
How about brightening a matte-finish terracotta tiled floor with insets of colourful patterned ceramic tiles? For example, in this image the jewel-like ceramic tiles look graceful and give a decorative touch to the terracotta flooring.
How about brightening a matte-finish terracotta tiled floor with insets of colourful patterned ceramic tiles? For example, in this image the jewel-like ceramic tiles look graceful and give a decorative touch to the terracotta flooring.
3. Go for geometric interlocking tiles
In this bathroom the interlocking terracotta tiles in traditional geometric shapes look like a carpet.The grouting between each tile further enhances the pattern of each tile.
Tip: To ensure long-term durability, treat the terracotta tiles with penetrative sealants to protect them from stains and moisture absorption that could cause dampness or fungal growth. One can also opt for glazed terracotta tiles for moisture-laden areas like bathrooms and kitchens; these tiles are resistant to water and impervious to stains.
In this bathroom the interlocking terracotta tiles in traditional geometric shapes look like a carpet.The grouting between each tile further enhances the pattern of each tile.
Tip: To ensure long-term durability, treat the terracotta tiles with penetrative sealants to protect them from stains and moisture absorption that could cause dampness or fungal growth. One can also opt for glazed terracotta tiles for moisture-laden areas like bathrooms and kitchens; these tiles are resistant to water and impervious to stains.
4. Design with polychromatic tiles
Break away from conventional reddish-brown terracotta tiles and give your bathroom a stunning look with multicoloured terracotta tiles. Just see how the rustic beauty of terracotta in vintage colours breathes heritage and imparts a lived-in look to the space.
Browse through images of more floors with terracotta tiles
Break away from conventional reddish-brown terracotta tiles and give your bathroom a stunning look with multicoloured terracotta tiles. Just see how the rustic beauty of terracotta in vintage colours breathes heritage and imparts a lived-in look to the space.
Browse through images of more floors with terracotta tiles
5. Arrange in herringbone pattern
Here is a classic example where terracotta tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern. This layout imparts a timeless appeal and an old-world vibe that matches the corridor with a vaulted ceiling and high peach-tinted distressed walls.
Here is a classic example where terracotta tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern. This layout imparts a timeless appeal and an old-world vibe that matches the corridor with a vaulted ceiling and high peach-tinted distressed walls.
6. Install tile patchwork on stair risers
Seen here is a clever use of terracotta and highlighter tiles on alternate risers of the staircase. It is a perfect way to add pattern and create an interesting design element in an all-brown staircase.
Seen here is a clever use of terracotta and highlighter tiles on alternate risers of the staircase. It is a perfect way to add pattern and create an interesting design element in an all-brown staircase.
Here, in this example, a patchwork of patterned tiles on the vertical surfaces and some risers demarcates a level change and breaks the monotony of the terracotta flooring. Don’t miss the ornate railing that completes the look and further separates the staircase from rest of the space.
Read more:
See How Terracotta Floors Overshadow These Interiors
10 Unique Options for Your Floors
Tell us:
Would you like to consider terracotta floors for your home? Let us know in Comments below.
Read more:
See How Terracotta Floors Overshadow These Interiors
10 Unique Options for Your Floors
Tell us:
Would you like to consider terracotta floors for your home? Let us know in Comments below.
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Love terracotta!
Here is a project where I used multiple shapes and sizes to create a beautiful and interesting home.