You're checking out decor ideas for your new place and want something with a little flair. Bookmatch tiles could be just the thing. Maybe you've heard of them, with their mirrored patterns creating cool effects, but aren't sure how to use them. This article will give you ideas for bringing bookmatch tiles from the floor to the walls and everything in between in your UK home.
We'll look at examples of bookmatch tile applications like backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and even ceilings. You'll learn the history of these tiles plus current trends. With the right know-how, you can create showstopping designs with bookmatch tiles that will give your home a signature look. Whether you go bold or subtle, get ready to see this unique tile technique in a whole new light.
An Introduction to Bookmatched Tiles
Bookmatched tiles get their name from the way they’re cut to create a symmetrical, mirror-image pattern. Tiles are cut from a large slab of stone, usually marble or granite, in sequence. When installed on floors or walls, the pattern creates a stunning reflective effect.
Bookmatched tiles are a popular design choice for hallways, fireplace surrounds, and accent walls. Their eye-catching pattern works well in both traditional and contemporary spaces. For high-end, luxury installations, natural stone tiles like marble are frequently used. For more budget-friendly projects, man-made tiles that mimic the look of natural stone also produce a bookmatch effect.
Floors
Bookmatched floor tiles create a dramatic first impression in entryways and hallways. The mirrored pattern leads the eye down the length of the floor, creating a sense of flow and movement. For high-traffic, commercial areas, durable stone types like granite are ideal. For residential use, softer stones like marble may require more maintenance but provide an unparalleled elegance.
Walls
On walls, bookmatched tiles make a bold decorative statement. They work well as accent walls in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. In bathrooms, bookmatched marble tile provides a spa-like feel. As with floors, the type of stone depends on your needs and budget. Durable, low-maintenance tiles are better suited for high-humidity areas like showers, while marble and granite also perform well in bathrooms with proper sealing.
With their reflective symmetry and high-end material, bookmatched tiles are an impactful design choice for any space. By selecting the right stone for your needs, you can achieve a look that is both opulent and practical. Add in dramatic lighting to enhance the effect, and bookmatched tiles will make a showstopping impression that lasts.
Bookmatched Tile Applications for Flooring in UK Homes
Bookmatched tiles are all the rage for flooring in UK homes. Their mirrored patterns create stunning effects that elevate any space.
1. Kitchens and Bathrooms
2. Living and Dining Rooms
3. Hallways and Foyers
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are perfect spots for bookmatched tiles. Their water-resistant properties hold up well to splashes and spills. Paired with classic white cabinets, bookmatched marble or limestone tiles create a timeless look in kitchens. For bathrooms, bookmatched travertine or slate tiles in earthy hues lend a spa-like feel.
Living and Dining Rooms
For living and dining rooms, bookmatched wood or stone tiles in warmer, richer tones create an inviting space. Wood tiles with pronounced grain patterns, like oak or walnut, provide visual depth and texture. Pair stone tiles like granite with leather furnishings for a luxurious aesthetic.
Hallways and Foyers
Hallways and foyers are ideal for making a statement with bookmatched tiles. Large formats, like 12-inch by 24-inch tiles, speed up installation in these high-traffic areas. For a dramatic look, choose a bold patterned tile, like chevron parquet wood or geometric stone mosaics. The mirrored design will dazzle guests as soon as they walk through your front door.
Bookmatched tiles offer floors a one-of-a-kind look. By selecting high-quality tiles and a skilled installer, you'll enjoy their beauty for years to come. Let your personal style and the architecture of your home guide you to the perfect bookmatched tile choice. Whether wood, stone or ceramic, bookmatched tiles create showstopping floors that withstand the test of time.
Using Bookmatched Tiles on Walls for a Cohesive Look
Bookmatched tiles are beautiful on floors, but they also work great on walls. Installing the tiles on walls in the same room or adjoining spaces helps create a cohesive flow and sense of harmony in your home.
Create an Accent Wall
Adding bookmatched tiles to just one wall in a room makes a stunning accent wall. The mirrored pattern and luminous surface draw the eye, highlighting the wall's design. An accent wall is an easy way to incorporate the tiles without overwhelming the space.
Use in Small Doses
If you want to use the tiles sparingly, consider applying them around fireplaces, behind stoves or sinks, or in narrow strips. For example, put a row of tiles around the perimeter of a room at chair rail height or add a few tiles above doorways. This provides subtle pattern and shine without dominating the walls.
Carry the Theme into Other Rooms
Install bookmatched tiles on walls in adjoining rooms like kitchens and dining rooms or hallways and foyers. The repeating pattern helps connect the spaces visually. Use the same tile color and layout in each area for the most cohesive look. Or, choose complementary colors and layouts for a coordinated yet contrasting design.
Consider the Ceiling
For a dramatic look, extend bookmatched tiles onto the ceiling above walls you've tiled. The mirrored design is reflected, giving an illusion of expanded space. However, tiling ceilings requires expert installation to ensure the tiles adhere properly. It also works best in rooms with minimal moisture like living rooms, foyers or hallways.
Using bookmatched tiles in creative ways on walls as well as floors gives rooms a luxurious feel and helps spaces flow together. By starting with an accent wall or small area, you can add the tiles gradually to suit your style and budget. The reflective, shimmering surfaces will make a stunning statement in your home.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Bookmatch tiles can really take your home decor game to the next level. Whether you use them on your floors, your walls, or both, they add an undeniably elegant and artistic touch. Just remember, measure twice and cut once. Planning and patience are key. But the payoff is so worth it.
At the end of the day, your bookmatched tile project will leave you feeling proud and accomplished. You'll be eager to show off your handiwork to anyone who steps foot in your home. So what are you waiting for? Grab those tiles and get bookmatching! Bring some beauty and symmetry into your home today.
