T he beauty of an interior is not defined only by the flooring or the furnishings in place. The finish on the walls has an equal bearing on the language of the space. A stone or an exposed concrete wall would lend a raw rustic feel while an exposed brick wall would bring in an earthy flavour to the interior. A wallpaper clad wall with artistic motifs and vibrant colours would likewise alter the ambience.
Altering the language and bringing in such aesthetics into the spaces through differential wall surfaces are the varied tiling options that are available, replacing in many instances the natural materials that would otherwise have been used. Be it to emulate an exposed concrete wall, an exposed brick wall, replace wallpaper, bring in an artistic twist, or serve as a highlight in a décor, the tiling options available meet all requirements besides offering customised solutions to fulfil specific inclinations.
Thus, a cement-finished tile serves as the solution where an exposed concrete wall is desired, giving the perfect finish to the wall. An exposed brick wall can be created by opting for a tile with brick finish. Similar is the case if wood finish is desired. Says Architect Kavita Sastry of KS Designs, “These tiling solutions become especially relevant in interiors where the structure is already completed and such finishes are still desired on the walls.”
Preferred option
What is more attractive is the authentic replication of the material in the finish of the tile. A sandstone-finish tile replicates the grains and textures of sandstone so accurately as to make it hard to decipher the tile element. Similar is the case, be it marble, wood, or concrete, the grains and textures so finely captured and replicated, making these tiles a much preferred option as compared to the actual materials they simulate.
Says Shambu G. Chhabria, Managing Director of Chhabria Tiles, “Way back in the eighties, the wall tiles came only in glossy finishes and in sizes of four by four inches. The wall tile solutions currently available are as wide as the floor tiles, coming in equally large pieces of even 4 feet by 2 feet if required, making the tile laying easy. All the varieties, solutions, finishes prevailing in floor tiles are similarly available in wall tiles.”
Says Architect Gunjan Das of NG Associates, “The biggest advantage of using tiles instead of natural materials is the ease of laying. Being light weight and uniform in size, cladding them on a wall is far easier as compared to cladding natural stone. They are thinner than natural stone and this has its advantage as the walls do not end up thick. The thickness of the walls after cladding certainly has an impact on the space especially if the area used for cladding is small in size.”
Multiple choices
Be it to highlight a wall in a living or dining area with a stone or brick finish, or choose tiles with artistic motifs or clad a full section of the wall with the desired finish instead of using wallpaper that has its own shortcomings, Gunjan opines that the currently available range of wall tiles leaves one spoilt for choice.
“Even headboards are now done in tiles with wood and leather finish tiles being available. Depending on the décor and the desired material, the appropriate tiling solution is opted instead of the conventional headboard”, she adds. “Given their varied finishes and artistic motifs, and the stunning mosaics, these tiles can also be used to clad stair treads, bar counters, serve as the backdrop for the bar, as highlight wall for the television, on reception tables, even kitchen counters.”
Not only do these tiles feature high on the list in terms of finishes and the vibrancy of colours where desired, their authentic replication of the natural material, together with the advantage of easy maintenance, makes them a much sought after choice in wall cladding.
Concurs Sastry, “The options available among the tile solutions are plenty, with customised printing done to bring in one’s individuality and design. There are mirror-finished tiles that can be used on the walls, especially bathrooms. Some of the ornate tiles are excellent when used on coffee table tops and dining table as a decorative element.”
Lending an antique flavour to a décor is much in vogue, given the old world charm it exudes in the space. Catering to this is a range of printed antique-finish wall tiles that bring in beauty as well as the well-worn look to complement the décor. “Equally sought after are a range of glass tiles, wood mosaic tiles, and mother of pearl tiles, amongst others, each used for varied segments in the interior to evoke the desired language”, adds Sastry.
