Know the latest trends in flooring and tiles

Flooring plays a significant role in elevating the elegance and overall look of the house. So, frequent experiments and discoveries are spotted in the flooring materials. Majority of people rely on beautiful tiles to add perfection to the floors in their brand new houses. This prompts the manufacturers to introduce new designs and trends in the tiles and other flooring materials.

Vitrified and semi-vitrified tiles are the most common types of flooring materials that are used these days. However, there are much more to know about flooring, which is an important part while construction, than just the types of tiles. There are lots of people who spend hefty sums for flooring and end up disappointed. The quality of the tiles alone wouldn’t add to the beauty of the interiors. Factors like size of the room, facilities for the light to enter and the nature of the room have to be considered while choosing the tiles to be paved on the floor. Flooring materials like exquisite marble, wood or tiles are chosen to suit the design themes of the house. What makes tiles more preferable than marble and granite is that any pattern, according to the general theme of the house, can be easily set on the customized tiles.

Myriad varieties

The quality of the tiles is definitely one of the most important factors to be considered while choosing the tiles. The reasonably priced vitrified tiles are the most preferred type by the middle classes. This also helps complete the flooring works pretty quickly. Polished and unpolished vitrified tiles are easily available in the market. These are available in any size, shape and color.

Glazed vitrified tiles

Glazed vitrified tiles are shiny and are available in many hues. These are generally paved in the dining area or the main hall. As these tiles are extremely smooth and shiny, it may also become slippery if water is spilled on it. Though there was a time when these tiles were incredibly popular, now they are chosen only by a select group of people. However, the grace and charm of the glazed tiles cannot be ignored.

Matte finished vitrified tiles

Materials in matte finish are the reigning super stars these days. Matte finished vitrified tiles aren’t too shiny, but are available in attractive hues. The demand for matte finished tiles increased as the concept of extremely shiny floor became outdated. These tiles are available in pieces of 1 foot up to 4 feet.

Digitized vitrified tiles

Digitalized vitrified tiles are the latest trend which is becoming popular pretty rapidly. These photo printed tiles are available in the glass coated digital tile, micro crystal tile and high resolution printed tile varieties. These are usually paved to add grandeur to the formal living spaces or in the pooja rooms. Tiles with the printed images of cartoon characters and animals or birds adorn the floor in the kids’ rooms. Though it is a bit expensive, people are queuing up to try out this unique flooring method in their dream dwellings.

Designer tiles

Plain tiles have given way to designer tiles. Those who were bored with the good old ceramic tiles had turned to the beautiful and earthy terracotta tiles which helps fill the interiors with natural coolness. However, scarcity of clay has resulted in the low production of terracotta tiles. But ceramic tiles in the same design pattern of the terracotta instantly grabbed attention. Though these tiles are ceramic, it looks as charming and rustic as the terracotta tiles. Those who wish to build houses in the traditional style can opt for such flooring methods. These tiles which are manufactured in Chettinadu are relatively inexpensive as well. Designer tiles are available in many patterns and colors and can be chosen by those who love some splash of hues in the interiors.

Which color to choose?

Choosing the color of the tiles is as important as the texture and material of it. If the room is relatively darker, with less natural light entering it, then it is better to pave tiles in lighter shades. Lighter shades suit the rooms with too many furniture. The elegance of the formal living area and the dining space would be enhanced if the floor is paved with tiles of lighter hues. Besides, lighter shades helps the rooms look vast and spacious. However, classic shades like golden, copper, black and ivory too have many takers these days.

Floors paved with the classic combination of black and white tiles remind one of the charming Italian interiors. Mustard yellow and kota green too are popular shades when it comes to unique flooring ideas. Tiles with majestic Indian and Arabic prints are extremely popular. However, the printed tiles have to be chosen according to the theme in which the house is built. Tiles with contemporary designs too are available in the market.

Disadvantages of the vitrified tiles

Just because majority of people choose vitrified tiles for flooring, it doesn’t mean that they are the best. One of the major disadvantages of vitrified tiles is that they are stained easily. However, this problem could be solved by not paving these tiles everywhere in the house. The surface of these tiles may get scratched when furniture is moved around. Vitrified tiles with nano coating could be used to avoid such problems.