Countertop tiles - the original design of the working surface. 195+ (Photos) options for kitchen and bathroom
How to transform the working area in the kitchen, spending the minimum amount of money and effort? An excellent solution is a tile countertop. We will tell you about the types of tiles, the nuances of choice. And also give excellent recommendations that will help make the right choice. You do not know how to choose a tile under the table? Then our article is for you.
Content of this article:
Advantages of tile products
Ceramics or porcelain can not be called a new kitchen decoration solution zones. But this is not an ordinary way of decorating the work surface. It is easy to highlight the advantages of tile:
- practicality of ceramics - it is easy to wash and clean. To clean the countertops do not require special detergents. It is recommended to use formulations without abrasive additives;
- bravely tolerates temperature extremes. You can safely put a hot kettle or lay out frozen foods;
- moisture resistance - a pledge that over time the work area is not deformed from moisture;
Tile worktop - great idea
For a cosmetic table update it is enough to refresh the grout at the seams. Such minor repairs do not even require the dismantling of the surface. And if you choose a silicone of a different color, then the whole kitchen will take on an updated look.
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return to menu ↑Types of tiles
This is the original competitor of other types of finishes in the design of the kitchen area. Ceramic squares with sides of 5, 10 or 15 cm are most often chosen for facing the table top. The table decorated with intricately and unconventionally looks mosaic.
You can successfully combine expensive designer products and textured parts from other collections. The key to a stylish look of the working area will be a natural combination of shades of elements.
This is the original competitor of other finishes.
Ceramic variety
The material is clay. In the firing process, excess moisture is removed. Ceramics have many advantages. A variety of shades / textures, ease of installation, low cost, water resistance. Since the products tolerate high temperatures well, you can safely leave hot dishes on the table.
Mosaic wealth
Such products are produced in squares with sides of 1, 2.5 cm. Usually the mosaic is sold in the form of large sheets attached to the lining sheathing grid.
Advantages: easy installation, durability. A rich palette allows you to lay on the table original patterns and ornaments. Thanks to an elegant multi-colored palette, chips on individual tiles are almost invisible.
The tile withstands temperature changes.
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return to menu ↑Eternal granite
Using natural stone to cover of the table - fashion trend. Stone squares stand out with a beautiful view, durability, strength. Due to the natural texture, fingerprints and traces of dishes remain imperceptible.
Cons: solid weight, cost. It is necessary to periodically do the prevention of granite - process it with sealants. Squares with an area of 30x30 cm are best used for decorating objects in a spacious room. From the kitchen "island" will not give up any hostess. After all, this is an additional working area and convenient storage system for various trifles.
And in this case it is appropriate to decorate the table with different materials - combine ceramics with a tree or plastic, MDF. The design of the "island" should fit into the style of other elements of the kitchen set. Using similar materials will help create a single composition. A kitchen apron and an “island” can be finished with the same ceramic or granite.
Such products tolerate high temperatures.
Porcelain tiles: interesting solutions
For the manufacture of tiles using small quartz crystals, several grades of clay, which are specially pressed together with the resin. Since the mixture is sintered under high pressure, it turns out a material of increased density, very hard.
Available in several types:
- technical;
- glazed;
- matte;
- polished.
Its surface can mimic the texture of granite. The minimum size is 7.5x7.5 cm.
Affordable cost, high durability and reliability (higher than that of granite tiles) are among the advantages of ceramic granite squares. When laying it is easy to realize any floral fantasy. Due to its non-porous structure, the quartz surface does not need periodic sealing. Such countertops are not afraid of microbes.
The use of natural stone to cover the table - a fashion trend
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return to menu ↑Recommendations on the choice of material
Basic principles of using square:
- it is preferable to lay out the countertop glazed products. This is the easiest material to maintain. Such elements are resistant to stress, temperature differences, pollution. The main focus of the interior will be shiny squares;
- Non-standard tile relief or texture will appeal to fans of the original types of finishes. Caring for such products is more difficult and longer. To remove dirt from the tabletop, you will need different detergents, time and extra effort. The cleaning procedure will be simplified by brushes, special metal sponges;
- The optimal size of the squares for finishing the working area is 15x15 cm. In order to visually expand a small-sized room, it is advisable to lay out 10x10 cm or 5x5 cm in size.
A great idea is to depict a pattern or an ornament of crushed material (in the form of different geometric shapes) on the tabletop
The original competitor of other types of finishes
- it is so stylish interior design that the room does not require additional decoration. Products with too elegant bright ornament are used in a dosage manner - it is possible to arrange separate zones (a sink, a gas stove, a small worktop). At the same time working apron make monotonous;
- if there is no special desire to wash the tabletop thoroughly every day, then it is better to stop the choice on multi-colored material. Immediately visible on a monochromatic surface are dirt and minor damages (especially on dark-colored materials).
With a tile, the room does not require additional decor.
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return to menu ↑The nuances of editing
Any construction process requires skill. If this is the first experience with tile, then for repair it is better to choose a small worktop. The principle of facing the walls and countertops is the same. The edges and the ends of the tabletops are decorated with special ceramic corners or elements of wood, aluminum. During the repair should consider a few subtleties:
- for finishing worktops, you can specifically buy materials or use leftovers. When self-styling is difficult to accurately calculate the amount of material. Therefore, it is necessary to buy tiles a little more than the size of the table requires (approximately 10-15%). If there are several types of residues, the surface is made in the form of a mosaic. Moreover, the elements are selected the same thickness. And for cutting mosaic tiles are used;
- the surface of the table must be absolutely flat and clean. If the base of the tabletop is wooden, then it is treated with moisture-proof impregnation. For reliability, the base can be attached to the wall. The plywood base is made of two multi-layered sheets and is attached to the furniture with self-tapping screws;
Stylish modern kitchen
- Different adhesives are suitable for installation: carpentry, special glue for wood, cement-sand mortar with the addition of PVA. Apply a spatula to evenly apply glue. To stick well, it takes 12-14 hours.
The final touch - the use of silicone sealant or grout based on epoxy resin.
To do the job well, it is advisable to use a rubber trowel. The joints must be filled with high quality - the strength of the worktop finish depends on it. After a day, remove the remnants of grout. If you pre-paint the masking tape, then the process of cleaning the remnants of the grout will be quick and clean.
Loft style
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return to menu ↑How to choose the style of the room?
Tabletop can not be called "naughty lady." The surface of the table can effectively emphasize the sophistication of a kitchen set or “dissolve” against its background. It seems that the most uncomplicated decision would be to select a tabletop to match the facade. But it is not quite easy. It is not always possible to find materials of the same color..
Difficulties absent when installing monochrome of furniture. But black will be sad, and white will be impractical. In this case, the headset will visually look large and "monolithic." To destroy these sensations, you will need bright decorative elements.
To create a harmonious environment, it is desirable to “tie” the tiled worktop with other surfaces in the interior. A safe way - the same finish on the table and window sill.
Rustic style
Great design move - design apron and countertops with one material. This duet in the kitchen can be one compositional decision.
Originally looks like a combination of flooring and work surface of the same material. Moreover, manufacturers often offer to produce tile collections, united by a single shade or pattern. A noble appearance of the kitchen will give a stone union (squares of the same color on the floor and on the table). Admittedly, such materials are not cheap.
Registration by snow-white tile
Romantic Provencal Interior
The mild and sunny climate of the southern regions of France is associated with calm, pastel tones. Several characteristic features emphasize the rustic interior identity:
- the color scheme is formed by light pastel shades (sand, cream, white, beige, purple, lime);
- An interesting pattern can be laid out on the working surface, but any combination of shades should not look defiant;
- style provence implies a diverse textile decor (curtains, tablecloths, padsfurniture upholstery). Shades of textile patterns should be reflected in the tabletop palette.
As an option mosaic tiles
Ceramics with floral motifs will be an excellent decoration for the kitchen worktop. The decor looks interesting motifs depicting fruits and vegetables.
So that such surfaces do not look too patterned, it is possible with such material to decorate a small area of the tabletop near the sink.
The work surface is laid out with blue tiles. A kitchen apron trimmed with pale blue squares with small floral ornaments will harmoniously complement the work surface. The role of the plinth will be performed by a strip lined with the same blue tile as the table.
The blue frieze will elegantly limit the ceramic baseboard. Kitchen furniture of milky color visually softens the coolness of the blue-blue range. The white grout will give the table top an elegant look and visually make it easier.
Porcelain tile is a budget option.
The original version of the finishing desktop - rectangular products that mimic the wooden surface. In the manufacture of ceramic elements used clay, special additives to improve the structure, quartz sand. What material to choose, glaze (with single / double firing) or dull, is to decide individually to the residents.
The wooden surface is easy to imitate tiles of different shades. For a soft, calm Provencal style, a material of light tones (oak, maple, birch) will be a win-win. Patterned textiles with floral ornaments will add a play of colors to the interior.
In calm beige color
Fashion trend - use with the effect of wear. The material imitating aged wood looks elegant and noble.
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return to menu ↑Sunny Mediterranean flavor
The kitchen, decorated in a bright mood, looks like a summer joyfully at any time of the year. For the decoration of the kitchen using natural materials (wood, stone, metal). The range of natural shades (creamy-yellow, greenish-sand, white-blue) causes only positive emotions.Mediterranean interior can be given a different character:
- in the Italian direction dominates the stone. The material is used to finish virtually all surfaces (floor, walls, ceiling).Stone squares are incredibly comfortable in everyday life and look very colorful. To decorate the work surface can be textured material. Suitable color range - gray, brown;
Stylish kitchen in dark colors
- The Spanish interior will be decorated with a bright tile "Azulejos". Such a unique material will refresh the wall outside the working area or an apron. So that the kitchen does not look defiant or variegated, monochrome material of dark color is chosen for the decor of the tabletop;
- for the kitchen in the Greek style is characterized by the use of wooden rough surfaces. White plastered / painted walls accentuate the natural texture of the wood. The decor of the kitchen looks somewhat concise, but at the same time fresh and easy.
When creating a Mediterranean-style kitchen, it is not necessary to create a decor of an ideal state.
On the contrary, some irregularities, cracks, cracks emphasize the naturalness of the situation.
Classic style
An excellent Italian-style cuisine: plastered and painted with sand-colored matte paint. The kitchen apron is lined with decorative rectangular red-brick tiles imitating brickwork. The table top is decorated with squares of sand-colored granite (to match the walls).
In the Mediterranean interior with Spanish notes of unusual brightness will bring a small square products "azulezhu." Each square can be a separate picture or part of a national ornament. In order not to distract attention from the bright decor, monochromatic tiles are selected for the desktop.
In order to maintain the glossy gloss of the wall surface, for the table choose a glazed ceramic squares or shiny porcelain.
When everything is in the same style and color
The ascetic Greek Mediterranean style stands out for its simple forms. Internally strict decoration, monochromatic light shades, combined with wooden elements, give the atmosphere a cosiness and tranquility.. In such a kitchen, it is nice to meet guests and communicate in leisurely fashion It is easy to care for the table top, lined with square ceramic tiles.
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return to menu ↑Laconic minimalism
Simple and practical style will appeal to dynamic people. The kitchen is not forced by a variety of decorative elements. Therefore, the room always looks spacious and clean. Distinctive features of the interior:
- colors can be any. But most often style is associated with monochrome. Welcome surfaces from modern materials: glass, plastic, metal;
- The surface of the furniture should be smooth. Any textured items will break the design style;
- Gloss - the most popular version of the facades of kitchen sets. The contours of the furniture are always strict, with clear lines.
The main thing is to suit all tastes
This style is perfect for small spaces.. Since the glossy surfaces reflect the light well, the room visually looks more spacious and free.
Ceramic glazed tiles or smooth porcelain tiles are suitable for finishing the table. As a rule, in the interior combine no more than three shades. And the countertop is usually made in white or black.
Most often, materials for the same color range are chosen for the apron and table surface.
The tile with a glossy surface will bring refinement to the interior. New trend became products with inscriptions. This countertop option will give the kitchen a stylish, creative look. Original inscriptions look unusual. This decor gently decorate the room.
As an option, for a small kitchen in studio apartment: kitchen with white plastic glossy facades, matte dark blue wall.The surface of the table is decorated with brilliant porcelain tiles of a rich dark gray color.
In combination with wood
If you want to “hide” the kitchen in a small apartment, the furniture fronts are chosen to match the walls. The white kitchen with a shiny white porcelain stoneware table literally "dissolves" in the setting. To soften the sterile look of the decor, a dark-purple sofa is installed in the room. A small carpet of elements of simple geometric shapes of different colors (black, gray /, white, dirty yellow) will give the room a stylish look.
VIDEO: How to make the tabletop beautiful and practical?
Tile countertop
Permeability and practicality
