Decorating Guides
Try Dimensional Tile for a Designed Look
For a fresh take on tile, consider these design-forward options
Recently a client asked me to select a tile with a wow factor — something that popped. Based on her criteria, I proposed three-dimensional tile. The sculptural aspects of three-dimensional tile can transform an otherwise flat, uninspired surface into a visually appealing, light-reflecting accent wall. It can add interest and a touch of splendor to any setting, so read on for ideas on how to use it in your home.
1. Accent wall. The linear installation of the black dimensional tile closely relates to the multiple square windows in this bathroom, emphasizing their shared design element. The flat planes of the polished Carrara marble walls and floor contrast with the dimensionality of the matte black tiles. The dark wood vanity brings warmth to this bathroom, complementing and completing its clean, modern look.
Great Home Project: How to Regrout Your Tile
Great Home Project: How to Regrout Your Tile
2. Wainscoting. Instead of traditional wood panel wainscoting, this bathroom has dimensional tile installed to a height of 42 inches around the room, creating a whimsical yet cozy twist on that classic look.
3. Minimalist. Sometimes an accent is all you need. Here, the tile is used as a backsplash to add texture and depth to an otherwise minimalist bathroom.
Note that when selecting three-dimensional tile to be used with wall faucets, the trim of the faucet may not lay fully flat, due to the peaks and valleys of the tile. As a result, a slight gap might be visible.
How to Install a Tile Backsplash
Note that when selecting three-dimensional tile to be used with wall faucets, the trim of the faucet may not lay fully flat, due to the peaks and valleys of the tile. As a result, a slight gap might be visible.
How to Install a Tile Backsplash
4. Contrast. This classic white kitchen features a surprising element: the cool black dimensional backsplash. This is a fun alternative to more traditional two-dimensional subway tile.
5. Floating shelves. Floating shelves offer visual relief in a kitchen loaded with cabinetry, because they create a welcome expanse of open space. Dimensional tile behind the shelves adds color, depth and texture to the wall. Featured wares pop against this backdrop.
How to Replace a Broken Tile
How to Replace a Broken Tile
6. Bedroom wall. This sculptural tiled wall makes the bed a focal point in this mostly white room, especially since the tile’s taupe color has been carried through to the bed cover. Coupled with the painting of a brightly hued flower, the tile helps this sleek and simple bedroom exude a quiet luxury.
7. Room divider. This slim room divider creates a slight visual separation between the dining and living room areas, in a not-too-serious way. Created with dimensional tile, the floor-to-ceiling divider echoes the turquoise-and-white color palette of the living room, but in a more playful arrangement.
8. In lieu of paint. Instead of painting your dining room wall, consider adding dimensional tile and you’ll never have to repaint it. Three-dimensional tile is visually stimulating and inviting in a tactile way, so go ahead and touch that wall. Wipe away any fingerprints with warm, soapy water.
9. Up the stairs. Think outside the box when it comes to tile. Why not have a textural wall next to the stairs instead of a wall full of photos?
10. Monochromatic. One of the best uses of three-dimensional tile is in a room with a monochromatic color palette. This photo shows how a white-on-white room can be artfully enlivened with a tiled back wall. The dimensional tile, which is in the same pattern as in the prior photo, adds a special touch without overpowering the room’s minimalist vibe.
11. Texture and depth. If some of the previous examples feel like too much of a design stretch for you, you might want to consider something more like this space. The tile is dimensional and adds texture and depth to the fireplace, but in a subtler way.
More
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Bring Sophisticated Drama to Your Room With Warm Metallic Tiles
When Bigger Is Better: The Dramatic Look of Large-Format Tiles
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More
Design With an Edge: Leather Tiles for Floors and Walls
Bring Sophisticated Drama to Your Room With Warm Metallic Tiles
When Bigger Is Better: The Dramatic Look of Large-Format Tiles
Great Home Project: Install a New Tile Floor
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Three-dimensional tile can create a dramatic effect in any setting by adding texture and the illusion of movement. The irregular surface of the tile interplays with light sources, and the result is an interesting cast of shadows and light, giving the surface an even greater appearance of depth — it already has some depth since it is, by definition, not flat. In the space seen here, the bold blue-gray tile is reminiscent of ocean waves and engenders a one-of-a-kind bathroom.
Although three-dimensional tile can be used in most areas, not all dimensional tile is suitable for every location. For example, tile with many crevices would be challenging to keep clean in a kitchen due to cooking oils and grease. (I’ll admit I have made foolish choices of beautiful, impractical tile in the past, and no doubt will in the future. You just want to be sure you know when you’re choosing beauty and forgoing ease!)
That said, textured tile can add an exciting element whether used as an accent or on all four walls. Let’s consider ways you could use dimensional tile in your space.