Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular materials for interior and exterior decoration. It is strong, durable and beautiful, which are the main criteria when choosing a buyer. Manufacturers currently offer tiles in any style, color and size.
One of the innovations in recent years has been tiles imitating various textures. This innovation has significantly expanded the scope of its application. Previously, the only areas for laying tiles were the bathroom and the kitchen, now it is used to decorate the facades of buildings, verandas, floors, walls in living rooms and public places.
Manufacturing methods
Embossed tile assumes the presence of a protruding pattern or pattern on the surface. It is made from clay in the same way as smooth. The method of cutting, pressing, casting or extrusion is applied. Given the scale of modern production, the popular molding method is to obtain identical samples for the entire batch, which makes stacking easier.
Designers, in order to make the interiors unusual and distinctive, order hand-made products, or make them on their own using small kilns. Such tiles are gaining popularity due to their uniqueness and originality. There is room for imagination here, grass prints or chaotic patterns, each tile will be unique.
Blotting or sticking shells, crystals, stones, metal, mirrors, glitter, or other items onto the material is another way to create unique floor and wall coverings.
As a rule, small factories and custom-made workshops do this.
Types of reliefs
The following patterns can be found in the catalog of ceramic manufacturers.
- Plants. Flowers and buds, grass, trees, leaves, everything that is found in the world of flora can be displayed on clay. There is a partial or complete image. It is possible to make small inserts with one beautiful flower or to lay out an entire wall with tiles depicting a meadow, jungle or a collage of plants.
- Fauna. For bathrooms, images of fish, shells, molluscs in various designs are popular. There are tiles with birds, wild and domestic animals in the form of panels or small tiles.
- A natural stone. Marble - an imitation of this stone is found in the collections of the most famous companies from Spain, Germany, France. A tile with this texture acts as a base and looks perfect in any room. The texture of granite, slate, onyx, quartz and other stones is not only recreated, but also used in its present form.
- Brick. A popular type of relief suitable for discreet loft or minimalist interiors. Ideal replacement for natural materials.
- Geometric shapes and lines. Horizontal and vertical, straight and wavy lines, various shapes in various quantities and combinations.
- Antique patterns. Imitation of drawings of ancient civilizations to create an interior in an unusual style.
- Folk ornaments. Drawings in the form of ornaments of various countries and peoples, for example, Gzhel, Khokhloma, Moors, Moroccan patterns and much more.
- Texture of fabric, leather, wood. Imitation of satin, silk and other material is suitable for covering a large volume of walls. Wood-embossed tiles are a substitute for laminate or parquet flooring in any room. "Wooden" porcelain stoneware is used for paths, facades and other external finishes.
- Stained glass windows.
- 3D effect. Unusual tiles that create visual effects thanks to the applied pattern. Simulates everything from soap bubbles to optical illusions.
- Stucco molding. For bathroom decoration, for example, in the Baroque style, ceramic borders, columns and their bases are created.
Where and how to use?
Despite the large area of application, as a rule, embossed tiles are used in combination with a smooth one or a combination of a more convex pattern with a less noticeable one. Volumetric textures can be used to separate and highlight different areas in the room, without changing the main color of the interior.
In bathrooms, embossed tiles are often laid in the form of horizontal or vertical stripes. In a larger space, the decoration of the whole wall looks unusual.
The most popular way is decor in the form of inserts, focusing on unusual finishing materials.
They use embossed tiles not only for walls, but also for the floor. Its uneven surface is excellent as a floor covering in bathrooms, stairs, swimming pools or public areas, as it is primarily anti-slip.
Many manufacturers produce special models as part of collections for finishing steps or paths with a linear pattern in the form of recesses. Marble imitation tiles are suitable for floors in shops or restaurants, their roughness does not allow shoes or furniture to slip.
It should be noted that such material is used not only for beauty, but also for benefit. In residential premises or in specialized institutions, relief structures are needed for better orientation in space for people with visual impairments.
Laying tiles interspersed with stones or shells on the floor is a great foot massage. Putting this in the bathroom, you can combine business with pleasure.
Porcelain stoneware is used for finishing the facades of buildings. It is stronger than ordinary ceramic tiles, fireproof, moisture resistant and more dense. Embossed options for such a finish will allow you to replace expensive natural stone, brick or wood.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using embossed wall decoration are:
Beauty and aesthetics. Undoubtedly, such a tile will make any room unusual, cozy, bright, pleasant to the eye. Various visual effects, play of light and shadow will make it possible to see the room in a new way every time. With its help, you can visually expand a small room or make the ceilings higher
- Strength. A floor or wall covering will last longer, especially in damp areas.
- Diversity. A large number of textures, among which you can find an option for any design idea. In the absence of what is necessary in the collections of well-known brands, the desired can be made to order.
There are also disadvantages. First of all, it is the price. The cost of tiles with a relief structure differs significantly from the basic one in any collection. The more skillful and complex the drawing, the more it costs. This should not be forgotten when choosing a room design and calculating the cost of a project.
The second minus is the very appearance of the surface. The indentations and bulges make the walls and floor more difficult to clean. Problems can arise when cutting tiles and grouting. All work must be done carefully and accurately so as not to spoil the appearance of the pattern.
For tips on choosing and installing embossed tiles, see the following video.