Industrial tiling: the essentials
The codes of industrial decoration find their origin in the factories of the end of the 19th century. At that time, functionality was favored over pure aesthetics, and raw materials were therefore essential.
Concrete tiling is a basic in terms of industrial decoration. Unlike authentic concrete, which is a porous material, tiling does not require tedious maintenance. On the other hand, it brings character and authenticity to an industrial interior. It also benefits from its sobriety, especially if you opt for a traditional light to medium grey. You can thus adopt a single tile for the whole house. He can even play extra time on the terrace or on the balcony.
Wood is the other essential material for flooring in industrial interiors. To benefit from its aesthetics without bothering with demanding upkeep, we serenely fall for a beautiful porcelain stoneware imitation. In a traditional factory interior, bet without hesitation on a raw wood effect.
For a more contemporary industrial decoration, opt for tiles imitating ash wood or bleached wood, two very trendy finishes in recent years. This type of wood effect is also versatile, and easy to combine with different types of decor. It is therefore an excellent choice if you plan to mix genres, and adopt for example a Scandinavian industrial decoration.
Spectacular, metal effect tiles are a safe bet in an industrial interior. To adopt it, there is no question of doing half measures: hammered or rusty, we dare the effects! Remember, however, that metal is a cold material. We therefore think of using wood to warm up the atmosphere a little.
Tile-cement was invented by Étienne Larmande, a French public works contractor, at the dawn of the industrial revolution. It is therefore not surprising that this tiling goes perfectly with the industrial style, to which it brings a touch of very retro charm. If you fear bad taste, go for a classic gray model or a more modern graphic design in black and white.
In terms of wall covering, brick stands out as one of the essential materials in the industrial interior. If we can adopt facing plates or wallpaper, the tiles are much more convincing to the touch. A must have in a loft-style decor!
In the industrial bathroom, we fall for metro tiles without hesitation. The traditional white model is the best choice for a vintage bathroom. However, metro tiling is now available in a very wide range of colors and finishes, matte to ultra-shiny. Neutral colors or touches of color: you can let your inspiration run free.
What format and what type of laying for industrial tiling?
From mosaics to XXL, hexagonal, rectangular or square tiles: industrial tiles are available in a wide variety of formats.
To adopt a 100% industrial look, dare the total metal or concrete look. Not only does this bias allow you to give a lot of character to your interior, but in addition, this uniformity helps to sublimate the volumes. For a successful effect, choose large to very large format tiles and the so-called “jointless” installation.
Evoking old floor tiles, the hexagonal industrial tiling can be adopted as a total look on the floor or on the wall. It also allows great creativity, since you can opt for a mix and match by associating it on parquet effect tiles.
Room of modest dimensions, ceiling a little too low… Decidedly, your interior has nothing to do with a loft? Bet on the chevron pose: this dynamic pattern works perfectly in an industrial style interior.
Industrial tiles: what if we dared to use color?
Grey, black, white and, possibly, a touch of primary color… the classic industrial palette is very wise. A little too wise for you? Never mind: the tiles allow you to shake up the codes a bit!
Bold, the turquoise blue metro tiles in an industrial interior! Enhanced by black, the muted color par excellence, this aquatic blue is here more dazzling than ever: an unexpected choice, which brings freshness and originality to the decor.
Very wise traditional cement tiles against contemporary minimalist tiles in a very trendy green: here is a tandem that works perfectly!
Combine earthenware and subway tiles to compose an ethnic-style frieze: here’s a good idea! This type of creation, very popular in the bohemian kitchen, can seem offbeat in an industrial interior… and that’s why it works. This little twist brings a really original touch to the decor!
Metro tiles are not your only option for giving color to an industrial interior! The cement tile also offers you a wide range of patterns and colors. We therefore dare to venture off the beaten track and fall for atypical and very trendy shades, like this very beautiful model combining sage green and terracotta.