If you’re looking for ways to imbue your home with warmth and comfort, using terracotta tiles inside and outside could be just the thing for you. There’s a reason why they have been ever-present in home decor, from Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt to China and the Roman Empire.
Archeologists have established long ago that this type of fired clay (literal translation of “terra cotta”) is as versatile as it is beautiful, and the tradition of using them in our homes continues today. People all over the world swear by terracotta because it has a distinctive earthy tone, its colors ranging from rich reds and oranges to deep browns.
If you’re considering adding terracotta tiles to your home decor but you’re not sure where to start, here are some guidelines to keep in mind that will help you choose
Why use terracotta tiles in your home?
Terracotta tiles have been considered traditional for a long time, which is why you can often see them matched with bright ceramic tiles in Mediterranean-inspired homes. But they’ve since then become increasingly more popular thanks to their timeless appeal, durability, versatility, and the fact they’re made of eco-friendly materials.
So, let’s take a look at why fired clay was favored across cultures and centuries.
Durability and Reliability of Terracotta
The biggest reason terracotta was used in all shapes and forms was its durability.
When manufactured well, these tiles will serve you for decades. All they need is cleaning with gentle detergent and regular sealing to avoid dirt and grime getting stuck in their tiny cracks and imperfections.
Whether you plan on using the tiles outside or inside, proper care will ensure they’re reliable and cost-efficient, even after years of constant use. Just like with any material you plan on using in your home, it’s important to do your research and ensure that your tiles are coming from trustworthy manufacturers.
There’s no shortage of information online to help you with your search, and you can usually take your pick of size and design. Whether you choose the best terracotta tile by clè or have a special vision of how you want your tiles to look, there’s an artisan out there who can make it happen
Versatility Is the Name of the Game
Once upon a time, terracotta tiles may have been considered dated, but they’re making a big comeback because more and more people are starting to recognize their versatility. Whether you’d like your home to have a warm, earthy feel or you prefer clean, sleek lines, terracotta tiles can help make that happen.
Their beauty comes from a wide variety of sizes, shapes, finishes, and shades, which allows them to fit in easily with different styles. You can go for a rustic interior feel of your kitchen or patio, and deeper shades of terracotta will deliver.
Looking for a more contemporary aesthetic with a touch of texture and plenty of character? Terracotta tiles in the bathroom will give it a spa-like feel and be the perfect addition to your living room flooring. The texture of the tiles marked with subtle imperfections will add a sense of history to your modern decor
Terracotta Is an Environmentally Sound Choice
If you’re looking for ways to make your home more eco-friendly, using terracotta tiles is a good start, as terracotta is a type of completely natural clay that’s fired and molded into different shapes. This means that your tiles are completely biodegradable, plus their production has a lower carbon footprint because it’s still largely traditional.
Compared to other tiles made of all kinds of synthetic materials, terracotta is an environmentally sound choice. Having these tiles in your home also helps you save on heating in the winter – they’re famous for their ability to absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night.
You’ll spend less energy to keep your house warm, which in itself is environmentally friendly
Types of Terracotta You Can Use in Your Home
Now that you know the many advantages of having terracotta tiles in your home, let’s see the types of terracotta you can go for, depending on your needs.
- Glazed terracotta tiles are the preferred choice for kitchen backsplashes, flooring, and bathrooms because the glaze protects them from humidity. They can come in all shapes, colors, and levels of shine, which will naturally enhance the color of your tiles.
- Traditional terracotta tiles have more of a texture because they’re unglazed, so if you’re looking for a natural earthy feel in your home, traditional is the way to go. What’s great about these tiles is that they’re often hand-made, which gives them an artisanal quality and your home a unique beauty.
- Terracotta tiles with patterns can add levity and playfulness to your home, and there are usually plenty of designs and colors you can choose from. If you want to create an accentuated wall or a focal point in a room, patterned terracotta tiles perfectly serve this purpose.
Conclusion
Using terracotta tiles to make your house a warm and welcoming home has been a tradition for thousands of years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they durable and versatile, but they’ll also help you save energy and support your eco-friendly notions.
As long as you pick the right strength of the tiles and maintain them properly, you’ll be amazed at how long they’ll serve you without losing their luster and beauty
