5 Unique Ways to Use Wall Tiles in Your Home

May 2, 2023

Accent walls and feature walls have been big news in the interior design world for quite a while and have come a long way since the days of a cautious splash of contrasting paint. We’re seeing bold textures being used to great effect; with porcelain and ceramic wall tiles in all their glory – embossed, wood look, interesting screed and terrazzo looks, as well as mosaics, ever-popular marble, and decor tiles of all kinds. And you’ll find all these stunning looks online or at your nearest Italtile. But, of course, a feature wall is only one way to showcase the beauty of wall tiles and create talkability in your home spaces. There are many beautiful ways to make all your walls sing; we’re here for all of them and can’t wait to share them with you.   

Italtile’s top-quality wall tiles , from sustainable local and international makers, come in a wide range of styles, sizes, designs, shapes, colours, materials, and finishes, designed to play beautifully with any interior design scheme.  

They are easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing, as well as being extremely versatile in terms of placement. And because they are durable, Italtile’s exquisite tile ranges will bring you a lifetime of pleasure. You can choose your wall tiles by colour to complement your colour palette or select wall tiles by room to ensure you get the best looks and functionality for the aesthetic that suits your taste and personality.  

To kickstart your moodboarding, here are five creative ways to use wall tiles in your home. (And don’t forget our handy visualizer tool is an imaginative and ingenious way to see the overall effect of a specific tile, or combinations of tiles!)  

#1 - Create an accent wall  

Using wall tiles to create an accent wall can add depth, interest and texture to a room. It helps to define the space and add a focal point. So which wall is the accent wall? It’s the first wall you focus on when you enter a room. Bear these points in mind when you select the tiles for your accent wall:  

  • Don't be shy to choose strong patterns, colours or textures. You want to create an impact!  
  • Always bear your overall colour palette in mind. Choose tiles that complement your existing colour scheme or choose contrasting colours for a dramatic effect.   
  • Consider the size and shape of the tiles. Large tiles tend to create a sleek, modern look, while smaller ones can create more intricate patterns. Smaller tiles may make a compact space appear smaller, because the multiple grout lines will break up the space. Large tiles, surprisingly enough, are your best friends in a small space, because they offer fewer grout lines and really open up the area.   
  • Light is important in creating your accent wall. Do you want a matt effect, or do you want glossy or iridescent tiles that will reflect light?  
  • Consider the installation process and the maintenance requirements of your accent wall. Choose tiles that are easy to install and to maintain. We provide all the installation essentials for your convenience, including specialist adhesives and grouting, and we can recommend our Professional Installation Services. Chat to our design-certified sales assistants for advice.  

#2 - Use wall tiles as a backsplash  

Using wall tiles as a backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom is a practical and stylish way to protect the wall from water and stains. Ceramic tiles are very suitable, and there are very affordable options at Italtile. Our diverse ranges come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, and are easy to clean. Being scratch-, moisture- and stain-resistant, our delightfully eclectic and 100% sustainable, recycled glass mosaics and forever-on-trend subway tiles are popular options for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.   

#3 - Create a tile mural  

Creating a tile mural is an effective way to add an artistic touch to a room or add your own unique touch to a space. Our patterned wall tiles are an excellent choice here.   

You can create a tile mural of a natural landscape, forest or beach, or an eye-catching abstract design using a combination of colours, shapes, tile sizes and textures.  

Create your own personalised design, or use historic cultural designs, like a mosaic inspired by ancient Roman or Greek art. A tile mural can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of a room. And don't forget to check out our stunning new wallpaper print tile collection - you’ll truly be amazed!   

If you feel you need more creative muscle, please speak to our design-certified sales consultants – this is just the kind of challenge we love. We are ready and waiting to assist you with the selection of the ideal wall tiles as well as the kind of pattern you’re dreaming of! 

#4 Tile a fireplace surround  

Tiling a fireplace surround can add texture, depth and interest to your room and draw the eye to the fireplace. When selecting tiles, consider the style of your room. Nature-inspired stone look tiles like our matt granite and slate tiles, will create a rustic look, as will our trending Natural Stone Cladding. while glossy marble looks and our other ceramic tiles can give a more contemporary , glamorous feel. Consider the colour scheme and size of the tiles, as well as the grout colour. A smaller tile size can create more intricate patterns, while larger tiles can make a bold and striking impact. As always, when in doubt, please ask for advice.  

#5 Use wall tiles as a headboard  

Using wall tiles as a headboard can add a unique, luxurious and very different touch to your bedroom. Large-format tiles can create a sleek and modern look, while 3D tiles will add texture, depth and interest. Mosaic tiles can create intricate patterns, while subway tiles can offer a classic and timeless feel. Our cement wall tiles, marble wall tiles and stone-look wall tiles are all creative choices here. They’ll definitely add a distinctive and stylish look to your roomscape and up your bedroom bliss!   

Feast your eyes on our delectable wall tile collections to find the perfect choice for your space. And don’t forget our design consultants will be delighted to help you should you need some information or advice.