Accent tile is a powerful design tool, capable of adding texture, color, and personality to any space. While the kitchen backsplash is its most common canvas, limiting accent tile to just one area misses out on a world of creative possibilities. For homeowners in London, ON, looking to add a unique touch to their interiors, exploring unexpected places for accent tile can elevate a room from ordinary to extraordinary. At Sacwal Flooring Centres, we love helping our clients discover innovative design solutions.
Here are five unexpected places to use accent tile, along with crucial advice on how not to overdo it.
Shower Niches and Bench Faces
- The Unexpected Place: Instead of a plain tiled shower wall, consider making the interior of a shower niche or the face of a built-in shower bench a focal point with accent tile.
- Why it Works: This adds a delightful surprise element in a functional space. It draws the eye and injects personality without overwhelming the entire bathroom. It's a contained area, making it ideal for a bolder pattern or a luxurious material like iridescent glass or natural stone mosaic that might be too much for a larger surface.
- How Not to Overdo It: Keep the rest of the shower tiling simple. If your niche has a striking pattern, use large, neutral tiles for the main shower walls. The accent tile should be a jewel, not the entire crown.
Fireplace Surrounds
- The Unexpected Place: Beyond the traditional stone or brick, the fireplace surround offers a fantastic opportunity for accent tile.
- Why it Works: A fireplace is a natural focal point in a living room. Wrapping it in a unique accent tile can transform it into an artistic statement piece. This allows for rich textures, intricate patterns, or metallic finishes that might be too dominant elsewhere but shine beautifully as the heart of the room. Think patterned cement tile, glossy ceramics, or even a geometric mosaic.
- How Not to Overdo It: Treat the fireplace as the accent. Avoid adding other strong accent tiles in the same open-concept space. Let the fireplace be the star, complementing it with subtle textures and neutral tones in the surrounding decor.
Stair Risers
- The Unexpected Place: The vertical faces of your stair steps (the risers) are often overlooked, yet they present a unique opportunity to add unexpected charm.
- Why it Works: Tiling stair risers can add a playful, artistic, or even elegant touch as you ascend or descend. It's an ideal spot for colorful patterned tiles, Moroccan-inspired designs, or even simple subway tiles laid in a unique pattern. Since it's a small, repeated surface, even a bold pattern won't feel overwhelming.
- How Not to Overdo It: Keep the stair treads (the horizontal part you step on) simple, typically wood or a solid color. Ensure the riser tile complements the overall aesthetic of your entryway and adjacent rooms. A cohesive color palette is key.
Half-Wall Caps or Wainscoting Strips
- The Unexpected Place: Consider a decorative strip of accent tile as a cap on a half-wall or as a transition piece between different wainscoting materials in hallways or dining rooms.
- Why it Works: This adds an architectural detail and visual interest at eye level without demanding too much attention. It can define a space, create a subtle separation between areas, or introduce a touch of sparkle or texture that ties into other elements in the room. A thin strip of glass mosaic or a pencil liner made of a contrasting material can be very effective.
- How Not to Overdo It: This is a subtle accent. Ensure the tile strip is proportionate to the wall and room size. The idea is to create a refined detail, not a dominant feature.
Built-In Bookcases or Shelving Backs
- The Unexpected Place: The back panel of built-in bookcases, open shelving units, or even desk nooks.
- Why it Works: Tiling these often-plain surfaces adds depth, texture, and a custom, high-end feel. It’s an ideal spot for a dramatic pattern, a rich color, or a metallic tile that would be too intense for an entire wall but provides a stunning backdrop for books and decor. It creates a "jewel box" effect within the unit.
- How Not to Overdo It: The accent tile should remain within the confines of the built-in. Use the tile to enhance the items on the shelves, not to distract from them. Keep the surrounding wall colors simple.
Shop Accent Tile for Your Home with Sacwal Flooring Centres
Accent tile has the power to transform and personalize your living spaces beyond the traditional backsplash. By strategically placing it in unexpected areas and exercising restraint, you can achieve unique, high-impact design statements in your London, ON home. Don't be afraid to think outside the box – with a little planning, you can create truly memorable spaces.
Call or visit Sacwal Flooring Centres today! We have showroom locations in Chatham, ON, London, ON, and Sarnia, ON. We are pleased to have been serving South Western Ontario communities for over 35 years, with our first store opening in April of 1978 in Chatham. Don't forget to visit our new location in London, ON, on Hyde Park Rd!
