Terracotta is a type of ceramic tile that’s recognisable by its characteristic earthy reddish colour. This stylish material is also very durable, making it perfect for flooring in highly congested areas. But where exactly in your home should you use these tiles?
The proper answer to that question depends on your preferences and needs. Terracotta tiles can look great in your kitchen if you aim for a rustic feel.
Due to their colour and thermal properties, terracotta tiles are a natural choice for any bathroom. Additionally, you might want to use the terracotta in your staircases to capitalise on the material’s durability and noise absorption aspects.
If you’re charmed by the material and want to incorporate it into your living space, here are the best ways to use terracotta in your home!
Table of Contents
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to design. After all, it’s a busy space that is often used and where you have to balance many different elements. The good news is that terracotta tiles are an excellent choice for your kitchen as they combine practicality and style.
Terracotta is an excellent material for the kitchen because of its durability, which allows it to withstand the constant abuse of moving chairs, dropping pots, and high levels of foot traffic.
Naturally, terracotta tiles are a great choice if you’re trying to create a rustic look. This material can help you achieve an authentic farmhouse feel in your home. With its earthy and warm tones, terracotta is also commonly used for the Mediterranean and other old-world styles; however, you can also implement it into a more contemporary design.
Bathroom
Terracotta tiles can be a fantastic addition to your bathroom for several reasons. For one thing, the material works really well with underfloor heating mats. This is because terracotta has good thermal conductivity. Additionally, terracotta tiles are easy to clean and can withstand moisture better than many other materials.
Finally, the colour of terracotta tiles is a great choice for bathrooms. The rusty colour usually contrasts well with the whites and greys many of us prefer in our bathrooms.
This earthy complexion of terracotta tiles is also a great choice if you have any freestanding copper pipes, as the combination of both will create a unique design for your bathroom space.
Stairways
Using terracotta throughout your staircase may be a good idea because terracotta tiles are durable and relatively affordable compared to wood or metal tiles.
The problem with wooden stairs is that they’re often really squeaky or simply don’t mask the sound of walking well. This may be a problem at night – in extreme cases traversing the wooden stairs can even wake up other home dwellers.
Terracotta tiles, on the other hand, provide excellent sound protection. This means that these tiles help you minimise noise from travelling up and down the stairway, so you don’t have to worry about the eerie squeaking of your stairs.
Porch
As already mentioned, terracotta looks fantastic when combined with other materials such as wood or dark metal. These features make it an excellent choice for covering your porch flooring, creating a stylish surface that will increase your outdoor appeal.
You don’t have to worry about weather conditions too much. Depending on the density of the clay and how it’s fired, your terracotta tiles should be durable enough to withstand damaging weather conditions such as hail.
Still, it’s a good idea to consult a professional for help and assistance before you begin your project. This way, you’ll ensure that you’ve chosen the right tiles for outdoor space.
Fireplace
If you plan to have a fireplace in your home, consider using terracotta tiles to create a traditional effect on the outside. The rustic look of terracotta tiles is an excellent choice for giving the fireplace a unique appearance.
As already mentioned, terracotta tiles are naturally red. However, you can also find other types of terracotta tiles that come in different colours. For example, if you prefer a more modern look, you may want to choose terracotta tiles in a grey or tan colour.
Additionally, terracotta material is simple to maintain and clean. You can easily wash terracotta tiles with a wet towel or mop. This is important as your fireplace will inevitably get dirty from all the wood burned in it.
Conclusion
Terracotta tiles are a great choice for a wide range of home surfaces. Before installing terracotta tiles in your home, it’s important to consider your preferences and needs and the aesthetics you’re aiming for.
For example, terracotta tiles are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms if you want to create a rustic farmhouse look. They’re also a good choice for porches, stairwells, and outside elements of fireplaces due to their durability, thermal properties, and ease of maintenance.
Remember that the use of terracotta tiles isn’t limited only to the examples mentioned in this article. As long as it suits your preferences or needs, the sky is essentially the limit. However, it’s still a good idea to talk with a specialist first to learn the limits of the material. Good luck!
