Decorative tiles for your tiling projects

Decorative tiles - As well as providing a decorative surface in a vast range of colors and patterns, tiling, especially non ceramic types, also has dimension of texture. How this aspect of wall or ceiling tiles affects the appearance of a room depends, to a large degree, on the type of lightning employed. Frontal lightning tends to suppress the appearance of texture because the peaks and hollows that make that make up the surface are equally lit. To emphasize texture, use oblique lightning, which throws the hollows into shadow and highlights the peaks.

Most people think of the glazed ceramic variety, but for a textured finish to a room there are other types.

• Cork tiles

Cork tiles, as well as being a popular choice as a floorcovering, also make a decorative surface

in bathrooms, where they contribute to insulation and warmth: in offices and children's rooms, where they are used simply as a decorative device.

• Mirror tiles

Convenient for bathroom use, mirror tiles are usually supplied with self-adhesive pads or strips attached to their reverse side. If you intend to install more than one, bear in mind that any unevenness of the supporting surface behind may cause the faces of the tiles to produce some very distorted reflections. Unless walls are perfect, it may be preferable to install a sheet of plywood  backing to the wall first, and then stick the mirror tiles to it for a completely distortion-free finish.

• Quarry tiles

Although equally hardwearing as ceramic tiles and requiring similar installation techniques, quarry tiles are unglazed and have more of a casual, country appearance – a look that is emphasized by their predominantly earthy coloration. Quarry tiles contain a high proportion of quartz and are not particularly porous, which makes then a suitable choice for kitchens. Small quarry tiles in variety of shapes are also available, and these are suitable for creating mosaic patterns. If left untreated, quarry tiles have a matte appearance. If you want to produce a more shiny finish, then you need to treat them with linseed oil and turpentine.

• Ceiling tiles

Made from a variety of synthetic materials, ceiling tiles can add interesting textural qualities to a ceiling. These tiles are also a useful means of disguising a ceiling that is in poor condition. Styrofoam acoustic tiles are the most common. If you want paint your tile, the ideal time to do this is before you put them up.