Positive and negative qualities of tiles
Among the wide variety of materials for flooring for a corridor, the best option would be tiles, which have advantages over other materials.
Positive traits:
- Long lasting;
- Resistant to chemicals and mechanical stress;
- Suitable for installation of underfloor heating systems;
- Easy to clean, does not absorb odors, does not become moldy;
- Made from natural materials, environmentally friendly, without harmful fumes;
- It is easy to replace individual damaged areas;
- Combines with other materials.
Negative qualities:
- On light, glossy, embossed surfaces, dirt is visible;
- It is unpleasant to walk barefoot;
- It is impossible to pass silently.
Distinctive features of brown tiles
Initially, all floor tiles were ceramic and had a red-brown clay color. Now manufacturers offer products of any color, with a pattern and plain, glossy and matte. You can choose a covering to suit any interior, but brown floor tiles attract the most attention.
This color is convenient because it goes with any decor, fits into different interior styles, harmonizes with other colors and suits many rooms.
Types of floor tiles
There are quite a lot of materials available for floor coverings. The latest trends gravitate towards environmentally friendly materials and those that have stood the test of time.
Main types used.
Ceramic
It has become a classic option not only because it is easy to remove dirt from its surface, but thanks to a wide selection with different parameters. Among the new products, lapped, glazed, and polished are popular.
On a note! Marking according to the best quality indicators:
- First category for moisture resistance;
- REI 4, REI5 for wear resistance;
- AA, AB for resistance to detergents;
- Water absorption no more than 3%. There are no pores or roughness on the chipped tile;
- R10, R11 for slip level.
The manufacturing technology of high-quality ceramics guarantees its durability and strength. But it cracks when temperatures fluctuate and heavy objects fall.
Clinker
It differs from ceramic in the firing method and is more water resistant and durable. Most often produced glazed.
Porcelain stoneware
Practical and expensive, but at the same time the most durable and stable. During the production process, granite chips are added to the clay, which is reflected in greater resistance to mechanical stress (7 points on the Mohs scale), chemicals and temperature changes. You can safely walk in sharp heels.
Attention! Hydrofluoric acid, which is part of detergents, is detrimental to this coating.
Available with a surface imitating natural materials. Used for underfloor heating systems. The choice of tile thickness is wide - from 0.7 to 3 cm, which allows you to choose the appropriate option for the interior. Proper installation can eliminate surface imperfections.
Quartz vinyl
A new synthetic flooring material that resembles laminate. Stabilizers, plasticizers, and pigments are used in production, which brings its properties closer to artificial stone, while being environmentally friendly.
Used for installation of heated floors. Resistant to mechanical stress and detergents. Differs from other types in better sound insulation. Installed with glue or locking joint.
Vinyl
The properties resemble rubberized plastic with stone chips in its composition. It is wear-resistant and durable, and can be installed without seams.
Each type of tile has a set of qualities and, following the rules of combination and being guided by taste, the desired decorative effect is achieved.
Choosing material
Floor tiles can be made from different materials.
Cement tiles
Durable and dense material, which is made by pressing. Then the resulting products are kept in water and gain strength over a long period of time. Another significant plus is environmental friendliness. The material does not emit any harmful substances due to the fact that it hardens naturally and without exposure to high temperatures.
Ceramics
The most common type with a large selection of technical characteristics, shapes, sizes and colors. It is made from a mixture of various materials (the most popular option is clay and quartz sand) under the influence of high temperatures, then cools and hardens.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are the most durable and durable tile covering. Like ordinary ceramics, it is made from a binder mixture and fired, and then further pressed. Usually produced in medium or large format in the form of seamless slabs, it is often used not only in the bathroom or hallway, but also in residential areas.
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Flooring design
The choice of surface, color, shape and size is determined by the practicality of maintenance and the visual effect created by their combination.
Surfaces:
- Glossy is a universal classic option, which, when used, creates the effect of a larger room. There is only one drawback - dirt is too clearly visible.
- Scratches and other damage are less visible on a matte surface.
- Satin is a middle option between matte and textured surfaces, creating a play of light.
On a note! Matte and satin are used more often as they are the most practical.
Textured ones imitate natural surfaces made of wood or stone.
Texture
Relief tiles are rarely used to decorate the floor in the hallway: they will accumulate dirt and soon lose their attractiveness.
Among the smooth specimens there are:
- Glossy materials that perfectly reflect light. But on such a surface any dirt will be too noticeable, creating a feeling of sloppiness. In a small hallway, such tiles can narrow the room too much.
- Matte materials that are not conspicuous and are used in small spaces.
- The satin surface gently reflects light without irritating the eyes or attracting much attention. This option perfectly emphasizes the color and decor of the coating.
A variety of floor tiles will help you create the most attractive hallway without spending a lot of time on maintenance.
Color and ornaments
Thanks to modern technologies, colors, applied designs and ornaments are distinguished by a wide variety. The perception of the room as a whole depends on the color scheme.
- White glossy surfaces are attractive and visually expand the corridor, but even small stains are clearly visible.
- Black tiles fit perfectly into spacious hallways. The main drawback is that scratches and stains are visible. You can soften the effect by combining white and black tiles in a checkerboard pattern.
- Grays are more universal in compatibility with the color of wall decoration, and damage and dirt are less noticeable.
- Beige tones will create a cozy atmosphere and serve as a neutral background for furniture and decorations.
- Blue and red are used as one of the tones for finishing. Red - in combination with pink and burgundy tones as an element of soft ornaments.
Popular patterns, shapes and colors in 2022
This year the following are considered relevant:
- color design - neutral and warm colors (beige, walnut, pastel, gray);
- filling with patterns - ethnic, geometry, ornaments, small neutral designs, relief elements;
- shape - classic square, rectangle, as well as modern rhombuses, hexagons, circles, trapezoids.
The composition of the floor tiles is completely harmless, so they are safe for humans.
It is possible to use several harmoniously combined options at the same time.
The peculiarity of this coating is that it can be easily restored.
Dimensions and shape
Available in various sizes and shapes. With the right combination, you can achieve a visual expansion of the corridor or correct errors after repairs. The shapes are square, rectangular, hexagonal, figured, metlakh.
Large tiling takes less time, and fewer joints ensure greater cleanliness. When using small tiles, cutting work is reduced and the small pattern looks cozy.
Based on knowledge about the technical and decorative characteristics of materials and using design ideas, problems of a specific room are solved or it is arranged in an original style.
Expansion of space in a narrow corridor is achieved:
- Tiling in stripes with alternating dark and light rows;
- Finished with large tiles in blue, gray, brown tones;
- The use of bright glossy tiles creates the illusion of a voluminous surface;
- At the junction of the corridor with other rooms, the same materials are used;
- Zoning space by combining different materials;
- A non-standard solution for housewives who pride themselves on their ability to maintain cleanliness - a combination of black and white tiles or highlighting light and dark areas.
Techniques for arranging spacious rooms:
- The use of figured and metlakh tiles in the form of a mosaic;
- Cladding with large tiles with three-dimensional patterns emphasizes the scale of the room;
- The tiles in the center of the hallway are laid out as a carpet with mosaic trim on the sides.
On a note! In the space for shoes, tiles of increased density and resistance to detergents are used. The place for meeting guests is decorated in the form of a colored carpet or with ornamental patterns.
The interiors are given originality by finishing with imitation wood, laminate, marble, granite, onyx, and geometric patterns will bring an aristocratic style.
Based on the characteristics of each type of tile and decorative effect, it is necessary to determine their location on the surface.
Types of tile coverings
Ceramic tiles
This is exactly the type of coating that is implied by the word “tile”. Floor tiles in a hallway differ in many ways from those used in a kitchen or bathroom. It has a much higher density, thickness and grain size. Thanks to these qualities, the material is able to withstand shock and pressure.
The average price of ceramic tiles is from 200 to 1000 rubles per square meter. The price depends on the manufacturer, the newness of the collection and the design. Many companies make patterned tiles from wood or stone, but ceramic tiles remain the most popular flooring option.
Interior tiles look simple, but will last a long time due to increased safety
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles have an excellent appearance and are very practical due to their durability. According to the Friedrich Mohs scale, the material has a load resistance rating of 7.
Manufacturers produce tiles of different thicknesses. It ranges from 7 to 30 mm. In addition, the material easily tolerates frequent temperature changes, which makes it popular for rooms close to the street.
In addition to high strength, the tiles have excellent chemical resistance. The exception is hydrofluoric acid, which corrodes granite. In addition, the material is valued for its ability to eliminate any surface defects when installed correctly.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are made from rubberized plastic and stone chips are added to the mixture. Advantages of vinyl: no seams during installation, increased strength and high resistance to mechanical damage.
Vinyl tiles seamlessly replace natural materials in an open area
Quartzvinyl
Tiles are made by combining different materials. In essence, this is a modern PVC surface. Thanks to its excellent wear resistance, it is designed for places with large crowds of people and high traffic.
The tile consists of four layers:
- The first one is made of polyvinyl chloride. Provides reliable attachment to the surface.
- The second one is made of fiberglass, which increases its load-bearing capacity.
- The third strengthens. Made from quartz and vinyl.
- The fourth layer is protective. It consists of polyurethane. It also performs a decorative function.
The material has excellent soundproofing properties compared to others. It has a number of advantages. For example, it is perfect for “warm floors”. Although artificial materials are used in the manufacture of tiles, they are completely safe for humans, as they remain environmentally friendly.
Multilayer tiles
It consists of several layers. The first is thickened polyvinyl chloride, the second is a ceramic base with the addition of granite particles, then a layer of pigmented and green grass. The obvious advantage of such tiles is its high strength. In addition to this, it is not as cool as regular ceramic tiles, but is a bit like laminate.
PBX
Polyvinyl chloride is linoleum that is laid in small parts. Visually, linoleum goes well with ceramic tiles. The coating is soft and easy to install. The natural advantage of linoleum is its low price, but there is also an obvious drawback - it quickly breaks from mechanical damage.
High-quality linoleum replaces ceramic tiles in an open area
Clinker
Clinker is a small brick that has a rectangular shape and is fired using a special technology. Sometimes it is glazed and uneven. Clinker is used not only on walls, but also on open floors.
Clinker brick highlights a small area in the house or hallway
Methods for laying tiles in the hallway
The following methods are used for installation:
- The usual one is used for spaces of significant size, and when combining tiles of different colors, the best effect is achieved.
- Offset installation is suitable for rectangular corridors. It will be more attractive to use tiles of several colors. This is how tiles are laid that imitate natural materials.
- Narrow rectangular tiles, including those imitating parquet, are laid using the herringbone method.
- Parquet is used for ceramic tiles that imitate a wooden surface.
- Modular installation begins with an ornament in the center of the corridor and continues along its perimeter.
On a note! Select grout for joints so that dirt and water do not accumulate. Make the joints in dark colors to make it easier to clean.
Diagonal - with non-parallel walls, it visually expands a narrow corridor.
When laying carpet, tiles with a variety of patterns and patterns are used.
The tiles are combined with other finishing materials, and the borders of the coverings of the rooms adjacent to the hallway must be decorated.
In what cases should you choose light and dark tiles?
Light-colored floor decor products perfectly visually expand the area of the room. If the hallway is spacious, you may give preference to dark tiles. In such a situation, you will need to place more emphasis on light, for example, placing furniture and other interior details of this color.
The materials from which hallway tiles are made are usually durable and wear-resistant.
The color of the tile coating directly depends on the design variations and the orientation of the windows. If there are no windows in the hallway or they face the north side, it is recommended to choose tiles in a monochromatic light color. Dark colors can take away the natural light in a room. More saturated colors are also suitable for the south side.
A good coating can last about 50 years without changing its external and quality characteristics.
Combining tiles with other coatings
To zone the space, combinations with other materials are used. To make the transition from one zone to another smooth and harmonious, proper design of the joints is required. The joint line can be straight or figured depending on the materials used.
With a straight line, the thresholds are matched to the color of the coating. For figured joints, the thresholds are selected to be flexible. You can combine tiles with parquet, linoleum, and carpet.
On a note! The entrance area, lined with ceramics, can be planned as a higher surface, but no more than 5 cm in height.
The combination with laminate gives a decorative effect and at the same time 2 zones are distinguished: the entrance and the one where you can walk barefoot or in slippers.
Options for designing the joint between laminate and tiles:
- There is a small gap left that needs to be decorated.
- A connecting profile is used.
- A decorative flexible strip is mounted at a wavy border.
At the border with carpet and linoleum, a connecting profile is also used.
In this case, not so much aesthetics as the safety of the structure are taken into account. A reliable option would be to seal the seam with silicone to match the color of the coating or use a cork condenser.
The flooring is chosen in the style of the overall home improvement or, according to new trends, individually for the hallway. In any case, it is necessary to be guided by the specific features of the style.
Selection of tiles to suit the interior style
The variety of choices allows you to find options for every taste.
- When decorating in a modern style, tiles from high-quality practical materials of simple shapes are used, without restrictions on colors. Monolithic blocks with geometric patterns and tiles with a 3D effect are suitable. The style involves combining opposites and bold experiments.
- The mood of classic style is reflected in reliability and luxury with careful selection of details. Large tiles with imitation wood, granite, marble, as well as completely plain or with discreet patterns are popular. The main colors are white, cream and beige. Not suitable for narrow corridors.
- Minimalist style trends gravitate toward simple textures and materials that are practical and versatile. The color of the tiles is chosen in beige, gray, black, white tones.
- Narrow hallways are decorated in Scandinavian style. The white glossy surfaces of the tiles will create the desired optical effect. Tiles with ornaments and designs in such interiors can be present in moderate quantities. If we take light brown shades as a basis, then tiles with an imitation of a wooden surface are appropriate.
- For the romantic southern Provence style, tiles that imitate a wooden floor are chosen, as well as with patterns and patchwork.
- The industrial loft style will help hide mistakes after renovation. Tiles are selected with the effect of aged, masonry, concrete or wood. Cotto brick tiles - porous, non-slip, without enamel - will fit perfectly. Plain tiles or those with a laconic pattern are also used.
- High-tech style values functionality while observing the laws of symmetry. Surfaces are selected in transparent and matte neutral tones. Porcelain tiles imitating metal and stone are used. Bright materials and ornaments are excluded.
Before purchasing floor tiles, you need to determine the size of the surface, take into account the decoration of the walls, and the level of illumination.
Having chosen a certain style, it is better to create several design options. Now all that remains is to purchase everything you need and arrange an original and cozy hallway.
