Choosing the right ceramic tiles is very important because it ultimately determines the appearance of the bathroom. This room is especially in need of proper finishing, given its relatively small size in most cases and climatic conditions.
In an effort to make the bathroom better, the owners of a house or apartment will certainly be faced with the problem of choosing ceramic tiles, namely their surface. The most common subject of debate is what kind of ceramics should be in the bathroom, glossy or matte. This article is intended to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these two types of surfaces, as well as to help decide and choose which material is best to use for finishing.
Characteristics of matte bath tiles
Matte tiles lack shine; because of this, when selected in a store, they do not look as nice as glossy ones. However, this is only the first impression, as on the wall of the bathroom it becomes truly beautiful and chic.
The number of colors and patterns that are applied to matte tiles make it an even more sophisticated cladding. In addition, there are relief matte tiles, which, thanks to the different shapes of the pattern, create a design that looks expensive. Add frosted glass or a mirror to your bath and complete the style.
Beauty is only one of the benefits of matte tiles. The most important thing is the properties of the rough surface. It does not absorb or allow moisture to pass through, which allows you to preserve the surface even longer than in the case of glossy tiles.
Texture and color
In the decoration of bathrooms, tiles that imitate the texture of wood, sea waves, brick, and mosaic are popular. Various imitations of sand and natural stone look great on matte surfaces. In most cases, this material is used for finishing rooms in country, ethnic and rustic styles.
Popular colors in such interiors are gray, beige, and shades of brown. The tiles in sand and beige shades, imitating natural textures, look organic on the floor.
Another popular group is cool “aquatic” shades - blue, cyan, emerald, turquoise. It is better to dilute them with warm colors of accessories to soften the impression and add coziness to the interior.
The combination of white and gold is still a current trend. This finish creates an atmosphere of luxury in the bathroom and lifts your mood. This combination looks luxurious.
To create a bright and stylish design you will need red material. Black color is a classic, but such an interior will need quite intense lighting, use different light sources.
Types of matte ceramic tiles
Currently, the main trend in interior design is to recreate other materials in the bathroom through tiles. These are materials such as wood, fabric, sand, clay, natural stone, etc.
But almost all of these materials do not contain a glossy sheen, so it is more convenient to make them using matte tiles. For example, a gray matte bathtub would look great.
Even if the material that needs to be imitated contains a little shine, there is a way out. Modern tile manufacturers use the latest technologies. Therefore, it is easy to make matte tiles as close to the real material as possible.
Well, the number of colors and textures is now simply huge. Everyone will find what they need. The most convenient thing is that in any store you can order exactly the tiles that you need. You are provided with a catalog with photos of matte bath tiles and you order yours in the required quantity depending on the size of your bath.
Caring for matte ceramics in the bathroom
Glossy tiles, of course, look very beautiful. And it’s not that problematic to care for. However, with constant evaporation, along with condensation, a coating remains on the glossy tile. In addition, droplets leave streaks and stains.
Matte tiles are much more practical in this regard. There will be no noticeable streaks or streaks on it. Many people are afraid that an uneven surface literally absorbs dirt. It remains in the pores of the tile and is not washed out.
So, this opinion is erroneous, since modern tile manufacturing technologies make it possible to avoid severe porosity.
With regular, simple cleaning, you can preserve the beauty of your tiles for a long time. At the same time, daily cleaning is not required at all, as is the case with glossy tiles.
Matte surface coatings for floors and walls
Today on the market there are many facing materials for finishing bathroom floors. However, matte bathroom tiles will be the best option in this case. The specifics of the room include the use of materials that are easy to clean, wear-resistant and do not absorb moisture.
Matte tiles are ideal for creating a modern interior
Ceramic products with a non-shiny surface combine all these qualities. Unlike glossy tiles, which should be additionally wiped with a dry cloth after washing to avoid streaks, matte tiles do not require extra labor. In addition, its rough coating prevents slipping, even if there is a puddle of water on the floor. This property of this surface becomes especially useful for families with small children, as it helps to avoid injury when falling on a hard plane.
Interior with a touch of antiquity
Matte bathroom tiles are also successfully used for wall cladding. The variety of colors and the unique texture of its surface will allow you to decorate the room in an unusual and cozy color. It will fit perfectly into eco-style and country interiors. It will add charm to the design of antique and classic styles. The non-shiny coating does not reflect under artificial light, thereby not tiring the eyesight. The ease of maintenance and aesthetic appearance of matte tiles today are attracting more and more well-deserved attention and make it the best option for tiling the floors and walls of the bathroom.
Pros and cons of matte tiles
- It is safe because it prevents slipping due to its slightly rough surface.
- Prevents the appearance of fungus, as it has greater moisture resistance than other materials.
- Does not require daily washing, thereby saving your time.
- Different colors and finishes, which is great for creating a special, unique style.
But, as with any option, matte bath tiles have some disadvantages. Of course, they are few, but they are significant:
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- If the tiles are not properly cared for, dirt eats deep into the pores and is not washed out. To get rid of such contaminants, special products are required.
- For some interior styles, the use of matte tiles is not suitable. For example, baroque implies only a glossy finish.
Features of care
Ceramic tiles are popular not only because of their aesthetic and practical qualities, but also because they are easy to care for. Glossy surfaces have a special coating that does not absorb water and other liquids. Therefore they are very easy to clean. However, it should be remembered that the ingress of drops and condensation will certainly leave smudges, and after the moisture evaporates from the surface, limescale will constantly form. To get rid of the negative consequences, you will have to thoroughly clean glossy tiles daily and then wipe them dry.
Matte surface is the best choice for eco-style
As for matte tiles, everything is much simpler here. There is a well-known myth about the high ability of such ceramics to absorb dirt due to the porous surface. This misconception has no basis. Modern tile processing technologies make it possible to achieve an optimal ratio of coating roughness and the absence of deep pores. If you clean the surface from time to time, the chances of deep contamination will be minimal. In addition, stains from water on non-shiny tiles are absolutely invisible. Accordingly, there is no need for daily cleaning.
Matte surfaces will bring elegance and nobility to the interior
Summarizing the above, we can highlight the main advantages of a matte facing surface and its disadvantages. Its advantages are:
- safety in operation due to non-slip coating; Models with a textured surface are especially good for floors;
- tile hygiene , this property is very important for rooms with high humidity, where there is a high probability of fungus;
- ease of maintenance will save your time and money;
- a variety of colors and textures will help you create a noble and stylish bathroom interior.
The disadvantages include the following features:
- deep contamination is practically not removed from the surface;
- When creating a pompous interior in the Baroque style, the use of matte tiles is impossible.
