Ceramic surface ideas for your home

Ceramic surface ideas for homes have been around for centuries, with early iterations of tiles traced back to around 4,000 BCE. Ceramic surfaces for decorative and practical purposes are still as sought-after today, although technological advances have led to some incredible variations and styles and formats on the market.

From looking into the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles to exploring the Italian manufacturer and global leader in eco-friendly porcelain, these ceramic surface ideas from showstopping bathrooms to sleek kitchens and external wall cladding will give you inspiration on how to bring this beautiful material into your home.

What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

The terms ceramic and porcelain are sometimes used interchangeably, and although porcelain is a type of ceramic, there is a difference in its properties and application. Porcelain is a high-fire clay body, made from a fine white clay containing kaolin. Given that it fires at a higher temperature it results in a thinner, harder, denser tile. Ceramic tiles are made from a softer, coarser clay and fire at lower temperatures, and result in a more porous tile. Dependent, of course on manufacturers and quality, porcelain is more expensive, as it’s more durable tile choice. Bear in mind that ceramic tiles are often cheaper to buy and cheaper to install.

When it comes to choosing your ceramic surface, think about your PEI rating, which is the rating determined by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, to quantify the hardness and durability of a tile. The scale runs from 0, which is the lightest and should only be used on the walls, to 5, which is the hardest and can be used for heavy traffic flooring (to give an idea on its durability, this option is more commonly used in commercial settings).

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are waterproof when glazed, but porcelain tiles have the edge, they absorb less water as they’re far less porous, and are your best option for kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas.

What are the latest developments in porcelain technology?

The beauty of modern-day ceramic surface ideas is that technology has developed in a way that elevates the look and makes it more durable for your home. Italian-maker Laminam is a global leader in using new innovations and advances in sustainability to create large format ceramic surfaces that are resistant to heat and thermal shock and are scratch resistant, making them an ultra-durable and hardwearing surface for a kitchen or bathroom.

Given that Laminam’s tiles are also resistant to UV rays and can be installed in the sunlight without fading, they’re a perfect surface solution for exterior spaces and outdoor kitchens. Best of all, Laminam porcelain surfaces are made from natural raw materials containing up to 60% recycled materials, 95% of raw waste is reused in its production process and Laminam recovers 1,244 tonnes of packaging materials from customers. Adding to the company’s eco-friendly credentials is the fact that 50,000 cubic metres of waste water is treated and reused in its production.

Add texture with ceramic wall panelling

If you want the durability of a ceramic surface, but a wood-effect, then Mandarin Stone has a wide selection of wood-effect porcelain tiles from walnut, lime or ash parquet to larch or elm. The Riga maple fluted decor (pictured) is gently fluted giving depth and texture to a room.

Its honey tones are rich and warm, although if you’re looking for a bright fresh look, the Riga tile also comes in a soft white stone effect (you can choose between ceramic or porcelain) and can be laid vertically or horizontally. These tiles are perfect for a bathrooms and kitchen that will experience higher levels of moisture, as it won’t warp or stain if it gets wet.

Large format tiles are ideal for bathrooms

Going for large format porcelain tiles in a bathroom has plenty of benefits. Laminam UK’s Managing Director, Gavin Shaw explains how seamless porcelain surfaces look stunning in a large walk-in shower area or flowing from floor to ceiling for a cohesive wet room or bathroom look. He adds, “Laminam’s porcelain is sleek, easy to clean with warm water and mild detergent, durable and elegantly beautiful with an enduring look ideal for both classic and contemporary décors.”

“Thanks to the large format slabs, less time can be spent cleaning grout. You won’t need to worry about mould, mildew, or bacteria and instead, can relax and unwind as you pamper yourself daily in your very own home spa. Durable and hardwearing as well as water and stain resistant, they rarely scratch or mark, so they are perfect for the whole family.”

Bring in texture with ceramic mosaics

When it comes to ceramic surface ideas, they don’t have to just be purely functional. Bringing in texture and interest with your tiles is key, and when it comes to trends, vertical tile stacking draws the eye upwards and gives the illusion of height. Tile Mountain’s aptly named Kit Kat tiles (they have a 150 x 300 mm format with a 9mm thickness) are fluted with a glossy glaze that reflects the light, and pressed edges for a smooth finish. The tiles pictured are a Rubik Greige, but they also come in garnet red, green and smoky grey.

Ca’ Pietra also does a brilliant range of porcelain stick tiles that are reminiscent of bamboo. Each tile is 29.5 X 28.4cm and has three vertical sticks per tile. It comes in deep colours like Verdigris and forest green, with a lustre finish, which is a metallic, oxidised overglaze, which adds an iridescent shimmer that reflects light off the surface.

Try the thinnest porcelain in the world

If you want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to ceramic surface technology then Laminam has launched a new collection called twO, which is an ultra-thin, lightweight and sustainable surface. The technology will enable the same technical performance of the larger slabs (including UV and temperature resistant and ultra-durability) but it explains how much more sustainable it will be and says that over “70% of contributions to the company carbon footprint will be reduced thanks to this lighter and less voluminous product”.

In addition the company says that “the firing phase is faster and performed using electric kilns powered by the company’s solar PV system, while transportation emissions are reduced thanks to the significantly lower overall weight”.

Be bold with hand-crafted 3D ceramics

Otto Tile and Design was born out of founder and creative director Damla Turgot’s desire to bring the beauty of the culture and art from her homeland of Turkey and translate that into tiles. Blending traditional patterns with contemporary style for some stand-out ceramic surface ideas.

Her unique designs, including the new fish scale tiles (or scallop tiles) are all designed and hand-crafted from scratch and are perfect for indoor walls in bathrooms and kitchens. When it comes to glazing, you can pick between a glossy green (there are two shades one deep green the other emerald), shiny gold or antique bronze.

Think about your finishes

With a choice of 13 collections and a variety of finishes, there are almost 130 different colour and texture variations to choose from to suit a variety of projects and interior styles at Laminam. How you feel in a space makes a big impact on which porcelain tile you choose, from highly polished finishes which feel smooth to the touch to a semi-polished porcelain, which has a more satin-like feel.

For those who prefer a more tactile feel to their ceramic surface ideas, the bush-hammered finish (pictured) has bas-reliefs of varying depths. The chiselled finish feels smooth, like natural slate. Delving further into reflecting the natural world, the polished starlit finish, is flecked with tiny particles that look like the night sky when the light reflects on them, rain, has broken lines that replicate droplets.

Consider exterior cladding

Ceramic surface ideas are not just reserved for interiors, they’re durable and super stylish for exterior spaces, from garden design to cladding your home. Direct Tile Warehouse explain how its Iguazu Grey Indoor or Outdoor Wall Tiles (pictured) “have been inspired by the texture and natural appearance of stone but are made from top quality hard wearing porcelain offering a beautiful yet practical option”.

In fact, exterior tile hanging (cladding an exterior wall in clay tiles to protect it), was popularised in around the 17th century, and became even more prevalent when King George III brought in a tax on bricks in 1784. You’ll still see examples of exterior tile hanging across the country from Kentish Oast houses to modern examples, like the Victoria and Albert Museum’s, new Exhibition Road Quarter, which features over 11, 000 handmade ceramic tiles.

-If you’re considering exterior ceramic tiles, look into the Roof Tile Association’s vertical tiling guide to follow the correct guidelines before you start.