Modern kitchen wall tiles

For the renovation of your kitchen, you have thought about the details concerning the furniture, the household appliances, the worktop. The tiles also deserve as much attention. They are often associated with the floor covering or the worktop. However, it is possible to have wall tiles. Indeed, they are a durable and aesthetic choice. Between the colors, the patterns or the formats, the choices are endless. The most important thing is to choose a kitchen tiles that harmonizes with the rest of the decoration of the room.

The choice of color is crucial since it will have an impact on the overall atmosphere of the kitchen. Warm tones bring a certain dynamism to the room. However, Neutral colors are also very popular, as they easily integrate into the existing decoration.

Popular colors

Neutral colors are the most popular when it comes to wall tiles. These are shades of gray, beige and white. However, other more unusual colors are gaining popularity in the kitchen. This is the case for black, green and blue.
In interior design, some colours stand out from the rest every year. Bright colours such as pale pink, khaki green and mustard yellow have been on trend in recent years.
However, it is better to choose a timeless colour so as not to get tired of it after a few years. People who are afraid that a trendy colour will go out of style can rely on a neutral colour.

Colours in harmony with the decoration

If the room already benefits from excellent natural lighting, it is better to choose lighter colours such as beige and white. If the kitchen is darker, warmer tones are recommended.
The tiles should also match the kitchen furniture. If wood is the dominant material, a colour that is both dark and warm is ideal. However, for grey, white or metallic melamine furniture, a cooler and lighter colour is easier to integrate into the decoration.
For example, neutral wall tiles are a safe bet for a kitchen that opens to the living room. This way, you can be sure that they won’t clash with the decor in the neighboring room.
The color of the kitchen tiles should also be in harmony with that of the kitchen walls. If the wall already has a warm color, the tiles should be more discreet to avoid a visual overload. However, if the color of the wall is more sober, it is possible to choose bolder tones.

If wall tiles are so popular, it is thanks to their versatility. They lend themselves equally well to contemporary decoration as to a vintage style. In addition, tiles are more splash-resistant than wallpaper.
Therefore, the choice of material can make a difference in terms of aesthetics. To select the ideal tile, you need to know the qualities of each option available on the market.

White earthenware

This is a more refined version of traditional earthenware. Due to its composition, it is more shock-resistant. This quality makes it an ideal option for a practical and elegant kitchen. Despite its high price, it represents a sustainable investment.

Classic earthenware

This is a great classic of wall tiles. Timeless, earthenware still has many fans. Because it comes in many patterns and several colors. This allows you to personalize your kitchen as you wish.
Earthenware is distinguished by its ease of maintenance and its high resistance to humidity. It is ideal for areas regularly exposed to water or oil. However, it is important to remember its sensitivity to scratches and shocks.

Slate

Slate gives a natural and unique effect to the room thanks to its appearance that imitates stone. The material is also very resistant and fits perfectly into a contemporary or rustic decoration. However, slate requires special maintenance to ensure its durability.

Porcelain stoneware

There are two types of porcelain stoneware on the market: enameled and colored paste. The first is known for its high resistance to shocks compared to earthenware. In addition, cleaning this material is easy. The glazed effect produces a shiny touch that is ideal in rooms that lack light.
If you want to adopt a modern design, colored body porcelain stoneware remains the best option. Very scratch-resistant, it comes in several patterns. This gives you a wide choice to match it with the worktop.

Beyond the color and material, other factors should be taken into account when choosing kitchen tiles.

The standards that govern kitchen tiles

Standards are the guarantees of the quality of your tiles. Some apply to floor coverings, while others are valid for wall tiles. Here are some of them:

• PEI standard: expressed from 1 to 5, it indicates the level of resistance to the passage of the product.
• MOHS standard: classified from 1 to 4, it refers to scratch resistance. In this sense, a material that has a resistance score of 9/10 has a high level of resistance. However, from 5/6, it already has a correct score.
• UPEC certification: is very important, since it indicates the overall performance of the material: resistance to water and chemicals as well as wear.

The dimensions of the tiles

The kitchen tiles wall tiles generally come in large formats, i.e. 60 cmX60 cm, or even larger. This can influence the visual effect of the room. Indeed, large format tiles can visually enlarge a small kitchen.
On the other hand, small format tiles produce the opposite effect. However, always make sure that the size of the tiles does not exceed that of the floor tiles.

The glue

If you plan to lay the tiles yourself, you should read the areas of use carefully. If the wall in question is exposed to moisture on a daily basis, you must provide a waterproofing system under the tiles.
In this sense, epoxy mortar is ideal for joining glass pastes and mosaics. Due to its resistance, it is ideal for bathroom and kitchen tiling.
In the case of large format tiles, it is better to use powder adhesives. However, make sure that they are compatible with the waterproofing system. Paste adhesives are also compatible with this water protection system.

Joints

Joints are an apparent element that joins the tiles together. They can be water-repellent, decorative or thin. Joints are usually white, grey, beige or cement.
The most important thing is to choose joints that are a lighter shade than the tiles. Their colour must also match that of the tiles. In this sense, white is not recommended since it produces a grid effect.