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Striped tiles have emerged in recent years as an appealing and dynamic choice in interior design, providing a modern twist on a traditional pattern. Striped tiles, which feature alternating lines or bands of color or texture, add interest to a room by providing an unexpected look and visual depth.
This has become a popular design trend, particularly in bathrooms, but it is also being used in kitchens. However, as with any style trend, the striped tile look’s longevity and timeless appeal remain unknown.
Explore the details of striped tile, our predictions for the future of this tile look, and how designers use striped tiles in their designs.
What is Striped Tile?
Striped tile refers to a tile pattern that features alternating lines of different colored tiles arranged to create a striped effect. Striped tile patterns are used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, backsplashes, floors, and as decorative accents. Striped tiles may also have a striped color on the tile itself.
There are many types of tile that you can use to create striped tile designs. These include basic options like single color ceramic, porcelain, tiles, and glass tiles. You can use natural stone tiles, such as travertine and slate, to create a striped pattern that is more subtle and textured. Many designers are using zellige tiles to create striped patterns that have a more handmade and textured look. Tiles that have stripes printed on them include cement options like encaustic tiles, as well as printed ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Will the Striped Tile Trend Look Classic Over Time?
There are compelling reasons to believe that the striped tile look is a passing trend. It is a distinct look that is become increasingly popular in recent years. Often, these niche style trends suffer from rapid overexposure, which people tire of faster than classic patterns and styles. Many passing style trends are less adaptable than timeless tile patterns, which are more versatile for every location and style of home. Like other specific tile patterns, striped tiles are similarly limited in versatility for general and broad home use.
Yet, there are also arguments that striped tile has a timeless quality. This trend is based on one of the most timeless patterns, stripes. Stripes are elegant and sophisticated, with a rich historical significance that can be seen in designs throughout history.
Choosing Striped Tile for Your Home
Deciding whether to invest in a specific style trend is ultimately a personal choice. During the decision-making process, consider your personal style, the space where you intend to use it, and the visual impact it will have. When choosing a color and pattern, consider the best material options and what they will cost. Always consult a professional for advice based on experience and to help you make informed and thoughtful decisions that are appropriate for your lifestyle and budget.
If you love the striped tile look, then embrace it, knowing that it works for your tastes and preferences regardless of whether the trend will last. There are a wide variety of gorgeous ideas and options to consider.
Others like it but are hesitant to change their entire bathroom or kitchen design to achieve it. In this case, use striped tile as a decorative accent, such as on the shower floor or as a small backsplash. This allows you to get the look while also having the option to change it later if you outgrow it or decide the style is not for you.
Striped Tile Pros and Cons
Striped tiles add a distinctive look to any space, but like every design choice, this option comes with both advantages and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons for using striped tiles in your home.
Pros:
- Visual Interest: Striped tiles add visual interest and depth to a room. Striped tiles act as a focal point or highlight specific areas, increasing the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Color and Pattern Customization: Striped tile patterns can be customized to fit any color palette and stripe size, depending on the tile size and shape.
- Modern and Stylish: Depending on the color scheme and pattern, striped tiles can give your room a modern and chic look. Striped tiles look fitting in contemporary and minimalist design styles, but they can also complement eclectic and traditional designs.
- Illusion of Space: Horizontal stripescan visually widen a room, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of height. This can be especially beneficial for small and narrow spaces, making them feel more spacious.
- Room Adaptability: Striped tiles work well in a variety of settings, from bathrooms and kitchens to floors in foyers, mudrooms, or laundry rooms.
Cons:
- Trend vs. Timeless: It can be difficult to determine when a new trend emerges, whether it is a passing fad or a timeless design. If you are concerned about how timeless striped tile is, wait a couple of years to see how the design holds up in the near future before you invest in it.
- Limited Cohesion with Existing Decor: Many homes have well-established decorating themes and color palettes. It can be difficult to incorporate this distinct style into every home.
- Installation Challenges: Achieving a seamless and visually appealing striped tile layout may necessitate skilled installation, raising the cost of this design style.
- Pattern Overload: Using stripes in excess or combining them with other visually intense patterns can be visually overwhelming. The striped tile must be balanced with the rest of the room’s design elements.
Striped Tile Inspiration Ideas
Striped tile has the power to transform a space with its bold contrasts, elegant patterns, and texture combinations. These room designs from a variety of designers showcase the appeal and possibilities available when using striped tiles.
Striped Tile Bathtub Enclosure
White and blue tiles laid in a horizontal stripe pattern create a striking focal point in this coastal-inspired bathroom. The crisp white tiles give the room an open and airy feel, while the narrower stripes of blue tiles add a refreshing touch of color. This combination on a bathtub enclosure is highly visible, yet it is separate from the other tile. If the owner wants to change it in the future, it will not disrupt the other bathroom features.
Striped Tile That Looks Like Wall Paneling
Bathrooms are moist environments, so certain wall paneling may not last near bathtubs. One good option for creating the look and definition of wall paneling is horizontal striped tile. Notice how this designer used two narrow bands or horizontal striped tile to create interest above the solid blue tile section.
Chevron Detail Striped Tile Floor
The striped effect on this transitional bathroom floor is created by arranging small, alternating colored tiles in a chevron pattern. The small tiles in the zigzagging V-shape appear delicate yet bold. The chevron pattern is created using multiple small tiles, which adds depth and dimension to the striped effect. The direction of the stripes visually lengthens the shape of the small bathroom.
Wavey Striped Tile Floor
Wavey lines have an undulating shape, making them a dynamic and organic alternative to traditional linear stripes. These lines resemble the natural shapes of ocean waves or wind-swept landscapes. One key benefit of curving lines is their ability to add energy and liveliness to a room. They also add warmth and softness, which can create contrast in rooms with rectangular shapes and other squared features.
Colorful Striped Tile Bathroom
This bathroom has a playful appearance thanks to striped walls and floors made of various colored and sized tiles. The colors and size of the stripes create a wallpaper-like effect that is more durable than most wallpaper in a bathroom. Although the stripes are all-encompassing, the colors and patterns do not overpower the bathroom. The designer has balanced the colors in the bathroom with all white fixtures and linens.
Contemporary Black and White Striped Tile Bathroom
This black and white tiled bathroom features thick stripes on the floor and thin stripes on the walls. The contrast between the two stripe patterns creates a visually captivating and dynamic space with a contemporary vibe. The floor tile is the feature you notice at first glance. The wall tile echoes the idea of the floor tile and provides context for it without competing with it.
Striped Tile to Create a Plaid Kitchen Backsplash
Plaid patterns are created by a series of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines of different colors and sizes. Striped tiles laid in a plaid pattern for this kitchen backsplash enhance the visual appeal and texture of this simple midcentury kitchen design.