From decorative cast bronze tile, to sleek, stainless tile, metal tiles can compliment and enhance a number of styles and designs. Incorporate metal finishes to dress up and add interest to any project.
e
Metal Accent Til
There are multiple ways to add the rich beauty and patina of metal and metallic finished tiles without necessarily using the metal tiles over the entirety of the surface being covered. Metallic tiles can be used as cut-in accents or as borders to both floor and wall tile.
Try combining decorative pewter accents with slate tiles on a mudroom floor. The tiles will wear, and soften in patina where they are frequently stepped on, and darken where they are not, adding interest and depth to the floor. The soft, cast look of the pewter will compliment the rough, cleft finish of the slate. Together, the two can add a decorative element, while maintaining their beauty in a lower maintenance area.
Thin metal borders of bronze or pewter can be used to separate out the area behind the cooktop in a kitchen backsplash. Keep the rest of the tiles simple, in a white or cream subway style, laying the tiles in a running bond along the counters, and in a herringbone behind the cooktop for a simple, elegant look.
Custom ceramic tiles, such as those produced by Pratt and Larson, can incorporate multiple metallic finishes in their glazes, from bright coppers, to deep patinaed bronzes. Lay some of these metallics into a border made of tile mosaics to highlight and enhance certain shapes.
Metallic Field Tiles
Cast bronze tiles and stainless steel mosaics can be used to cover the area of backsplash in either a kitchen or bathroom design. Use hand cast bronze tiles, with decorative images scattered throughout for a rustic look, and stainless steel tiles in multiple shapes and sizes for a design with modern appeal.
Large format porcelain tiles are available with metallic glazes in stainless, weathered copper and bronze. These tiles will wear and patina where they are frequently walked on, giving an industrial look to modern lofts and apartments. Lay these tiles in 24”x24” squares in a small area, to visually enlarge and enhance the space.
Caring for Metal Tiles
All metal and metallic finish tiles should be cleaned with a non-acid, non-alkaline cleaner. Cleansers using acids can etch the tiles, and remove their finish or patina. To preserve and freeze a patina in its current state, apply a thin coating of old fashioned, wax based furniture polish to the surface of the tiles. This will stop the natural patina process, and keep the tiles from darkening or lightening further.
To clean patinaed, and solid metal tiles, use a non-lemon based furniture cleaner, such as Pledge, applied with a soft cloth. Metallic glazed tiles can be cleaned with any gentle, ceramic or stone cleanser as needed.
Metal finishes do patina over time, when left alone. The places that the tiles are frequently touched will lighten, while the surrounding areas darken. This adds to the beauty and interest of the tiles, and is in no way a defect.
Metallic finish tiles can be used in nearly any style, from rustic to modern to enhance and add interest. Compliment metal tiles by using the same metal finish in cabinet and door pulls, kitchen sinks and faucets, and bathroom accessories. Use metal tiles in all areas of the home to further advance any design
 |
 |
 |
 |
