Traditionally, the facades of buildings were decorated with bricks. For interior decoration, other, more aesthetically beautiful materials were used, the simplest of which is plaster. But with the advent of new design trends, more attention has been paid to brick in the interior. His negligence and original texture organically merge into a number of stylistic trends. Lining the walls with real brick is costly, and full-fledged masonry “eats” a lot of excess space. A number of high-quality imitations have been created that are visually difficult to distinguish from the original. Brick decorative tiles are used to decorate houses both inside and outside. Depending on the type of material that was used for its manufacture, it may not be inferior in strength even to the original. Let's talk about how to properly install the tiles and consider fashionable wall decoration options.
Tile for decoration, simulating a brick, is made of different materials. Some in fact turn out to be durable, while others have a more presentable and unusual look. The main classification includes five types:
Ceramic tile. A traditional timeless option that has passed the long test of time and has shown excellent durability results.
Clinker. Frost-resistant material, which is often used for finishing facades of houses.
Gypsum tile. Beautiful material that can be adjusted at the manufacturing stage.
Concrete tile. It is made according to the technology of pouring the liquid composition into the mold until it is completely hardened. Concrete is strong, durable, easy to paint, but the room is very cold. In general, it refers to materials for roughing and is used to create another type of tile - paving.
Flexible. An innovative option that has a small thickness, but at the same time reliably protects the surface of the wall.
To create decorative bricks, not only these materials are used. Various hardening mixtures are used, which can be made from natural, synthetic components.
Flexible tile
Flexible tile really bends perfectly and its name is not an advertising move to attract buyers. In terms of plasticity, it resembles foam rubber. Material is made of sand and acrylic with the addition of pigments. The main advantage of flexible tiles lies in the ability to lay in the corners without violating the integrity of the fragments, that is, they are simply bent and fixed on the wall.When it is necessary to cut off some part for processing edges, the material is easy to cut. Flexible tiles reliably imitate brick, and reliably protects the surface of the wall. It can be used as a finishing material and for decorating the facade of a house, but the difficulty in removing dirt from the surface becomes a serious obstacle to such decoration. Flexible tiles are environmentally friendly and non-flammable, but they cannot be treated with detergents with alkalis in the composition.
Despite its external “unreliability”, the material will last for many years, and its installation will seem easy even for beginners.
From plaster
The option is popular because of its cheapness, but in quality it is much inferior to ceramics and clinker. Gypsum tiles can be made with your own hands, having previously bought molds for pouring. The surface of each fragment will have to be treated with a special composition. Unfortunately, the protective layer will not be able to save the material from the harmful effects of moisture for a long time. In addition, any mechanical action (up to a punch) will cause fragmentation of the fragments. Gypsum is beautiful, but completely impractical. It can only be used as a decor for interior decoration in those rooms where there is always dry air. Due to the fragility of the material, after its manufacture, its surface can be decorated with crinkles and roughness, which are characteristic of real brickwork.
Brick
Clinker is referred to as bricks. It is based on a mixture of refractory shale clays and feldspar, which after firing at extremely high temperatures become incredibly hard. The original name for the material was given by the Germans because of the special sound that the elements make when they collide with each other. Clinker tile is universal and is used for both external and internal finishing work. The material is characterized by all the advantages of ceramics, but it is stronger and more durable.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are no different from ordinary tiles used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms, except for a rectangular brick shape, and not a standard square one. Material is made from a special type of clay, which is mixed with quartz particles, pigments and carbonates. Ceramic tile has a relatively low weight, retains color even with constant contact with sunlight, does not respond to changes in humidity in the room. The material is durable and durable. Ceramics can have a different texture, but the most popular options are matte and glossy surfaces. The color range allows you to choose a tile for a specific gamut of the interior.
Masonry Styles
Brickwork is far from suitable for all directions. She became a peculiar visiting card of the loft. The “combed” industrial style due to this decor emphasizes the laconicism of the interior and the close “kinship” of the premises with the workshop. The tile usually has a rough surface and imitates a rough brown brick. In minimalism, such a cladding will become a decoration of a practical environment without frills. For this direction, materials of calm tones (gray, white) with a smooth surface are chosen. Hi-tech also uses neutral shades. A stylish solution will be a brick tile with a glossy surface that simulates metal. With country and Provence, the option is combined “with a creak”. In the style of the French hinterland, bricks are used only in gentle tones, and the country accepts a rough texture, as in a loft. In the Gothic direction, tiles with the effect of Venetian plaster are used, that is, with a surface that looks like marble with chaotic stains.
Brick Tile Ideas
Brick tiles decorate only certain sections of the walls in the rooms. If you clad the entire surface with this material, then the design will put pressure on households and cause psychological discomfort.With rare exceptions, decorative tiles are used to decorate an entire room when it is necessary to realistically recreate a medieval interior. Such decor will be appropriate to look only in specific rooms, for example, in the fireplace.
In the hallway and corridor
In the hallway or corridor with the help of decorative bricks they focus on individual elements. Most often it is a doorway or a large mirror. The material also decorates open corners. The technique of "torn edges" is very popular, in which the edges of the masonry are sloppy. This "negligence" is perfectly combined with strict interiors, diluting the atmosphere. If the hallway or corridor is cramped, then it is recommended to use light shades.
In the living room
A fireplace is considered a stylish and cozy element in the living room. To make this section of the room look more colorful, it is decorated with brickwork. In this case, only ceramics or clinker can be used, since the material must be refractory. If the fireplace is located in a corner, partially adjacent walls are decorated with tiles. An original solution will be decorating two surfaces located opposite each other. So that even a dark brick does not create a gloomy atmosphere, they hang a large, bulky mirror behind the sofa, but instead install a wide TV. A snow-white sofa, a glass coffee table and a soft carpet that completely covers the floor will harmonize with this finish. Also accented wall is decorated with tiles, on which a TV and a group of paintings, photographs, posters are placed. In rare cases, the bricks pass a narrow vertical strip from the ceiling to the floor. This solution is effective in combination with simple plaster. The combination of a real brick with its imitation looks unusual. The rough texture of the first contrasts with the smooth surface and well-groomed appearance of the second.The top of the wall is decorated with genuine brick, and starting with a line at eye level, it is lined with decorative tiles.
In the kitchen
Decorative tiles most often adorn the wall, which has a kitchen set. If such a design will put too much pressure on a person, then they are limited only to an apron, which is traditionally made of ceramics. The original option will be to create a “niche” under the hood, which will simulate a similar element above the stove. Its surface is finished with aged brick tiles. If the kitchen is combined with the dining area, then the room can be zoned using a false wall. In order not to spoil the visual perception of space, it is recommended to erect this partition not to the ceiling, but rather as tall as a person. Plaster cannot be used to decorate the kitchen, as the material will quickly become completely unusable. In spacious rooms with an island layout, it is recommended to use black brick with light seams in the masonry, which will contrast with the gloss of the white bar and combine with a dark suite. With the help of decorative tiles, you can emphasize the features of the kitchen of non-standard shape. To decorate small rooms, they resort to a tricky move: they use mirror bricks that visually increase the space, expanding its boundaries. A similar option is suitable for the loft and high-tech. If the interior is supplemented with elements made of metal (chrome surfaces), then this effect can be doubled.
In the bedroom
In the bedroom, it is not recommended to use bricks of catchy shades. In a room that is designed for rest and sleep, it is better to use pastel colors and white. The masonry is finished with an accent wall at the head of the bed or opposite it. They complement the design with a pair of paintings, stylish sconces or stone letters. White brick in harmony with plaster or delicate wallpaper, decorated with floral ornaments.If material with a relief surface on which there are roughnesses is used, it is emphasized by an additional decorative lighting system. For a modern bedroom with a hanging bed, white brick tiles are used, which decorate the wall at the head of the bed. The decor is complemented by a long open shelf for books and matching panel curtains. In minimalist bedrooms, an abstract painting is hung on the wall, and plastered surfaces are decorated with weaving plants in hanging planters. In rare cases, when a fireplace is planned to be installed in a room, it is placed between the windows. This section of the wall is decorated with dark brick, which contrasts with light curtains, but is combined with wooden ceiling beams. This design decision is close to the style of the chalet. To emphasize the negligence of the design, you can not buy paintings, but depict graffiti right on the wall.
The brick surface can be directly involved in the zoning of the combined room. At the same time, a partition made of frosted glass or plastic will become a stylish addition.
In the bathroom
Traditionally, tiles are used to decorate the bathroom. Ceramic tile for brick is in no way inferior to this material in its characteristics. In the bathroom, usually only one wall is finished, which will become accented. In small rooms, dark shades cannot be used. It will organically complement a tile a tile imitating the plaster texture. In this room, it is not advised to use "torn edge" styling. A combination of two types of tiles will look stylish:
Imitating a simple brick.
With a mirror surface.
Reflecting fragments are “woven” into the masonry of an ordinary tile above the sink, thereby creating an asymmetric mirror, and some fragments are partially added to the area where the shower room is located.
Styling technology
The installation procedure includes four stages:
Preparatory work and surface treatment.
Application of the composition.
Fixing tiles.
Final grouting.
Even a beginner can handle the installation of any type of tile. First you need to measure the room and calculate the right amount of material. When laying individual bricks, you need to focus on a straight line, which is applied to the wall, so that the rows are smooth.
Foundation preparation
The wall must be cleaned of dirt or a layer of old paint, dismantle the previous finishing material. In the presence of large defects, they must be repaired with putty and the surface should be carefully leveled. After the composition has dried, an additional primer layer is applied. It will provide a good adhesion between the adhesive and the wall. After the primer has dried (it is advisable to wait a day from the moment of application) it is covered with a bonding agent. Its role may be construction glue or cement mortar. The thickness of the layer should not exceed 0.5 cm. The composition can be applied only on the wall, on the reverse side of the tile, or both versions can be applied at once. At the same time, the processed piece of the decorated surface should not exceed 0.5 m in area. Bear in mind that the composition can quickly harden, so you will have to glue it quickly. Cement mortar is used for facing fireplaces, as other substances may not withstand heat.
If the reverse side of the fragment is smooth, then a spatula with serrated edges is used to apply glue or cement mortar. In cases where the “wrong side” of the tile has a relief, then a tool with a direct working part is used.
Laying tiles
For any type of styling, it is recommended that you move from corner to center. Each fragment is pressed against the surface with force and, if necessary, its location is adjusted until the tiled brick is fixed. Excess adhesive or cement mortar must be removed immediately with a rubber spatula. To make the seams the same, it is recommended to use rubber spacers.The options for laying decorative tiles are the same as for ordinary brick. Among the most aesthetically beautiful are noted:
Spoon masonry with an offset of 1/2 and 1/4. This is a traditional option that is found in typical houses.
Chain masonry. It is characterized by the alternation in each row of long bricks with square fragments that are equal to their half.
Cross masonry. Entire fragments are laid in the first row of plates, and their halves in the second. The main thing is that small pieces are located directly above the center of large ones. Thus, brick crosses will be obtained.
Duck masonry. All rows consist of halves that have an offset, as in the spoon version.
Also in demand are Silesian, Gothic, Flemish and chaotic masonry. In the latter case, each brick is located as the designer wishes. The result may be a very original composition. After the tile is fixed, it is necessary to grout the seams so that they get a neat appearance. For these purposes, use special compositions based on cement or epoxy resins. After the solution has dried, its excess is removed from the surface of the tile with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
It is not necessary to finish the room with only one type of tile. Bricks can be combined in color and texture. Using masonry from excellent fragments, they perform zoning of the room or emphasize individual design elements. The combination of shades is usually performed by the principle of analogy, since a contrasting composition can add “gravity” to the space. The color of the brick must necessarily be continued in furniture or flooring.
Traditionally, the facades of buildings were decorated with bricks. For interior decoration, other, more aesthetically beautiful materials were used, the simplest of which is plaster. But with the advent of new design trends, more attention has been paid to brick in the interior. His negligence and original texture organically merge into a number of stylistic trends. Lining the walls with real brick is costly, and full-fledged masonry “eats” a lot of excess space. A number of high-quality imitations have been created that are visually difficult to distinguish from the original. Brick decorative tiles are used to decorate houses both inside and outside. Depending on the type of material that was used for its manufacture, it may not be inferior in strength even to the original. Let's talk about how to properly install the tiles and consider fashionable wall decoration options.
Content
Varieties of material
Tile for decoration, simulating a brick, is made of different materials. Some in fact turn out to be durable, while others have a more presentable and unusual look. The main classification includes five types:
To create decorative bricks, not only these materials are used. Various hardening mixtures are used, which can be made from natural, synthetic components.
Flexible tile
Flexible tile really bends perfectly and its name is not an advertising move to attract buyers. In terms of plasticity, it resembles foam rubber. Material is made of sand and acrylic with the addition of pigments. The main advantage of flexible tiles lies in the ability to lay in the corners without violating the integrity of the fragments, that is, they are simply bent and fixed on the wall.When it is necessary to cut off some part for processing edges, the material is easy to cut. Flexible tiles reliably imitate brick, and reliably protects the surface of the wall. It can be used as a finishing material and for decorating the facade of a house, but the difficulty in removing dirt from the surface becomes a serious obstacle to such decoration. Flexible tiles are environmentally friendly and non-flammable, but they cannot be treated with detergents with alkalis in the composition.
From plaster
The option is popular because of its cheapness, but in quality it is much inferior to ceramics and clinker. Gypsum tiles can be made with your own hands, having previously bought molds for pouring. The surface of each fragment will have to be treated with a special composition. Unfortunately, the protective layer will not be able to save the material from the harmful effects of moisture for a long time. In addition, any mechanical action (up to a punch) will cause fragmentation of the fragments. Gypsum is beautiful, but completely impractical. It can only be used as a decor for interior decoration in those rooms where there is always dry air. Due to the fragility of the material, after its manufacture, its surface can be decorated with crinkles and roughness, which are characteristic of real brickwork.
Brick
Clinker is referred to as bricks. It is based on a mixture of refractory shale clays and feldspar, which after firing at extremely high temperatures become incredibly hard. The original name for the material was given by the Germans because of the special sound that the elements make when they collide with each other. Clinker tile is universal and is used for both external and internal finishing work. The material is characterized by all the advantages of ceramics, but it is stronger and more durable.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are no different from ordinary tiles used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms, except for a rectangular brick shape, and not a standard square one. Material is made from a special type of clay, which is mixed with quartz particles, pigments and carbonates. Ceramic tile has a relatively low weight, retains color even with constant contact with sunlight, does not respond to changes in humidity in the room. The material is durable and durable. Ceramics can have a different texture, but the most popular options are matte and glossy surfaces. The color range allows you to choose a tile for a specific gamut of the interior.
Masonry Styles
Brickwork is far from suitable for all directions. She became a peculiar visiting card of the loft. The “combed” industrial style due to this decor emphasizes the laconicism of the interior and the close “kinship” of the premises with the workshop. The tile usually has a rough surface and imitates a rough brown brick. In minimalism, such a cladding will become a decoration of a practical environment without frills. For this direction, materials of calm tones (gray, white) with a smooth surface are chosen. Hi-tech also uses neutral shades. A stylish solution will be a brick tile with a glossy surface that simulates metal. With country and Provence, the option is combined “with a creak”. In the style of the French hinterland, bricks are used only in gentle tones, and the country accepts a rough texture, as in a loft. In the Gothic direction, tiles with the effect of Venetian plaster are used, that is, with a surface that looks like marble with chaotic stains.
Brick Tile Ideas
Brick tiles decorate only certain sections of the walls in the rooms. If you clad the entire surface with this material, then the design will put pressure on households and cause psychological discomfort.With rare exceptions, decorative tiles are used to decorate an entire room when it is necessary to realistically recreate a medieval interior. Such decor will be appropriate to look only in specific rooms, for example, in the fireplace.
In the hallway and corridor
In the hallway or corridor with the help of decorative bricks they focus on individual elements. Most often it is a doorway or a large mirror. The material also decorates open corners. The technique of "torn edges" is very popular, in which the edges of the masonry are sloppy. This "negligence" is perfectly combined with strict interiors, diluting the atmosphere. If the hallway or corridor is cramped, then it is recommended to use light shades.
In the living room
A fireplace is considered a stylish and cozy element in the living room. To make this section of the room look more colorful, it is decorated with brickwork. In this case, only ceramics or clinker can be used, since the material must be refractory. If the fireplace is located in a corner, partially adjacent walls are decorated with tiles. An original solution will be decorating two surfaces located opposite each other. So that even a dark brick does not create a gloomy atmosphere, they hang a large, bulky mirror behind the sofa, but instead install a wide TV. A snow-white sofa, a glass coffee table and a soft carpet that completely covers the floor will harmonize with this finish. Also accented wall is decorated with tiles, on which a TV and a group of paintings, photographs, posters are placed. In rare cases, the bricks pass a narrow vertical strip from the ceiling to the floor. This solution is effective in combination with simple plaster. The combination of a real brick with its imitation looks unusual. The rough texture of the first contrasts with the smooth surface and well-groomed appearance of the second.The top of the wall is decorated with genuine brick, and starting with a line at eye level, it is lined with decorative tiles.
In the kitchen
Decorative tiles most often adorn the wall, which has a kitchen set. If such a design will put too much pressure on a person, then they are limited only to an apron, which is traditionally made of ceramics. The original option will be to create a “niche” under the hood, which will simulate a similar element above the stove. Its surface is finished with aged brick tiles. If the kitchen is combined with the dining area, then the room can be zoned using a false wall. In order not to spoil the visual perception of space, it is recommended to erect this partition not to the ceiling, but rather as tall as a person. Plaster cannot be used to decorate the kitchen, as the material will quickly become completely unusable. In spacious rooms with an island layout, it is recommended to use black brick with light seams in the masonry, which will contrast with the gloss of the white bar and combine with a dark suite. With the help of decorative tiles, you can emphasize the features of the kitchen of non-standard shape. To decorate small rooms, they resort to a tricky move: they use mirror bricks that visually increase the space, expanding its boundaries. A similar option is suitable for the loft and high-tech. If the interior is supplemented with elements made of metal (chrome surfaces), then this effect can be doubled.
In the bedroom
In the bedroom, it is not recommended to use bricks of catchy shades. In a room that is designed for rest and sleep, it is better to use pastel colors and white. The masonry is finished with an accent wall at the head of the bed or opposite it. They complement the design with a pair of paintings, stylish sconces or stone letters. White brick in harmony with plaster or delicate wallpaper, decorated with floral ornaments.If material with a relief surface on which there are roughnesses is used, it is emphasized by an additional decorative lighting system. For a modern bedroom with a hanging bed, white brick tiles are used, which decorate the wall at the head of the bed. The decor is complemented by a long open shelf for books and matching panel curtains. In minimalist bedrooms, an abstract painting is hung on the wall, and plastered surfaces are decorated with weaving plants in hanging planters. In rare cases, when a fireplace is planned to be installed in a room, it is placed between the windows. This section of the wall is decorated with dark brick, which contrasts with light curtains, but is combined with wooden ceiling beams. This design decision is close to the style of the chalet. To emphasize the negligence of the design, you can not buy paintings, but depict graffiti right on the wall.
In the bathroom
Traditionally, tiles are used to decorate the bathroom. Ceramic tile for brick is in no way inferior to this material in its characteristics. In the bathroom, usually only one wall is finished, which will become accented. In small rooms, dark shades cannot be used. It will organically complement a tile a tile imitating the plaster texture. In this room, it is not advised to use "torn edge" styling. A combination of two types of tiles will look stylish:
Reflecting fragments are “woven” into the masonry of an ordinary tile above the sink, thereby creating an asymmetric mirror, and some fragments are partially added to the area where the shower room is located.
Styling technology
The installation procedure includes four stages:
Even a beginner can handle the installation of any type of tile. First you need to measure the room and calculate the right amount of material. When laying individual bricks, you need to focus on a straight line, which is applied to the wall, so that the rows are smooth.
Foundation preparation
The wall must be cleaned of dirt or a layer of old paint, dismantle the previous finishing material. In the presence of large defects, they must be repaired with putty and the surface should be carefully leveled. After the composition has dried, an additional primer layer is applied. It will provide a good adhesion between the adhesive and the wall. After the primer has dried (it is advisable to wait a day from the moment of application) it is covered with a bonding agent. Its role may be construction glue or cement mortar. The thickness of the layer should not exceed 0.5 cm. The composition can be applied only on the wall, on the reverse side of the tile, or both versions can be applied at once. At the same time, the processed piece of the decorated surface should not exceed 0.5 m in area. Bear in mind that the composition can quickly harden, so you will have to glue it quickly. Cement mortar is used for facing fireplaces, as other substances may not withstand heat.
Laying tiles
For any type of styling, it is recommended that you move from corner to center. Each fragment is pressed against the surface with force and, if necessary, its location is adjusted until the tiled brick is fixed. Excess adhesive or cement mortar must be removed immediately with a rubber spatula. To make the seams the same, it is recommended to use rubber spacers.The options for laying decorative tiles are the same as for ordinary brick. Among the most aesthetically beautiful are noted:
Also in demand are Silesian, Gothic, Flemish and chaotic masonry. In the latter case, each brick is located as the designer wishes. The result may be a very original composition. After the tile is fixed, it is necessary to grout the seams so that they get a neat appearance. For these purposes, use special compositions based on cement or epoxy resins. After the solution has dried, its excess is removed from the surface of the tile with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
It is not necessary to finish the room with only one type of tile. Bricks can be combined in color and texture. Using masonry from excellent fragments, they perform zoning of the room or emphasize individual design elements. The combination of shades is usually performed by the principle of analogy, since a contrasting composition can add “gravity” to the space. The color of the brick must necessarily be continued in furniture or flooring.