Tiles are making a comeback on the staircase scene and are a hot property in the interior design world. While wood was once thought to be the holy grail of staircases, people have realised that returning to basics and using tiles is a much more cost-efficient and easy-to-maintain option. So, here are ten stair tile designs to give you some ideas for your next home renovation.
Pro-tip: Lean about the different types of tiles here.
White marble tiles give your stairs a clean, minimal yet sophisticated touch. Marbles have been considered timeless for doing up your home's flooring as well as stairs. White stairs with marble tiles would lend any place an ethereal and calming look, especially when paired against white walls. Do make a note that white marble tiles require regular maintenance as they get dirty easily.
Want to give your staircase a luxurious finish? Opt for black granite tiles. Also, granite tiles are quite durable as they are much more durable, harder, and stronger than marble tiles, and since the colour is dark, you don't have to worry about the stairs looking dusty or dirty every second day.
Torn between two marble tile colours for your stairs? Then why not use both? Take cues and get your staircase done with a lighter and a darker colour of marbles tiles to add some contrast to the staircase. The idea is to use the lighter shade for the riser (the height), and use the darker hued tiles for the thread (the breadth). Not only does this look nice but also lets you incorporate a lighter shade of marbles tiles minus the constant maintenance.
Want to add some oomph and pattern to your stairs? Check out mosaic tiles that are available in a variety of colours, shapes, patterns and textures. The intricate designing on these would definitely add oomph to your staircase. From classic black patterns to glitzy yellow patterns, and even multicoloured options available, you will be spoilt for choice! These should be your go-to choice if you are looking for something eye-catching and unique.
Want to use wood for your stairs but also want to make them durable? Simply use wooden tiles for the top (or thread area) and opt for stone tiles for the riser. This concept brings a certain rustic and homely feel to the staircase as well. Also, as you are pairing two minimal textures against each other, the look of it will be unassuming and not in-you-face by anyhow.
For stairs, the best materials to use are ceramic or porcelain tiles since they are thought to be the safest and most durable due to their strength and water-resistant qualities. However, if you want that glossy finish, you will have to go for the glazed ones which makes them impervious to water and easier to clean but this glazing can also make the tiles slippery, so choose according to the amount of wear the stairs will be put through.
Vitrified tiles are ceramic tiles that have been processed to have low porosity and high strength, resulting in a glossy finish and resistance to water, stains, and scratches. They easily have a ten to fifteen year lifespan. It's also important to keep in mind that there are anti-skid variations of vitrified tiles too. This is a crucial aspect to take into account when designing staircase tile patterns.
Tiles are perfect for giving your stairs that extra touch, and 3D tiles do just that! Coming in a variety of designs like geometrics, florals and swirls, they look absolutely stunning when the light hits them. Their unique surface also makes them low-maintenance since they easily hide the dust, dirt and scratches and even for when you have to clean them, all you need is a a wet cloth and mild soap.
