Tile 101: How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Midcentury Home

An art piece all their own, the detail of the Step Dimensional tiles in two glazes, helps to create a serene setting. Photo courtesy of ModCraft.

Whether decked out from floor to ceiling or just used as an accent, tile was and is a staple in the kitchens and bathrooms of midcentury homes. Perhaps you fell in love with the idea of a mint green bathroom? Have you always wanted a yellow kitchen? We’ve come up with some tile tips and info to help you get a perfectly mod a look or create an entirely custom twist.

The gloss of this bright aqua tile adds to the retro design of a cheerful kitchen. Photo courtesy of Clayhaus.

Matte vs. Glossy

A glossy finish can provide a fun, bright atmosphere and even make a room seen bigger. Being somewhat easier to clean thanks to their sleek surface, they are often used in areas with a high amount of mess such as the kitchen.

Alternatively, matte tiles can create a more calming effect for rooms. Without a high-gloss finish, they also hide dirt and therefore require less cleaning. Matte finishes are ideal for more rustic or naturally-inspired rooms.

Mixing both color and tile type creates a dynamic surface for this Palm Springs outdoor shower. Photo by Bret Gum.

Get Creative

Don’t be afraid to mix and match—not just with color—but also with shapes and dimension! Tile companies like Clayhaus have created collections that play well together. Combining two tile types from the same family can create a truly unique yet cohesive finished look.

Variations between small batches can be seen in the moss glaze and the dusk glaze. Photo courtesy of ModCraft.

One Of A Kind

When purchasing hand sprayed and fired ceramic tiles completed in small batches, embrace the subtle differences in each individual piece. Mod Craft illustrates the variations in their glazes by showing a chip with the same glaze, from different batches.

Placing field tile vertically creates an completely new look for traditional subway tile. Photo courtesy of ModCraft.

Think Outside The Rectangle

Square and rectangular tile are always classic, but don’t feel limited to these traditional choices. Not only can you have your pick from circles, hexagons, and plumes, but also from all sorts of artisan designs. Some companies can even create a custom tile to meet your specific needs!
When using traditional shapes like the rectangle, remember that changing the direction can create an entirely new feel.

Decorative tile creates an elegant feature out of these stair risers. Photo courtesy of Clayhaus.

Branching Out

When we think of tile for interior home décor, we generally go straight for the kitchen, bathroom, and occasionally around the fireplace. However, using tile as a decorative accent for other spots around the house can really add a mod touch.

Up Close And Personal

So, you’ve decided on your tile design, color, placement, and glaze, now what? Because color can vary depending on your computer and the nature of photography, do not just rely on a sample you’ve seen online or in a catalogue. Always order a sample! It’s just best to see the tile in person. This also gives you the chance to hold up the tile to your existing space better assess the final look.