The Beautiful Wall Tiles You’ll Be Hankering After
Curvier than subway tiles and just as appealing, fish-scale tiles are winning hearts with their scalloped shape
Even the biggest fans of subway tiles may have their heads turned by fish-scale tiles. These scalloped tiles are just as eye-catching as subway tiles but offer the softness of curves and a more dynamic effect. Sound good? Take a look.
Put the curve on top. Which way to hang fish-scale tiles? In contrast to the tiles in the previous kitchen, these tiles are turned around so that the curve is on top. Although the first approach feels more piscine, the curve-up variation tips the look toward Art Deco fan shapes.
Try a backsplash like this if you like the gloss and block color of subway tiles but don’t want to introduce industrial elements into your kitchen. In this design, the decorative tiles are the perfect partner for the retro-style cabinetry and warming wood elements.
Try a backsplash like this if you like the gloss and block color of subway tiles but don’t want to introduce industrial elements into your kitchen. In this design, the decorative tiles are the perfect partner for the retro-style cabinetry and warming wood elements.
Dwell on detail. The color of fish-scale tiles you choose also can make the look more or less evocative of oceans — and what lies within them. Go for black or deep navy, as shown in this smart kitchen, and the effect is definitely on the “less” side of the equation.
Using small tiles like these makes a space feel highly decorated, and even if the tiles themselves are dark, a high-gloss surface will bounce light around to keep your room bright.
Using small tiles like these makes a space feel highly decorated, and even if the tiles themselves are dark, a high-gloss surface will bounce light around to keep your room bright.
Blend similar tones. The backsplash of fish-scale tiles in this room proves that the shape is equally at home in a bathroom as in a kitchen.
If you opt for a large expanse of tile, follow this room’s example with a gentle range of tones — like these sea-inspired blues and greens. Teamed with the room’s built-in wooden cabinetry and display areas, the tiles ensure that the atmosphere is far from clinical.
If you opt for a large expanse of tile, follow this room’s example with a gentle range of tones — like these sea-inspired blues and greens. Teamed with the room’s built-in wooden cabinetry and display areas, the tiles ensure that the atmosphere is far from clinical.
Calm down. The delicate celadon green of these fish-scale tiles makes this guest bathroom a calming space. Note how using a larger tile here also contributes toward the relaxed feel of the room, avoiding the busyness of smaller versions.
Browse fish-scale tile
Browse fish-scale tile
Check out, too, the wallpaper on the adjoining wall, which continues the harmonious color palette in shades of blue. Looking at a color wheel when planning decorating projects can inspire you to use adjoining shades like these to enhance a restful ambiance.
Double up. Team a backsplash of fish-scale tiles with a reflective work surface, and you can enjoy your choice twice. There isn’t much wall space available to make a feature in this kitchen, so this trick cleverly boosts the level of decorative detail where there’s little opportunity.
Since there are no wall cabinets, the tops of the tiles weren’t cut level, making for a pretty scalloped edge.
Since there are no wall cabinets, the tops of the tiles weren’t cut level, making for a pretty scalloped edge.
Cook out. Fish-scale tiles turn this outdoor kitchen into a space that’s as striking as an indoor room. This well-equipped setup for alfresco food prep, cooking and dining is in Australia, but more of us are following the Aussies’ lead and upgrading from a barbecue to a more sophisticated outdoor kitchen with storage, workspace, and even a sink and fridge.
In gorgeous green, these tiles link the exterior kitchen and dining area with the planting. For something quieter but still striking, a soft shade of blue is a great alternative to complement the greens of the garden.
In gorgeous green, these tiles link the exterior kitchen and dining area with the planting. For something quieter but still striking, a soft shade of blue is a great alternative to complement the greens of the garden.
Transform with tiles. Tiled fireplaces are associated with period style, but these scallops bring a 1970s fireplace up to date.
Oak frames the blues and greens of the tiles, which are laid sideways this time, giving the impression of light and airy bubbles.
The colors and the shape are a cue for the rest of the space —check out the painted logs and ceramics that pick up the tiles’ shades, as well as the curve of the decorative blue paint effect at the top of the wall to the left of the revamped fireplace.
Browse ceramic vases
Oak frames the blues and greens of the tiles, which are laid sideways this time, giving the impression of light and airy bubbles.
The colors and the shape are a cue for the rest of the space —check out the painted logs and ceramics that pick up the tiles’ shades, as well as the curve of the decorative blue paint effect at the top of the wall to the left of the revamped fireplace.
Browse ceramic vases
Swim in the waves. This bathroom has a fairy-tale quality, with mermaid-style tiling. Follow its example by using downlighting if you want tiles that really shine.
The brilliant color defines the bathing space, zoning the room. To avoid an overdose of color, why not borrow the idea of tiling along the top and edge of the bath, and leaving the side panel neutral?
The brilliant color defines the bathing space, zoning the room. To avoid an overdose of color, why not borrow the idea of tiling along the top and edge of the bath, and leaving the side panel neutral?
Use white on white. If you want to create a contrast with cabinets without deviating from a white palette, be inspired by this kitchen. The textural finish of the fish-scale design distinguishes it from the flat-fronted, handleless cabinets without employing color to do the job. Setting the shine of tiles against the matte lacquer cabinets makes the surfaces distinct too.
Consider grout color as well as tile style. Using a darker shade emphasizes the outline of these tiles, so their interesting shape isn’t lost.
Tell us: Have you used fish-scale tiles? Do any of these ideas tempt you? Let us know in the Comments.
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Consider grout color as well as tile style. Using a darker shade emphasizes the outline of these tiles, so their interesting shape isn’t lost.
Tell us: Have you used fish-scale tiles? Do any of these ideas tempt you? Let us know in the Comments.
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Is Colorful Grout the Next Big Trend in Tile Design?
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If you want to copy the look, repeat the curve of the scallops in the bar stools and pendant lights to soften a contemporary kitchen, and keep the finish fresh by mixing white tiles in with the colors.