May 4, 2023, 10:57 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Tiles Belong in the Bathroom? Think Again Tiles are making a stylish comeback, not just on walls and floors but also on furniture. The once-maligned tile table is getting a trendy update and is even suitable as a DIY project. At myHOMEBOOK, you’ll find inspiration for this new interior trend, along with tips on how to build your own tiled furniture.
Who doesn’t know the tile table? It made history—more or less appealingly—especially in the ’70s to ’90s. Today, this piece of furniture from back then, primarily characterized by a beige-brown tile surface and a rustic oak wooden base, is considered quirky and outdated. It’s high time for an update! A current trend is emerging that proves small ceramic tiles can beautify not only floors and walls in bathrooms and kitchens but also completely reinterpret the tile table! We reveal everything about the new tile furniture trend and how you can build it yourself.
New Eye-Catcher: Tile Furniture
Few would have expected tiles to become an essential component of furniture again. Yet, the comeback seems successful: With tiled stools, nightstands, side tables, or coffee tables, the trend of tile furniture is making a significant impact in living spaces. But why? Unlike back then, today’s look is defined by small, monochrome ceramic tiles. The size of this rather small-scale tile surface strongly resembles mosaic areas, which are also often a popular design element. Another noticeable difference: The tile surface now covers the entire piece of furniture, not just the tabletop as it once did. Just like the rigid dimensions of the small tiles, the clear design of the new tile furniture—sometimes cube-shaped, sometimes rectangular—reflects a striking form language meeting consistent linearity, reminiscent of the popular Bauhaus style.
Also interesting: How to Implement the Bauhaus Style at Home
Tiled Kitchen Island
From the space next to the couch, the trend continues directly into the kitchen. Here, too, the trend of new tile furniture is bringing fresh looks to the ambiance. Instead of serving only as a backsplash between upper and lower cabinets or as a flooring surface, tiles are now conquering the kitchen island. The small-format design, covered entirely with tiles, not only looks exceptionally original but also provides an easy-to-clean covering. Whether a monochrome or colorful patterned surface, both create maximum attention and admittedly make the rest of the kitchen elements fade into the background. Depending on your enthusiasm for tile designs, you can choose between full or partial coverings—both options have their visual appeal!
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Tiles on Sideboards and Benches
The new tile furniture trend is not limited to coffee and dining tables or kitchen elements; small, monochrome ceramic tiles now give sideboards and benches unique looks. With a stylish, minimalist design free of embellishments, handles, and drawers, the new furniture is ideal for universal use. Whether as a shelf for flower pots and magazines in the living room or for seating at the large dining table, the special tile furniture always finds its practical use and suitable place in the room. Even a position under the window or at the foot of a bed looks extremely original.
Easily Build a Modern Tile Table Yourself
Fully tiled furniture can sometimes be pricey. Fortunately, tile furniture is also ideal as a DIY project. A small table model, suitable as a side or nightstand in a simple cube shape, should make it easier to start your own DIY tile furniture. Here’s how:
Materials and Tools
- MDF boards
- Drill with appropriate bit
- Cordless screwdriver
- Screws
- Pencil
- Primer and brush
- Tile mats
- Scissors
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Grout
- Spatula
- Sponge
Instructions for a Mini Table
1. For the body of the small cube-shaped table, stable MDF boards are recommended, as they provide a good and secure stand and can easily support the weight of the tiles. MDF boards are available at hardware stores and can be cut to the desired size on-site.
2. To screw the individual boards together, make small pencil marks on two of the four side pieces, about 8-10 millimeters from the edge. Then, use the cordless screwdriver to sink the screws into the wood, and the frame of the small table is complete. Attach the top board to the frame in the same way.
3. In preparation for attaching the tiles, cut the mats to the dimensions of all table sides and lay them out as a test.
4. Now it’s time to lay the tiles: For a good hold, the wooden base of the mini table should be primed. Use a brush to coat all boards thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely afterward.
5. Use the notched trowel to apply the tile adhesive, then place the appropriate tile mat and individual tiles if necessary, pressing them firmly. Apply the tiles side by side (lying down). Wait a few minutes between each side until the adhesive is dry enough to prevent the tiles from falling off when turning.
6. Once all tiles are applied and the adhesive is fully dry, it’s time to grout. Mix the grout according to its instructions and apply it with a rubber spatula. Ideally, hold the spatula at a 45° angle to ensure the grout fills the joints completely without air pockets.
7. After the grout has dried, use a damp sponge to carefully remove any excess and clean the tiled surface. Your modern DIY tile table is complete!
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And Another Trend: Colored Grout
Along with the tile furniture trend, another trend is emerging—colored grout. A design form already seen in modern tile surfaces on walls. Now, colorful grout can also be a relevant part of current tile furniture. There are various possibilities: An interesting option is to play with contrasts. Light gray tiles can be paired with neon orange grout for a striking contrast. Less conspicuous but no less original is another version. It looks smooth when two tones from the same color family meet. How about this? A tile piece with soft pink tiles, enhanced by a wine-red grout grid for a touch of extravagance.