Alternative to kitchen tiles? Ceramic isn’t the only covering option for kitchen walls. Of course it will never go out of fashion, especially for the environment where the needs of functionality interact closely with those of aesthetics and style, but what innovative ideas does the interior decoration sector offer? Designers from all over the world have indulged themselves in experimenting with various materials: metal, wood, stone, glass and even wallpaper: here are 5 alternatives to tiles for kitchen cladding!
Yes tiles: why is ceramic so widespread in the kitchen?
The advantages of ceramics are known to all, and it is probably for this reason that it remains traditionally the most common material in the walls of our kitchens. In addition to resisting knocks, scratches and wear, it is not afraid of humidity and heat, two factors that determine every choice of furniture when it comes to the room in which we cook. The tiles also do not stain, are easy to clean with almost any cleaner on the market and do not retain bacteria; this makes them particularly popular also in professional restaurant kitchens and horeca environments.
Given these characteristics, however, those who are tired of ceramics and are looking for an original alternative idea for covering the walls in the kitchen can find other solutions that combine functionality and aesthetics. Today there are numerous coverings to choose from, provided however that you abandon a series of false beliefs that accompany these materials. For example, who says that wallpaper shouldn’t be used in the kitchen, that metals are difficult to clean or that glass is too delicate? Let’s debunk these myths, one by one.
No tiles? Wallpaper as alternative wall covering in the kitchen
UOne of the hardest beliefs to die is that wallpaper shouldn’t be placed in the kitchen, an environment characterized by humidity and heat. This statement was perhaps valid years ago when there were no materials available today, materials and finishes ideal for all environments.
Modern wallpaper has many advantages, aesthetic as well as technical. Today it represents the alternative for those looking for an original alternative to tiles, even on the “delicate” wall behind the stove: the important thing is to choose the right material, vinyl or fibreglass depending on the needs, and the graphics that best represents the style of the environment, even for horeca and restaurants.
An alternative to tiles: stainless steel as a kitchen cladding
Appreciated for its durability and beauty, suitable for contemporary furnishings such as in the project by the 8&A studio for Carolina Castiglioni’s apartment, steel is a modern material of great charm. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, choosing a steel backsplash for the kitchen is a good idea: being a non-porous material, it is easy to clean; moreover, it resists heat and is difficult to damage. In general, steel lasts a long time even if subjected to little maintenance, provided you pay attention to the detergents used to wash the surface: in fact, it can stain if exposed to ammonia or too aggressive acids.
Kitchen covering: no to tiles, yes to natural stone
Natural stone appears among the 2023 kitchen trends: an ecological choice, a coating for those who have chosen “no tiles” that adds value to the home, especially if you choose precious types such as travertine, Carrara marble or granite. In the kitchen you can choose to have the entire wall behind the stove covered in stone or just the backsplash.
Alternative to tiles – Wallpaper and natural stones for kitchen
Even with stone, attention must be paid to the materials chosen for cleaning, although the absence of joints makes it even more practical than ceramic tiles. One aspect that must certainly be taken into account is the cost of this material, much higher than other solutions: why not opt for an alternative to tiles that can be a bit cheaper? Marble effect wallpaper is an idea suitable for all budgets, suggestive and original.
How to use wood on kitchen walls
Resistant, ecological, long-lasting: wood needs no introduction. You can choose from various essences, which also depend on the budget available, but the most common are olive, oak, pine and durmast. Although in Italy it is not the first choice when it comes to decoration and coverings in the kitchen, in recent years it has become increasingly widespread, especially in rustic settings or mountain homes.
Alternative to tiles – Wallpaper and wood for kitchen
Even in the city, however, it does not fail to have applications: those who want to avoid the log cabin effect can mix wood in the kitchen with other materials to create a modern atmosphere. For example, the wooden backsplash in the kitchen can be combined with rustic-style wallpaper or with a minimal design, to create contrast.
Glass: resistant and elegant
Glass means timeless design. Furthermore, in small kitchens, it is also a functional choice: in fact, it allows light to pass through and bounce off the surfaces, enlarging the space which appears wider and brighter. Obviously in the kitchen it is better to choose a treated glass, resistant to scratches and bumps. Those who want to avoid the “aquarium effect” without renouncing the customisation of the decorations can combine it with other materials or with colored furniture and walls, realizing their creative vision without losing elegance.
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5 effective alternatives to kitchen tiles
Alternative to kitchen tiles? Ceramic isn’t the only covering option for kitchen walls. Of course it will never go out of fashion, especially for the environment where the needs of functionality interact closely with those of aesthetics and style, but what innovative ideas does the interior decoration sector offer? Designers from all over the world have indulged themselves in experimenting with various materials: metal, wood, stone, glass and even wallpaper: here are 5 alternatives to tiles for kitchen cladding!
Yes tiles: why is ceramic so widespread in the kitchen?
The advantages of ceramics are known to all, and it is probably for this reason that it remains traditionally the most common material in the walls of our kitchens. In addition to resisting knocks, scratches and wear, it is not afraid of humidity and heat, two factors that determine every choice of furniture when it comes to the room in which we cook. The tiles also do not stain, are easy to clean with almost any cleaner on the market and do not retain bacteria; this makes them particularly popular also in professional restaurant kitchens and horeca environments.
Given these characteristics, however, those who are tired of ceramics and are looking for an original alternative idea for covering the walls in the kitchen can find other solutions that combine functionality and aesthetics. Today there are numerous coverings to choose from, provided however that you abandon a series of false beliefs that accompany these materials. For example, who says that wallpaper shouldn’t be used in the kitchen, that metals are difficult to clean or that glass is too delicate? Let’s debunk these myths, one by one.
No tiles? Wallpaper as alternative wall covering in the kitchen
UOne of the hardest beliefs to die is that wallpaper shouldn’t be placed in the kitchen, an environment characterized by humidity and heat. This statement was perhaps valid years ago when there were no materials available today, materials and finishes ideal for all environments.
Modern wallpaper has many advantages, aesthetic as well as technical. Today it represents the alternative for those looking for an original alternative to tiles, even on the “delicate” wall behind the stove: the important thing is to choose the right material, vinyl or fibreglass depending on the needs, and the graphics that best represents the style of the environment, even for horeca and restaurants.
An alternative to tiles: stainless steel as a kitchen cladding
Appreciated for its durability and beauty, suitable for contemporary furnishings such as in the project by the 8&A studio for Carolina Castiglioni’s apartment, steel is a modern material of great charm. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, choosing a steel backsplash for the kitchen is a good idea: being a non-porous material, it is easy to clean; moreover, it resists heat and is difficult to damage. In general, steel lasts a long time even if subjected to little maintenance, provided you pay attention to the detergents used to wash the surface: in fact, it can stain if exposed to ammonia or too aggressive acids.
Kitchen covering: no to tiles, yes to natural stone
Natural stone appears among the 2023 kitchen trends: an ecological choice, a coating for those who have chosen “no tiles” that adds value to the home, especially if you choose precious types such as travertine, Carrara marble or granite. In the kitchen you can choose to have the entire wall behind the stove covered in stone or just the backsplash.
Even with stone, attention must be paid to the materials chosen for cleaning, although the absence of joints makes it even more practical than ceramic tiles. One aspect that must certainly be taken into account is the cost of this material, much higher than other solutions: why not opt for an alternative to tiles that can be a bit cheaper? Marble effect wallpaper is an idea suitable for all budgets, suggestive and original.
How to use wood on kitchen walls
Resistant, ecological, long-lasting: wood needs no introduction. You can choose from various essences, which also depend on the budget available, but the most common are olive, oak, pine and durmast. Although in Italy it is not the first choice when it comes to decoration and coverings in the kitchen, in recent years it has become increasingly widespread, especially in rustic settings or mountain homes.
Even in the city, however, it does not fail to have applications: those who want to avoid the log cabin effect can mix wood in the kitchen with other materials to create a modern atmosphere. For example, the wooden backsplash in the kitchen can be combined with rustic-style wallpaper or with a minimal design, to create contrast.
Glass: resistant and elegant
Glass means timeless design. Furthermore, in small kitchens, it is also a functional choice: in fact, it allows light to pass through and bounce off the surfaces, enlarging the space which appears wider and brighter. Obviously in the kitchen it is better to choose a treated glass, resistant to scratches and bumps. Those who want to avoid the “aquarium effect” without renouncing the customisation of the decorations can combine it with other materials or with colored furniture and walls, realizing their creative vision without losing elegance.
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