Shell Tile

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of home decor, shell tile has emerged as a significant trend, bringing a touch of coastal elegance to various design styles. This article delves into the unique aesthetic appeal of shell tiles, their sustainability factor, and the different types available. We'll explore how these tiles, inspired by the Art Deco era and the natural beauty of shells, can transform spaces from kitchens to bathrooms with their iridescent charm. Additionally, we'll discuss their eco-friendly nature, making them not just a beautiful but also a responsible choice for your home.

Understanding Shell Tile: A New Wave in Home Decor

Shell-inspired designs, particularly scallop or clam shell shapes, have become a significant trend in home decor. This trend is not just confined to coastal interiors but has found its way into various design styles due to its versatility. The shell-inspired design, especially in the form of tiles, can add a touch of luxury and opulence to any space. It draws inspiration from the Art Deco era, known for its bold geometric shapes and exquisite craftsmanship. The curved nature of shell tiles is instantly recognizable and can easily fit into any decor style, making it a new wave in home decor.

The Unique Aesthetic Appeal of Shell Tile

Pearl shell tiles bring a unique aesthetic appeal to any space, characterized by their magical, iridescent appearance. Their luster often accentuates basic marble tile, adding a touch of elegance. The range of colors, patterns, and designs, from pearl white to grey and brown, allows you to find a pearl tiling that complements any room's style. Whether it's a kitchen accent or a bathroom backsplash, pearl shell tiles add style and color to any tiling project, making them a new wave in home decor.

The Sustainability Factor: Eco-Friendly Choice

Shell tiles are a sustainable choice for home decor. They are made from natural pearl shell, with no industrial waste or energy used in their production, qualifying them as green products. These tiles not only add a unique aesthetic appeal to your space but also contribute to environmental conservation. Whether used on walls, floors, or as kitchen backsplashes, shell tiles are an eco-friendly choice that combines beauty and responsibility.

Types of Shell Tiles and Their Characteristics

Shell tiles are made from natural shells, creating a unique aesthetic appeal. Two main types are fresh river shell tiles, mostly white with yellow pink marks, and sea shell tiles, primarily in black, green, yellow, brown, and white. The thickness of these tiles is usually 2 mm or 8 mm. For the 8 mm tiles, it comprises 2 mm shell chips glued on a 6 mm base made of magnesia or porcelain. These tiles are loved for their natural iridescent finish and glittering marks.

Mother of Pearl Tiles

Mother of Pearl tiles, often referred to as MOP, are a stunning choice for home decor, particularly in bathrooms. They offer a unique aesthetic appeal that's both subdued and gorgeous. However, some homeowners have concerns about their fragility and maintenance. Despite these concerns, many are drawn to the allure of these tiles, using them extensively in their homes, from shower panels to fireplace surrounds and vanity backsplashes. It's worth noting that obtaining these tiles can sometimes be a significant ordeal, indicating their high demand and unique appeal.

Capiz Shell Tiles

Genuine hand‑inlaid capiz shell tiles comprised of one‑inch strips. Mother of Pearl’s stain‑resistant finish is durable, cleanable and flexible. When pasted, tiles have the capability to turn corners and wrap columns. Install in running bond, horizontal or vertical. Hand‑finished in our studio.

Abalone Shell Tiles

Abalone shell tiles are a unique choice for home decor, offering a mesmerizing iridescence that captures the eye. The tiles are composed of aragonite, a hard crystalline form of calcium carbonate, arranged in a regular, tessellated structure. This structure, combined with the shell's natural grooves, scatters light to create the vibrant, shifting colors characteristic of abalone. The formation of these tiles is a complex process, controlled by protein secretions that govern the growth of the aragonite crystals. The result is a tile of remarkable strength and beauty, perfect for adding a touch of nature's elegance to your home.

Incorporating Shell Tiles in Different Home Spaces

Shell tiles can be used in almost all the places you may imagine. They are perfect for walls, floors, kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, table tops, and even sauna places. You can even use them on the radial column, cabinet as well as furniture. Shell mosaic tiles are made of natural pearl shell, qualifying as green products. Their captivating aesthetic makes them an excellent choice for kitchen remodeling, especially as backsplashes. They are also perfect for bathroom decor, adding a warm and inviting feel to the space.

Bathroom Elegance with Shell Tiles

Shell tiles offer a unique aesthetic appeal, making them a perfect choice for bathroom decor. Their natural iridescent finish and glittering marks are deeply loved by customers. Our selection offers stunning exotic shell tiles in an array of colors, making it easy to elevate your bathroom’s style. Shell tiles are not only captivating but also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring they keep their dazzling appearance for many years to come. They are impervious to water, making them perfect for high-use areas like bathrooms.

Kitchen Backsplashes: A Touch of the Sea

Pearl shell tiles are a fantastic choice for kitchen backsplashes, bringing the luster and iridescence of mother of pearl into your kitchen. These tiles are not only attractive but also functional and durable. They come in a range of colors, patterns, and designs, allowing you to find the perfect match for your kitchen's style. Moreover, these tiles are remarkably durable, perfect for high traffic areas, and absorb very little moisture, making them an ideal choice for a kitchen backsplash.

Accent Walls and Floor Designs

Shell tiles can be used in almost all the places you may imagine, including accent walls and floor designs. Shell mosaic tiles are made of natural pearl shell, adding a unique touch to your home decor. You can use them on the walls, floors, and even on the radial column, cabinet as well as furniture. Their natural iridescent finish and glittering marks are deeply loved by customers, making them a captivating choice for any space.

Care and Maintenance of Shell Tiles

Mother of Pearl (MOP) tiles, while stunning, require careful maintenance. Their thinness can lead to grout issues, potentially causing the tiles to sink into the grout. However, stain resistance is a strength of MOP tiles, with hot soapy water typically sufficient for cleaning. It's important to consider the potential challenges of working with such delicate tiles before installation.

Cleaning Techniques

Mother of Pearl (MOP) tiles, while stunning, can pose some challenges in cleaning and maintenance. They are thin and delicate, making them susceptible to grout seeping through. However, they are generally resistant to stains. For cleaning, hot soapy water is usually sufficient, but care should be taken not to use harsh cleaners that could damage the tiles. The grout, rather than the tiles themselves, may be more prone to staining. It's crucial to consult with a professional to ensure proper installation and maintenance.

Preventing Damage

When installing shell mosaic tiles, it is crucial to use a high-quality adhesive suitable for natural materials and follow the manufacturer's instructions meticulously. Equally important is to seal the tiles properly. This step is essential to prevent damage and ensure the longevity of the tiles. Shell tiles, with their unique aesthetic appeal, require careful handling and appropriate care to maintain their beauty and durability.

Conclusion

Shell tiles, with their unique aesthetic appeal and eco-friendly nature, have truly revolutionized home decor. They offer a range of colors, patterns, and designs, fitting seamlessly into any decor style. From the subtle elegance of Mother of Pearl tiles to the vibrant iridescence of Abalone shell tiles, these tiles bring a touch of luxury and opulence to any space. They are versatile, being used in various spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and even accent walls. However, they require careful maintenance to preserve their beauty. In conclusion, shell tiles are a sustainable, beautiful, and versatile choice for those looking to add a touch of nature's elegance to their homes.